Business Management and Leadership: Traits, Elements, and Styles
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Part 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?
Part 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.
Part 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?
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Solution Summary
This posting gives you a step-by-step explanation of leadership elements, traits, and styles. The response also contains the sources used.
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Step 1
Of the five key elements of leadership, I think the most important is to let employees know what is expected of them. I think this is the most important element because it informs the employee of the major activities that need to be carried out, point out where the job fits into the total picture, the criteria on which performance will be assessed, and the reward that the employee will get for his performance.
Leaders are made. The skills required for an effective and successful leader are so varied that it is impossible for a leader to be born with these skills. Leadership can be taught. It comes from careful mentoring, observing, and practicing the skills required of leaders. Most leaders are self motivated and they train themselves. They learn skills required for leadership from training, seeing actual leaders in action, and exercising leadership qualities.
Of the five managerial leadership skills identified the skill which is my strength is motivating and inspiring employees. This is my strength ...
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