Which P-Type Leader Are You?

By David Spader & Dr. Michael O’Connor

Self awareness has long been one of the most critical capabilities for leaders to develop. A recent analysis from more than 150 managers and leaders identified 4 common patterns. These patterns help determine the types of situations in which certain leaders will thrive, as well as those types of situations where they will often struggle.

The graphic in Figure 1 clearly illustrates the fact that most leaders and managers are not effectively diagnosing, responding and adapting to the changing situations they face daily. It shows the results of one of our leadership simulations measuring how well a leader responds to favorable or unfavorable situations. It yields four different types of leadership patterns. “Pushers” tend to perform better in unfavorable situations than favorable ones. They lead in a manner that primarily relies on directive and controlling behaviors. It often results in positive results, but also with negative feelings and/or morale. The “Pleasers” tend to perform best in favorable scenarios where they lead in a manner that is primarily supportive and relating. They tend to focus primarily on relationships but struggle at ensuring tasks are accomplished. The “Potentials” are those who are under-performing in both favorable and unfavorable situations. The “PRO-daptives®”are those leaders that perform well in both favorable and unfavorable situations. They diagnose, respond and adapt effectively across all types of situations. They know that pushing and pleasing are only two of many behaviors required to be effective.

As you can see, this group of leaders from a variety of industries yields a distribution in which more than 67% fall in the “Potentials” category. These leaders are making the most common diagnosing, responding and adapting mistakes on a regular basis. They are significantly under performing their potential. Our findings are remarkable consistent regardless of organizational size, leader education level or industry. The results below show why additional progress is needed to consistently achieve success and satisfaction!

Figure 1: Leadership Effectiveness in Favorable & Unfavorable Situations

Which leadership type do you most resemble? As you can see, the Potentials are by far the largest group. These leaders and managers are under-performing in most situations. While some might view that as a concern, we view it as an opportunity because it shows that they have significant upside potential. Indeed, we have seen leaders and managers move into the PRO-daptive® with just a few hours of coaching or training.

©2020 Michael O’Connor, David Spader

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