Quiz Time! What Kind of Leader are You?

Quiz Time!I know most leaders have some sort of description for the way they do things, but how accurate is this description? Does it really capture who they are as a leader?

Take this short quiz to get a more objective description of your leadership style and skills.

Write down all your answers in a notepad or piece of paper. Answer the questions as quickly and honestly as you can. Don’t take too much time answering each question; just choose the first option that comes to your mind.

1)     I have the last say over decisions concerning the team

a)     Yes

b)     In most cases, especially for major-decisions

c)     I let my team vote which course of action to take

2)     I welcome suggestions, and in some cases, I ask my team for their input

a)     No, I am not open to suggestions

b)     Mostly, but there are times when I prefer to do things my way

c)     Yes, I love suggestions!

3)     I give precise and clear instructions, and I expect things to be done exactly as I say.

a)     I do this all the time

b)     Only when it’s a high-profile or high-stakes project

c)     Very rarely

4)     If one of my team members make a mistake, I give them a memo or reprimand them

a)     Yes, all the time

b)     Not all the time, mistakes only mean that the person needs to be trained or that the current way we do things is outdated.

c)     I’m not a fan of memos and punishments. I let my team resolve whatever challenges they encounter or mistakes they made on their own.

5)     I closely monitor my team to make sure they are doing their tasks properly

a)     Yes. I don’t feel confident leaving them

b)     Sometimes. I only offer them help if it’s obvious that they are having trouble with something.

c)     No. I trust that they know how to do their work.

6)     I believe that employees need a clear set of goals, rewards and punishments to ensure that they do their work properly

a)     Yes, clear rules and rewards should be defined. The punishments and memos for transgressions committed should be clear as well.

b)     I agree, but only to some extent. I believe employees also need to be included in the goal-setting process.

c)     I don’t agree with this. I prefer to let employees set their own goals.

7)     I believe that employees can get motivated or demotivated depending on how secure they feel with their current position

a)     No

b)     Maybe

c)     Yes

8)     What do you do when things don’t happen as you expected or when you face challenges at work?

a)     No, I don’t ask my team for their input

b)     I often ask team members for their input in resolving these challenges

c)     Yes, I always ask them for help.

9)     I believe that employees should feel involved in the decision-making process

a)     No, I don’t ask my team for their input

b)     Most of the time

c)     Yes, always.

10)  I strive to help people in my team to improve and reach their full potential

a)     Not really

b)     Yes, I do everything I can

c)     Most of the time, or when I’m not too busy with other things

Your Skills and Leadership Type, According to Your Answers:

Mostly As- The Authoritarian Leader

People with this leadership style are perfect for projects that involve high-stakes and precision handling, which is why the military system is based on this style. Your number one asset is your ability to make major decisions with little input from others.

To avoid being labeled a dictator or bossy leader, try to soften up a bit by allowing your team members the chance to give you suggestions, especially when one team member has more experienced than you for a given task.

Mostly Bs- The Democrat

This type of leader encourages team members to play an active role in the team, especially in setting goals and other major decisions. Creativity and innovation is highly valued and rewarded by leaders who practice this leadership style.

Members of your team are more productive and are accountable of their tasks. Even if your team is highly productive, you can still become a better leader by encouraging them to aim higher, to hone their creativity by giving them challenging projects. Don’t let your team become too complacent.

Mostly Cs- The Delegator

This type of leader prefers to delegate things, even critical tasks. Employees working with this type of leader suffer from a lack of clear goals, and they’re often lost because their leader isn’t there to provide guidance. This is the biggest drawback of giving employees complete freedom.

If this you, take heart. You can improve your leadership skills by starting to reach out to your team. Start setting clear expectations and be there to provide guidance when they need it.

© 2013 Incedo Group, LLC

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