[Archived] Course 4. Foundational Leadership Principles: (Discussion #1) Understanding your Leadership Style
Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 4, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and follow the instructions given. Save your responses to a document that you can later refer to. You will need to copy/paste your response in the course evaluation form at the end of each course to show that you have done the work and to refresh your memory.
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Hello everyone,
If you are reading this, it means you have come a long way in your leadership training. Kudos to you for all the effort and resilience you have shown! It is amazing how you all are open to learning and adapting to new environments: the environment of leadership!
Before we zoom in and talk more about learning and adapting, lets zoom back out first and talk about how you feel about leadership. Regardless of how you see yourself, there is a leader within you. The one who visualizes how things could have run in a better way if you were in the leading spot. Leading spot here means:
A desire for change;
Believing you got the abilities to make it happen;
Visualizing success while keeping in mind the bigger picture.
To lead others effectively, you need a good blend of 4 broad competencies area
If you have a surplus amount of knowledge on how to lead but not a good emotional quotient (EQ), you will find it hard to tackle leadership challenges. Having a good EQ is as important as having the right skills, and if you have skills but not the right attitude and values, you won't be able to achieve your full potential as a leader. Your attitude and values impact how others view you as a leader. We need an alignment in all 4 areas.
You have your very own leadership style based on your competency level. So, the next step is to label your original leadership style. Because you can switch to any leadership style with deliberate effort, thought, and adaptation.
Daniel Goleman categorizes leadership approaches in 6 broad styles. Authoritative, Coaching, Affiliative, and Democratic help one to promote harmony and positive outcomes while Coercive and Pacesetting styles of leadership need to be used in specific situations as they could cause tension.
Your original style could be one of them. So for the purpose of this course, we are going to use a leadership style test to help you identify your core competencies. In brief, we are using the test here to help you identify your leadership approach. So, when you know how you approach an event, you could think and put efforts to bring a change in it. It will allow you to polish your strengths and focus to improve in other different areas as well.
Lets get started!
- Please take the leadership style test here: https://www.energir.com/blogue/en/at-work/quiz-what-kind-of-leader-are-you/
Next step, below in the comments of this discussion, share
1. What is your leadership style?
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
4. Please reply to 3 of your peers in this thread!
After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here! You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these posts to successfully complete the program.
This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here.
1. What is your leadership style?
Communicating Vision 91
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
I learned that I'm a very blunt person. I say what I need to say when it needs to be said and the way I get it across can come off as blunt, but caring and considerate.
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
As a manager currently, I realize that I'm quite laid back. I feel like working on my professionalism and upkeep of the store itself would really benefit both my employees and I.
@smolecho
Hello! How are you, great leader?
I just said out loud (literally), "Eu, me encanta tu respuesta", which means "Hey, I love your answer". So, congratulations for that awesome answer and for the amazing person who wrote it!
@smolecho
Great !!! I will say I am the type of person who is also blunt in real life which is sometimes good and sometimes not so good and in work places being blunt well it can go badly depending on the person you are being blunt with.. I do believe in being truthful and honest and to a degree of being blunt at times when your point is not getting across to someone after many attempts and trys .
Thanks for sharing !!
Tye
@smolecho
Good answer
@smolecho Being blunt can be a strength in leadership
@CheeryMango I agree!
@smolecho
Great work with answers, smolecho Being blunt is also very important in serious and emergency situations.
@smolecho
good job! :) Glad to see you on the journey to leadership
@smolecho
That's great that you acknowledge being laid back. It might keep employees at ease, but yes, some degree of assertiveness from time to time is good as well.
@smolecho
Great job on answering these questions, happy to read!
@smolecho Your communication score is awesome! I hope I can get that score some day :)
@smolecho
You have such a high communication score, that's great!
@smolecho I think it's really awesome how you are aware that you are blunt. I know people think being blunt can be a bad thing, but I think it's all about how you say things. Great job!
@smolecho that sounds good!!
@smolecho Amazing info! Thanks for your participation!
@smolecho
Thats a fine articulation.
@smolecho
Great Response!
@smolecho awesome!
Being blunt is sometimes very much needed. But then again, I guess that it depends on situation to situations. What do you think?
@smolecho
Wow! It's good to blunt sometimes! I am trying to be more blunt than just beating around the bush to be more effective so props to you!
@smolecho
Wow! communicating vison is really a unique skill.
@smolecho
Awesome, sincere and knowledgeable communication can help people to understand things better and to obtain a better result
@smolecho
sincere and knowledgeable communication can help people to understand things better and to obtain a better result
@smolecho Very interesting!
@smolecho
Sometimes being straightforward can come across as being blunt and non-caring. I understand tat you are compassionate and caring... It's just people tend to judge. I have experience the same.
- @smolecho
i love the answer you gave to these questions
- lena
@smolecho
I like your self-reflection! Sometimes we have to be (for a lack of better words) a hard-ass and I'm glad that you realised that <3
@Heather225
Hello! How are you?
My leadership style is "Communicating Vision"
I learned that I use communication in an useful, helpful way.
I want to improve and maximize everything! It would be highly beneficial.
@Daf8 Great replies !! I love the hearts too !! lol You are such a sweet person !!! Thank you for sharing .. !! Keep up the awesome work !!
Tye
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Thank you so much! It means a lot. Keep you up! All your kindness and sweetness make you amazing.
@Daf8 You are most welcome !!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Thank you, really
@Daf8
Interesting
@azuladragon34
Thank you so much!
@Daf8 I agree that communication is an essential tool in being a leader
@CheeryMango
Exactly! Thank you
@Daf8 I love the hearts! 
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@MistyMagic
Thank you! *Sends more hearts*
@Daf8
I agree. I want to strive to become better in all areas when it comes to being a leader.
@Daf8
Good to hear , excellent communication skills go a long way for a successful leader .
@blissart @PeaceLoveandPaws
Thank you both for your kind words! I highly appreciate it
@Daf8
Love your answers!! Proud of you for using communication in a helpful way! <3
@positivePumpkin22
Thank you! I'm proud of you for your kindness
@Daf8
That's great that your a maximizer. I can feel the optimism in your words!
@SynSavory
Thank you! I can feel the kindness in you
@Daf8
Niceeee *Hugs*
Good job, my friend!
@WatchingOverYou
Just like you, truly
@Daf8
It's great that you use communication in a useful way!
@bookworm274
Thank you for your kindness! It means a lot.
@Daf8
That's awesome Daf.
@PeaceLoveandPaws
Just like you! Thank you for your kindness.
@Daf8 Amazing info! Thanks for your participation!
@Anexmos
And thank you for your kind, appreciative words, amazing person!
@Daf8
Quite precise and neat answers.!
@wishfulMoment42
Thank you for your kindness and appreciation, amazing person!
@Daf8
Great Reply Daf!
@kieran000
Thank you, amazing one!
Done ✔️
@Daf8
Absolutely true
My kind of ans
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style? Communicating Vision 91
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
That I invision a clear direction for the company and I motivate people keeping them excited.I have Charisma that makes people feel their ideas are worthwhile. Helps people to achieve goals.
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon? - To not expect people to do everything perfect because there is no perfect.. Not be hard on myself .
4. Please reply to 3 of your peers in this thread!
Will do !!
Tye
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
That's really awesome! And it's selfless, too. You are admirable!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 Yes my charismatic butterfly! 
I love your answers!
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
You are so kind, supportive, and patient. Since I started my listening journey, you've been a great source of support and an example to emulate.
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 Not being hard on yourself is a tough one. I found that those questions were hard for me to answer! We can be so tough on ourselves. <3
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Great answers, Tye You have good leadership skills I really like your answers to the third question
@shiningSound31 Thank you so much for your kind words..
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
yes, it's true that no one is perfect!!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Very interesting!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Your communication score is so high, that's amazing!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 I have to learn to not be hard on myself too. Great answer!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Cool! You'll Make a good leader
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
It was interesting to learn about your leadership style :)
I also very much enjoyed reading about what you wished to improve upon, and I think I too would take benefit from not expecting perfection from myslef and those around me.
I have learnt from you today, and hope you are not too hard on yourself. Best of luck on your LDP Journey!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
yes! It's important to not be so hard on yourself so you can motivate yourself to do better
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Great self reflection!
Good answer
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
i love your replies to these questions
- lena
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style?: Communicating Vision 67
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?: I am likely able to envision a clear direction for my company and communicate my plans in a way that excites others. This is an essential skill, because employees will be much more willing to achieve a goal if they are passionate about it. Remember that the manner in which I communicate my vision is essential. For instance, if I present my ideas to others in a confident manner, they will likely go over more easily. People who excel in this area are innovative visionaries who are confident in their ability to persuade and convince others. They consider it essential to make those they lead aware of, as well as part of, their vision.
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?: My negativity as it brings me down as well as trusting others
@azuladragon34 Great Reply and seeing what you need to work on...!! It is hard to trust people I struggle with this too.
@azuladragon34
Congratulations! Your communication skills and self-awareness make you amazing
@azuladragon34 It's great that you are able to communicate your ideas clearly
@azuladragon34 Dragon I enjoyed reading that as we are similar and both Communicating Visions!
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@azuladragon34
I really appreciate your honesty in this answer. You got really vulnerable and truthful! <3 You should be proud of all the great work you've done!
@azuladragon34
Very honest answers, azula I wish you the Best I really love your honesty. It is also admirable that you know your weaknesses (i.e., negativity) and have a keen desire to improve yourself upon it.
@azuladragon34 Same score. It's so true that sometimes we rather take the work ourselves than handling it to others.
@azuladragon34 Amazing info! Thanks for your participation!
@azuladragon34 That is a very good quality you have there. Presenting the plans and ensuring that the other person understands it well and is ready to work for it, is a really amazing thing! Good luck to you in your LDP journey! ❤
@azuladragon34
Yeah, I understand, it can be hard to trust people sometimes!
Well done
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style?
Communicating Vision 41
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
I learned that it is hard for me to communicate my ideas in a way that will spark interest for others
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
I want to be more confident in what I am presenting to others
@CheeryMango Great replies and I believe in you !!
Communicating Vision 97
According to your answers, you are able to envision a clear direction for your company and communicate your plans in a way that excites others. You seem to have the level of charisma needed to convince people that your ideas are worthwhile. This is an essential skill, because employees will be much more willing to achieve a goal if they are passionate about it. People who excel in this area are innovative visionaries who are confident in their ability to persuade and convince others. They consider it essential to make those they lead aware of, as well as part of, their vision.
How interesting that so far everyone is Communicating Vision!?
It sounds pretty nice doesn't it?
I learned that my motivational skills are key to my leadership roles. Everyone needs to be inspired!
I would like to improve my timing, I need to pause as I feel that sometimes my energetic attitude can overwhelm.
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@MistyMagic Loved your reponse and I leep seeing that you are hard on yourself ...don't be you do an amazing work here
@MistyMagic
You've been a great source of inspiration and encouragement for me! Thank you.
@MistyMagic
awesome description and am sure it holds absolutely true for u . Good motivational qualities
@MistyMagic Wow Misty! That's insightful. Getting timing right can be really tough. What a great reflection!
@MistyMagic
Great, it seems like you discovered new things about yourself taking this test! Such a nice goal to improve your timing and sometimes step back. However, I think that as the results show your motivation skills and energic attitude is what make people around you excel at their work as you spread positivity around you! :)
PS: I think that everyone gets Communicating vision but the number (level) differs
@MistyMagic
Beautiful response :) You're a wonderful, inspiring leader, no doubt :)
@MistyMagic
Great Response!
@MistyMagic
Great response! Thankyou for sharing :)
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style? Comunicating Vision! I'm sensing a common theme!
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself? I leaned that I am good at getting others motivated and involved.
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon? Going back to course 2, I would like to improve in providing effective feedback.
@PeaceLoveandPaws
Great quality of motivating others, essential for a good leader. Good to be aware of shortcoming and making efforts to improve on . Best wishes
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style?
Communicating Vision 80
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
that i am an innovative visionary
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
to take it easy at times when things get crazy
@blissart
Innovative visionary sounds great!! Yes, I agree with you, sometime we need to slow our pace when things get too hectic.
@blissart
That's great that you are willing to face yourself during times of duress. That's a great skillset to have!
@blissart
Yes! It's important to take time to take a breather when you feel overwhelmed
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style?
Communicating vision :)
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
That I have the ability to " communicate your plans in a way that excites others." I know that I am a good communicator, and that I'm a good encourager, but I never thought I could "excite others"! :)
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
Probably how to best utilize this skill to excite and motivate others :)
@CompassionateDreamer8522
Proud of you for recognising your skills and areas of improvement! <3
@CompassionateDreamer8522 I hope you can keep growing your strength of motivating others! <3
@CompassionateDreamer8522
I was shocked when I saw that I "excite" others too. I was like oh okay that's new!
@Heather225
1. What is your leadership style?
communication visionary - 70
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself?
i learned that i work best communicating my ideas to my team. i want all my team members to have clear idea about our goals and aims.
3. What is one thing you would like to improve upon?
i want to improve my stress-tolerance and organisation skills
@positivePumpkin22 I want to improve my stress tolerance too! I would be happy to chat about it if you want. <3
@JaimieF sure! I would love to!
@positivePumpkin22 sounds great!
@positivePumpkin22
Enjoyed reading your take on the questions.
Yeah.. while in a corporate job or any job for that matter, a person ends up with a whole lot of pressure. Handling it well is very important. I believe this is something even I need to learn. Good luck to you! ❤