Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

By Peter G. Northouse

Book Overview

A practical, applied introduction to the art of leadership

Offering a straightforward introduction to the basic principles of leadership, Peter G. Northouse′s Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice focuses on providing readers with practical strategies for becoming better leaders. An applied text by the author of the SAGE best-seller Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fourth Edition, this new text provides the much needed "how-to" component of leading 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.

Key Features

Looks at one quality of leadership per chapter, making it easier for readers to understand and apply material to their own lives Uses examples and case studies to illustrate each fundamental aspect of leadership (creating a vision, listening to out-group members, and overcoming obstacles, for example) Encourages readers to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire before reading each chapter to explore their own leadership styles and preferences Guides readers in examining behaviors of leaders from their own lives through each chapter′s Observational Exercise Includes Reflection and Action Worksheets that encourage readers to reflect upon their own leadership styles and identify an action plan for improving their leadership skills

Instructor Resources on CD, including PowerPoint slides, a test bank, writing assignments, and chapter reviews, are available to qualified instructors by contacting SAGE Customer Care at 1-800-818-SAGE (7243) between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST.

Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice is intended as a primary text for leadership courses in departments of business, communication, education, public administration, or other departments. It can also be used in student activities, continuing education, corporate training, executive development, in-service training, and government or military training programs.

"An outstanding introductory text for new leaders Northouse combines self-knowledge with essential competencies that every effective leader should possess."
--Barry L. Boyd, Texas A&M University

"For four editions and more than a decade, its concise, intelligent, insightful introduction to the study of leadership has made "Northouse" Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fourth Edition, SAGE, (c)2007] the go-to text for students and teachers. With this book, Peter Northouse has done the same for the practice of leadership."
--Richard A. Couto, Antioch University, Senior Scholar, Burns Academy, Reflections on Leadership (ed.)

"I have followed Peter Northouse′s work for years. He has written another excellent book, this time a perfect introductory book for the new student of leadership."
--Carl Larson, University of Denver

Looking for other titles for your Leadership courses? SAGE has published over 500 books on Leadership, and we′ve developed a web page to help you find just the right one for your class. Click here to browse our selection.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1412916550
• ISBN13: 9781412916554
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.5" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Great book for study of leadership!

I am in a college course studying leadership as a minor. This book is very informative and to the point. It has self-surveys that are very helpful. Very nice material overall.

Easy to follow...good suggestions.

A good book to help those in leadership positions reflect on what they can do to become better leaders. If everyone would follow the information in this book, wouldn't our leaders be great? Unfortunately, though, we live in the real world where often the people with the loudest mouths and most money or influence get to be the leaders. So, at times, this book is more about the perfect world of rainbows and butterflies as relates to leadership than about how most leaders REALLY become leaders in the world today.

Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

The seller truly worked with me to get the book to me timely. The book received was in pristine condition.

Best book for Beginners in Leadership

This is a good book. Each chapter has a survey which provides opportunity for self review. This book has been quite useful and each chapter is concise and to the point.

Good introductory leadership book

I purchased this book because it was a required text for my leadership class. It is a good book, but it covers only the basics of leadership.