Leadership Personality Tests & Assessments

1. Make Decisions Without Constant Approval:
   Practice making small decisions at work without immediately seeking validation or approval from supervisors. For example, prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project goals rather than waiting for input.
2. Lead a Meeting or Project:
   Volunteer to lead a meeting or manage a project from start to finish. Take initiative in planning, decision-making, and executing the project. This enhances self-reliance and builds trust in your leadership.
3. Take Responsibility for Problem-Solving:
   When an issue arises at work, tackle it independently before asking for help. Create potential solutions and implement the most viable one. Afterward, present your approach to your manager for feedback. Websites like Mindtools and Businessballs are a great resource when it comes to problem-solving and decision-making tools and frameworks.
4. Develop Your Own Work Plan:
   Design your work schedule for the week with minimal reliance on external input. Use project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) to track progress and manage your time independently.
5. Set Personal Career Development Goals:
   Identify specific skills or areas you want to grow in professionally, such as public speaking, technical skills, or leadership qualities. Independently research courses or mentorship opportunities to pursue these goals.
6. Limit Feedback to Periodic Check-ins:
   Rather than seeking ongoing feedback, schedule periodic reviews (e.g., weekly or monthly) with your manager to discuss progress. Use these opportunities to confirm you’re on track while continuing to work independently.
7. Present Proposals Without Relying on Group Consensus:
   When preparing reports or project proposals, present your ideas confidently without needing collective agreement upfront. Show that you’ve thoroughly considered different perspectives but can make decisions autonomously.
8. Volunteer for Tasks Outside Your Comfort Zone:
   Take on tasks or assignments that are unfamiliar or outside your core responsibilities. This will challenge you to learn new things on your own, boosting your confidence in independent problem-solving.
9. Self-Evaluate Before Seeking Performance Feedback:
   Before your next performance review, conduct a self-assessment of your achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Present this to your manager during the review to demonstrate self-awareness and independent thought.

Books to Improve Independence in the Workplace

1. “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
   Offers practical advice and strategies to improve emotional intelligence, including independence. The book contains self-assessment tools and tips to develop self-reliance.
   
2. “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink
   This book explores the importance of autonomy and how it drives motivation and success at work. It helps readers focus on self-direction in their professional lives.
   
3. “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” by Kim Scott
   Focuses on how to communicate assertively and take independent actions while fostering strong relationships at work.
   
4. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
   Encourages readers to focus on what truly matters and make independent decisions without seeking validation from others.
   
5. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
   Teaches leadership through fostering independence within teams, making it applicable for those seeking to develop autonomy and decision-making in leadership roles.
   

TED Talks to Inspire Workplace Independence

1. How to Make Hard Choices | Ruth Chang
   Ruth Chang discusses decision-making and how to be confident in making hard, independent choices, empowering you to take more control at work.
2. The Puzzle of Motivation | Daniel Pink
   This talk emphasizes the power of autonomy in the workplace and how it drives better performance and creativity.
3. What It Takes to Be a Great Leader | Rosalinde Torres
   Explores how leadership is tied to being independent and taking action without waiting for permission.

Podcasts to Strengthen Workplace Independence

1. The Tim Ferriss Show
   Tim Ferriss interviews top performers from various fields, sharing insights on how they foster independence and take control of their work and lives.
2. WorkLife with Adam Grant
   Adam Grant explores how people can thrive at work by being proactive, making decisions, and developing workplace independence.
3. The Tony Robbins Podcast
   Tony Robbins’ podcast often covers topics on personal empowerment, self-confidence, and autonomy in professional and personal contexts.
4. Coaching for Leaders
   This podcast focuses on leadership skills, including taking ownership of decisions and fostering independence in professional growth.

Top Tips for Building Independence at Work

1. Start Small:
   Begin by taking responsibility for smaller tasks and decisions. As you gain confidence, gradually take on more complex responsibilities without needing approval or validation.
2. Build Confidence in Your Expertise:
   Trust that you have the knowledge and skills to make decisions in your role. Use your experience to guide your choices and show initiative in solving problems.
3. Develop a Problem-Solving Mindset:
   When a challenge arises, think of three possible solutions before consulting others. This encourages independent thinking and action-taking.
4. Communicate Assertively:
   When presenting your decisions or ideas, use assertive language (e.g., “I’ve decided to do this” instead of “Is this okay?”). This builds confidence and independence.
5. Reflect on Your Decisions:
   After completing a project or task, take time to reflect on your decisions and actions. Identify what worked and what could be improved. This reflection fosters a sense of ownership over your growth.
6. Minimize External Validation:
   Reduce your reliance on external praise or approval for your work. Focus on internal satisfaction and knowing that your actions align with your values and goals.