CELC Leadership Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which developmental stage in Kegan's Adult Development Theory represents a leader's ability to author their own values independent of others' expectations?
- Socialized Mind
- Self-Authoring Mind (Correct answer)
- Self-Transforming Mind
- Instrumental Mind
Correct answer: Self-Authoring Mind
The Self-Authoring Mind (stage 4) enables leaders to generate their own value system rather than being defined by external expectations.
Question 2: A leader consistently avoids giving direct feedback because they fear damaging relationships. Which leadership derailer is most at play?
- Arrogance
- Excessive caution
- People-pleasing (Correct answer)
- Volatility
Correct answer: People-pleasing
People-pleasing derails leadership effectiveness by prioritizing harmony over honest communication needed for team growth.
Question 3: In the GROW coaching model, what is the primary purpose of the 'Reality' phase?
- Setting ambitious stretch goals
- Exploring current situation and obstacles objectively (Correct answer)
- Identifying accountability partners
- Generating multiple action options
Correct answer: Exploring current situation and obstacles objectively
The Reality phase helps the coachee assess the current situation honestly before generating solutions.
Question 4: A newly promoted executive is struggling to delegate because they believe no one can do the work as well as they can. Which leadership transition challenge best describes this?
- Failure to build networks
- Inability to shift from doing to leading (Correct answer)
- Poor strategic thinking
- Insufficient executive presence
Correct answer: Inability to shift from doing to leading
A key challenge in executive transitions is moving from individual contributor excellence to enabling and trusting others to perform.
Question 5: Which assessment methodology measures leadership effectiveness by gathering confidential input from direct reports, peers, and supervisors?
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- StrengthsFinder 2.0
- 360-degree feedback (Correct answer)
- DISC profile
Correct answer: 360-degree feedback
360-degree feedback provides a multi-rater view of leadership behaviors from multiple organizational levels.
Question 6: According to Heifetz's Adaptive Leadership framework, what is the primary role of a leader facing adaptive challenges?
- Provide clear answers and directives
- Mobilize people to do the difficult work of change (Correct answer)
- Protect the organization from external threats
- Apply proven technical solutions quickly
Correct answer: Mobilize people to do the difficult work of change
Adaptive leadership focuses on helping groups confront complex challenges that require changes in values, beliefs, and behavior—not just technical fixes.
Question 7: A CELC coach notices their executive client repeatedly derails team discussions by dominating the airtime. Which coaching intervention is most appropriate initially?
- Recommend the executive attend a communication workshop
- Provide direct behavioral feedback with specific examples (Correct answer)
- Replace the executive's role in meetings
- Advise the executive to speak only when spoken to
Correct answer: Provide direct behavioral feedback with specific examples
Specific, behavioral feedback grounds the coaching conversation in observable data and creates awareness without judgment.
CELC Leadership Development 2
Which developmental stage in Kegan's Adult Development Theory represents a leader's ability to author their own values independent of others' expectations?