Case 2.2:
Case synopsis and analysis
Carol Barnes took over her husband’s office supply store and grew it from a $200,000 business
to one with sales over $3.1 million. She spent time learning the business and demonstrated
Learning objectives:
• Students should be able to evaluate key traits that helped bring success to a new
Answers to questions in the text:
1) How would you describe Carol’s leadership traits?
2) How big a part did Carol’s traits play in the expansion of the company?
One cannot say with certainty how large a role her traits played in the expansion of the
3) Would Carol be a leader in other business contexts?
Potential teaching approaches:
This case study is conducive to group discussions and exercises.
Below is a way to structure a class based on trait theory and case study 2.3:
• Begin the class in small groups with students developing a list of the top 5 (or 10) major
traits they believe are important for a strong leader. Students should prepare this list
without reference to the book, based on their experiences.
Exercises for this case study:
– Carol has decided to become a leadership trainer. In small groups, discuss what sort of
training program she could offer to help others lead successfully. Students should spend