Introduction to Leadership Post 1 A and B Week 1

WEEK #1 DISCUSSION A | Leadership Begins With What You Model

Discussion Topic

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Required Reading

Northouse | Chapter 1: Introduction (Pages 1–24)

Irving and Strauss | Introduction: A Fresh Look at Empowering Leadership (Pages 1–14); Chapter 1: Modeling What Matters (Pages 17–34)

Learning Objectives Achieved: 1 and 4

After reading Northouse Chapter 1: Introduction (pp. 1–24) and Irving and Strauss Introduction and Chapter 1: Modeling What Matters (pp. 1–34), explain why leadership is more than position, title, or authority. Northouse defines leadership as a process of influence directed toward shared goals, while Irving and Strauss emphasize that leaders model what matters through their character, actions, and priorities.

Using at least one properly cited reference from the textbook, explain how a leader’s behavior shapes the culture, expectations, and ethical tone of a team or organization. Then move to the application. Think about a leadership context in your life, such as your workplace, ministry, school, or community involvement. Identify one leadership behavior you have observed that strengthened trust and one that weakened trust within that environment. Finally, describe one leadership behavior you personally need to strengthen if you are going to lead others with greater integrity and influence.

WEEK #1 DISCUSSION B |From Positional Leadership to InfluencePrinciples of Leadership

Discussion Topic

Follow

Required Reading

Northouse | Chapter 1: Introduction (Pages 1–24)

Irving and Strauss | Introduction: A Fresh Look at Empowering Leadership (Pages 1–14); Chapter 1: Modeling What Matters (Pages 17–34)

Learning Objectives Achieved: 1 and 4

Northouse explains that leadership is a process of influence rather than simply holding a formal role. Irving and Strauss further emphasize that empowering leadership requires humility, relational responsibility, and intentional modeling.

Using at least one properly cited reference from the textbook, explain why leaders who rely primarily on authority, position, or title often struggle to build trust and engagement within their teams.

Apply this concept to your own leadership experience. Reflect on a situation in which you saw someone attempt to lead primarily through authority or control rather than influence. How did that leadership approach affect morale, communication, or team effectiveness? Finally, describe one specific action you would take as a leader to move from positional authority to influence-based leadership within a real organizational context, such as business, nonprofit leadership, ministry, or entrepreneurship.