Leadership Level Characteristics

This first section applies to your leadership in general. Please read thefollowing ten statements. Place a check mark next to each one that you agree istrue for you. Answer using your first instinct. Please do not skip anyquestions, and do not go back and change any of your responses.

Level 1

• I don't have to remind the people who work for me that I am the leader.

• I think of each person who works for me as an individual person, not just interms of his or her function or role.

• Most days I look forward to going to work.

• I recognize that the position I've been given is an opportunity to learn, notturf to be guarded.

• The people who work for me are willing to do work above and beyond their jobdescriptions.

• I know that dealing with people problems is a part of leading and haveaccepted that as part of the job.

• I possess the desire to learn more about leadership and become a betterleader.

• I think of my job in terms of work to be accomplished and give very littlefocus to career path and the positions I desire to achieve along the way.

• One of my primary objectives is to assist the people who work for me.

• Most people find it easy to work with me.

If you marked eight or more of the previous statements as true for you, then youhave probably already established yourself as a leader on Level 1 and have begunto move to the higher levels. Move on to the next section of the test. However,if you checked fewer than eight, then you have probably not yet mastered Level1, and this is where you will probably begin your work in personal leadershipdevelopment. Why? Because you are only as good as the lowest level you'vemastered.

Level 2

• People outside of my department or area of responsibility respect my opinionsand frequently seek me out for advice.

• I know my strengths and weaknesses and rarely get blindsided in my work.

• I genuinely like most people and want to help them.

• I am very consistent and even-tempered in my interaction with the people whowork for me.

• When I say something to the people on my team, they always know they can counton it because I am trustworthy.

• I have developed solid relationships with all of the people who work for me.

• The people who work with me find me likable and pleasant nearly 100 percent ofthe time.

• When I need to have a candid conversation with team members to correct errorsor take care of problems, I follow through and don't allow too much time to goby.

• I believe that employees desire more than just a fair day's pay for a fairday's work; most desire encouragement and I give it to them.

• I have developed relationships with everyone who works for me.

If you marked eight or more of the above statements as true for you, then moveon to the next section. If not, you may want to save the rest of Part 1 of thetest for later because your answers indicate that you've not yet mastered Level2 and you don't yet think like a Level 2 leader. If you do decide to completePart 1 at this time, please be aware that even if you mark eight or morestatements true in subsequent sections, you cannot be on the higher levels ofleadership because you have not yet won Level 2. This also applies as you answerthe questions in subsequent levels.

Level 3

• I consistently hit targets and goals in my work.

• Good people always want to work with me and my team.

• People see me as an expert in my field and seek me out to learn from me.

• I am constantly setting and achieving higher goals for myself, even when mysuperiors don't set them for me.

• My performance in my work often carries the team to a higher level.

• I give my best to whatever I do.

• I am comfortable with the idea that others are watching how I perform andfollow my example.

• I am known as a problem solver, and I often get difficult tasks done.

• My work is very consistent on a daily basis.

• I have systems and routines that help me perform at a very high level.

If you marked eight or more of the above statements as true for you, then moveon to the next section. If not, your answers indicate that you've not yetmastered Level 3 and you don't yet think like a Level 3 leader.

Level 4

• I schedule and follow through with training and development for all themembers of my team on a regular, consistent basis.

• When deadlines loom or work becomes urgent, we never cancel our training anddevelopment sessions.

• I consistently take risks by giving people responsibilities and authority thatwill stretch them.

• I spend a significant amount of time every month mentoring up-and-comingleaders.

• I know very thoroughly the strengths and weaknesses of all the people I lead.

• I individualize the way I train, develop, and mentor my people.

• I spend the most strategic and significant mentoring time with the people whohave the highest capacity, talent, and potential.

• I have a history of moving people from position to position to help find theirfit.

• I am continually giving people feedback, not just during formal reviews.

• My team or department is considered by others to be the best trained (or oneof the best) in the organization.

If you marked eight or more of the above statements as true for you, then moveon to the next section. If not, your answers indicate that you've not yetmastered Level 4 and you don't yet think like a Level 4 leader.

Level 5

• I can name several specific people whom I have encouraged to speak hard truthsto me, and they do so regularly.

• I am using my influence to instill values in my organization.

• The course of my organization is set by me or by a team of which I am a part.

• I have developed many leaders who are developers of leaders.

• I enjoy the interaction and friendship of a small circle of leaders with whomI am taking the leadership journey.

• I am still at the top of my game, and the positive impact I am making isstrong.

• I can name at least one person who would be ready to step in and take my placeshould I decide to leave my current position.

• I have influence outside of my organization.

• People from outside of my specific industry seek me out for leadership advice.

• I am using my influence and resources for causes greater than myself or myorganization.

In leadership, you are only as good as the lowest level you've mastered. So Ijust want to remind you that even if you scored highly in one of the higherlevels, if you scored poorly on a lower level, your leadership is actually onthat lower level. That is where you will need to give your attention whenworking with people to improve your leadership ability.

Individual Team Member Assessment—Leader's Point of View

For each person you oversee directly (direct reports), please answer yes or noto the questions on the following worksheet. (Be sure to complete Part 2 beforemoving on to Part...