Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

by Peter G. Northouse

Offering a straightforward introduction to the basic principles of leadership, Peter G. Northouse provides readers with practical strategies for becoming better leaders. An applied text by the author of the best-seller Theory and Practice, this new text provides the much needed "how-to" component for students in leadership courses. Three interactive components in every chapter―self-assessment questionnaires, observational exercises, and reflection and action worksheets―get readers actively involved in applying leadership concepts to their own lives. Grounded in leadership theory, yet accessible and reader-friendly, this book covers a fundamental aspect of leadership in each chapter and illustrates its application in real leadership situations. A final chapter discusses the key topic of ethics in leadership.

Genres: Leadership, Grad School, Nonfiction, Business, School, Buisness, Education

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

Peter G. Northouse is a professor emeritus of communication in the School of Communication at Western Michigan University. For more than 25 years he taught leadership and interpersonal and organizational communication at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to publications in professional journals he is the author of Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.) and Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice (6th ed.) and co-author of Health Communication: Strategies for Health Professionals (3rd ed.). His scholarly and curricular interests include models of leadership, leadership assessment, ethical leadership, and leadership and group dynamics. He has worked as a consultant in a variety of areas, including leadership development, leadership education, conflict management, and health communication. He holds a doctorate in speech communication from the University of Denver and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in communication education from Michigan State University.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why yes, I AM using my gradschool reading to add to my goodreads 2016 reading challenge.
(Also, I really enjoyed this book, and learned a whole lot about the basics of leadership by reading and responding to this text.)

[Joshua Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the title says it all; a book regarding leadership. mentions great leaders, and history of leadership, and many aspects of leadership, what makes a good leader, character traits, skills needed, etc etc. very helpful and practical book.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class. Most of the content feels very intuitive (ex: explaining what a strength is, or different leadership styles) but chapters are well-structured, not too long, and the application portion following each chapter (typically a self-evaluation followed by reflection questions) is useful.

I think this book would feel more substantial if there were more specific recommendations for what changes people could make to their own leadership or if there were more interactive exercises throughout each chapter. I often felt that I already understood the theories or concepts introduced in each chapter, but could not always see how to apply them to my own leadership positions. For example, in Chapter 8 on constructing a constructive climate, I wished there was some kind of concrete checklist of behaviors or best practices I could reference.

As far as textbooks go, this one is pretty bearable.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

main things I have learned:

leadership is about seeking constructive change while management is about establishing order.

main traits: intelligence (language skills, reasoning, perception), confidence (comes with practice), charisma (inspire and articulate clear goals), determination (drive, persistence, proactive, initiative), sociability (friendly, kind, thoughtful), integrity (loyal, trustworthiness, transparent).

positive psychology focuses on individuals' strengths and now flaws.
talent +
investment (time spent practicing)
=
strength

theory x, y and z.
authoritarian, democratic and laissez-faire styles.

creating a vision: picture, change, values, map, challenge.

constructive climate: providing structure, clarifying norms, building cohesiveness, promoting standards.

constructive feedback: address behaviour, describe specifically what you have observed, use I language, calm, unemotional language, check to ensure clear communication occurred and solicit feedback.

Inclusion- a process of incorporation differing ppl into a group.

Assimilation - one American culture.

Listening to out-group members: listen, showing empathy, recognize unique contributions, help-out feel included, create special relationships, give them a voice and empower to act.

Conflicts often have positive change.

path-goal leader - directly addresses how a leader can assist in overcoming obstacles that hinder productivity. Help define goals and paths to reach the goals. Navigate around the obstacle on remove them overall.
A leader must make the goals clear and understandable.

GPS system (Betsy Hart 2005) - be calm and direct followers, not critical directions. Be corrected in a kind manner. Helpful, not judgmental.

Low motivation - path goal leadership incorporates expectancy theory - when lead to an outcome.

1. Feel competent - letting ppl know they are competent is the first step toward motivation them.
2. Explain that the reward will likely happen. Mutual understanding of the
expected outcome.
3. Help other value what they do. Monetary rewards, positive personal feedback, achievement rewards.

Directive leaders - when the task is complex. Give other directions of when and how. Setting clear standards and making rules and regulations.

Supportive style - human connection, social support. Encouraging others when they are engaged in tasks that are boring and unchallenging.

Low involvement - participative style - invite others to share in the ways and mends of getting things done.

Lack of challenge - achievement oriented leader - challenge other to excel and push ppl to higher level of success. Sets standards of excellence.

[Kathy]

The book has a lot of tests that the reader can take to determine his/her leadership style. The activities are fairly simple but eye-opening.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for introductory concepts, and theories of leadership (See Title of Book), then this is the book for you. Northouse does a really consistent job each chapter presenting multiple perspectives to each theory.

NOTE: If you are a graduate professor, please do not use this book for your students. We are expecting a more in-depth, comprehensive study of the topics. It is not beneficial to re-read introductory concepts your students already know.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author offers a concise exploration of leadership complexities and practical strategies for improving leadership skills. It is structured around core leadership duties, including envisioning, fostering a positive environment, attentive outgroup engagement, and surmounting challenges. Good read, great cases.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was for school and I actually really enjoyed it. The key points Northouse mentions about what makes up a leader is really interesting. It really opens you up and makes you dive into realizing what kind of leader you are.

[Alessandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent text which does not leave out the problem of unethical leaders and abuse of power: it makes one think of the influence of a leader on followers, and the leader’s responsibility to be inclusive, honest, and sensitive.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a college class on Organizational Leadership. The book offers insight in leadership and modern applications. It is well laid out and has an easy to follow flow. I appreciated the tests for understanding your own leadership style.

[Luke Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, for a textbook. Northouse provides a good foundation of what leadership is. Nothing too deep, but it covers a lot of areas. Overall, a great leadership book for those looking to cover the basics.

[Kieli Lapina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for college and found some chapters very interesting.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one- gives a good overview of leadership in general. The quizzes were informative and the online component was helpful as well.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good concepts with direct application, but gets bogged down with theory and naming conventions more than necessary.

[Steve Agoro]

great read

[Salisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this as a textbook for my leadership class. Enjoyed all the things I have learned from this book .

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook did a great job of providing the information in a creative and interesting way that still gave the reader what they needed to learn.

[Madeline Singleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned some things about leadership

[Delaina Heracklis]

Grad school required reading is def counting toward my goal this year smh

[Alicia Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one for a course. It wasn’t too bad and u learned some interesting information about my leadership styles.

[Lindsay Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was really easy to read, well laid out, and full of relevant information. I liked that the chapters weren't overly long or excessively wordy. Plus, the surveys and exercises at the end of each chapter allowed you to apply the chapter's content to your self. It was actually pretty fun. Definitely a great book for introducing leadership concepts.

[Brianna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about leadership! At the end of each chapter, there are questionnaires which helps the reader to assess their leadership style and personality traits. I had to read this book for a Strategic Leadership class for my Master's of School Administration. Great read and very insightful!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

One would think this was the greatest book on Leadership to be found on the entire continent of the Americas but I did not find it to be so. This book was used is 6 of 8 leadership courses that I took in college.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very boring and redundant book...so much of it was common knowledge that there was no point to reading it. But sadly, it was a lot better than the other book we read for this class.

[Tressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best textbooks that I have read. The advice is practical and I loved the leadership profiles.