Choose a public figure you are familiar with (you know the individual, you have read about the person in magazines and newspapers, or you have seen him or her on TV) who is in a leadership position. Pick someone other people in your class are likely to know. The person could be a leader in politics or government (at the national, state, or local level), a leader in your community, or a leader at the college or university you attend. For the leader you have selected, answer the following questions:
1. What traits does this leader appear to possess?
2. What behaviors does this leader engage in?
3. Is this leader relationship-oriented or task-oriented?
How favorable is the leadership situation according to Fiedler’s contingency model?
4. How does this leader try to motivate his or her followers?
5. To what extent does this leader allow his or her followers to participate in decision making?
6. Do any substitutes or neutralizers exist with regard to this leader? What are they?
7. Is this a transformational leader? Why or why not?
8. Does this leader engage in transactional leadership?