How Authentic Is Your Leadership?

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Quiz Questions

1.
How often do you feel like you're "performing" a different version of yourself at work than in other aspects of your life?
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- A.
  All the time – I don’t know what my “real self” even looks like at work anymore
- B.
  Sometimes, depending on who’s in the room
- C.
  Rarely – I mostly show up as myself with some exceptions
- D.
  Never – there's no difference between who I am at work and who I am outside of work
2.
When you feel something is off in your workplace culture, how do you respond?
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- A.
  I question it and raise concerns, even if it’s uncomfortable
- B.
  I try to bring it up subtly or only to safe people
- C.
  I usually stay quiet—I don't want to rock the boat
- D.
  I assume it’s just the way things are and adapt
3.
Are you clear on your personal values—and do you use them to guide your decisions at work?
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- A.
  Yes, and they guide my leadership every day
- B.
  I try to use them, but I sometimes lose track
- C.
  I’m not totally clear on what they are
- D.
  I don’t really think about them at work
4.
What’s your typical reaction when you're triggered or under pressure at work?
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- A.
  I pause and regulate before responding
- B.
  I try to manage it, but sometimes I react too fast
- C.
  I often suppress how I feel to maintain professionalism
- D.
  I react instantly or shut down, then regret it later
5.
Have you ever hidden part of your identity—like being a parent, gender expression, or background—to try to be included or taken more seriously at work?
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- A.
  Yes, often
- B.
  Occasionally
- C.
  Rarely
- D.
  Never—I lead with my full self
6.
How would you describe your relationship with traditional leadership norms (like power suits, always being polished, hierarchical structures)?
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- A.
  What other choice do I have—it's how the game is played
- B.
  I mostly play along but it doesn’t feel like me
- C.
  I try to do things my own way when I can
- D.
  I intentionally and regularly challenge those norms
7.
How supported do you feel in being your full, authentic self in your current environment?
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- A.
  Not at all—I feel like I’m constantly wearing armor
- B.
  Somewhat—it depends who I’m with
- C.
  Mostly—I typically feel supported but have also been in more supportive spaces before
- D.
  Completely—I’m fully seen and valued
8.
When have you most recently honored your truth—even when it was hard?
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- A.
  In the last few weeks
- B.
  In the last few months
- C.
  I can’t remember
- D.
  I rarely do—I’m not sure how
9.
Do you ever worry that being yourself might hurt your career prospects?
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- A.
  Yes, I worry about it a lot
- B.
  Sometimes, but I try not to let it stop me
- C.
  Not really—I’ve worked through that fear
- D.
  No—I believe my authenticity is my power
10.
How do you feel when you think about how you lead today?
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- A.
  Proud—I’m aligned with who I want to be
- B.
  Fine, I guess—I’m trying, but I still hold back
- C.
  Exhausted—It takes a lot to keep up the act
- D.
  Conflicted—I’m not sure who I’m supposed to be

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Authentic Leader
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You’ve done the hard work of unlearning, grounding in your values, and choosing authenticity even when it’s uncomfortable. In doing so, you're not only more effective, but you're inspiring others to trust in their authentic leadership as well.
2.
You're On the Path
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You’re waking up to the ways you’ve been shaped by the system and are beginning to reclaim your truth. Some of the key areas to focus on that will help you step more fully into your authentic leadership include: (1) tapping into and leading from your values, (2) practicing speaking your truth and challenging the norm, even when it's uncomfortable, (3) regulating your emotions so you can respond and not react, and (4) ensuring you feel supported in your environment. Keep going—your awareness and intention are powerful forces for change!
3.
Mask In Place
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You often shape-shift to survive, and it’s exhausting. You may feel like your real self doesn’t belong in the workplace. Please know that you’re not alone—and there’s a better way forward. Some of the key areas to focus on that will help you step more fully into your authentic leadership include: (1) tapping into and leading from your values, (2) practicing speaking your truth and challenging the norm, even when it's uncomfortable, (3) regulating your emotions so you can respond and not react, and (4) ensuring you feel supported in your environment. Remember, change doesn't happen overnight. Every day is an opportunity to step just a little bit more into your authentic leadership style. The more you do so, the more aligned you'll feel and the more you'll inspire others to follow.
4.
Burned Out & Disconnected
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Let's be real: Years of suppressing your truth is likely taking a toll. You may feel numb, depleted, or cynical. You may feel like your real self doesn’t belong in the workplace. Please know that you’re not alone—and there’s still hope. Some of the key areas to focus on that will help you step more fully into your authentic leadership include: (1) tapping into and leading from your values, (2) practicing speaking your truth and challenging the norm, even when it's uncomfortable, (3) regulating your emotions so you can respond and not react, and (4) ensuring you feel supported in your environment. Remember, change doesn't happen overnight. Every day is an opportunity to step just a little bit more into your authentic leadership style. The more you do so, the more aligned you'll feel and the more you'll inspire others to follow. With intention, community, and care, you can reconnect to who you truly are and how you want to lead.