What Is a Leadership Style Test?
A leadership style test is a short self-assessment that shows how you naturally lead people: how you set direction, make decisions, motivate a team and respond under pressure. In Indonesia it is also known as a tes kepemimpinan, and many employers include one in their assessment for supervisor, manager and graduate leadership roles.
Our free leadership test is based on the six leadership styles described by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his Harvard Business Review article "Leadership That Gets Results" (2000), drawn from research by the consulting firm Hay/McBer with thousands of executives. The research found that the most effective leaders do not rely on one style; they switch between several depending on the situation.
Leadership is also a set of skills you can learn. Research by Brené Brown for Dare to Lead shows that courageous leadership behaviours, such as building trust and living by your values, are teachable and measurable. Use your result as a starting point for that development, whether you are a first-time supervisor or an experienced manager preparing for a bigger role.
The Six Types of Leadership Styles
Goleman's research links each style to a different effect on team climate and results. Most people use two or three styles naturally. The aim is not to pick one, but to know when each style helps and when it gets in the way. Here is how the six styles compare, and when each one works best.
- Visionary. Sets a clear direction and inspires people with the "why", while giving them freedom on the "how". Most effective when a team needs a new direction.
- Coaching. Develops people for the long term by connecting their goals with the organisation's goals. Works best with people who want to grow.
- Affiliative. Puts people first and builds trust and harmony. Valuable for healing a team after conflict or during stressful periods.
- Democratic. Involves the team in decisions to build ownership and draw on their expertise. Useful when buy-in matters and there is time to discuss.
- Pacesetting. Sets very high standards and leads by example. Gets fast results from a capable team, but can exhaust people if used too long.
- Commanding. Takes control and gives clear instructions. Essential in a crisis, but it can reduce motivation in normal conditions.
Key Leadership Skills to Develop
Whatever your style, these leadership skills make you more effective and are what employers look for in candidates for leadership roles:
- Communication. Explaining goals clearly, listening well and giving honest, specific feedback.
- Decision-making. Weighing information, acting with confidence and explaining your reasoning.
- Developing others. Coaching, delegating and giving people room to grow.
- Building trust. Keeping your promises, being consistent and admitting mistakes.
- Adaptability. Choosing the right style for the situation rather than relying on one default.
- Accountability. Setting clear expectations and following through on them, for yourself and your team.
A practical way to build these skills is to choose one at a time, practise it in a real situation for a month and ask a colleague for honest feedback. Your least used style in the test result is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this leadership style test free?
Yes. The test is free with no sign-up and gives instant results. Your answers are scored in your browser and only sent to Talent Hunts if you choose to submit them.
Which leadership style is the best?
None on its own. Research shows the best leaders use several styles and switch between them as the situation changes. Your result shows your default styles and the ones you could use more.
Can I take this leadership test if I am not a manager yet?
Yes. Answer based on how you lead projects, groups or colleagues today. It is a useful way to prepare for your first leadership role.
How accurate is a leadership style test?
It reflects how you see yourself, which is a useful starting point. For a fuller picture, ask your manager, peers and team members how they experience your leadership and compare their view with your result.
Can I change my leadership style?
Yes. Leadership styles are behaviours, not fixed traits. With practice and feedback, you can learn to use the styles you rarely use when the situation calls for them.
What is the difference between a leadership test and a tes kepemimpinan?
They are the same thing: tes kepemimpinan is the Indonesian term. Employers in Indonesia often use one in psikotes for supervisory and managerial positions.