Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

Offering a straightforward introduction to the basic principles of leadership, the Second Edition of Introduction to Leadership focuses on providing readers with practical strategies for becoming better leaders. An applied text by the author of the SAGE best-seller Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fifth Edition, this text provides the much needed "how-to" component of leading for students in leadership courses. This new Second Edition is also available in an interactive ebook format as well as the traditional printed text. Click here to find out more and to take a demo of the e-book! Three interactive components in every chapter: self-assessment questionnaires, observational exercises, and reflection and action worksheets get readers actively involved in applying leadership concepts to their own lives. Grounded in leadership theory, yet accessible and reader-friendly, this book covers a fundamental aspect of leadership in each chapter and illustrates its application in real leadership situations. A final chapter discusses the key topic of ethics in leadership. Key features of the Second Edition - Looks at one quality of leadership per chapter, making it easier for readers to understand and apply material to their own lives - Uses examples and case studies to illustrate each fundamental aspect of leadership (creating a vision, listening to out-group members, and overcoming obstacles, for example) - Encourages readers to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire before reading each chapter to explore their own leadership styles and preferences - Guides readers in examining behaviours of leaders from their own lives through each chapter's Observational Exercise - Includes Reflection and Action Worksheets that encourage readers to reflect upon their own leadership styles and identify an action plan for improving their leadership skills.

Table of Contents:
Preface Chapter 1. Being a Leader Defining Leadership Global Leadership Attributes Practicing Leadership 1.1 Conceptualizing Leadership Questionnaire 1.2 Observational Exercise 1.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 2. Recognizing Your Traits Historical Leaders: What Traits Do These Leaders Display? Leadership Studies: What Traits Do Effective Leaders Exhibit? 2.1 Leadership Traits Questionnaire 2.2 Observational Exercise 2.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 3. Recognizing Your Philosophy and Style of Leadership What Is Your View of Human Behavior at Work? Styles of Leadership: Authoritarian, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire Box 3.1 Leadership on the Silver Screen What Is Your Style of Leadership? 3.1 Leadership Styles Questionnaire 3.2 Observational Exercise 3.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 4. Attending to Tasks and Relationships What Is Your Personal Style? What Kind of Leader Are You? 4.1 Task and Relationship Questionnaire 4.2 Observational Exercise 4.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 5. Developing Leadership Skills What Are Your Core Leadership Skills? 5.1 Leadership Skills Questionnaire 5.2 Observational Exercise 5.3 Reflections and Action Worksheet Chapter 6. Creating a Vision What Are the Characteristics of a Vision? How Is a Vision Articulated? How Is a Vision Implemented? 6.1 Leadership Vision Questionnaire 6.2 Observational Exercise 6.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 7. Setting the Tone Provide Structure Clarify Norms Build Cohesiveness Promote Standards of Excellence 7.1 Setting the Tone Questionnaire 7.2 Observational Exercise 7.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 8. Listening to Out-Group Members Who Is in the Out-Group? Why Do Out-Groups Form? What Is the Impact of Out-Groups? How Should a Leader Respond to Out-Groups? 8.1 Responding to Members of the Out-Group Questionnaire 8.2 Observational Exercise 8.3 Reflections and Action Worksheet Chapter 9. Handling Conflict Conflict Defined Communication and Conflict Kinds of Conflict Fisher and Ury Approach to Conflict Communication Strategies for Conflict Resolution Styles of Approaching Conflict 9.1 Conflict Style Questionnaire 9.2 Observational Exercise 9.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 10. Overcoming Obstacles Obstacle 1: Unclear Goals Obstacle 2: Unclear Directions Obstacle 3: Low Motivation Obstacle 4: Complex Tasks Obstacle 5: Simple Tasks Obstacle 6: Low Involvement Obstacle 7: Lack of a Challenge 10.1 Path-Goal Styles Questionnaire 10.2 Observational Exercise 10.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Chapter 11. Addressing Ethics in Leadership Ethical Leadership Is About the Character of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Actions of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Goals of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Honesty of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Power of the Leader Ethical Leadership Is About the Values of the Leader 11.1 Core Values Questionnaire 11.2 Observational Exercise 11.3 Reflection and Action Worksheet Questionnaires

About the Author :
Peter G. Northouse is a professor emeritus of communication in the School of Communication at Western Michigan University. For more than 25 years he taught leadership and interpersonal and organizational communication at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to publications in professional journals he is the author of Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.) and Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice (5th ed.) and co-author of Health Communication: Strategies for Health Professionals (3rd ed.). His scholarly and curricular interests include models of leadership, leadership assessment, ethical leadership, and leadership and group dynamics. He has worked as a consultant in a variety of areas, including leadership development, leadership education, conflict management, and health communication. He holds a doctorate in speech communication from the University of Denver and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in communication education from Michigan State University.  

Review :
"A coffee table leadership text that highlights the important leadership concepts at a reasonable price." “I like both of Northouse's textbooks. I find the content thorough and written with clarity.” “Low cost; easy to read; each chapter provides a baseline of leadership principles that can be points of departure for thoughtful classroom discussion; rich in self-assessment exercises.” “I absolutely love this book. My other favorite is Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice which I use in my Graduate Leadership class.”