The Authoritarian Communicator Persona

Calculate your total score by adding the points for each answer choice. The persona with the highest score represents your dominant communication style.

Based on the selection of your answers, Your preferred persona is “The Authoritarian Leader”

Commanding Respect, Earning Trust: A Guide for the Authoritarian Communicator

01
From Commands to Conversations: Mastering Active Listening

 

a. Be Present: Put down your phone, silence distractions, and make eye contact with the speaker. This conveys genuine interest and encourages them to elaborate.

b. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, ask “Why?” or “How?” to encourage deeper conversation and understand their perspective.

c. Practice Reflective Listening: Summarize what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. Phrases like “So what you’re saying is…” or “It sounds like…” demonstrate you’re actively engaged.

02
The Art of Feedback: Recognizing Strengths and Providing Opportunities for Growth

 

a. Leveraging curiosity, ownership, and accountability: Ignite curiosity and ownership in your direct reports by asking about their career goals, then provide a balanced feedback session highlighting strengths and areas for growth. This empowers them to take charge of their development.

b. Focus on Behavior, not Personality: Instead of “You’re always disorganized,” say “This report could benefit from better organization.”

c. Focus on the Future, not Dwelling on the Past: Provide feedback in a timely manner, and focus on how they can move forward instead of dwelling on past mistakes.

03
Transparency Breeds Trust: Demystifying Decisions

 

a. Explain the “Why” Behind Decisions: Don’t just announce decisions. Explain the rationale, the goals you’re trying to achieve, and the bigger picture. This fosters understanding and buy-in from your team.

b. Welcome Questions and Clarifications: Encourage open dialogue after making a decision. Allow team members to ask clarifying questions and address any concerns they may have.

c. Share Progress Updates: Keep your team informed about the progress of decisions and initiatives. This transparency demonstrates your commitment to open communication and inclusivity.

​Explore Other Leadership Communication Style Personas

The Inaccessible Director (10-13 points)

Do you find yourself unintentionally coming across as distant or unapproachable to your team? Leading with an open and accessible style fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment.

The Authoritarian Leader (14 – 17)

This persona embodies the authoritarian leader communicator. Their communication style is direct, assertive, and brooks little room for dissent. They prioritize efficiency and control, with a strong focus on achieving results. While this approach can be effective in crisis situations or when clear direction is needed, it can also stifle creativity, innovation, and employee morale in the long run.

The Empathetic Listener (18-21 points)

The Empathetic Communicator Leader persona embodies a leadership style built on compassion, understanding, and a genuine interest in the well-being of their team members. They excel at creating a safe space for open communication, actively listening to concerns and perspectives, and fostering a collaborative environment.

The Open Communicator (22-and above points)

The Open Communicator Leader persona embodies a leadership style built on transparency, information sharing, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment. These leaders prioritize open dialogue, actively solicit feedback, and keep their teams informed.