Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Case Notes
Chapter 1: Understanding Leadership
Case 1.1—King of the Hill
Case Summary
This brief case study explains the culture for leadership created by high school swimming coach Denny
Hill. Over a 40-year-career, Denny has created a culture of success for his team, through clearly defined
Case Analysis
This case clearly relates to the six “isms” of leadership defined in Chapter 1 of the text. Readers of the
case can relate Denny Hill’s leadership model to all six of Northouse’s characteristics of leadership:
• Leadership is a Trait
• Leadership is an Ability
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. What leadership traits account for Denny Hill’s success?
Denny Hill appears extremely confident in the system that he has created, which is transferable across
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
2. How would you describe Denny Hill’s leadership abilities?
Denny Hill could be considered naturally gifted in creating a system and a culture that fosters success for
3. Leadership includes administrative skills, interpersonal skills, and conceptual skills. How does
Denny Hill stack up on these skills?
Denny Hill clearly has an administrative system in place that contributes to the success of his swimming
4. How does Denny Hill integrate task and relationship behaviors in his leadership?
The behavioral dimension of leadership is concerned with how leaders act toward others in various
5. From a relational perspective, how would you describe Denny Hill’s leadership?
According to Rost (1991), leadership is a process of collaboration that occurs between leaders and
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
6. In what way does Denny Hill’s coaching exemplify leadership as an influence process?
The perspective of leadership emphasized by Northouse in this book is that “Leadership is a process
Case 1.2—Charity: Water
Case Summary
Scott Harrison, a former nightclub influencer, transitioned from a life he described as being polluted
with drugs and alcohol, to work with humanitarian efforts. From working with humanitarian efforts,
Harrison realized that he could make a difference in the world by assisting those less fortunate.
Case Analysis
There are two main ideas that encompass this case. First, relationships matter. This case illustrates the
importance of building positive relationships with others above all else, and that high-quality
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. What leadership traits account for Scott Harrison’s success?
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Scott Harrison appears to be confident, social, and positive-minded in his approach to both his charity
2. How would you describe Scott’s Leadership abilities?
According to our text, Scott Harrison has a natural capacity to lead, and was able to acquire the abilities
3. Leadership includes administrative skills, interpersonal skills, and conceptual skills. In what ways
does Scott Harrison exhibit these skills?
The four-pronged system that Scott Harrison put in place for his charity is reflective of administrative
4. From a relational perspective, how would you describe Scott’s leadership?
Relational leadership appears to be Scott Harrison’s greatest strength. Harrison was able to leverage
5. Though Scott was a well-paid, successful club promoter with a long list of “followers,” would you
characterize that element of his career path as “leadership?” Why or why not?
The perspective of leadership emphasized by Northouse in this book is that “Leadership is a process
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021