Exercise 1 Leadership Essay

Exercise 1 - Leadership Questionnaire
Directions: The following items describe aspects of leadership behavior. Respond to each item according to the way you would most likely act if you were the leader of a work group. Circle whether you would most likely behave in the described way: A – always; F – frequently; O – occasionally; S – seldom; or N – never.
AFOSN 1. I would most likely act as the spokesperson of the group.
AFOSN 2. I would encourage extra work (no more than average).
AFOSN 3. I would allow members complete freedom in their work.
AFOSN 4. I would encourage the use of uniform procedures.
AFOSN 5. I would permit the members to use their own judgment in solving problems. AFOSN 6. I would stress being ahead of competing groups.
AFOSN 7. I would speak as a representative of the group.
AFOSN 8. I would needle member for greater effort.
AFOSN 9. I would try out my ideas in the group.
AFOSN 10. I would let the members do their work the way they think best. AFOSN 11. I would be working hard for a better position.
AFOSN 12. I would tolerate postponement and uncertainty.
AFOSN 13. I would speak for the group if there were visitors present. AFOSN 14. I would keep the work moving at a rapid pace.
AFOSN 15. I would turn the members loose on a job and let them go to it. AFOSN 16. I would settle conflicts when they occur in the group.
AFOSN 17. I would get swamped by details.
AFOSN 18. I would represent the group at outside meetings.
AFOSN 19. I would be reluctant to allow the members any freedom of action. AFOSN 20. I would decide what should be done and how it should be done.
AFOSN 21. I would push for increased production.
AFOSN 22. I would let some members have authority, which I could easily have kept for myself.
AFOSN 23. Things would usually turn out as I had predicted. AFOSN 24. I would allow the group a high degree of initiative. AFOSN 25. I would assign group members to particular tasks. AFOSN 26. I would be willing to make changes.
AFOSN 27. I would ask the members to work harder.
AFOSN 28. I would trust the group members to exercise good judgments. AFOSN 29. I would schedule the work to be done.
AFOSN 30. I would refuse to explain my actions.
AFOSN 31. I would persuade others that my ideas are to their advantage. AFOSN 32. I would permit the group to set its own pace.
AFOSN 33. I would urge the group to beat its previous record.
AFOSN 34. I would act without consulting the group.
AFOSN 35. I would ask that group members follow standard rules and regulations. Score your answers as follows:
a. Circletheitemnumberforitems:8,12,17,19,30,34,and35.
b. Writethenumber1infrontofacircleditemnumberifyourespondedS(seldom)orN
(never) to that item.
c. Also, write a number 1 in front of an item number NOT circled if you responded A
(always) or F (frequently).
d. Circle the number 1s that you have written in front of the following items: 3, 5, 8, 10, 15,
18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 and 35.
e. Count the circled number 1s. This is your score for concern for people. Record the score in the blank following the letter P at the end of the Leadership Style Profile Sheet
(next page).
f. Count the un-circled number 1s. This is your score for concern for task. Record this number in the blank following the letter T.
NAME:
12
11
10
09
08 Medium 08 Medium
07
06
05
04
03
02 Low 02 Low
01
T: Concern for Task
01
T – P Leadership Style Profile Sheet
Directions: To determine your style of leadership, mark your score on the Concern for Task dimension (T) on the left-hand side below. Next, move to the right-hand side and mark your score on the Concern for People dimension (P). Draw a straight light that intersects the P and T scores. The point at which that line crosses the shared leadership section indicates your score on the dimension.
SHARED LEADERSHIP RESULTS FROM BALANCING CONCERN FOR TASK AND CONCERN FOR PEOPLE
Autocratic Shared Leadership Leadership
High High Morale & Productivity Productivity
Laissez-Faire Leadership
High Morale
15
14
13 High
12
11
10
09
08 Medium 07
06
05
04
03
02 Low
01
P: Concern for People
15
14
13 High 13 High
15 14
12 11 10 09
07 06 05 04 03
Exercise 2 - What Kind of Animal Are You?
Recent research concerning the specific ways that people naturally sense, conceptualize and respond to situations had led to the discovery of four basic behavior styles.
