Leadership Assessment Tool

Great band leaders aren't born—they're developed. This assessment helps you identify your leadership strengths and areas for growth.

How to Use This Assessment

Purpose:

• Identify leadership strengths
• Discover growth areas
• Track progress over time
• Guide development efforts

Instructions:

1. Answer honestly (no one else needs to see this)
2. Rate yourself on each item (1-5 scale)
3. Calculate scores for each category
4. Identify patterns and priorities
5. Create development plan
6. Reassess quarterly

Rating Scale:

• 1 = Never/Strongly Disagree
• 2 = Rarely/Disagree
• 3 = Sometimes/Neutral
• 4 = Often/Agree
• 5 = Always/Strongly Agree

Leadership Assessment

1. Vision & Direction (10 items)

I have a clear vision for where this band is going. Rating: ___/5

I can articulate our vision in a way that inspires others. Rating: ___/5

I regularly communicate our direction and goals. Rating: ___/5

I help the band stay focused on what matters most. Rating: ___/5

I involve the band in shaping our vision. Rating: ___/5

I make decisions that align with our long-term vision. Rating: ___/5

I help the band navigate when direction is unclear. Rating: ___/5

I balance staying true to our vision with adapting to reality. Rating: ___/5

I regularly revisit and refine our vision. Rating: ___/5

I help band members see how their work connects to our vision. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

2. Decision-Making (10 items)

I make decisions in a timely manner. Rating: ___/5

I gather input before making important decisions. Rating: ___/5

I explain the reasoning behind my decisions. Rating: ___/5

I'm willing to make difficult decisions when needed. Rating: ___/5

I consider multiple perspectives before deciding. Rating: ___/5

I take responsibility for my decisions. Rating: ___/5

I learn from decisions that don't work out. Rating: ___/5

I'm clear about which decisions I make vs. which we make together. Rating: ___/5

I balance data/logic with intuition/feel. Rating: ___/5

I don't let perfectionism prevent decisions. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

3. Communication (10 items)

I communicate clearly and directly. Rating: ___/5

I listen more than I talk. Rating: ___/5

I create space for others to share their perspectives. Rating: ___/5

I address issues directly rather than avoiding them. Rating: ___/5

I give feedback in a constructive way. Rating: ___/5

I'm open to receiving feedback. Rating: ___/5

I keep the band informed about important matters. Rating: ___/5

I check for understanding rather than assuming. Rating: ___/5

I adapt my communication style to different people. Rating: ___/5

I create an environment where people feel safe speaking up. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

4. Conflict Management (10 items)

I address conflicts quickly rather than letting them fester. Rating: ___/5

I stay calm and composed during conflicts. Rating: ___/5

I seek to understand all perspectives in a conflict. Rating: ___/5

I focus on solving problems rather than assigning blame. Rating: ___/5

I help band members work through conflicts. Rating: ___/5

I'm willing to have difficult conversations. Rating: ___/5

I don't take conflicts personally. Rating: ___/5

I find solutions that work for everyone when possible. Rating: ___/5

I follow up after conflicts to ensure resolution. Rating: ___/5

I learn from conflicts and prevent future ones. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

5. People Development (10 items)

I help band members develop their skills. Rating: ___/5

I give regular feedback to help people improve. Rating: ___/5

I recognize and appreciate people's contributions. Rating: ___/5

I create opportunities for people to grow. Rating: ___/5

I understand each person's strengths and weaknesses. Rating: ___/5

I delegate appropriately and trust people. Rating: ___/5

I invest time in one-on-one relationships. Rating: ___/5

I help people overcome challenges and obstacles. Rating: ___/5

I celebrate successes and learn from failures together. Rating: ___/5

I create an environment where people can do their best work. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

6. Accountability (10 items)

I hold myself accountable to high standards. Rating: ___/5

I follow through on my commitments. Rating: ___/5

I hold others accountable in a respectful way. Rating: ___/5

I address performance issues directly. Rating: ___/5

I'm consistent in my expectations. Rating: ___/5

I take responsibility when things go wrong. Rating: ___/5

I don't make excuses or blame others. Rating: ___/5

I create clear expectations and agreements. Rating: ___/5

I track progress and follow up. Rating: ___/5

I balance accountability with compassion. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

7. Emotional Intelligence (10 items)

I'm aware of my own emotions and how they affect others. Rating: ___/5

I manage my emotions effectively, especially under stress. Rating: ___/5

I'm empathetic and understand others' feelings. Rating: ___/5

I read the room and sense group dynamics. Rating: ___/5

I build strong relationships with band members. Rating: ___/5

I handle criticism and setbacks with resilience. Rating: ___/5

I motivate and inspire others. Rating: ___/5

I create positive energy and morale. Rating: ___/5

I'm authentic and genuine in my interactions. Rating: ___/5

I help others manage their emotions and stress. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

