Take our leadership quiz!
Whether you’re an experienced leader with years supporting teams under your belt, or you’ve just stepped up into a new role, you will have a ‘style’. Take this quick quiz to see what leadership style you usually adopt, and how you can adapt to meet your audience’s needs.
Answer A, B or C to the following
1. Trust
a) I need my team to trust what I say and follow my lead
b) I have trusted individuals in my team who help move the work forward
c) We all need to be able to trust each other
2. Decision making
a) The buck stops with me
b) I talk openly with my team about the problems, and they offer solutions
c) My team need to work out their priorities
3. Initiative
a) All my team members need to work to process
b) I’m open to ideas from talented or experienced individuals
c) My team know the task and will find a suitable path
4. Resolving problems
a) We have a disciplinary procedure to follow
b) I ask my team what the problem is and find a resolution we can all live with
c) I take time to talk it through with the team. If you make sure needs are met then compromises can be found
5. Leadership
a) Is about control
b) Is about strength
c) Is about collectivity
What type of leader are you?
Mostly A – Autocratic
There are rules and processes for a reason, and you like to stick to them. After all, things are done this way because it is tried and tested.
Benefits – you know exactly what everyone is doing and when they are meant to be doing it by. It offers predictability and a clear line of responsibility. Decisions can be made fast.
Pitfalls – talented staff may quickly move on because they desire autonomy, and you close your operation off from finding new, more efficient or interesting ways of moving forward.
Mostly B – Participation
You give your team the chance to share their ideas, but the final decision rests with you. There is a clear line of command but a democratic process. New ideas are welcomed.
Benefits – This approach breeds respect among your team and offers the chance for bright sparks to shine, while still making sure a clear structure is in place.
Pitfalls – If people in the team disagree, then your job as a leader is to take sides which could breed discontent. Making sure everyone is listened to can slow things down.
Mostly C – Agile
This empowering approach allows people in your team to work to their strengths, develop respectful interpersonal relationships, and take responsibility for staying on task and keeping time.
Benefits – You act as a mentor to a unit that is collectively responsible for outcomes. It streamlines your time making you more effective and gives your team members a chance to step up.
Pitfalls – Clear communication is key to preventing workflow and relationships from breaking down. You could end up refereeing chaos.
Which style works best?
The answer is … all of them. Learning to combine these different leadership styles to meet the needs of your team, project or situation is the best way to forge ahead and become a trusted and well-respected leader.
Want to hone your leadership skills? Why not consider IMNZ’s Leadership Essentials course, where you will learn how to combine styles and strategies for great outcomes.
