Leadership Style: What do People Do when they are leading?

Provide a brief (one (1) paragraph) background of the CEO.
Ellen Kullman, shares a mixed background. Though born in Turkey and raised in Italy, her parents are both of Jewish Iranian descent. However she grew up there since the age of five as a permanent resident who never became Italian. She further traveled to the United States on a student visa, a work visa, obtained her green card, and finally became a U.S. citizen. She holds a bachelor of sciences degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in management from Kellog/University. Here is how she reached the top: a Sales Rep at Westinghouse where she discovered her passion for business and a Management Trainee at General Electric. She joined DuPont as a Marketing Manager in 1988 where she quickly moved up the corporate ladder and ultimately became the first female CEO of the 210 year old organization in January 1, 2009. Away from work, she married and had three children. Ms. Kullman travels the world to promote face to face relationships with her enormous corporate team but believes her own family is the most important. She is the 19th executive to lead the company founded in 1802. Prior to becoming CEO, Ms. Kullman was president of the company from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008. In 2012, Ms. Kullman was ranked at number five in Fortune’s list of Most Powerful Women. Though DuPont is known for its dominance in chemicals, since becoming CEO Ms. Kullman has pushed the 210 year old company into unexpected new businesses (World of CEOs Dossiers, 2012).
Analyze the CEO’s leadership style and philosophy, and how the CEO’s leadership style aligns with the culture.
“Inclusive Innovation”, describes DuPont CEO’s leadership style and philosophy....

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...There’s nothing like a bad economy to get people confused about what their mission is. They start thinking their mission is to reduce cost. That’s a tactic, that’s not our mission,’ Kullman said. During informal weekly meetings with employees, Ms. Kullman was amazed that the “number one question was about whether we are going to stick with our mission.” She quickly realized that “people are scared and in dire need of direction.” Making sure that people understand the mission and linking their daily activities to the company’s broader purpose is essential to reducing fear, maintaining morale and keeping employees motivated, Kullman said.

Select the quality that you believe contributes most to this leader’s success. Support your reasoning.

Assess how communication and collaboration, and power and politics influence group (i.e., the organization’s) dynamics.