22 Questions to Sharpen Your Leadership Skills Today

By Dr. Salam Slim Saad

When I first stepped into a leadership role, I thought being a good leader was all about strategy and making decisions quickly. But I learned the hard way that leadership isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about how you do it and how you connect with your team. I remember a time when I was so focused on hitting targets that I overlooked the importance of building trust and fostering open communication. My team followed instructions, but I could sense they weren’t fully engaged. That experience led me to rethink what it means to be an effective leader. I realized that the real measure of leadership is not how much authority you have, but how much influence you have. 

This 22-question self-assessment is designed to help you take a closer look at your leadership style and identify where you can grow. It’s not about getting a perfect score—it’s about understanding where you stand and how you can improve. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to management, these questions will guide you toward becoming a leader that others genuinely want to follow. 

 Leadership 22-Question Self-Assessment:  

Here are 22 questions to evaluate how effectively you’re leading.  

Are you demonstrating honesty, credibility, and competence?  

Consider sharing this leadership assessment with your team. It can also be used in performance reviews and team meetings to compare leadership effectiveness across your organization. 

1. How do I show that I am honest? Do I follow through on what I say? 
2. Do I prioritize competence, character, and credibility? How? 
3. Do I listen to others with an open mind, even when I disagree? 
4. How do I communicate honestly yet tactfully with my team? 
5. Do I demonstrate good people skills and effective leadership? 
6. How am I considerate of others in the department? 
7. How do I articulate my vision and the organization’s vision in a clear, understandable way? 
8. Do team members see how this vision applies to their roles and the bigger picture? 
9. Do I understand my own goals and how they align with organizational goals? 
10. Are the company’s goals and my own goals specific, measurable, and documented? 
11. How do I take responsibility for my work? 
12. Am I proactive in seeking or taking on additional responsibilities? 
13. How do I suggest improvements tactfully? 
14. How do I offer constructive feedback without putting others on the defensive? 
15. Do I start work promptly and contribute meaningfully from the beginning of the day? 
16. Am I mentally present and engaged while at work? 
17. How do I work to improve team morale within and across departments? 
18. How would I rate the overall quality of my work? 
19. Do I meet deadlines and maintain a positive attitude? 
20. How do I ensure the products or services I deliver are of high quality? 
21. Have I received leadership training in conflict resolution? 
22. Am I open to leadership development opportunities, and do I apply what I’ve learned? 

 Reflect and Improve 

After answering the 22 questions, take a moment to reflect on your responses as a whole. These questions touch on a range of essential leadership qualities, from character and credibility to communication and proactivity. Leadership isn’t just about doing things right—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Let’s break down how you can use your answers to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. 

Questions 1-5: Character, Honesty, and Credibility 

• These foundational traits are essential for earning trust and respect. They assess whether you consistently act with integrity, follow through on commitments, and demonstrate credibility in your leadership role. 
• Without these qualities, even the most technically skilled leader will struggle to inspire and retain a loyal team.  
• If your answers here were not definitive, focus on becoming more transparent, dependable, and trustworthy. 

Questions 6-14: Interpersonal Skills and Communication 

• This set evaluates your ability to connect with and motivate your team through effective communication. They focus on how you articulate your vision, how well you listen, and how you handle giving feedback and collaborating with others. 
• Leadership is about influencing people, not just managing processes. Strong interpersonal skills are vital for maintaining morale and driving team performance.  
• If these are growth areas for you, seek feedback and actively work on enhancing your communication techniques. 

Questions 15-20: Work Habits and Setting the Example 

• These Questions looks at the work ethic you display, including punctuality, engagement, and how well you model productive behavior for your team. It’s about leading by example—being the kind of leader you expect others to follow. 
• Your actions set the tone for your team. If your responses here highlight inconsistencies, realign your daily habits with the expectations you have for others. 
• Being consistent in your work habits boosts both your credibility and team accountability. 

Questions 21-22: Commitment to Leadership Development 

• These final questions examine your dedication to ongoing learning, particularly in areas like conflict resolution and professional growth. Leadership requires continuous improvement and the ability to adapt to new challenges. 
• No leader has all the answers, but the best leaders are committed to learning. If you’re not actively engaging in leadership development, you may be limiting your effectiveness.  
• Regularly invest in training and apply what you learn to improve your leadership capabilities. 

Putting It All Together 

Leadership development is a continuous process. It’s not enough to simply take a self-assessment and move on; the real value lies in how you apply the insights gained. The 22 questions you’ve answered give you a detailed snapshot of your current leadership approach. Now it’s time to turn those insights into actionable steps that drive meaningful change. By identifying patterns, discussing them with your team or mentor, and committing to regular self-assessment, you can stay on track toward becoming a more effective leader. Let’s break down how to take these next steps to ensure consistent growth and progress. 

1. Identify Patterns in Your Responses: Look at your answers across all 22 questions. Where do you excel, and where do you need to improve? Analyzing these patterns can provide a clear path for development. 
2. Discuss and Take Action: Use these insights as the basis for discussions with a mentor or your team. Leadership is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to learn and adapt. Commit to working on the areas where growth is needed. 
3. Regularly Revisit the Questions: This leadership test is a tool you can use repeatedly. Reflecting on these questions periodically will help you stay aligned with your goals and maintain the strengths that make you a leader others want to follow. 

Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Every time you reflect on your approach, identify areas for improvement, and take action, you’re taking steps toward becoming a more effective and inspiring leader. Remember that growth comes from consistently challenging yourself and being open to change. As you continue to evolve in your leadership journey, always keep in mind that real influence is built on trust, character, and continuous learning. 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill 

Keep leading with intention and purpose, and you’ll see the difference not only in your own growth but in the positive impact you have on those you lead..