To better understand how behavior was determined for the person you have chosen, we recommend that you read about Psychological Associates’ Dimensional Model of Behavior.

Q1 Manager: Initiates/Low Regard Behavior

Based upon your responses, when scored against our Dimensional Model, your manager most often exhibits an initiates/low regard style of behavior. This style of management would be positioned in the Q1 quadrant of our Dimensional Model. In our terminology, your manager is displaying Q1 behavior.

Key Characteristics of Q1 Manager Behavior

Q1 believes that people have to be pushed. Q1 tends to intimidate through power and runs a tight, rigidly controlled operation. Q1 imposes close, constant supervision and attempts to threaten and drive direct reports toward a suitable level of performance.

See if any of these Q1 behaviors seem familiar:

• Engaging in solo performances. Seeks little help or advice from direct reports. Communication is strictly one-way. Q1 “knows” his/her decisions are always right.
• Giving generous punishments, stingy rewards. Direct reports who make mistakes usually receive blame, and often punishment, from Q1. Good performers seldom receive compliments.
• Thinking the end justifies the means. Q1 puts results first, with little concern for how they are achieved. Finding ways to beat the system is often considered a virtue by Q1.

Other indicators of Q1 behavior:

• Pressuring direct reports
• Intimidating through power
• Making authoritarian decisions.

Suggestions for Dealing with a Q1 Boss:  

• Show respect for the boss’ power. Don’t threaten it.
• Carefully summarize your understanding.
• Be willing to let him take credit.
• Keep her informed—don’t surprise her.
• Be appropriately open, candid, and forceful.
• Utilize open-end questions, summary statements, & reflective statements. Avoid leading questions and closed-end questions.

Q4 Leadership: The People Skills Advantage™

What you discovered from the questionnaire is just a sample of the kind of insight you gain from Psychological Associates’ flagship workshop, Leadership Through People Skills. Click to find out more about the program.

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Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this questionnaire and all documents related to it, the content is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Psychological Associates does not give any warranty or other assurance as to the operation, quality, or functionality of the site. The information herein is not necessarily comprehensive or complete and in no way constitutes professional or legal advice. If you need specific advice, you should always consult a suitably qualified professional.