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A Self-Assessment Leadership Test

Written by: Michael Heah

Article Overview: In this article, I look at what I called 'leaderless leaders' in an organization. Who are they? Why don't they have 'followers'? And for yourself, take the self-assessment leadership test to know yourself better.

A Self-Assessment Leadership Test

In my years as a corporate coach, I have worked with many executives to improve their leadership effectiveness. I call them ‘leaderless leaders' because although they seem to have a team of followers with them, they are unable to exercise control and influence over them. Very often, I get to hear remarks like ‘they do not listen to me', 'they do not do as what they say they would do' or ‘I cannot win them to my side'. Leaderless leadership is a common issue these days. Leading people is no longer a ‘straight road' with little efforts. It requires efforts, dedication and strategies, all because the ‘constituents' you are leading are indeed a different breed of people compared to those ‘die-hard loyalists' of the 20th century where our big sounding titles often could do the job for us.

I pick out these few key reasons that make a leaderless leader:

1. Lack integrity. Acting in ways that reflect no moral standing and do not know the difference between doing the right or wrong things.

2. Making poor decisions. It is not logic alone but also not making sound decision or hesitate to make them in a timely manner.

3. Poor planning. Disorganized in developing a definitive and clear work plan that provide clarity on what people have to do.

4. Lack of guts to act. The faint hearted only invite disaster through their inaction and reluctance to move even though it is tough out there.

5. Lack management skills. Does not have a systematic and resourceful approach to get to the desired goal through well-aligned critical activities.

6. Unreliable. Not trustworthy, not dependable and require close supervision.

7. Lack loyalty to superiors and subordinates. Does not keep their people well informed, protect and defend their interests whenever required.

8. Lack enthusiasm and optimism. Has low energy, cheerless disposition and pessimistic outlook.

Ask yourself...

1. How often do you have your bosses or staff confide in you on your leadership skills?

2. Do you feel that you have just as good people skills similar to your technical skills?

3. Do you honestly feel that people skills are important in defining your career as a successful leader?

4. Is having effective people skills highly encouraged and rewarded in your organization?

5. Do you consider yourself a "people person" and that others agree with you?

6. Do you ever think about habits you have that may cause your people to be disengaged from you or not want to work with you?

7. Do you ever ask for feedback, formally or informally? Are you afraid of what you might hear?

8. Do money, status, power and popularity get in the way of your experiencing healthy and conscious relationships at work?

9. Are you ever curious about how people perceive you?

10. Do you work hard and continuously to improve your people skills because you feel that this can spur you to greater success?

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Article Tags: followers, leaders, leadership, leadership test, people person, people skills, self assessment



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