Student Organizations Academy 2014

Leadership StylesSession 2

1:00-1:50pm

Molly DuganAssistant 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?