How do you measure up as a leader?

How do you measure up? - -

Check your leadership potential

Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

Place a check mark next to the abilities you feel you have. Then ask a co-worker to rate you and compare the results. Do you:

_____ Communicate effectively

_____ Set priorities and action plans

_____ Learn and improve procedures

_____ See how your responsibility relates to the big picture

_____ Stand up when under fire

_____ Analyze problems and make sound decisions

_____ Learn from your mistakes

_____ Accept risk and take on difficult assignments

_____ Focus on the end product

_____ Exhibit strong social and interpersonal skills

_____ Adapt to changing conditions, influences, and environments

_____ Inspire excellence and commitment in others

_____ Demonstrate a high tolerance for stress and pressure

Scoring: If you scored 8 or higher, your leadership potential is high. Take corrective action on the items you or your co-worker left unchecked.

Source: The Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, NC, 910-288-7210.

Should buy-in and/or consensus be necessary to drive change?

The two most important parts of organizational transition are involvement and buy-in. Company employees or associates must actively participate in the movement from point A to point B. If leaders and associates can begin with the end in mind and drive to the change together, transition becomes easier.

Who would you rather work with, and why? a) An extremely incompetent, but affable co-worker/boss? b) A very competent, but jerk co-worker/boss?

There are plenty of people that we work with that are extremely competent and NOT jerks. That being said, even though choice B will, at least, get the job done, choices A and B are both unacceptable.

Have you ever been in a situation where it bothers you not by what someone said, but how they said it?

How You Say it Counts

Studies show that 38% of your meaning is conveyed by how you sound.

Try these techniques to energize your verbal communication:

• Avoid disclaimer statements.
Comments like “This may be a stupid idea” or “I just want to say” telegraph that what you’re about to say is unimportant.

• Don’t let your voice rise at the end of a statement.
This can make you sound uncertain. Solution: Practice speaking into a tape recorder. If you sound like you’re asking a question, you’re not delivering the message with power and confidence.

Source: Patricia Smith-Pierce, president, Power Speaking Consultants, Schaumburg, IL.