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Leadership style test

How do you lead when it's your call? Rate 24 statements to find your main style among the six described by Daniel Goleman, and when each style helps or hurts a team.

Your answers are scored in this tab. Nothing is uploaded, saved, or sent anywhere.

How well does each statement describe you? Answer as you usually are, not as you would like to be.

  1. I like to paint a clear picture of where we're heading and why it matters.

  2. I enjoy helping people discover their strengths and grow.

  3. Keeping the team happy and connected comes first for me.

  4. Before I decide, I ask everyone for their ideas.

  5. I set high standards and expect others to keep up with me.

  6. In a crisis, I take charge and tell people exactly what to do.

  7. I give people a goal and let them work out how to get there.

  8. I'd spend time teaching someone even if doing it myself were faster.

  9. When there's tension, I focus on repairing relationships before anything else.

  10. Decisions are better when the people affected have a say.

  11. If someone is slow, I'd rather take the work over myself.

  12. I expect instructions to be followed without much debate.

  13. People tell me I inspire them with big ideas.

  14. I give feedback that helps people reach their long-term goals.

  15. I praise people often and make sure they feel valued.

  16. I'd rather take longer and reach agreement than push a decision through.

  17. I lead by example: I work fast and expect the same from others.

  18. Clear rules and firm control get the best results.

  19. I explain how each person's work fits the bigger goal.

  20. I ask people what they want to achieve in their careers.

  21. I'd rather keep the peace than win an argument.

  22. I run meetings where everyone gets to speak.

  23. I get frustrated when work isn't done to my standard.

  24. When I've decided, I don't like being questioned.

0 of 24 answered

About this test

In 2000 the psychologist Daniel Goleman described six leadership styles based on research with thousands of managers: visionary, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting and commanding. The best leaders don't stick to one; they switch styles to fit the situation, as a golfer picks a club.

The statements here were written for cv.cm and are inspired by Goleman's model. Your result shows your strongest style and your scores for all six. You don't need a manager's title to use it: leading a project, a club or a group of friends counts.

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FAQ

What are the six leadership styles?

Visionary (sets a direction and lets people find the way), coaching (develops people), affiliative (puts people and harmony first), democratic (builds agreement), pacesetting (sets high standards by example) and commanding (gives clear orders).

Which leadership style is best?

Goleman's research found that visionary, coaching, affiliative and democratic styles usually improve a team's climate, while pacesetting and commanding work in short bursts, such as a crisis or a skilled team on a deadline, but wear people down if overused.

I'm not a manager. Is this test for me?

Yes. Answer as you act when you lead anything: a school project, a team at work, an event or a trip with friends.

How can I widen my range?

Pick the style you scored lowest that would help your team, and try it on purpose for a few weeks: for example, ask for ideas before you decide, or set aside time to coach one person.