ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT QUIZ

Simple explorations of the question, “what is a leader?” include:

• A leader is someone who inspires passion and motivation in followers.

• A leader is someone with a vision and the path to realizing it.

• A leader is someone who ensures their team has support and tools to achieve their goals.

• A leader is someone who ensures their team has the best work place, work ethic, work relationships and ensures they work hard

As you can see, a leader has many responsibilities. But they tend to fall into the same three buckets:

• Coach

• Guide

• Inspire

• Lead

What does a leader do in terms of coaching?

• A leader’s main role is assigning tasks; coaching is optional.

• A true leader yells motivational quotes while employees complete obstacle courses.

• A leader mentors employees through meetings and check-ins, ensuring growth aligns with company goals.

• Employees grow best through independence, not constant mentoring.

What is a leader in terms of Guide?

• True leadership means pointing dramatically at the horizon while shouting, “We go that way!

• Leaders guide employees by organizing teams, setting goals, planning strategies, and leading them through execution.

• Great leaders set goals and trust employees to naturally figure out how to achieve them without interference.

• A leader’s role is to build teams and inspire them—specific goals and strategies will develop on their own.

What is a leader in terms of Inspire?

• Inspiration isn’t a leader’s job; employees should find their own motivation.

• A true leader inspires by reciting Shakespeare while standing on the office table.

• A leader inspires by setting strict rules—motivation comes from discipline, not stories or emotions.

• An often-overlooked leadership role is inspiring others through storytelling, empathy, and strong communication.

What are Characteristics of An Effective Leader

Describe: Leaders create vision, Manager create goals.

• Leaders create a vision, inspire teams, and unite people for greater impact, while managers focus on goals and control.

• Leaders set a vision, but individual success matters more than teamwork in achieving it.

• Managers and leaders are the same—both focus on control and ensuring tasks are completed.

• A true leader waves a magic wand and yells, “Teamworkus Maximus!” to make employees collaborate.

Describe: Leaders are change agents, managers maintain the status quo.

• A true leader disrupts by rearranging all office desks daily

• Leaders innovate when necessary, but stability and avoiding disruption should always come first.

• Leaders drive innovation, embrace change, and challenge the norm, while managers refine existing systems for efficiency.

• Good leaders avoid change unless the current system completely fails.

Describe: Leaders are unique, managers copy.

• Great leaders adapt by mirroring successful leadership traits rather than focusing on personal authenticity.

• Leaders embrace authenticity, developing their unique leadership style, while managers often replicate behaviors and skills from others.

• A strong leader refines their approach by following proven leadership models instead of creating a personal brand.

• The best leaders wear superhero capes daily to establish a powerful personal brand.

Describe: Leaders take risks, managers control risk

• Leaders take risks, understanding failure leads to growth, while managers focus on minimizing risks and preventing issues.

• Leaders take calculated risks but should avoid failure whenever possible, like managers do.

• A good leader carefully controls risks first before attempting anything new, ensuring minimal chance of failure.

• The best leaders skydive without parachutes because failure is just a lesson