1. I prefer to spend time working on a project rather than give up time to network
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Talent alone will not advance your career. You need a network. A network will help you to deal with both large and small challenges. If it is difficult to attend an evening event when you would rather be at home having dinner with your family attend lunch time and early morning events. When networking keep in mind that you may not meet someone who you can help immediately or someone who can be a resource to you immediately, but you must build your network before you need it or it needs you. |
2. I spend much of my work day talking to colleagues in my office
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
3. I have too much work and not enough time to get everything done
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
To be a successful leader you can not do it all, but the work must get done and done well. You must learn to trust your team and be able to delegate. The key to delegating is ensuring that you have members on your team with the skills to handle the tasks you give them. You also need to be able to help them identify the resources which will help them to help you succeed. |
4. I would rather not delegate certain aspects of my job, because I do not want to give someone else the opportunity to take my position
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
To be a successful leader you can not do it all, but the work must get done and done well. You must learn to trust your team and be able to delegate. The key to delegating is ensuring that you have members on your team with the skills to handle the tasks you give them. You also need to be able to help them identify the resources which will help them to help you succeed. |
5. I prefer to rely on my own skills and abilities to ensure a good project
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
To be a successful leader you can not do it all, but the work must get done and done well. You must learn to trust your team and be able to delegate. The key to delegating is ensuring that you have members on your team with the skills to handle the tasks you give them. You also need to be able to help them identify the resources which will help them to help you succeed. |
6. I delegate as often as possible and trust my people can do the job and do not interfere
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Leaders delegate not only to free up their time to focus on the things which require their strengths, but also to allow others to gain experience and to use their talents. |
7. I spend time on personal growth and professional development learning
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Leaders must be committed to life long learning. Commit to building learning into your wake-up time, your drive time, waiting time and relaxation time. Use online resources like TED, iLearningGlobal.tv and audio recordings. Read and listen to books and pod casts to help you gain new ideas and insights or for reminders of past information. Listen as you get dressed. Use the gaps in your day to gain new information. Learn more every day without having to make time for it. |
8. I turn to corporate policy to handle all personnel issues
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
You may need to brush up on your interpersonal skills and learn how to motivate and inspire those you work with. |
9. I prefer to avoid conflict
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
As a leader conflict is inevitable. Communication skills are key to successful conflict resolution. |
10. If an employee appears to have an irrational response to an apparently insignificant problem I suggest that they get over the problem and get on with their work
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
11. If I disagree with my boss’s idea in a meeting I prefer not to say anything because it is not a good idea to disagree with someone who may hold the keys to you career advancement
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
12. I know the unspoken rules in my department and throughout the organization
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
In order to get your ideas heard, to collaborate with other departments and successfully complete projects you must understand the unspoken rules. If you have ever had an idea stalled or hit road blocks without explanation it may be because you did not understand the unspoken rules of how to get things done. In every organization there are organization rules and the rules on how to really get things done. Learn and understand both. |
13. I have developed a strong corporate network
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Your chances of being chosen for an important project or for getting the next open leadership position will come more easily and quickly if people know you because of a relationship you have developed with them. More than eighty percent of available positions are found through the hidden job market. To successful access them you most network. |
14. I suggest new ideas if I have thought them through completely and know that others will agree
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
15. My ideas are usually shot down, but when someone else presents the same idea my team thinks it is a great idea
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
If you have ever been in a meeting and presented an idea only to be shot down or ignored, then hear someone else present the same idea only to have the majority agree that it is a great idea, it could be that you did not present your idea clearly. If you presented a thought or a sentence it probably was not received as a solution. Be strategic in your presentation – an idea followed by supporting information accompanied with insight and then a recommendation or suggestion. |
16. Strategic thinking is reserved for executives in the C-suite
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
17. When asked to do something beyond my ability I surround my self with people who can give me the information and help me to develop the skills I need to get the job done.
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
You don’t have to know all of the answers but you do have to know where to find them. Leaders know when to ask for help. They are clear about their strengths and surround themselves with those who have expertise where they don’t. Leaders know that you can not succeed alone. |
18. Understanding cultural differences is important
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
19. I am willing to take on additional responsibilities in order to learn more to advance my career
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Your next leadership position depends on you having demonstrated that you have the ability to handle the responsibility. If you are someone who is uncomfortable in challenging situations force yourself to step beyond your comfort zone. Take on a small project which requires you to develop a new skill, learn about a new concept or develop new relationships. |
20. I am willing to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone regularly
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Your next leadership position depends on you having demonstrated that you have the ability to handle the responsibility. If you are someone who is uncomfortable in challenging situations force yourself to step beyond your comfort zone. Take on a small project which requires you to develop a new skill, learn about a new concept or develop new relationships. |
21. I am willing to learn to use new technology and deal with the glitches
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
22. I am willing to travel the world to build relationships and conduct business
|
|
Yes
|
|
No
|
|
