A large part of this issue tells you about people who made a success of franchising, of people who might not have started their own enterprises but profited by running a franchise. If you’re tempted to be a part of the growing ranks of franchisees, take this little test first.

If you were/are in an office and your boss is working on a new business proposal, do you
A. Wait for the instructions to be issued?
B. Try to get a lead on the proposal?
C. Take the initiative to create the proposal?

A new assignment is being described. Would you want to take on the additional responsibility?
A. No, I would rather concentrate on making my existing work profile more productive
B. No, but would like to be part of the new job
C. Yes, would want to lead the team

Your team is unable to get a crucial system started. Do you
A. Go to the senior-most colleague for guidance?
B. Attempt a solution with the project head?
C. Roll up your sleeves to get to the root of the problem?

A new senior member is joining the department. Will you
A. Be uncomfortable with the change and unsure of your role in the hierarchy?
B. Form an opinion after a while?
C. Look forward to new energy in the system?

Given a chance, at your workplace, would you want to be mentored or be a mentor?
A. Be mentored. It is a good way to grow
B. Be mentored for a while and then be a mentor
C. Be a mentor. In fact have been one unofficially

You have slogged over the new project and made it a success. The credit goes to the team leader. Do you
A. Accept that the leader is the one that takes the praise and blame in any team?
B. Insist that the entire team share the credit?
C. Ensure that due credit comes your way?

The entire presentation is ready, but last minute changes are being suggested by your senior. Do you
A. Accommodate them as soon as possible?
B. Question the changes but are malleable to incorporating them?
C. Resist the changes?

If made a team leader, when would you consult your seniors?
A. At every crucial juncture
B. Start the work in consultation and move on
C. Prefer to take on independent charge

In times of crisis, do you volunteer to take on the extra load?
A. Never. Uncertainty can be unnerving
B. Yes, but only if there’s enough time
C. Yes, always. Makes the work more exciting

Would you take up a new job that offers an exciting work profile?
A. The salary hike has to be good enough to motivate me to make the switch
B. Only if I am confident of handling it
C. Yes, learning is the driving force for me

Do people across other departments/functions approach you for help?
A. Hardly ever
B. Sometimes, when the seniors are not around
C. Yes, as I am known as a key resource person

If needed, you can be aggressive and pushy to achieve your goals
A. Unlikely. Following protocol is an advantage
B. Sometimes. In the long run such behaviour can be detrimental to one’s growth
C. Yes. It gets the system moving fast

Managing your boss is as important as managing your team. Do you agree?
A. Of course. He has to be shown due respect
B. Yes. Certain courtesies and basic decorum has to be followed in the office
C. It’s important to be polite but not to the point of sycophancy

It is time for your annual appraisal in the organisation. Do you
A. Consider it an annual exercise and write your achievements/targets in a perfunctory manner?
B. A time to assess your career growth and follow it up with regular self-appraisals?
C. A time to set career milestones and support it with frequent feedback from seniors and peers?

Do you think it’s important to establish your USP at the work place?
A. I don’t have to make an effort. My boss already knows my abilities
B. My skills should be known to people who matter in the department
C. I want to be known for my special skills across the organisation

ANALYSIS

Now that you have analysed your attitude, you can decide on which course to follow depending on the colour of smilies in your basket

A (Employee): If most of the As in your basket, then you will function best as an employee. You prefer the safety of a structured work environment and the cushion of a monthly salary to unnecessary risks. Left on your own, you would not be able to give your best.

B (Franchisee): If you have more Bs, then your temperament is best suited to be a franchisee. You enjoy the security of a defined work plan, but would also want to be held responsible for your actions. A certain amount of freedom at work is what you desire.

C (Entrepreneur): Maximum Cs indicate that you would profit most as an independent entrepreneur. You tend to take bold and quick steps towards building leadership competencies. As a risktaker, you would like to shoulder your responsibilities and enjoy the rewards.