Are you a leader? Take the quiz*
1. Do you see things that need improving and feel frustrated because they are not improving?
2. Do you find yourself saying, “If only someone would take charge, we wouldn’t be in this mess”?
3. Do you feel frustrated with the pace of change because either no one recognizes the need or no one wants to be the first to act?
4a. When you see something that needs to improve, do you do something about it?
4b. Do you empower others to contribute something constructive to the situation?
5a. When you are in a situation without a leader, do you volunteer?
5b. Do you recruit others to help you in the effort?
6a. When you are frustrated because no one has the urgency to change what’s not working, do you become the first person to act?
6b. Do you then encourage others to follow your lead?
Results
- Leadership is an attitude, not a title: If you answered “yes” to first three questions, you have the attitude of a leader.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 4a, 5a, and 6a, then you understand the need of leading others. If you get frustrated because no one is solving a problem, you recognize that, with leadership, things can improve. Awareness of a problem is the first phase of being a true leader, so paying attention to your dissatisfaction level is important as you develop.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 4b, 5b, and 6b, then you are a potential leader. Each time you say, “I’ll take care of this,” you have volunteered of leading others. Leadership is saying, “I will do it,” especially when no one else is willing. Leaders don’t wait to be asked.
- In the self–assessment, if you answered “yes” to the questions about engaging others, you have confirmed your leadership potential. The objective in leadership is getting others committed to solving problems and owning solutions.
*This self-assessment was prepared by Ron Rael, CPA, CGMA.