Leadership Quiz

Leadership development or leadership training is all well and good if you know what you want to focus on.  To help you ascertain the facets of your leadership that you’ve honed, and those that need a little polish, we’ve designed this short quiz.

Scoring:- For each question / statement consider how often in the last 3-6 months you have demonstrated this.

a)     Hardly ever

b)     Often

c)      Most of the time

1)     In challenging times, and when things are uncertain, I demonstrate a calm clear voice on what needs to be done.  I know the state of the budget and can quickly calculate the financial impact of a decision.

2)     In my relationship with others I handle conflict well and look for resolution, rather than compromise.

3)     In my relationships I am open, honest and authentic.  I explain both good and bad news and acknowledge and praise the work of others.

4)     I ensure I am available to help staff, customers and suppliers, so that we have productive working relationships.  I prefer to see these people as trusted partners rather than commodities.

5)     I make decisions quickly and change my mind slowly.  The decisions I make are based upon a combination of head, heart and gut, rather than a predisposition to utilise just one.

6)     I am continuously learning and improving.  I realise that my self development contributes directly to my effectiveness as a leader in helping the business achieve its desired results.  Whether it is through formal study, working with my coach or reading books.  I am continually working on building my strengths.

7)     I support my staff in their personal development, encouraging them to tap into their full potential.  I know they have a clear development plan that they own.

8)     I hold my self accountable for my actions, results and behaviour.

9)     I encourage others to be accountable for their results.  I hold them responsible for their actions, behaviours and results. I delegate without micro-managing or dumping.

10) When faced with a challenge or a new opportunity I seek the advice of others who have been there before.  I easily ask for help as and when required and do not consider this a sign of weakness.  In both cases I look inside and outside the organisation.

11) I communicate the vision of the organisation in such a way that others either buy in to and are committed, or walk away.  Our vision is used as a decision making tool when setting strategy or modifying plans.

12) I am a walking example of the company’s values.  My behaviour, actions and decisions reflect these values.

13) I trust the people I do business with (staff, customers and suppliers) and ensure that my actions do not erode other’s trust in me.

14) I actively listen to others rather than assume I know what they’re going to say, or think my voice is the most important.  I am empathetic and compassionate.

15) I consider the wider implications of our business decisions and practice, be this within the community, our impact on the environment or our contribution to society as a whole.

16) In all my business affairs I am looking at what I can contribute and give, rather than just looking for what I can get.  I ask myself “how can I be of service here and add value?”

17) I am at ease with uncertainty.  I remain flexible in my approach to how things can be done, as I’m clear on the why and the what.

18) I am in control of me.  My thoughts, emotions, actions and behaviour.  Because of this I do not feel the need to control others.

Having scored yourself there are 2 things you can choose to do next.

The first is to decide which of the above you’d like to demonstrate more of.

The second is to hand this to others you work with and ask them to score you; then you can compare your assessment of yourself with how others experience you.

The above qualities are demonstrated by great leaders; it’s clearly not an exhaustive list but is a framework for you to work with.  Having coached and mentored many leaders to release their full potential, we have often worked on aspects mentioned above.  Helping them shift their mental models, work through fears and tap into their true sense of identity.  This allows them to show up as a great leader, fully present, authentic AND successful.  If you’d like to talk with us to explore how we could support you call us on 0845 123 1280.