Case 12.1: Difficult Decision
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Sondra is the key leader in a nonprofit organization which employs around 40 employees.
She internally and externally promotes diversity in the workforce as it is a key value in her
life and career. She was walking through the office space and overheard two white, male
employees speculating as to why another employee has not been at work. That employee is
Learning Objectives:
• Students will understand the concept of Inclusive Leadership.
• Students will define how Inclusive Leadership works.
Answers to Questions in the Text:
1. Why do you think Sondra is conflicted in this situation?
2. Do you believe Sondra has a responsibility, as an inclusive leader, to do something?
Why or why not?
Leaders who are leading for the betterment of all should never shy away from doing
what is right. Having uncomfortable discussions with others is key to creating lasting
3. What inclusive leadership behaviors from the Model of Inclusive Leadership (Figure
12.1) could Sondra use to deal with this situation?
4. Why do you think Terry and Pat jumped to the conclusion that Antonio had been
deported? What is your opinion about them discussing this with one another?
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
5. What do you think Sondra should do, if anything?
To be considered a true Inclusive Leader, Sondra should act. She needs to issue a
statement to the organization that intolerance will not be tolerated. In the
Potential Teaching Approaches:
Below is a way to structure a class, based on Inclusive Leadership and Case Study 12.1:
• Lecture on the Inclusive Leadership.
• Ask students to read Case 12.1.
Exercises for This Case Study:
1. Role Play: Actors—Sondra, Pat, and Terry. Role play two scenarios: (1) Where
Sondra confronts the issue on the spot as she overhears it and (2) Sondra waits and
follows the plan listed above in Question #5. What are some potential outcomes of
her actions?
2. In a short essay (200-250 words), ask students to reflect on a time when they felt out
of place or part of the minority (even if by opinion only). Have them write down the
issues from that time. What did the students do to emerge from that issue? Ask