Download What is your Leadership Quotient?

What is your Leadership Quotient?
Do other people see you as a leader? They probably did before you started your own
business. It’s easy to disappear or “go underground” when your company requires
so much of your body and soul. But keep in mind that being visible as a leader
boosts your business’s visibility, too. Stay open to ways you can shine as a leaderand give something back to the business community. Take this quiz to see whether
your leadership skills stack up-or need a brushing up.
1) Do you belong to a professional group, such as your local chamber of commerce,
and do you actively participate in its meetings?
Yes No
2) Do you take a leadership or committee position in a neighborhood or community
civic group?
Yes No
3) Do you regularly contribute articles or information to a professional newsletter
or Web site?
Yes No
4) Have you mentored or otherwise encouraged younger professionals in your
business or industry to “grow into” a leadership role?
Yes No
5) If you have to renege on a volunteer commitment, do you attempt to find
someone else to make good on it before it’s too late?
Yes No
What Is Your Leadership Quotient?
Did you answer mostly YES?
You don’t need this quiz to know you’re a leader. You practice leadership every day.
Chances are you read as much as you can about other leaders and managers
extraordinaire. Keep in mind that leading by example is typically the most effective
and impressive form of leadership. And continue to seek out opportunities to
develop leadership potential in younger professionals. Sometimes they can help you
and your business even more than you help them!
Did you answer YES and NO equally?
The leadership opportunities are out there, you know it, and you know you’re
capable. Stepping up to the plate is a different matter, however. You may not be able
to “do it all,” but there’s probably a good starting point-that article you’ve been
meaning to write or that professional committee that’s lacked a chair for too long.
Find a need and fill it. That’s what leaders do.
Did you answer mostly NO?
Hey! Are you finding reasons not to be a leader? The excuse of “a busy business” will
only get you so far. Stop hiding your light under the biblical bushel basket. Think
about the times BYB (before your business) when you were a good leader-your ball
team’s manager or coach, the parent-teacher organization you led. Then ask yourself
what it will take to reawaken your leadership skills and aspirations. Will a little
lecture on time management help? A refresher course in public speaking? Guess
what: being a good leader is good for business, too?
SCORE “mentors to America’s Small Business” is your small business resource. Ask
SCORE today. And, get a business mentor on your team. Counseling is free and
confidential.