At Ainsley Smith & Co we can advise business owners in the Oban and Fort William 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 Oban and Fort William area and are looking for support and advice from a team of professional accountants and business advisers, contact Ainsley Smith & Co.