For most employees, leadership is not in their genes according to studies that say only 10-20% of the population are natural leaders. Luckily, leadership development training has been shown to increase leadership behaviors by 28% (Lacerenza, et. al., 2017).
CATMEDIA has studied the effects of several leadership training strategies on diverse populations and recommends including assessments to develop leaders within your organization. Assessments are the most effective and empirically tested way of evaluating specific leadership competencies.
CATMEDIA administers thousands of assessments and delivers hundreds of feedback sessions for government and commercial clients. A representative sample of assessments that our team has experience working with include the Center for Creative Leadership Managers Benchmark assessment, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Step I, MBTI Step II, Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B) assessment, Multi-Health Systems Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 (MHS EQ-i 2.0), Clifton StrengthsFinder, various other 360s, and the DiSC.
Assessments vary and can be customized based on industry and company goals. For example, companies can assess things like personality and workstyle or a more industry-specific skill such as coding. Assessments can provide objective, detailed insights that might not be obvious to the eye or on an employee’s resume.
360-degree assessments of leadership skills, combined with targeted mentoring and coaching, have proven most effective for transformational and charismatic leadership (Batista-Foguet, Esteve, and van Witteloostuijin, 2021). Based on our experience with the above assessments, we have detailed a few ways to apply these findings effectively within the workplace. Here are some key strategies on how to make the best use of assessment results:
Individual Development and Training: The results of personality and work-style assessments, such as Clifton StrengthsFinder, can provide valuable insights into each employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. This information can be used to tailor individualized development plans and training programs. By understanding their unique attributes, employees can be empowered to enhance their skills and expertise, leading to improved job performance and overall job satisfaction.
Team Building and Collaboration: Assessments can also shed light on team dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Identifying compatible team members and potential conflicts can help in forming more cohesive and efficient teams. Managers can use this knowledge to create cross-functional teams that complement each other’s abilities, fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment.
Succession Planning and Talent Management: Understanding the strengths and potential of employees through assessments can aid in succession planning and talent management initiatives. Identifying high-potential employees and grooming them for leadership roles ensures a smooth transition when key positions become vacant and create a pipeline of future leaders.
Training Needs and Skill Gaps: The results of assessments can also reveal skill gaps within the organization. This information can be used to prioritize training and development initiatives to address these gaps effectively. By investing in targeted training, the company can continuously upskill its workforce and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Enhancing Employee Engagement: When employees feel that their abilities and aspirations are acknowledged and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their roles. Utilizing assessment results to align job responsibilities with individual strengths can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction, resulting in increased productivity and reduced turnover.
In summary, by identifying an individual’s unique strengths and improvement areas, employers and employees can create personalized development plans, including focused coaching and self-guided training that focuses on maximizing their leadership potential. Administering assessments can enable employers to gain valuable insights into employees’ leadership styles, communication preferences, and decision-making approaches, empowering them to become more effective and influential leaders.
CATMEDIA is your trusted partner in cultivating capable leaders who drive growth and excellence within your organization. With our comprehensive training services encompassing assessments, coaching, mentoring, and networking, we empower individuals to unlock their leadership potential and make a lasting impact on your business’s success.