Chapter 5: Leader Influence

Question 1

During an initial EPR feedback session, MSgt Aldo tells SSgt Alexander, “I expect you to know what your job is, how to do it, and to perform it to the best of your ability. Furthermore, I will accept nothing less than ethical behavior at all times and I expect NCOs to accept full responsibility for their actions. Finally, faithfulness, obedience, respectfulness, and initiative are important to me.”

 MSgt Aldo’s comments BEST explain \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. 

a. powers
b. leadership traits
c. followership traits

Answer 1

c. followership traits

MSgt Aldo’s comments best explain followership traits which, according to the Leader Influence chapter, include competence (know what your job is, how to do it, and to perform it), integrity (ethical behavior…accept full responsibility for their actions), loyalty (faithfulness, obedience, and respectfulness), and initiative.

Question 2

During a mid-term performance feedback session, TSgt Finn reminds SSgt Rafferty, “As I’ve said in the past, faithfulness to peers, subordinates, and to me is important. So is your enthusiasm and motivation for taking the initiative. I appreciate your willingness to make decisions, act on them, and accept responsibility for your decisions. Your actions seem to prompt your subordinates to always support the unit’s mission with passion.”

This scenario BEST illustrates _____________ and their impact on unit effectiveness.

a. leadership traits
b. followership traits
c. leadership powers

Answer 2

a. leadership traits

This scenario is about leadership traits, which according to the Leader Influence chapter, include among others: loyalty (faithfulness to peers, subordinates, and to me), energy (enthusiasm and motivation for taking the initiative), and decisiveness (willingness to make decisions, etc.)

Question 3

SSgt Cordell tells his team, “I know the task before you is going to take a lot of overtime. It will require personal sacrifice on your part; however, I believe you are up to the challenge so expect a one-day pass when it’s all finished.”

SSgt Cordell’s use of ______ power will MOST likely__________ unit effectiveness.

a. personal; hinder
b. personal; enhance
c. position; hinder
d. position; enhance

Answer 3

d. position; enhance

According to the Leader Influence chapter, position power includes legitimate, reward, coercive, and connection and is derived from the position within the organization. In this situation, SSgt Cordell uses his position as team leader to promise a reward (one-day pass). The promise of a reward (effective use of position power) will most likely increase subordinate commitment levels, which in turn will enhance unit effectiveness.