Northouse, Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Discussion Questions
Chapter 2: Recognizing Your Traits
1. Why do you think Washington chose not to serve a third term? What does this say
about his leadership? Use terms from the text.
2. What trait would you say is the most important of the six discussed in the chapter? The
least important?
3. What would you add to the list of six traits that is missing? What trait is important to
the way you view leadership?
4. What are the limitations of seeing leadership as traits?
7. Several of the leaders profiled in this chapter were skilled in public speaking and
motivating others through their use of language. How important are good
communication skills to effective leadership? How do communication skills relate to
leadership traits?
8. Several of the leaders profiled in this chapter have addressed, or are addressing, serious
social problems throughout the world. How do you think they developed this concern for
others? Is it an inborn trait?
9. Select one of the leaders discussed in the chapter and consider what traits (if any) appear
to be absent. Does this suggest that leaders need not possess all six traits in order to be
effective?
10. Which trait would be the most challenging for new leaders to develop?
11. Consider Bill Gates’ various roles at Microsoft through the years: founder, CEO, board
chairman, technology advisor, mentor, and foundation director. How do his traits allow
him to be effective in each role he takes on?
12. How can determination be learned?