Why: We will be evaluating both academic and personal perspectives of leadership. Doing this
assignment helps you to analyze leadership practices by researching a personal perspective
of a leader you believe was/is extraordinary and showing how the readings inform your
leadership development and professional experience.
o How: Complete or review the readings, videos, and instructor lectures for weeks through the week
the assignment is due. Select an extraordinary leader that you would like to learn more
about, someone whom you may know and gain access. Consider individuals who in some
ways have made positive contributions to society, including both men and women. The
leader you select may be from any walk of life (business, the arts, humanities, politics, etc.)
Ask for an opportunity to conduct a phone, email or in-person interview. Consider selecting
a person at your work, a professor or Northeastern community member, anyone who has a
compelling story to tell about leadership. Create a preliminary list of open-ended questions
to ask the person that you are profiling. Conduct the interview with the person you select.
Prepare an analysis of this leader that includes the following information and connects to our readings and class learning:
o Key Events: A short summary of the key events in this leaderâ s life that may have had an impact on
his/her approach to leadership. Note: This is an analysis â not a biography.
o Leadership Approach: Analyze your leader integrating the readings and key learning from class.
Areas that your analysis should include but be limited to:
o How does this leader exemplify effective leadership? Provide specific evidence for your claims.
o How does this leader demonstrate certain specific leadership practices or perspectives we covered
in our text and readings and discussion?
o How did this leader sustain commitment and build trusting partnerships?
o What were mistakes or missteps that were valuable lessons about leadership for this person?
o Principles and Values: What espoused principles and values guide their approach as a leader? How
are these principles or values apparent to those s/he leads? How were those values formed?
o Response to Challenges: Has the leader faced significant challenges that demanded leadership?
How did they react to these challenges? What do those actions say (to the Learning Team) about
their leadership ability?
o Results: What significant results were they able to achieve? How did their approach to leadership
contribute to their results?