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Free library · self-assessment · 3 minutes

The best project leaders don't have one style. They have six.

Research on thousands of managers found the most effective leaders switch between styles to suit the moment. Rate twelve statements to see which you lean on, then check the table for when each one helps or hurts on a project.

1 = rarely like me, 5 = very like me.

Statement 1

In a crisis I give clear orders and expect them followed.

Statement 2

I would rather decide quickly myself than wait for input.

Statement 3

I explain where we are heading and why it matters.

Statement 4

I give people the goal and let them choose the route.

Statement 5

I put effort into team harmony and morale.

Statement 6

After a setback, I focus on the people before the plan.

Statement 7

I ask for input before making big decisions.

Statement 8

I am comfortable letting the group decide.

Statement 9

I set very high standards and model them myself.

Statement 10

I step in and do it myself when work falls short.

Statement 11

I make time to help people build long-term skills.

Statement 12

I give feedback even when it slows the job down.

Your profile
Commanding–
Visionary–
Affiliative–
Democratic–
Pacesetting–
Coaching–

Rate the statements to fill in your profile.

When each style works on a project

StyleIn one lineWorks whenWatch out
Commanding"Do what I tell you."A safety incident, a crisis, a project in freefall.Used every day, it kills initiative.
Visionary"Come with me."A new project, a turnaround, people unsure why the work matters.Falls flat with experts who know more than you.
Affiliative"People come first."After a rough patch, conflict or a failed test.Poor performance can go uncorrected.
Democratic"What do you think?"Design choices, buy-in from site, when you need the team's expertise.Endless meetings when a call is needed.
Pacesetting"Do as I do, now."A capable, motivated team on a tight deadline.Burns people out; they wait to be told.
Coaching"Try this."Developing a graduate or a new supervisor.Wasted on people who don't want to grow.
Leadership style
A repeatable pattern in how a leader sets direction and works with a team. Each style changes how you talk: Commanding speaks in instructions, Democratic in questions, Visionary in stories.
References