When things go wrong, I tend to

Mostly A’s: You’re most like Ridley Scott

In an industry where box-office receipts measure success, Scott remains one of the few Hollywood directors whose films are profitable and critically acclaimed. A short list of his films includes Blade Runner, Alien, Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, and American Gangster. Scott, who began his career as a graphic designer, has a reputation as a perfectionist. Actors are expected to know their lines, positions and cues before the camera starts rolling and he says “I think, at the end of the day, filmmaking is a team. But eventually there’s got to be a captain.” Authoritarian leaders, also known as autocratic leaders, provide clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done, and how it should be done. This style of leadership is strongly focused on both command by the leader and control of the followers.

How might you react in a crisis?

The autocratic approach can be a good thing when the situation calls for rapid decisions and decisive actions. However, it tends to create dysfunctional and even hostile environments, often pitting followers against the domineering leader.

Mostly B’s: You’re most like Barack and Michelle Obama

Countless times Obama used “we” when addressing the nation in speeches to ensure he involved everyone; a key attribute of a leader. Michelle has almost overtaken her husband as a leadership icon after the success of her book Becoming, which has recently been released as a Netflix documentary (we highly recommend both). She’s become a female leader in her own right and an inspiration to women all over! Democratic leaders usually invite ideas and input from team members, who take a more participative role in the decision-making process. No decisions are made without consulting with team members, so the outcome is a group effort, and not based on individual desires.

How might you react in a crisis?

They offer guidance readily, so team members feel engaged in the process and are more motivated and creative. Democratic leaders tend to make those they work with feel like they are an important part of the team, which helps collective foster commitment to the goals of the group.

Mostly C’s: You’re most like Queen Victoria

Phrases, such “Heaven helps those who help themselves”, were often used to promote the laissez-faire leadership style during the Victorian Period in the UK. This era is also known as the Age of Individualism, as many people worked hard using their own skills and talents to help create one of the world’s richest and strongest countries at the time, with Queen Victoria staying out of business unless it was necessary. Laissez-faire is a French word for “Let (people) do (as they choose)”, thus this type of leadership allows people to use their own skills and talents to succeed, and the leader would only intervene when it is absolutely necessary.

How might you react in a crisis?

Delegative leaders offer little guidance to group members and leave decision-making up to teams. While this style can be useful in situations involving qualified experts, it often leads to poorly defined roles and a lack of motivation. In a crisis, a more hands on approach proves more successful. 17