OverviewThere are many ways to define leadership, but perhaps the most laconic and accurate definition is presented in the book Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse (Northouse, 2013, p.5) : “Leadership is a process by which an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” Individuals, engaged in leadership, use influence to solve challenges that groups under their leadership face, in order to achieve their common goals. In Leadership: Theory and Practice Peter G. Northouse examines various leadership styles and also looks at the concept of leadership from different perspectives. As a future leader I have used Northouse's book to explore my own leadership styles and ways to apply them in practice. In this article I will describe some of the recent challenges my employer has faced. I will determine which of the leadership styles, described by Northouse, are related to me and how I might apply my leadership styles to manage such challenges, if I were the leader of my organization. I will also reflect on my profile in light of the leadership descriptors and categories provided. Workplace Challenges I work at General Dynamics Information Technology (gdit.com, 2014) and over the past year our company has faced a number of financial challenges ( General Dynamics. Annual Report, 2013, p.3). Since General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a government contractor, these challenges are primarily related to the defense budget cuts currently underway in the United States (Daleda, 2014). As the Forbes magazine article states, companies that primarily provide services to the US military are facing tougher times these days (Thompson, 2013). GDIT i...... middle of document ......12), Luebbert, L. (2013). Annual review. [e-book] Rockville: GDIT. pp. 1-8. Available via: GDIT [Accessed: March 2, 2014].10. Pinsky, E. (2013). Leadership Lessons from Hillary Rodham Clinton. [online] 28/08. Retrieved from: http://www.respectfulworkplace.com/2013/08/22/leadership-lessons-from-hilary-rodham-clinton/ [Accessed: March 2, 2014].11. Robbins, S. P., Decenzo, D. A., & Coulter, M. K. (2013). Management fundamentals. Harlow: Pearson.12. Shoemaker, P. (2013). Nelson Mandela, transformational leader. [online] 05/12. Retrieved from: http://www.inc.com/paul-schoemaker/what-made-mandela-a-transformational-leader.html [Accessed: March 2, 2014].13. Thompson, L. (2013). As budget cuts bite, defense contractors' fortunes diverge. Forbes, 24/04.14. Walters, R., rwalters@gdit.com (2013). Low results in October. [e-mail] (rockvilleteam@gdit.com). Envoy 03.11.14.