CPL Leadership Principles & Styles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A program leader notices that team members are highly skilled but lack motivation. Which leadership style is MOST appropriate?
- Directive
- Coaching
- Delegating
- Participative (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Participative
Participative leadership engages skilled but unmotivated team members by involving them in decision-making, increasing ownership and commitment.
Question 2: Which principle distinguishes transformational leadership from transactional leadership?
- Focus on rewards and punishments
- Inspiring followers to exceed self-interest for a higher purpose (Correct answer)
- Strict adherence to established procedures
- Emphasis on short-term performance metrics
Correct answer: Inspiring followers to exceed self-interest for a higher purpose
Transformational leadership inspires followers to transcend personal interests for a collective vision, whereas transactional leadership relies on exchanges and incentives.
Question 3: In Situational Leadership theory, 'Selling' (S2) is best used when followers have:
- High competence, high commitment
- Low competence, high commitment (Correct answer)
- High competence, low commitment
- Low competence, low commitment
Correct answer: Low competence, high commitment
S2 Selling provides direction and support for enthusiastic beginners who are motivated but still developing skills.
Question 4: A CPL program leader frequently seeks input before making decisions but retains final authority. This best describes which style?
- Laissez-faire
- Autocratic
- Consultative (Correct answer)
- Delegative
Correct answer: Consultative
Consultative leaders gather team input and perspectives but make the final decision themselves.
Question 5: Which leadership principle emphasizes building trust through consistent, ethical behavior over time?
- Transactional integrity
- Servant leadership
- Credibility-based leadership (Correct answer)
- Contingency management
Correct answer: Credibility-based leadership
Credibility-based leadership holds that sustained trust is earned through consistent alignment between a leader's words and actions.
Question 6: A leader who prioritizes the growth and well-being of team members above their own status exemplifies:
- Autocratic leadership
- Servant leadership (Correct answer)
- Transactional leadership
- Charismatic leadership
Correct answer: Servant leadership
Servant leadership places the needs, development, and well-being of followers as the leader's primary concern.
Question 7: According to Path-Goal Theory, which leader behavior reduces ambiguity by clarifying expectations and task requirements?
- Supportive
- Participative
- Achievement-oriented
- Directive (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Directive
Directive leadership in Path-Goal Theory clarifies what followers must do and how, removing ambiguity about tasks and expectations.
CPL Leadership Principles & Styles 2
A program leader notices that team members are highly skilled but lack motivation.
Which leadership style is MOST appropriate?