What Type of Leader Are You?

TheLocal.com, an English-language news network in Europe, recently reported that a driver and gardener employed through Spain’s local General Confederation of Labor union had been collecting pay without going to work for 15 years.

The town’s human resources department opened an investigation into the situation after they discovered the two failed to show up for a single day of work in 2015 or 2016.  When questioned, the two employees admitted they had not gone into work, but contended they were simply taking their accumulated vacation days, as stipulated under union rules.

I must admit that when I read this article I chuckled, but upon further reflection, it’s no laughing matter.  It speaks to a complete lack of leadership, presence, awareness and responsibility on behalf of the supervisors tasked with leading these employees.  It fascinates me that there are so many people in leadership positions who do not understand the enormous responsibility of the role.  Leadership is an incredible honor bestowed upon a very small percentage of the world’s population, yet many people in these roles view it as a burden.

I think the first step to being a better leader is understanding one’s leadership style.  After all, we can’t improve what we don’t measure.  Here’s a brief assessment to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader.  I encourage you to use the results to learn and grow, and ace one of the most important roles you will have in your lifetime.