As we close out January, which has been our “Leadership Issue”, have you asked yourself what kind of leader you are? Do you know where your strengths, and weakness, lie?
Though there are many leadership apps available for training, this month’s App of the Month, InnerWill Igniter, may help you determine just that.
What is InnerWill?
InnerWill uses a Values Based Leadership model to “empower individuals and organizations to discover the values that motivate them, and transform those values into action.” They’re a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing better, braver, and wiser leaders, regardless of what level the individual may have in a company.
They define leadership as: a conscious choice to work first on yourself to in turn positively impact the lives of those around you. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a choice.
They believe that how a person leads is aligned with their core values, which influences those around them. Leading starts from within. They built the Igniter exercise to understand more about who you are, and how to ignite your potential.
InnerWill works with individuals and organizations, to explore their clients’ values, beliefs, and principles, and converts them to action.
They work to create (and inspire) awareness that anyone, and everyone, can learn to be a better leader. From your values you find your purpose, from your purpose your personal vision.
Igniter
Igniter is a series of exercises set to determine your core values, and what your leader vision statement might be. I set out to do these exercises myself, to determine what my attributes and values are. I started the Igniter exercises, and here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Understand Your Personality Style
“You are a Communicator.
You’re energetic and inspiring. You bring the excitement to any interaction. You’re an involved social engager, and talk to think. You may have acquaintances and love social gatherings. You are often described as influential. You are the life of the party.”
My positive attributes (I won’t list them all) included:
- Energetic
- Big Picture & People Oriented
- Creative & Inventive
- Fast-Paced
- Networked
- Optimistic
Not without my blindspots, I do have:
- Trouble Staying Focused
- Easily Distracted
Communication Style:
- In Tune with Body Language
- Full of New ideas
- Thinks Out Loud
…and what motivates me:
- Flexible Work Options
- Challenge the Imagination
- Share Excitement
I would generally self-diagnosis myself as an introvert who thinks before doing, so it was completely unexpected that the personality quadrant landed me as a feeling extrovert.
Some things that determine my personality preference may be hard to swallow, not everything is complimentary, but Igniter provides some input:
“You are probably at your best in situations that require quick, bold decisions. You may be less effective in situations that require more empathy for others, are highly feelings-oriented or where you are not in control. […] You may choose to ask others about their feelings and listen to the responses. You may choose to focus on the person, and not the task.”
I’ve also completed the Core Values exercise and have moved on to My Story. That’s going to take a little more thought on those defining personal moments that have helped determine who I am: education, family, career achievements.
Do you want to find out what kind of leader you are?
