Student Organizations Academy 2014 Leadership Styles Session 2 1:00-1:50pm Molly Dugan Assistant Director for Leadership & Orientation Office of Student Involvement

The Assessment In each of the rows, there are four terms. Consider how well each of them describes you. Rank the terms in each row in the order of 1 (Least Like You) up to 4 (Most Like You). The boxes should be numbered 1 to 4 in each row so that in each row you have a 1, 2, 3, and 4. Example:

The Assessment Once you have numbered every box, total each of the columns. You will have a total for column A, column B, column C, and Column D. These four numbers should add up to 100. (If they don’t, double check that you only used 1-4 one time in each row.) One the back page, put these four numbers in the corresponding boxes.

Squiggly Lines: Idea People Leads by inspiring Plays, Projects, Persuades Characteristics: Creative, lots of energy and enthusiasm, flexible, outgoing, persuasive Most effective in situations that require motivating others towards innovation and creativity but do not require high structure. “I just got this great idea!”

Squiggly Lines: Idea People Others may see squiggly lines as flaky, unable to finish a project, easily bored, or unpredictable. Least effective in urgent situations or in situations where long-term planning is required. Ways to improve: think before you speak/act, slow down and pay attention to details, focus on the task at hand, and pay attention to the impact you have on others.

Triangles: Results People Leads by taking charge Presides, Produces, Persists Characteristics: Results oriented, self-sufficient, focused on achieving goals, problem solver, confident, decisive Most effective in situations in which clear, bold actions or quick decisions are required. “So what’s your point?”

Triangles: Results People Others may see triangles as distant, annoyed, competitive, outspoken, or impatient. Least effective in situations requiring collaboration or those requiring tact and sensitivity to others’ feelings. Ways to improve: slow down, develop more interest in the opinions of others, have fun just for the sake of it, pay attention to the impact you have on others.

Circles: People People Leads through Group Harmony Compromise, Cooperation, Consideration Characteristics: peacemaker, steady, dependable, practical, fun-loving, empathetic, caregivers, strong at communication and listening Most effective in situations requiring patience, calm, and care but not those that rely on a hierarchy. “I’ll do it—somebody had to!”

Circles: People People Others may see circles as easily swayed, too nice, unable to say no (and becomes overcommitted), indecisive, cautious/passive Least effective in situations in which the need to take charge of others is crucial or those requiring quick adjustments. Ways to improve: learn how to say no (and mean it!), worry less about what others think and do, hold others accountable, learn how to make unpopular decisions when necessary

Squares: Details People Leads by careful planning Data, Details, Delineation Characteristics: thorough, systematic, loyal, perfectionist, insightful, logical, organized, hard workers/task oriented, analytical Most effective in situations calling for long-term planning, accuracy, and objective analysis. “Give me a job and I’ll get it done!”

Squares: Details People Others may see squares as unsociable, inflexible (change is tough), stubborn, unreasonable, rigid Least effective in situations requiring quick decision-making or flexibility Ways to improve: be less picky with others, allow yourself to make mistakes, learn to make decisions with less data, take a few risks/act spontaneously, create a regular routine

In Your Shape Groups: What is true about your shape? What’s a “big fat lie” about your shape? What are tips for successfully working with your shape? Come up with a motto (or theme song) and TV show to best describe your shape. Why is this important/significant in a leadership setting?

Wrap-up Why is it important to understand our own leadership styles? The styles of others? How can you use this to positively impact your organization?