Leader-follower compatibility is based on styles of leading. Take a moment to re-read that first sentence and allow it to sink in. The points made in the sentence should not be taken lightly, as they are the basis for the successfulness of every leader within their organization. Leaders and their followers must move toward organizational goals that are in synch and, in order to do so, the leader must have a leadership style that speaks to followers. As leadership style can be defined in several different ways, any given leader is likely to have more than one style depending on the situation and the followers involved. Your course text covers three interpersonal styles that can influence the way one leads: directive, participative, and free rein.

It is also important to consider the impact of culture on leadership style. This is an area where the importance of leader-follower compatibility is evident. Culture can impact a leader’s attitudes, values, and morals. If a follower does not share the same attitudes, values, and morals, compatibility between the leader-follower can be strained. In addition to culture, leadership style also is influenced by one’s personality. The Big Five Personality Traits is a psychological model that helps to explain different dimensions of a person’s personality.

To prepare for this Assignment:

• Review Chapter 3 in your course text. Pay particular attention to the discussion of styles of leading.
• Review Chapter 15 in your course text. Focus on interpersonal styles, types of people and types of culture, and the Big Five Personality Traits.
• Review the online article, "Leadership Styles," and think about which style(s) might best describe you in a leadership role.
• Complete Exercise 3–4, What Is Your Leadership Style? in your course text. Think about your results.
• Complete Exercise 15–2, Interpersonal Style Questionnaire in your course text. Reflect on which of the three interpersonal styles fits you and how your style may be influenced by your culture.
• Complete Exercise 15–3, The Big Five Personality Test in your course text, and consider the implications of your results. Think about how your leadership styles and personal qualities relate to your potential as an effective leader.
• Consider how knowing your Big Five Personality Traits may help you to become an effective leader.

The Assignment: (3–4 pages)

• Summarize your personal leadership style (based on Exercise 3–4).
• Summarize additional leadership style elements that are relevant to you (based on the "Leadership Styles" article).
• Summarize your interpersonal style (based on Exercise 15–2).
• Explain the influence of your culture on your determination of your leadership style as traditional, participative, or individualistic.
• Analyze how your leadership style and interpersonal qualities relate to your potential as an effective leader.
• Explain how your personality traits and knowledge of where you are in The Big Five Personality Test could contribute to you being an effective leader. Give specific examples.