What are the characteristics of a champion?

• A. A quiet follower with reserved interest
• B. A compliance-focused administrator
• C. A cost-cutting specialist
• D. A passionate leader with contagious gusto and zeal who are advocates of an organization's core services or products

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is what makes someone effective at driving a project or program forward within an organization. A champion is a passionate leader who actively promotes the organization’s core services or products, and whose energy is contagious enough to rally others around a cause. This person understands and communicates the value, wins support from stakeholders, and helps secure the resources and momentum needed for success. They take ownership, influence across teams, and push through obstacles to achieve adoption and alignment with organizational goals.

The other descriptions miss that momentum. A quiet follower lacks the initiative to inspire or mobilize people. A compliance-focused administrator emphasizes rules over momentum. A cost-cutting specialist centers on reducing expenses rather than advancing the initiative’s value and adoption. The champion combines leadership, advocacy, and alignment with core offerings, which is what drives real change.