At Blair Shepherd we can advise business owners in the Altrincham area on many aspects of running and growing a business. The following checklist will help you assess your leadership skills...
It is sometimes said that many people may become managers but few have what it takes to become a leader.
What is the difference?
Management is about implementing, administering, and planning within predictable, controllable parameters.
Leadership is about looking beyond the predictable, identifying hidden opportunities (and dangers) - and inspiring people to reach out and meet them.
The last point is perhaps the most important. It is one thing to have vision; it is something else to persuade others to share it.
How do you score?
Do you have what it takes to be a leader? Answer the questions below to find out:
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| Leadership checklist |
True |
False |
| When challenges arise, I try to look at situations from at least two perspectives, one of which is fresh and quite different from our normal ways of solving things |
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| I regard threats as opportunities and always look for ways to turn weaknesses into strengths |
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| I am prepared to take calculated risks |
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| I encourage innovation and continuous improvement |
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| I spend more time listening than I do talking |
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| I turn words into actions and lead by example |
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| I never expect my staff to do something I would not be willing to do myself |
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| I use delegation to empower others, not just to offload tasks I don't want to do |
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| When I ask someone to do something I try to ensure they understand the purpose of doing it |
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| I reward people according to results |
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| I encourage an atmosphere of collaboration and trust rather than competitiveness and distrust among my staff |
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| I constantly create opportunities for my staff to develop their skills and broaden their experience |
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Check your score
How many questions did you answer with True?
10 -12 - Great leadership material - you probably do not need telling what to do about it!
8 - 10 - Very promising, but take the time to think about how you could improve your people skills, and don't lose sight of your vision.
Less than 8 - Don't give up, you can still make it. Leaders are not born, they are made!
If you are in the Altrincham area and are looking for support and advice from a team of professional accountants and business advisers, contact Blair Shepherd.