Instructions for Responding
In the space provided below, identify those behaviors which are MOST-TO-LEAST characteristic of you in an identified situation. Working left to right, assign “4” points to the most characteristic below, “3” to the next most characteristic, then “2” and finally “1” to your LEAST characteristic behavior.
Example
4
Directing 2 Influencing  3 Steady  1 Cautious 
DISC
Directing        Influencing       Steady       Cautious Self-Certain        Optimistic       Deliberate       Restrained Adventurous        Enthusiastic       Predictable       Logical Decisive        Open       Patient       Analytical Daring        Impulsive       Stabilizing       Precise Restless        Emotional       Protective       Doubting Competitive        Persuading       Accommodating       Curious Assertive        Talkative       Modest       Tactful Experimenting        Charming       Easy-Going       Consistent Forceful        Sensitive       Sincere       Perfectionist TOT AL             TOT AL           TOT AL           TOT AL

Instructions for Counting and Graphing
1. Total the numbers in each of the four columns. Place the total number for each column in the blank at the bottom of the chart.
2. Check the accuracy by adding all the columns together. When all four columns are added together they will equal 100.
3. Plot the numbers from the totals columns above, on the graph below. For example: if the total number in the first column was 19, you would place the dot half-way between the 18 and the 20 in that column on the graph for that dimension.
After completing your graph, circle the highest visual point. This represents your strongest behavioral characteristic. The higher you score on the graph, the more intensity you bring to this behavior characteristic. Look at the letter revealed at the top of the graph which corresponds to the highest visual point. Using this letter, look up your behavioral style (D = dominance style, I = influencing style, S = steadiness style, and C = cautious style) on the attached pages.
Level of Energy
D
I
S
C
40
40
40
40
38
38
38
38
36
36
36
36
34
34
34
34
32
32
32
32
30
30
30
30
28
28
28
28
26
26
26
26
24
24
24
24
22
22
22
22
20
20
20
20
18
18
18
18
16
16
16
16
14
14
14
14
12
12
12
12
10
10
10
10

Understanding Lions or High “Ds”
Basic Motivation:
Desires situations which allow:
Responds best to others who:
Needs to learn that:
-results, challenge
-freedom
-authority
-varied activities
-difficult assignments -opportunity for advancement
-provide direct answers
-stick to business
-stress logic
-provide pressure
-allow freedom for personal accomplishment
-you need people
-relaxation time is not a crime
-some controls/restrictions are needed -everyone has a boss, even you
-verbalizing why you reached a conclusion is important Understanding Otters or High “Is”
Basic Motivation:
Desires situations which allow:
Responds best to others who:
Needs to learn that:
-recognition, approval
-prestige
-friendly relationships
-freedom from control and detail -opportunity to help others -opportunity to motivate people -platform to verbalize ideas
-are democratic and friendly
-provide social involvement (fun) along with or after working on projects
-provide recognition of abilities
-appreciate their bent towards risk-taking
-time control helps
-deadlines are important
-there is such a thing as too much optimism
Understanding Golden Retrievers or High “Ss”
Basic Motivation:
Desires situations which allow:
Responds best to others who:
Needs to learn that:
-relationships, appreciation
-specialization
-being part of a team
-having established daily (or work) patterns -being secure in life situations
-consistent familiar environment
-having clearly defined goals and the steps to reach them
-are relaxed and amiable
-gives them time to adjust to changes in schedule (projects)
-serves as a friend
-allows them to work at their own pace -ask “how” questions
-provide personal support
-change can provide opportunity
-you can’t be “best friends” with everybody -listening to others is great, but sharing their own needs and feelings is important
Understanding Beavers or High “Cs”
Basic Motivation:
Desires situations which allow:
Responds best to others who:
Needs to learn that:
-to do things right, quality control
-clearly defined tasks
-security in relationships and situation
-team participation
-stability
-limited risk
-assignments that require precision, “reading directions,” and careful planning
-provide reassurance consistently -maintain a supportive atmosphere -provide an open-door policy for questions -spell out detailed operating standards
-total support is not always possible -thorough explanation isn’t everything -deadlines must be met
-predictability does not equal being “boring”
I.