8. Execution & Results (10 items)

I turn plans into action. Rating: ___/5

I focus on results, not just activity. Rating: ___/5

I prioritize effectively and focus on what matters most. Rating: ___/5

I remove obstacles that prevent progress. Rating: ___/5

I maintain momentum and keep things moving. Rating: ___/5

I balance perfectionism with getting things done. Rating: ___/5

I track progress and adjust course when needed. Rating: ___/5

I celebrate wins and learn from losses. Rating: ___/5

I hold the band accountable to our goals. Rating: ___/5

I deliver on what I promise. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

9. Adaptability (10 items)

I adapt to changing circumstances. Rating: ___/5

I'm open to new ideas and approaches. Rating: ___/5

I learn from mistakes and adjust. Rating: ___/5

I handle uncertainty and ambiguity well. Rating: ___/5

I help the band navigate change. Rating: ___/5

I balance consistency with flexibility. Rating: ___/5

I'm willing to change my mind when presented with new information. Rating: ___/5

I experiment and try new things. Rating: ___/5

I stay calm when plans change. Rating: ___/5

I help others adapt to change. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

10. Integrity & Trust (10 items)

I do what I say I'll do. Rating: ___/5

I'm honest, even when it's difficult. Rating: ___/5

I admit when I'm wrong or don't know something. Rating: ___/5

I treat everyone fairly and consistently. Rating: ___/5

I keep confidences and respect privacy. Rating: ___/5

I make decisions based on what's right, not what's easy. Rating: ___/5

I'm transparent about my reasoning and motivations. Rating: ___/5

I hold myself to the same standards I hold others to. Rating: ___/5

I build trust through my actions over time. Rating: ___/5

I create an environment of trust and psychological safety. Rating: ___/5

Total Score: ___/50 Percentage: ___%

Overall Leadership Score

Total Points: ___/500 Overall Percentage: ___%

Score Interpretation

Overall Score

400-500 (80-100%): Strong Leader

• Significant leadership strengths
• Continue developing and refining
• Consider mentoring others

300-399 (60-79%): Developing Leader

• Solid foundation with room to grow
• Focus on specific areas for improvement
• Seek feedback and learning opportunities

200-299 (40-59%): Emerging Leader

• Building leadership skills
• Significant development needed
• Focus on fundamentals
• Seek mentorship

Below 200 (<40%): Early Stage

• Leadership journey just beginning
• Focus on one area at a time
• Seek training and support
• Consider if leadership role is right fit

Category Scores

For each category:

40-50 (80-100%): Strength

• Leverage this strength
• Help others in this area
• Maintain and refine

30-39 (60-79%): Competent

• Solid but room to improve
• Focus on specific items
• Seek feedback

20-29 (40-59%): Development Area

• Needs focused attention
• Create development plan
• Seek training/mentorship

Below 20 (<40%): Priority Gap

• Urgent development need
• May be limiting effectiveness
• Seek immediate support

Identifying Patterns

Strengths (Categories scoring 80%+)

My top 3 leadership strengths:

How I can leverage these:

Development Areas (Categories scoring below 60%)

My top 3 development priorities:

Why these matter:

Specific Items (Individual items scoring 1-2)

Specific behaviors to work on:

Leadership Development Plan

Priority 1: Development Area

Current State:

Desired State:

Specific Actions:

Resources Needed:

Timeline:

How I'll Measure Progress:

Priority 2: Development Area

Current State:

Desired State:

Specific Actions:

Resources Needed:

Timeline:

How I'll Measure Progress:

Priority 3: Development Area

Current State:

Desired State:

Specific Actions:

Resources Needed:

Timeline:

How I'll Measure Progress:

360-Degree Feedback

For deeper insight, ask band members to rate you:

Process:

1. Share assessment categories (not your scores)
2. Ask them to rate you on each category
3. Request specific examples
4. Listen without defending
5. Thank them for honesty
6. Compare to your self-assessment
7. Identify blind spots

Questions to ask:

• "What are my leadership strengths?"
• "Where do I need to improve?"
• "What should I start/stop/continue doing?"
• "How can I better support you?"

Quarterly Review

Reassess every 3 months:

Date: _______________

Progress on Development Priorities:

New Strengths:

New Development Areas:

Adjustments to Plan:

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership is learnable - You can develop these skills
2. Self-awareness is the foundation - Know your strengths and gaps
3. Focus on priorities - Don't try to improve everything at once
4. Seek feedback - Your perception may differ from others'
5. Track progress - Reassess regularly
6. Be patient - Leadership development takes time
7. Take action - Assessment without action is pointless

Use this assessment to guide your leadership development journey. Great band leaders are made, not born.