Question 1:
Of the five key elements of leadership, which do you think is the most important? Why?
Do you think leaders are born or are they made? If you think leadership skills can be taught, what would you do to develop those skills?
Of the five managerial leadership skills identified in the text, which skill is your strength? Why?
Question 2:
Read the case and address the following questions.
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Ellen Kullman received a BS in mechanical engineering from Tufts University, and later a masters degree in management from Northwestern University, and she began her career at GE. She started at DuPont (E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) in 1988 as a marketing manager. Kullman climbed the corporate ladder and in 2008 she was appointed president to lead the company's focus on growth in emerging international markets. In 2009, Kullman became chair of the board and chief executive officer (CEO) of DuPont. As CEO, Ellen has championed market-driven science to take innovation across the company's businesses. DuPont was founded over 200 years ago and has the slogan "the miracles of science." DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, food and nutrition, health care, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel. Look closely at the things around your home and workplace, and chances are, you'll find dozens of items made with DuPont materials. DuPont operates in approximately 90 countries, with over 60,000 employees, with revenues in excess of $30 billion. DuPont is in the top 100 on the Fortune 500 company list, and in the top 300 on the Global 500. It is ranked second in its industry of natural resources,chemicals, and in the top 50 on the World's Most Admired Company.
Based on your reading of the Opening Case, what Big Five personality traits does Ellen Kullman possess?
In your opinion, does Ellen Kullman have the personality profile of an effective leader? Why or why not?
How do you think dominant behaviour exhibits itself in leaders? Explain.
Question 3:
Think of a manager you currently have or had in the past. Which leadership styles does or did your manager use most often? Explain that manager's behaviour and why you think that behaviour fits within the style you chose. Which leadership styles do you exhibit?