Discussion Questions

These are two discussion questions. Please respond to each question separately with at least 135 words and with using the Lecture notes. For each question you must provide two references.

1. Leadership Effectiveness

The base rate of managerial incompetence is estimated to be 50 to 75%. This means that a majority of people in positions of authority have difficulties getting a group of people to work effectively together or get results.

a. What do you think about this percentage? For example, is it too high or too low, and why?

b. Think about the effective and ineffective leaders for whom you have worked. Using the overview of leader traits and skills provided in this week's lecture and readings, what traits did the effective leaders possess and/or what behaviors did they exhibit that caused them to get results?

c. What traits and/or behaviors did the ineffective leaders demonstrate?

2. Leadership Relations

A critical component of a leader's success is his or her ability to develop effective relationships with superiors, coworkers, and subordinates. Propose and discuss at least three strategies a leader should adopt to enhance his or her relationships with superiors, coworkers, and subordinates. Discuss the importance of developing relationships within all levels of the organization.