Student Organizations Academy 2014
Leadership Styles
Session 2
1:00-1:50pm
Molly Dugan
Assistant Director for Leadership & Orientation
Office of Student Involvement
The Assessment
• In each of the rows, there are four terms.
Consider how well each of them describes you.
Rank the terms in each row in the order of 1
(Least Like You) up to 4 (Most Like You). The
boxes should be numbered 1 to 4 in each row so
that in each row you have a 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Example:
The Assessment
• Once you have numbered every box, total each
of the columns.
• You will have a total for column A, column B,
column C, and Column D.
• These four numbers should add up to 100. (If
they don’t, double check that you only used 1-4
one time in each row.)
• One the back page, put these four numbers in
the corresponding boxes.
Squiggly Lines: Idea People
• Leads by inspiring
• Plays, Projects, Persuades
• Characteristics: Creative, lots of energy and
enthusiasm, flexible, outgoing, persuasive
• Most effective in situations that require
motivating others towards innovation and
creativity but do not require high structure.
• “I just got this great idea!”
Squiggly Lines: Idea People
• Others may see squiggly lines as flaky, unable to
finish a project, easily bored, or unpredictable.
• Least effective in urgent situations or in
situations where long-term planning is required.
• Ways to improve: think before you speak/act,
slow down and pay attention to details, focus on
the task at hand, and pay attention to the impact
you have on others.
Triangles: Results People
• Leads by taking charge
• Presides, Produces, Persists
• Characteristics: Results oriented, self-sufficient,
focused on achieving goals, problem solver,
confident, decisive
• Most effective in situations in which clear, bold
actions or quick decisions are required.
• “So what’s your point?”
Triangles: Results People
• Others may see triangles as distant, annoyed,
competitive, outspoken, or impatient.
• Least effective in situations requiring
collaboration or those requiring tact and
sensitivity to others’ feelings.
• Ways to improve: slow down, develop more
interest in the opinions of others, have fun just
for the sake of it, pay attention to the impact you
have on others.
Circles: People People
• Leads through Group Harmony
• Compromise, Cooperation, Consideration
• Characteristics: peacemaker, steady, dependable,
practical, fun-loving, empathetic, caregivers,
strong at communication and listening
• Most effective in situations requiring patience,
calm, and care but not those that rely on a
hierarchy.
• “I’ll do it—somebody had to!”
Circles: People People
• Others may see circles as easily swayed, too nice,
unable to say no (and becomes overcommitted),
indecisive, cautious/passive
• Least effective in situations in which the need to
take charge of others is crucial or those requiring
quick adjustments.
• Ways to improve: learn how to say no (and mean
it!), worry less about what others think and do,
hold others accountable, learn how to make
unpopular decisions when necessary
Squares: Details People
• Leads by careful planning
• Data, Details, Delineation
• Characteristics: thorough, systematic, loyal,
perfectionist, insightful, logical, organized, hard
workers/task oriented, analytical
• Most effective in situations calling for long-term
planning, accuracy, and objective analysis.
• “Give me a job and I’ll get it done!”
Squares: Details People
• Others may see squares as unsociable, inflexible
(change is tough), stubborn, unreasonable, rigid
• Least effective in situations requiring quick
decision-making or flexibility
• Ways to improve: be less picky with others, allow
yourself to make mistakes, learn to make
decisions with less data, take a few risks/act
spontaneously, create a regular routine
In Your Shape Groups:
• What is true about your shape?
• What’s a “big fat lie” about your shape?
• What are tips for successfully working with your
shape?
• Come up with a motto (or theme song) and TV
show to best describe your shape.
• Why is this important/significant in a leadership
setting?
Wrap-up
• Why is it important to understand our own
leadership styles?
• The styles of others?
• How can you use this to positively impact
your organization?