• • • • •
II.
• • • •
•
III.
• • • • • •
IV.
• • • • • •
Behavioral Tendencies The Lion’s tendencies are to be (high “D”)
Compelled by ego; forceful and competitive.
Task oriented; move people to action; desire and cause change.
Motivated by directness; do not like to be entertained or restrained
Basic Fear: Being taken advantage of; criticism of their character (self concept/ego) Limitations: impatience; selective listeners; have “blind spots” concerning awareness of others’ views and feelings.
The Otter’s tendencies are to be (high “I”)
Optimistic and people oriented.
Socially oriented, emotionally energetic, loves to entertain.
Motivated by social recognition; need companionship and group support.
Basic Fear: rejection, disapproval in relationships, task criticism (they often interpret this as personal rejection).
Limitations: unorganized in accomplishing tasks unless they are also a high “D”.
The Golden Retriever’s tendencies are to be (high “S”)
Pragmatic, a team player or family person
Likes concrete results, the “bottom line” approach.
Motivated by loyalty.
Respectful of procedures.
Basic Fear: Loss of stability, fear of the unknown, unplanned
change.
Limitations: possessiveness and adherence to code of order and desire for tranquility limits their ability to act decisively or face difficult situations.
The Beaver’s tendencies are to be (high “C”)
Accurate and precise; concerned for quality control. Highly intuitive; people readers.
Motivated by the correct or proper way to do something. Disciplined.
Basic Fear: Criticism of their work or effort.
Limitations: Overly critical and demanding of both themselves and others because of high standards; they rarely vocalize their criticisms.

Situational Examples
Key: D = Lion, I = Otter, S = Golden Retriever, C = Beaver
As children in a ceramics class where they have been asked to make a soldier statuette:
• • • •
As four
• • • •
The High “S” has his done on time. Nice job, worth displaying.
The High “C” does an exceptional job. Buttons are etched in and he even has teeth.
The High “I” isn’t finished because he’s too busy playing with the other kids.
The High “D” finished long ago...now he’s working simultaneously on a tank, shop and airplane. people each isolated in a north woods cabin for the winter:
The High “S” settles in to catch up on some reading or starts a woodworking project.
The High “D” gets cabin fever in a week and decides to remodel the cabin.
The High “C” begins reading a book that explains how to live in an isolated area, north woods cabin. The High “I” snowshoes into the woods everyday to talk to the animals.
Shopping for a new car:
• The High “S” takes his time and shops several dealers, looking for a model like the one he already has. • The High “C” asks questions about performance, financing and equipment.
• The High “I” immediately selects the flashy new model everyone will envy.
• The High “D” never shows up. She gets someone else to buy it for her.
As legislators:
• The High “D” drafts 20 new bills, shatters precedent, and fractures social tranquility.
• The High “I” smoothes ruffled feathers, arbitrates compromises, and helps consolidate party unity. • The High “S” researches data and compiles legislative reports.
• The High “C” investigates, enforces policy, and heads the ethics committee.
Meeting as a Board of Directors to initiate new company policy:
• The High “I” discusses the effect this might have on the people concerned.
• The High “S” gets nervous thinking about how this will change his department.
• The High “C” takes notes on the new operating policy.
• The High “D” moves the meeting to be adjourned. He has other projects that demand his time.
As combat generals:
• The High “D” attacks, attacks, attacks the enemy but forgets to order supplies, munitions, and replacement troops.
• The High “I” coordinates with commanders on all fronts and lobbies for a harmonious battle plan everyone will like.
• The High “S” attacks in an orderly, conventional manner just like he was taught at the Academy.
• The High “C” inventories all his supplies and vows not to attack until every piece of equipment he needs is delivered.
As the major in a pioneer town:
• The High “C” opens a county land office to insure all property claims are filed accurately.
• The High “S” becomes the loyal deputy sheriff.
• The High “I” pastors the local church, promotes family activities, owns the saloon and knows everyone by first name.
• The High “D” owns the bank, newspaper and runs for sheriff, judge and tax collector.