A Tongue-in-Cheek Look at Executive Leadership

1. To what extent do you actively mold the culture of your department or         business unit?

    a. I decide what's right for my area.
    b. I want to make changes but it's very difficult.
    c. The only mold around here is under my arms.

2. How often do you exceed the expectations of upper management?

    a. At least once a year I step outside the box and do something
        extraordinary.
    b. A few years ago I took a risk and it paid off.
    c. I try to stay below the radar.

3. How strong is your support staff?

    a. All my people are A or B-players.
    b. I have at least one C-player on my team.
    c. Most of my staff is in detention.

4. How many of your colleagues would join you to tackle a hairy problem?

    a. Several would jump at the chance.
    b. Maybe one, if it affected them personally.
    c. My peers are too busy protecting their silos, and so am I.

5. What is your approach to taking risks?

    a. I ask for forgiveness, not permission.
    b. I ask for permission, not forgiveness.
    c. I don't ask.

6. When you speak, who listens?

    a. The room gets quiet when I talk.
    b. If I raise my voice I'll get 10 seconds of airtime.
    c. My dog is always there for me.

7. How excited are you by your job?

    a. I can't wait to get to work every morning.
    b. Some of my work is interesting.
    c. I've been brain-dead for several years now.

8. To what extent do you measure your impact financially?

    a. I track costs and document ROI whenever possible.
    b. I cut costs when I'm asked.
    c. Isn't that what the Controller does?

9. What does your career path look like?

    a. I'm first in line for promotion (or I've achieved my perfect job).
    b. They say I have potential, but no one champions me.
    c. My resume has been on the street for three years.

On a More Serious Note
CEOs secretly long for more leaders who can: