Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 3: Engaging Strengths
Case 3.1: Ready to Be CEO?
Case Summary
Christine Jorgens’s experience, dedication, and passion for her organization – Begin the Future
Foundation – had led her in an unexpected position as a potential candidate to become the
Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Although Christine had never deliberately planned
to pursue this particular leadership opportunity, she was now considering whether or not she had
the experience, skill, and strategic planning abilities to ascend to the highest position in her
organization.
Case Analysis
This case provides a unique look at strengths-based leadership, highlighting the strengths that
Christine Jorgens exhibited over a 12-year period with the Begin the Future Foundation.
Christine clearly was dedicated to the organization and committed to the organization’s mission
and vision. Those strengths were what convinced the board that she would be the perfect choice
to be the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Christine’s upbringing paralleled the experience of many of the Foundation’s students; she was
from a rural area, struggled financially, and worked in her local community. Her upbringing
Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. Strengths are considered inborn traits that can be enhanced with experience. What
experiences in Christine’s background helped her develop her strengths?
2. Of the strengths identified by the assessments, which were directly observable in Christine’s
work? Were there any that were not?
Five skills were listed as strengths in Christine’s skill assessment: strategic planning,
relationship building, creativity, compassion, and influencing. The only directly observable
strength based on Christine’s work is strategic planning; the case study identifies two programs
that were started under the leadership of Christine – Study Buddies and Girl Power.
3. Christine admitted having some weaknesses, especially in day-to-day management of the
organization. Which of her strengths could she put into use to help her deal with that, and how?
Christine may not have demonstrated day-to-day management in her role, but this is also because
she is spending a lot of time directly working with children and programming and meeting with
Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
4. What strengths should Christine seek from others that would complement her own and fill
some gaps?
Two potential areas stand out as skills that Christine should seek from others, both related to
management. In her position, Christine does not necessarily involve herself with the fiscal