Entrepreneurial Readiness

Test

Your answers to the following questions will help you determine whether or not you're ready to take the plunge into business ownership.

The more Yes you have the more you are ready to set up your own business.

Material excerpted from The Accidental Entrepreneur: Practical Wisdom for People Who Never Expected to Work for Themselves, by Susan Urquart-Brown, found atwww. TheAccidentalEntrepreneur.biz.

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Managerial Suitability

Test by A. Bronwyn Llewellyn with Robin Holt, M.A.

Remember that not everyone is cut out to be a manager. While it takes a certain set of skills and knowledge to perform a job, it takes different skills to manage other people well. This test will help you determine if you have what it takes to become a manager.

Read each statement and decide how much it sounds like you. If it sounds like you often, score 3; sometimes, score 2; and rarely, score 1. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.

•_______ I have the ability to find key issues in a situation.

•_______ I am known for getting my points across effectively.

•_______ I am interested in the growth and development of others.

•_______ I am good at organizing myself and managing my time.

•_______ I have a good sense of priorities.

•_______ I communicate my feelings as well as my ideas.

•_______ I like to motivate others to achieve a common task.

•_______ I set a good example in my work.

•_______ I am able to think things through and make key decisions.

•_______ People know where I stand on important issues.

•_______ I make it a priority to help others succeed at work.

•_______ I adapt easily to changes around me.

•_______ I am able to analyze, synthesize, and value a situation.

•_______ I am able to clearly define the tasks at hand.

•_______ I am good at building the synergy of a team.

•_______ I maintain high standards of personal performance.

•_______ I can find new ways to overcome a problem.

•_______ I know when to appropriately use humor to relieve tension.

•_______ I am able to give others a sense that they are doing something worthwhile.

•_______ I am willing to accept the risks of leadership.

•_______ I am able to assess consequences.

•_______ I am comfortable giving honest feedback to others.

•_______ I am able to take the initiative to get a group going.

•_______ I have a sense of pride in my own work.

•_______ I can evaluate team performance.

•_______ I am tactful and sensitive when dealing with others.

•_______ I like to inspire and encourage others.

•_______ I am curious about people, ideas, and things.

•_______ I evaluate myself and my work on an ongoing basis.

•_______ I am good at asking for input and listening to others.

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•_______ I am able to recognize qualities and abilities and give credit to others.

•_______ I am known for fair dealing and honesty.

•_______ I know how my work contributes to the overall result.

•_______ I am able to give clear, concise directions to others.

•_______ I like to get to know, encourage, and motivate others.

•_______ I have an open mind in respect to others' points of view.

•_______ I set realistic and challenging targets.

•_______ I treat others with dignity and respect.

•_______ I can effectively delegate the tasks at hand.

•_______ I can be a stabilizing influence in a crisis.

•_______ I operate well under pressure or in a rapidly changing environment.

•_______ I encourage and listen to new ideas.

•_______ I like to motivate others by understanding their needs and aspirations.

•_______ I can effectively deal with stress.

•_______ I am able to set goals and measure progress toward them.

•_______ I pay close attention to others when they are speaking.

•_______ I like to give personal guidance and direction.

•_______ I can face up to a mistake and not blame others.

_______ Now write your total score here (out of a possible 144).

If you scored a total of 100 or more, you are probably well suited to be a manager, but take the time to reflect on the areas in which you scored lowest to see potential areas for growth.

If you scored between 60 and 100, being a manager may be appropriate for you, but find out more about what is required.

If you scored below 60, managing others is probably not for you, at least not at this point in your career. You may be happiest as an individual contributor.

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