Remember that not everyone is cut out to be a manager. While it takes a certain set of skills and knowledge to perform a job, it takes different skills to manage other people well. This test will help you determine if you have what it takes to become a manager.

Read each statement and decide how much it sounds like you. If it sounds like you often, score 3; sometimes, score 2; and rarely, score 1. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.

• _______ I have the ability to find key issues in a situation.

• _______ I am known for getting my points across effectively.

• _______ I am interested in the growth and development of others.

• _______ I am good at organizing myself and managing my time.

• _______ I have a good sense of priorities.

• _______ I communicate my feelings as well as my ideas.

• _______ I like to motivate others to achieve a common task.

• _______ I set a good example in my work.

• _______ I am able to think things through and make key decisions.

• _______ People know where I stand on important issues.

• _______ I make it a priority to help others succeed at work.

• _______ I adapt easily to changes around me.

• _______ I am able to analyze, synthesize, and value a situation.

• _______ I am able to clearly define the tasks at hand.

• _______ I am good at building the synergy of a team.

• _______ I maintain high standards of personal performance.

• _______ I can find new ways to overcome a problem.

• _______ I know when to appropriately use humor to relieve tension.

• _______ I am able to give others a sense that they are doing something worthwhile.

• _______ I am willing to accept the risks of leadership.

• _______ I am able to assess consequences.

• _______ I am comfortable giving honest feedback to others.

• _______ I am able to take the initiative to get a group going.

• _______ I have a sense of pride in my own work.

• _______ I can evaluate team performance.

• _______ I am tactful and sensitive when dealing with others.

• _______ I like to inspire and encourage others.

• _______ I am curious about people, ideas, and things.

• _______ I evaluate myself and my work on an ongoing basis.

• _______ I am good at asking for input and listening to others.

• _______ I am able to recognize qualities and abilities and give credit to others.

• _______ I am known for fair dealing and honesty.

• _______ I know how my work contributes to the overall result.

• _______ I am able to give clear, concise directions to others.

• _______ I like to get to know, encourage, and motivate others.

• _______ I have an open mind in respect to others' points of view.

• _______ I set realistic and challenging targets.

• _______ I treat others with dignity and respect.

• _______ I can effectively delegate the tasks at hand.

• _______ I can be a stabilizing influence in a crisis.

• _______ I operate well under pressure or in a rapidly changing environment.

• _______ I encourage and listen to new ideas.

• _______ I like to motivate others by understanding their needs and aspirations.

• _______ I can effectively deal with stress.

• _______ I am able to set goals and measure progress toward them.

• _______ I pay close attention to others when they are speaking.

• _______ I like to give personal guidance and direction.

• _______ I can face up to a mistake and not blame others.

Scoring Your Test

Record your score for each numbered statement in the following spaces.

Vision

These indicate your ability to understand the big picture, the direction of the organization, and goals of the project.

_______ 1

_______ 5

_______ 9

_______ 13

_______ 17

_______ 21

_______ 25

_______ 29

_______ 33

_______ 37

_______ 41

_______ 45

_______ Vision Subtotal (out of a possible 36)

Communication Skills

These indicate your ability to write, speak, and listen effectively.

_______ 2

_______ 6

_______ 10

_______ 14

_______ 18

_______ 22

_______ 26

_______ 30

_______ 34

_______ 38

_______ 42

_______ 46

_______ Communication Skills Subtotal (out of a possible 36)

Motivation of Others

These indicate your ability to encourage and inspire employees to achieve goals and objectives.

_______ 3

_______ 7

_______ 11

_______ 15

_______ 19

_______ 23

_______ 27

_______ 31

_______ 35

_______ 39

_______ 43

_______ 47

_______ Motivation Subtotal (out of a possible 36)

Self-Awareness

These indicate the strength of your sense of your own capabilities and place within the organizational structure.

_______ 4

_______ 8

_______ 12

_______ 16

_______ 20

_______ 24

_______ 28

_______ 32

_______ 36

_______ 40

_______ 44

_______ 48

_______ Self-Awareness Subtotal (out of a possible 36)

Score Totals

_______ Now add up your subtotals and write your total score here (out of a possible 144) and on the chart on page 179. Also note on the chart your two highest-scoring areas (Vision, Communication Skills, Motivation of Others, or Self-Awareness).

If you scored a total of 100 or more, you are probably well suited to be a manager, but take the time to reflect on the areas in which you scored lowest to see potential areas for growth.

If you scored between 60 and 100, being a manager may be appropriate for you, but find out more about what is required.

If you scored below 60, managing others is probably not for you, at least not at this point in your career. You may be happiest as an individual contributor. No matter how you scored on this test, your answers probably indicate one or two areas that you could improve. Note them here and on the chart on page 179.

Areas for Growth