Leadership Self-Assessment Questions

The following questions were taken from a Systemic Leadership and Change course I recently attended which was led by Peter Senge.  I cannot express how much I learned about myself after completing this series in management excellence and leadership science, as for it is far too great!  All I can recommend to you is that if you ever have the opportunity to attend one of these…please do!

It was explained that the purpose of this Leadership Self-Assessment is to provide a leadership profile based on the competencies necessary for strong, superior leadership. The data that is provided will enable you to construct a profile, complete with areas of strength and areas for future development. By completing this instrument, you will be assessing your own behaviors and skills according to the directions below. Be honest—the more rigorous you are, the better you can target your developmental needs. Remember, the instrument is meant to assess how you believe that you actually are; not how you think that you should be.

Directions

For each of the 50 items listed on the following pages, consider how much the stated behavior characterizes your own behaviors, thoughts, intentions, or skills in on-the-job situations, and then rate yourself in the space provided according to the following scale:

3 = I often demonstrate this behavior.

2 = I sometimes demonstrate this behavior.

1 = I hardly ever demonstrate this behavior.

Once you complete this, you may leave a comment in which I will leave open to send you the score in which you obtained.

1. I balance multiple tasks and prioritize when faced with limited time and/or resources.

2. I create a positive environment—even when it appears “all is lost”—by expressing optimism and offering encouragement to team members.

3. I keep a mental record of every commitment that I make and follow through on my promises.

4. I steer through ambiguity and “information clutter” to resolve complex problems.

5. I ask questions to try to piece together “unrelated” information, events, etc.

6. I build momentum by spending 90 percent of my time on the top 10 percent of my priority list.

7. I view my “wins” with pride and humility.

8. I operate by a value-driven work philosophy that is grounded on clear principles.

9. I adhere to a disciplined process for sorting out alternatives and arriving at the best option when approaching a problem or project.

10. I make connections between and among information, events, etc. that reveal key issues, problems, or opportunities.

11. I display single-mindedness in unstoppably directing my energy at specific targets.

12. I persuasively and effectively reassure teams and/or individuals in the face of setbacks or seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

13. I identify and find ways to meet the needs, expectations, and wants of others up, down, and across the organization.

14. I test ideas and assumptions by carefully reviewing ideas with thought leaders and critical thinkers within my organization.

15. I do not accept a problem at face value, but search for the less obvious underlying factors driving the problem.

16. I find a way to “get it done” and will sacrifice personally to reach the goal line.

17. I have a thorough understanding of my own emotions and feelings and how they impact the situation at hand.

18. I give people a sense of personal fulfillment by recognizing their individual contributions in the achievement of a goal.

19. I consult outside resources (e.g., magazines and databases) in order to identify where my company, my industry, and the market are moving and to size up new business opportunities.

20. I take into account the potential implications of a decision on other people and departments within the organization before moving forward.

21. I stay the course mentally despite potential distractions and disruptions to my primary focus.

22. I control and selectively display my emotions and feelings in a beneficial way (e.g., I successfully channel my anger).

23. I help build shared goals and values to reinforce individual commitment to the organization.

24. I create viable new business ideas by thinking “out of the box,” as well as in a sound business fashion.

25. I build and connect processes within my organization to assure that implementation remains constant and reliable.

26. I display stamina, energy, and intensity in achieving high standards of performance.

27. I express myself in consistent moods that invite participation and further communication with others.

28. I provide honest, clear feedback by focusing on the issue (and not the person) so that the person will accept and consider the feedback.

29. I ask “What if?” questions and play out scenarios to test new business ideas that challenge the status quo.

30. I assure that new ideas are integrated with established procedures and processes so that the organization can digest the new ideas.

31. I act decisively, with a passion for making things happen.

32. I recognize and consider the emotions and feelings of others before taking action.

33. I articulate a goal or vision and motivate others to help me reach that goal or vision.

34. I have the ability to create unorthodox or revolutionary concepts that have growth or profit potential.

35. I create synergy by involving the “right people” in all phases of work design and operational implementation.

36. I demonstrate boldness in striving for ambitious goals rather than settling for the safety of achievable results.

37. I treat different people differently, with appropriate amounts of candor and sensitivity depending on each individual’s unique makeup.

38. I create shared responsibility among team members by building participation in decision making and delegating key tasks and functions.

39. I take the time to check whether a new idea is feasible before proceeding.

40. I pull together disparate ideas to create clear themes and pathways that may alleviate the confusion and anxiety of others.

41. I seek—and find—creative solutions to obstacles blocking the path to the goal line.

42. I accept rejection with grace and renewed determination, modeling to others how to handle failure.

43. I display trust in others by giving them additional responsibilities—and providing them with the appropriate tools and resources necessary to carry out those responsibilities.

44. I seek better solutions to problems instead of falling back on established protocol.

45. I demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning by documenting critically important action steps, i.e., I try to make sure that my organization does not “reinvent the wheel.”

46. I effectively communicate the critical nature of the goal in a way that allows others to focus on that goal as well.

47. I offer solutions, suggestions, and constructive criticism to others while also remaining open to additional possibilities.

48. I successfully help individuals and teams reach higher levels of performance (e.g., by displaying confidence in them at critical junctures).

49. I am receptive to the new ideas of others and try to improve or enhance them in a non-threatening manner.

50. I see an entity (e.g., my organization) not merely as a collection of isolated processes and parts, but as a unitary whole of interconnected processes.

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