HOW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL
“What I’m talking about is self-invention. Imagination. That’s basically how we get to know ourselves. People
who cannot invent and reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, and ‘fit-
ting in’ instead of ‘standing out.’”
—Warren Bennis, AN INVENTED LIFEWEB WORKSHEET
Sharpen your thinking by challenging these one-liners on leadership. Cite reasons why you
agree or disagree. Your answers on the chart will provide a profile of your leadership thinking,
values, and style. After you’ve completed the chart, take time to review your responses. What
do they tell you about your leadership strengths, and about limitations or development needs?
Ask a trusted coworker how he or she interprets these responses, and for suggestions on your
leadership strengths and development needs.
SECTION 1 FOUNDATIONALCONCEPTS 9
Leadership is a
people business.[☛1.2 Manage or Lead?]Leaders make
people hopeful.[☛4.5 Culture]Power is the
currency of leaders.[☛9.9 Power]Learning is essential
fuel for leaders.[☛14.6 Learning Styles]Leaders are only as
powerful as the ideas
they communicate.[☛8.1 Conversations]Leadership is mainly
a function of
character.[☛1.5 Seven Habits]I agree because... I disagree because...