Leadership Styles Quiz

/12

How are decisions made in your group?

Everyone is empowered to make decisions if they serve our goals.

I have the final say over decisions made within my group.

I let group members make their own decisions.

I make the final decision, but I accept a lot of input from my team.

/12

Do you consider suggestions made by others in the group?

Yes—group participation and full commitment is essential.

All the time! I tend to rely on the group to decide our direction.

Rarely. I don't have time to worry about other people's ideas.

Sure, but I retain the final say over major decisions.

/12

How do you tend to give orders to others?

I tell group members what to do, how to do it, and when I want it done.

I don't really like to give orders. I just let people do their thing.

I provide direction, but also offer support and accept feedback from the team.

I give orders, but always ensure the team knows the purpose of those orders.

/12

What are the ideal next steps when a group member makes a mistake?

They need to be reprimanded and, if necessary, punished.

They can figure out how to resolve it on their own.

They need supportive feedback and additional guidance.

They learn from the mistake and end up stronger for it.

/12

How much do you monitor members of your group?

I maintain regular communication to make sure everyone is feeling valued and productive.

I carefully watch them to make sure they are performing tasks properly.

I check in once in a while and let them know I'm available if they need help.

I leave them alone. They usually know more about their job than I do.

/12

Which best describes your approach to motivating team members?

People are more motivated when they feel involved and valued.

I find ways to inspire my team to keep them fully engaged.

I'm not a life coach. People should be able to motivate themselves.

People are most motivated by clear rewards and punishments.

/12

Group members are most motivated by...

A need for independence.

A need to reach goals.

A need for participation.

A need for security.

/12

When things go wrong, how do you tend to respond?

I like to ask others for help with ideas and solutions.

I look for ways that failure can inspire positive transformation.

I prefer to figure things out on my own.

I expect others to solve the problem. I'm only one person after all.

/12

How do you want the people in your group to feel about their role?

Like they are always involved in things and can add something to the group.

Like they are fully in control of their own work.

Like they have a clear list of tasks that need to be accomplished.

Like they are inspired to contribute to the bigger picture.

/12

Leaders can succeed by:

Making sure everyone is contributing.

Stimulating participation toward a shared goal.

Giving clear orders.

Leaving people alone to do their thing.

/12

The best decisions...

Are made by combining everyone's ideas to reach a consensus.

Are made in service of the team's overall mission.

Are made by the people in the trenches doing the work.

Are made by a strong leader who projects confidence.

/12

How do you assign duties to your team?

I give very direct instructions, expectations, and a daily to-do list.

I don't set specific expectations—I trust things will get done.

I match everyone's role to the tasks that will inspire them the most.

I let members of the team know what needs to be done.

Sign Up for Verywell Mind's Daily Newsletter

Get daily self-care tips, exclusive meditations, and can’t-miss stories delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

Please fix the errors below and submit again

Email*

You're an Autocratic Leader

Your primary leadership style is autocratic or authoritarian. You like to be in control and always provide clear expectations for the group. This style works best when there is little time for group decision-making or when you are best-equipped for the task at hand. Take care not to bully or micromanage your team.

Leadership doesn't come easy to everyone. If you find yourself in a position to lead, reflect on what works best both for you and your team. If you maintain open lines of communication, you will figure out the most successful way for you to lead.

You can always change and improve how you lead. Find out more about the impact of leadership both in and out of the workplace:

Pros and Cons of Autocratic Leadership
The Great Man Theory of Leadership
The Value of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
10 Ways to Be a Better Leader

If you feel like your leadership style is negatively affecting your work relationships and team productivity, know that you are not alone. It's not easy being a leader, but if you can get a handle on your strengths and weaknesses, your team will be better for it. Remember, the most effective leadership utilizes different styles to match different situations.

You're a Democratic Leader

Your primary leadership style is democratic or participative. You accept input from your team when solving problems or making decisions, which can help them stay involved and motivated. This style works best when everyone understands their role and the overall objectives of the group. Watch out for groupthink.

Leadership doesn't come easy to everyone. If you find yourself in a position to lead, reflect on what works best both for you and your team. If you maintain open lines of communication, you will figure out the most successful way for you to lead.

You can always change and improve how you lead. Find out more about the impact of leadership both in and out of the workplace:

Pros and Cons of Democratic Leadership
Identifying Groupthink
The Value of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
10 Ways to Be a Better Leader

If you feel like your leadership style is negatively affecting your work relationships and team productivity, know that you are not alone. It's not easy being a leader, but if you can get a handle on your strengths and weaknesses, your team will be better for it. Remember, the most effective leadership utilizes different styles to match different situations.

You're a Delegative Leader

Your primary leadership style is delegative, aka laissez-faire. You prefer to delegate tasks to trustworthy and knowledgeable team members. You can't be an expert in all situations, and it's important for you to know your limitations and let your team do what they do best.

Leadership doesn't come easy to everyone. If you find yourself in a position to lead, reflect on what works best both for you and your team. If you maintain open lines of communication, you will figure out the most successful way for you to lead.

You can always change and improve how you lead. Find out more about the impact of leadership both in and out of the workplace:

Laissez-Faire Leadership in a Nutshell
How Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The Value of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
10 Ways to Be a Better Leader

If you feel like your leadership style is negatively affecting your work relationships and team productivity, know that you are not alone. It's not easy being a leader, but if you can get a handle on your strengths and weaknesses, your team will be better for it. Remember, the most effective leadership utilizes different styles to match different situations.

You're a Transformative Leader

Your primary leadership style is transformational. Your goal is to create a dynamic, open, and engaging work environment where everyone in the group is inspired to work toward a common goal while achieving personal growth. Beware of burnout.

Leadership doesn't come easy to everyone. If you find yourself in a position to lead, reflect on what works best both for you and your team. If you maintain open lines of communication, you will figure out the most successful way for you to lead.

You can always change and improve how you lead. Find out more about the impact of leadership both in and out of the workplace:

How to Be Transformational
Motivation 101
The Value of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
10 Ways to Be a Better Leader

If you feel like your leadership style is negatively affecting your work relationships and team productivity, know that you are not alone. It's not easy being a leader, but if you can get a handle on your strengths and weaknesses, your team will be better for it. Remember, the most effective leadership utilizes different styles to match different situations.