The answers to the following questions can go a long way to determine whether an individual is emotionally secure as a leader — or not.

Do you trust you’ll be OK no matter what challenges come your way? Emotionally secure people know life can be difficult and accept hardships. They maintain a deep sense of gratitude for what’s important, helping them through the rough patches.

Can you express negative emotions respectfully? Here, we’re dealing with communicating your feelings in a respectful way that focuses on your internal experience. Often, this is reflected by using such I statements as I  feel or I think rather than blaming others for your circumstances.

Can you set healthy boundaries? Your emotional security is associated with knowing yourself and setting limits based on your values. You’re more emotionally secure when you can articulate how you’d prefer to be treated and set guidelines for how you’ll respond when those boundaries aren’t respected.

Can you accept criticism from others? Do you accept constructive feedback without rejecting it or lashing out? This means you have a strong sense of self that takes into consideration other people’s perspectives and opinions about your approach to things.

Do you know your core values and beliefs? Emotionally secure leaders communicate their perspectives in respectful ways, even when others disagree. In this context, emotional security deals with being authentic, knowing one’s values and acting in a way that’s consistent in all situations.

Can you listen to perspectives with which you disagree? Studies continue to support you’re more emotionally secure when you’re able to hear other points of view without reacting to them aggressively or defensively. Rather than going to battle, you incorporate a more flexible, empathic and non-judgmental exploration of the person’s reality – even during times of conflict and disagreement. This is literally, figuratively and emotionally walking in the other person’s shoes.

Do you strive to change and grow? The most emotionally secure people appreciate the journey of life and the process of evolving over time. They’re not afraid to embrace change. They find joy and satisfaction in the idea of learning and becoming the best version of themselves.

Can you admit when you’re wrong? It’s safe to say all of us are wrong sometimes. Emotionally secure people acknowledge their mistakes, take responsibility and apologize for their actions.

Can you stop yourself from reacting impulsively? I’m talking about choosing responses to difficult situations. This calls for a pragmatic approach in controlling your reactions and impulses in your relationships. You consistently demonstrate the ability to articulate yourself clearly, even when angered or upset.

What type of person — what type of leader – are you? Are you emotionally secure or an emotional train wreck? Whatever way you trend is the way your employees, and dare I say your business, will trend.