Are Your Leadership Skills Honed to a Keen Edge?

The caliber of leadership in any team plays a critical role in the levels of success and harmony that can be achieved. Take this Self-Quiz to determine whether your leadership skills are honed to a keen edge.

1. I’ve become more comfortable delegating tasks and managing the performance of others than doing things myself.

2. Before committing to a decision, I ask myself if it will serve my purpose. I say “No” to requests for my time and attention that are not aligned with my purpose.

3. Coworkers and those who report directly to me trust me and my effectiveness as a leader.

4. I successfully enroll others in my vision and influence their behavior at work.

5. It’s less what I say and more what I do that affects how others perceive my leadership ability, so I make sure to “walk my talk.”

6. It can be daunting to confront the issues, obstacles and people that block success. But in doing so, I model courage, persistence and a can-do attitude.

7. I hold myself accountable for my actions and the actions of my team/department. I don’t make excuses.

8. I will not be able to please everyone; leadership is not a popularity contest.

9. I view problems as opportunities to excel. In fact, I focus on the opportunities in every problem. A positive attitude can make a project or objective.

10. I seek opportunities for education and skills enhancement, as I want to continuously grow my abilities.

11. Everything in my organization/department/team, both good and bad, is a reflection of my leadership. If things need to change, I need to change first.

12. I don’t avoid difficult conversations with those who are not performing to my standards.

13. I plan meetings to keep them short and effective.

14. I treat others how I want to be treated, with respect and dignity; this includes praising in public but expressing displeasure in private.

15. I am open to new suggestions and receptive to bad news.

16. I don’t hog credit and kudos but attribute them freely to my team.

17. I regularly communicate mission and vision face-to-face to my team.

If you answered true to 10 or more statements, keep up the good work! If fewer, you may wish to hone your skills with a coach. Please don’t hesitate to call.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications