Self-Assessment: Lewin’s management style

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Self-Assessment: Lewin’s management style

The style you adopt when managing your team is normally a result of your experience, the culture, your personality style, values and beliefs.

Complete the quiz below to find your natural style. Grab some pen and paper and decide whether you are A, B or C. At the end you need to total your score to establish your dominant leadership style.

Self Assessment Quiz

1) When making a decision do I...

A) Make the decision and communicate

B) Bring together the experts and discuss options and then make the best decision

C) Allow others to make the decisions based on their expertise

2) I trust my team members...

A) All of the time, I believe everyone wants to their best

B) Rarely, I find I have to keep pushing and driving them

C) I try to lead with trust but sometimes people let me down

3) When there is conflict I...

A) Bring people together to talk through the issues to find a solution

B) Focus on the goals and what is really important

C) Let people work it out themselves

4) The best way to achieve our goals is to...

A) Create the vision and mission and then empower others to do their best work

B) Lead from the front, communicating what needs to be done and when

C) Allow people to set their own goals and deliver

5) Poor performance should be...

A) Dealt with through disciplinary, punishment or removal of perks

B) Giving feedback and setting expectations, but working through solutions together

C) Left for people to work it out themselves and find their own way

6) Great leadership is...

A) When leaders are experts and know what to do

B) When leaders are humble and understand that other people in the team may have the answers

C) When leaders allow their team to work in a way that suits them, with space and autonomy

7) My approach to managing day to day is...

A) To keep on top of the work, closely monitoring tasks and procedures

B) Being the ultimate decision maker but allowing others to find the answers

C) Be present but give people the space. They will find me if they need me.

Reveal the Answers

	A	B	C
When making a decision I…	1	2	3
I trust my team members …	3	1	2
When there is conflict I…	2	1	3
The best way to achieve our goals is to ...	2	1	3
Poor performance should be…	1	2	3
Great leadership is …	1	2	3
My approach to managing day to day is …	1	2	3

Results

7-10: Autocratic

The autocratic leader prefers to make decisions and to stay in control. This approach works well when there is a clear process that needs to be followed or when somebody is new to the team and needs more direct management as they develop. Often in autocratic cultures we see little ownership and accountability as people look upwards for decisions and solutions. There is an element of fear in autocratic management styles as the power, control and punishment lies with the manager. Often low trust creates disengagement, lack of loyalty and higher stress levels.

In summary: Leads for the top. Tells, directs and makes decisions. Rarely involves or discusses and prefers a top-down approach.

11-16: Democratic/Participative

The Democratic leader assumes the responsibility to set the goals and objectives for the team, but actively involves the team in agreeing how they will achieve them. This leader understands that others have valuable insight and expertise and can help to consult and involve them in solution finding. There is healthy conflict and high trust as people debate and challenge each other to find the best solutions.

In summary: Sets the goals and enjoys team participation and discussions, but makes the final decision. Understands others have great ideas.

17-21: Laissez-Faire/Delegating

Leaders empower the team to make decisions based on their insights and expertise. It is more servant leader culture. This works well in environments where everybody is highly skilled and motivated. However, those who need more assistance may find you aloof and distant.

Understanding your natural style will help you to adapt your style to meet the needs of the person and the situation. All styles have their benefits when applied to the right scenario. As a manager it is your responsibility to adapt to ensure that your people are able to perform at their best.

In summary: Delegating. Sees roles as a guide, facilitator. Allows the team of experts to find their own solutions and ideas.

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Self-Assessment: Lewin’s management style

Reveal the Answers

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