Self-Assessment: Identifying Your Sources of Power as a Manager
Self-Assessment: Identifying Your Sources of Power as a Manager
This self-assessment will help you determine which source(s) of power you naturally gravitate toward in your leadership and management style. Please answer the questions honestly to get the most accurate results.
Instructions:
For each statement, rate how much you agree on a scale of 1 to 5:
1 = Strongly Disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Neutral
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly Agree
Assessment Questions
Legitimate Power
- People follow my direction because of the authority of my role.
- I rely on organizational policies and structure to guide my decisions.
- I feel confident delegating tasks because of my formal position.
Expert Power
- My team values my knowledge and expertise when solving problems.
- I am often sought out as a resource for my skills or specialized experience.
- I enjoy learning and staying current in my field to better support my team.
Referent Power
- My team members respect me because of the relationships we’ve built.
- I am approachable, and people trust me to act in their best interest.
- I focus on creating a positive team culture and inspiring others.
Reward Power
- I use incentives to motivate my team to achieve their goals.
- I actively recognize and reward team members for their efforts.
- I believe providing tangible rewards (e.g., bonuses, promotions) is key to driving performance.
Coercive Power
- I set firm boundaries and enforce consequences when team members underperform.
- I believe in using discipline or negative reinforcement to address non-compliance.
- I focus on ensuring rules and standards are strictly followed.
Scoring Key
Add your scores for each power category.
The highest total score indicates your preferred source of power.
Feedback on Power Sources
Locate your highest scoring power below, and you can see where your strengths are and suggestions for growth.
Legitimate Power
- Strengths: Provides structure and clarity for teams. Often effective in hierarchical organizations.
- Growth Opportunity: Balance authority with collaboration to foster trust and innovation.
Expert Power
- Strengths: Builds credibility and trust through knowledge. Effective for problem-solving and mentorship.
- Growth Opportunity: Avoid over-reliance on expertise and ensure delegation to empower others.
Referent Power
- Strengths: Promotes strong relationships and a positive culture. Encourages loyalty and high morale.
- Growth Opportunity: Be mindful of maintaining professional boundaries and addressing difficult situations directly.
Reward Power
- Strengths: Drives motivation through recognition and incentives. Encourages goal-oriented performance.
- Growth Opportunity: Avoid creating a transactional relationship by balancing rewards with intrinsic motivation.
Coercive Power
- Strengths: Ensures compliance and adherence to rules. Useful in high-stakes or regulated environments.
- Growth Opportunity: Use sparingly, as overuse can damage trust and morale. Focus on constructive feedback.
Reflection Questions:
- Does your preferred source of power align with your leadership goals?
- How might using a different source of power strengthen your team dynamics?
- Which areas could you develop to become a more well-rounded leader?