In order to be an effective leader, it is always very helpful to pause, reflect, and take an inventory of one’s skills and effectiveness. The leadership questionnaires presented in the text (Northouse, 2019) were useful tools with which to do this and provided a well rounded picture.
The Leadership Trait Questionnaire (pg. 37) results were not surprising. I did note that others rate me higher in the areas of self-confidence, self-assuredness, and being outgoing. However, I am, by personality trait, quite shy and reticent. I have had to learn to grow in these areas over the years and take risks in social settings. I am now able to portray self confidence and assuredness in a leadership setting, but these are not primary traits of mine.
The Skills Inventory (pg. 67)indicated that I have strengths in both human and technical abilities and am lower in my conceptual leadership. Thus, I would be suited as a strong supervisory manager, or a growing middle manager. I struggled with this initially, as I have held senior administration positions and would like to do so again, but the results indicated that I do not have the conceptual understanding to be able to do so. However, I have already identified that leading with vision is an area that I need to grow in. I do believe I have developed skills and abilities in this area, and though it is not a strength for me as yet, I am growing in my ability to see the big picture and create a broader vision for the organization.
Finally, the Leadership Behaviour Questionnaire (pg. 89)indicated I had strengths in both task completion and relationship. When I plotted my score on the Leadership Grid, I fell between a Country Club Manager and a Team Manager (Northouse, 2019, pg. 77), with traits more closely aligned to a Team Manager. This encourages me, as in my leadership journey to date, I have really tried to be intentional about creating a team environment, pulling out the strengths of staff members, providing a safe place for growth, while also completing tasks and objectives efficiently. I believe that with continued growth and intentionality in developing my conceptualizing traits, I will be able to be even more effective in this team environment, as we work towards a common vision.
Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.