Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
Case 2.3: Elon Musk
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Elon Musk’s success exemplifies the saying that some leaders are “born that way.” Based on
his portfolio, he was destined for big things. His successes are far reaching and span all levels
of business and industry. From Tesla automobiles to PayPal to SpaceX, his brand and his
name are both well known around the world – even around the galaxy.
Learning Objectives:
• Students should evaluate key traits which lead to leadership efficacy.
• Students should gain a better understanding of the trait approach’s strengths and
weaknesses.
Answers to Questions in the Text:
1. How does Musk exhibit each of the major leadership traits (Table 2.2)? Which of
these traits do you believe he is the strongest in? Is there one where he is weak?
Elon Musk embodies many of the leadership traits found in Table 2.2 (intelligence,
self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability). No one questions his
2. Describe how Musk has exhibited each of the Big Five personality factors. Which of
these factors do you think has the most correlation with Musk’s success as a leader?
The case is littered with examples of success, wealth, innovation, and ingenuity. He
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
3. Shankman and Allen (2015) suggest that an emotionally intelligent leader is
conscious of context, self, and others. How would you characterize Musk’s emotional
intelligence using these three facets?
Musk exhibits high levels of EI by focusing on several lenses at once, such as a
4. If you were asked to design a leadership training program based on the trait approach,
how could you incorporate the story of Elon Musk and his leadership? Around which
of his traits would you structure your training? Are some of his leadership traits more
teachable than others? Discuss.
Elon Musk is currently a story that resonates well within the area of “people are born
for great things.” His legacy may prove to be different, but his current trajectory
Potential Teaching Approaches:
This case study is conducive to group discussions and exercises.
Below is a way to structure a class, based on the Trait approach and Case Study 2.2:
• First, have students define effective leadership skills by creating lists of traits.
• Have the small groups discuss internally and then open it up for a larger discussion as
Exercises for This Case Study:
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
1. In small groups, students will create lists of other current “leaders” who possess
the Traits outlined in Table 2.2 (intelligence, self-confidence, determination,
from the created list: What would you ask them? Why?
3. Ask in-seat or virtual students to create a concept map of Elon Musk. Place his
name in the middle of the page and draw connections to each of the Big Five