Advice on 'leadership assessment centre'

engstrom0304

engstrom0304

engstrom0304

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5 Apr 2008
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Hi guys,
Tomorrow I have an interview at the Royal Academy of Engineering for an Advanced leadership award. It is aimed at undergraduates who have potential to become leaders in engineering.

There is also group activities during the day. I know that this could be very hectic as everyone will be trying to prove that they are a 'leader'. Any advice for how to approach this?

Thanks
 
The very fact you've resorted to asking random strangers on an Internet Forum means you've failed. Sorry. :(
 
doofer said:
The very fact you've resorted to asking random strangers on an Internet Forum means you've failed. Sorry. :(
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I think that is really closed minded. I know that there are people here who have had success in similar situations and would be happy to share their experiences. What have I really got to lose by writing a couple of sentences on an "Internet Forum"?
 
Keep quiet, watch who the two alpha males are then agree with one, till the last minute then pop up with lets review the other idea then go with that one.

If there woman there give up, because they will get promoted over you and win the prize due to,

A - Being a Woman in Engineering, this is regardless of ability just a fact of life due to there be no woman in engineering and the councils who run these courses just want promote it as such.

Its quite wrong tbh as there is a shortage of all young people in engineering in the UK. Due to

B - The pay the crap for the amount of time you have to study and its seen as a hindrance to the product whatever it is and there are no woman in engineering to cop off apart from the woman on the shop floor.
 
You can't see the ridiculousness of asking complete strangers: 'Hey guys, someone tell me how I can show people what a complete Boss I am?'

:confused:
 
doofer said:
You can't see the ridiculousness of asking complete strangers: 'Hey guys, someone tell me how I can show people what a complete Boss I am?'

:confused:
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Im not really interested in arguing with you, but you seem to hold the view that being a leader is about being the 'all knowing alpha male' who won't seek advice advice from others and needs the constant approval of others that you're some 'Complete Boss'... If you can't be constructive or helpful then don't waste your time here.
 
Use phrases like "blue sky world" instead of saying ideal. You will win much admiration......i may have to kick you in the nuts if you do use it as i hate that phrase and hear it daily.....must remain calm
 
Some pretty awful advice straight off the bat there.

I'd say, be vocal but don't dominate. Don't ramble on about anything, keep it relevant. Make sure you use positive body language to include everybody in the group and continuously ask for everybody's opinions/ideas. Try to be confident and well-spoken, don't mutter or speak too quickly. Be friendly.

I think there will be lots of people trying to prove that they are the best leader etc and probably just dominate group tasks which is not a good idea. Be a team player who can lead.

Dress sharply too unless stated otherwise. Suit etc.

This is just based off my own experiences in assessment centres, not necessarily an assessment centre based on leadership.
 
Mark your territory and boxing stance.

Unless you've been given an idea what to expect then all you can do is be yourself, go with the flow and try your best.
 
Leadership is about identifying the important and working out how you achieve it.

In group exercises initially focus on what the strategy/goal/target is then work out how you'll achieve then split the task. Leaders don't necessarily do they get others to do. You won't lead in all situations so you need to be an active and supportive follower. You need to focus on the few things that deliver the goal not evry idea that crosses your path. You might alo want to consider the risks to delivering your goal.

Consider any time limits, discuss process for making decision try and stick to your timetable bring discussions to a close in time to deliver what you decide.

Leadership is always about influencing people, consider peoples psychology. Some will want a process to be followed, other want logic, some like facts and figures and some need things to be personalised. This is important , tailor your argument to the individuals in front of you, you may have to make quick judgement calls about what people psychology might be.
 
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when in charge keep your eye on the bigger picture, don't get bogged down in the details of something only for the timer to go off and you realize you haven't considered all aspects of the tasks due to messing about over one small detail.

and as above, if you're not the leader, support the guy who is, don't try to stage a coup.
 
engstrom0304 said:
Hi guys,
Tomorrow I have an interview at the Royal Academy of Engineering for an Advanced leadership award. It is aimed at undergraduates who have potential to become leaders in engineering.

There is also group activities during the day. I know that this could be very hectic as everyone will be trying to prove that they are a 'leader'. Any advice for how to approach this?

Thanks
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1) if you are a natural leader and possess the gravitas you need to lead in the engineering industry it will come across very obviously
2) if you don't, you can only technically learn leadership and against someone who has the above you won't win
3) you don't prove you are a leader at these things, you simply are a leader and that will be blindingly obvious to the assessors.

This comes across from your mannerisms, the way you interact (even if or more so when not trying to lead), the way you speak and present, the confidence in your voice, self assurance, confidence in your abilities and knowledge.

Do you speak with authority or to authority? Do you challenge and critique your decisions or only others? Can you portray strength and presence from humility not arrogance? Do you learn from doing or seeing only once or do you need repetition in instruction?
 
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Just go and naturally engage in the activity in what ever way makes you comfortable.

You will find that one or two people (possibly yourself) will naturally end up making the decisions or contributing more to the group.
 
Have you been told anything about the format beyond that there will be group exercises? It might influence the advice given although Macky and PlacidCasual have given some good points to think about.
 
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