Leadership

8. Know Yourself

Leadership skills are a mixture of natural talents and learned technique. Explore your own approaches and attitudes, play to your strengths and avoid - or work to improve - your weaker points.

8.1 How good are you at working with other people?

• Can you gain the respect and support of others?
• Can you fire them up with your enthusiasm, energy and vision?

8.2 How decisive are you?

• Is your decision-making approach right for the circumstances (see 6)?

8.3 Is your imagination a leadership asset?

• Is the detail and clarity of your vision an inspiration to your employees?

8.4 Is your analytical ability a key strength?

8.5 Do you have the energy and drive to work hard and see jobs through to completion?

• If you accept nothing but the best, people will take their cue from you.

8.6 Are you realistic enough to bring in other people to cover your back?

• You can benefit by working with others who are not like you.

8.7 Are you prepared to learn from other people's experiences?

8.8 Do people have faith in your integrity?

• A good leader is open and flexible in approaching problems, but unwavering about values.
• You must embody the company vision in your own behaviour.