Leadership Communication Styles Inventory
Leadership is defined as one’s ability to influence others. However, when done well that influence enlists 4 major ingredients:
[pic] It is an ability to use power effectively and in a responsible manner [pic] It is the ability to understand that different human beings have different motivational forces at different times and in different situations. [pic] It is also an ability to inspire people to perform towards a present objective. [pic] It is the ability to develop a climate conducive to building a positive attitude in the organization.
Research has shown that in the course of a day, the average person tries to assert their influence in at least 4 decisions (Maxwell, 24). As we mature we develop certain preferences or styles for influence and when they are constructive they can be placed in one of three categories: Autocratic or Directive style; Democratic or Supporting style; Laissez-faire or Delegating style.
The best leaders use a composite of leadership styles that flex to the individual and the situation and have come to be defined as “situational leadership” by Ken Blanchard. With behavioral repetition usually one style asserts itself above the others. This brief exercise and simple tool looks to provide you with some insight into your dominant style and its potential strengths and shortcomings. None of the styles are necessarily better than another. Rather, the situation determines the most appropriate style. For a leader it is vital to learn new skills, develop existing ones and use knowledge coupled with experience so as to benefit colleagues and achieve the overall organizational objective(s). All three styles work best when the leader sees themselves as in the service of those they lead.
Part 1 – Leadership Style Preferences
Read the statements below and for each statement indicate you
Level of agreement using the scale to the right (
1. A leader should set direction without input from followers.
2.
[pic] It is an ability to use power effectively and in a responsible manner [pic] It is the ability to understand that different human beings have different motivational forces at different times and in different situations. [pic] It is also an ability to inspire people to perform towards a present objective. [pic] It is the ability to develop a climate conducive to building a positive attitude in the organization.
Research has shown that in the course of a day, the average person tries to assert their influence in at least 4 decisions (Maxwell, 24). As we mature we develop certain preferences or styles for influence and when they are constructive they can be placed in one of three categories: Autocratic or Directive style; Democratic or Supporting style; Laissez-faire or Delegating style.
The best leaders use a composite of leadership styles that flex to the individual and the situation and have come to be defined as “situational leadership” by Ken Blanchard. With behavioral repetition usually one style asserts itself above the others. This brief exercise and simple tool looks to provide you with some insight into your dominant style and its potential strengths and shortcomings. None of the styles are necessarily better than another. Rather, the situation determines the most appropriate style. For a leader it is vital to learn new skills, develop existing ones and use knowledge coupled with experience so as to benefit colleagues and achieve the overall organizational objective(s). All three styles work best when the leader sees themselves as in the service of those they lead.
Part 1 – Leadership Style Preferences
Read the statements below and for each statement indicate you
Level of agreement using the scale to the right (
1. A leader should set direction without input from followers.
2.
References: