Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 4: Understanding Philosophy and Styles
Case 4.1: Many Managers, Different Styles
Case Summary
Vanessa Mills is a personal banker at Lakeshore Bank and reports to three different managers at
her site. Each of her managers has a different personality and style in their management
practices, which causes them to have different approaches to leadership. Marion Woods is a
numbers-driven leader and basis success on quantifiable gains, in this case, opening accounts and
accepting new services with the bank. Bruce Dexter is also numbers-driven, and runs the weekly
meetings where the current performance objectives are discussed. He is dismissive in his
personality and does not interact with others regularly. Heather Atwood’s approach to leadership
is much more humanistic, and focuses her leadership on developing her team through providing
Case Analysis
This case is a common case among larger firms, where multiple managers oversee personnel. In
this case, three managers have three distinctly different philosophies of leadership and
leadership styles. In assessing Marion Woods’s leadership style, one might see characteristics
from both Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and also the authoritarian leadership style. Marion
seems to have characteristics that would classify her as directive and controlling, and also very
bottom-line and goal-driven. Production is her number one priority. Bruce Dexter also could be
Because Vanessa has three different managers, each with a unique style of leadership, she must
navigate their personalities in order for her to be successful in her position. While Vanessa may
Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. Based on the assumptions of Theory X and Theory Y, how would you describe each
manager’s philosophy and style of leadership? In what way do their attitudes about Vanessa
affect their leadership?
Marion Woods would definitely be classified as a Theory X leader. She is direct, goal-driven,
and focused on results and not the humanistic style of leadership. Heather Atwood is more of a
Theory Y leader, as she is focused on cultivating success with not only Vanessa, but all of her
2. In this type of customer service setting, which leadership style would be most effective for the
bank to meet its goals? From the bank’s perspective, which (if any) manager exhibits the most
appropriate leadership? Discuss.
This could be answered in multiple ways. On one hand, a bottom line, no-nonsense approach
with recruiting customers and increases services rendered may lend itself more to a direct
3. What advice would you give to each of the managers to enhance their leadership skills within
the bank?
It appears that Marion Woods could consider a more humanistic approach to leadership. Marion
could learn that not all subordinates operate best with direct supervision and require different
Peter G. Northouse
Introduction to Leadership, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
approaches to be successful. This would include taking the time to get to know her subordinates
as people and offer targeted coaching and training relative to their skills.
4. What do you think Vanessa can do to prepare herself for her 3-month review?
Vanessa understands the philosophies and leadership styles of the three managers. She needs to
be able to show how she is improving in her position and learning the necessary skills that she