Think of a group you belong to that does not have an official leader. Most such groups will have an informal leader. Picture that person as you answer the following questions. When you are finished, divide into groups of five or six, and share your observations with one another. Are there any common characteristics or behaviors that the emergent leaders demonstrate?
1. What are the sources of power that give your informal leader the ability to influence? List as many as apply, and provide specific examples of how your leader used his or her power.
2. If you found yourself in a high-stakes project group with this person (e.g., in a group that had to complete a project for a major portion of a course grade), would this person emerge as leader in that group? Would this person’s leadership skills be a good fit for the project group? Why or why not?
3. Are there other individuals in the group who demonstrate leadership skills? If so, who are they? What sources of power do they possess? Provide examples.