Assessments: Blog

Assessments

(by John Smith/Partner Kellen James)

One of the valuable tools we provide organizations are Assessments. Every so often the assessment tools we use are refined and updated. At this juncture we take the opportunity to “test” our Executive staff. (It may be helpful to explain that our Executive staff consists of my brother-in-law, his younger sister/my wife and me).

Since we know each other pretty well on a personal and professional level, sharing the results of our individual assessments helps us to gauge their accuracy. Additionally, it is a learning experience for each of us as we begin to compare how we view ourselves and how we are viewed by others. Based on our analysis of the results, our assessments were dead on. For instance, some of the highlights of my recent assessment were; GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: …maintains his focus on results – True…usually makes decisions with the bottom line in mind - True…likes people who communicate with him in a clear, precise and brief manner –Very true. …skilled at asking informed questions and extracting information, but for some people he may need to phrase his questions more tactfully – a little painful, but true. So far the feedback doesn’t seem too bad. Where it gets interesting and insightful is in the Perceptions piece. PERCEPTIONS: Self-Perception…Competitive, Positive, Confident, Winner. Wow, what Manager wouldn’t want me on their team! Other’s-Perceptions…Demanding, Egotistical, Nervy, Aggressive. Huh?

 In my mind I’m intently focused on getting the job done, meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations, all very positive traits in an employee. However, my style or “Characteristics” can be perceived by others in a very negative light. Recognizing these traits and understanding how others might perceive them, helps me to adapt my style and communicate more effectively.

Communication style is only one facet in a comprehensive suite of assessments. Assessments can be tailored for a number of specific needs. Take Sales for instance. Sales are a leading factor in the success of most organizations. Customized assessment tools can tell you if an individual can sell how they sell and if they can sell your product/service. 

Utilizing a comprehensive suite of assessments in any organization is an invaluable tool. Assessments provide valuable insight on both a personal and professional level about an individual. Ultimately they help people communicate better. Administering a comprehensive suite of Assessments can reveal key factors regarding an individuals’ communication style; how they communicate with others and how to best communicate with them. Knowing and understanding these key elements can mean the difference between having a stellar employee or one that is a performance management issue. Proper use of and administration of assessments can make a huge, positive impact on corporate culture. Most managers recognize that a positive work environment has a direct impact on a healthy bottom line.

Going back to the Assessments our Executive Team took. My brother-in-law and I had a pretty good balance of commonalities and differences in our Characteristic Styles. My wife and I were on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Overall their Characteristic Styles are less intense. They are more social and perceived by others as being warm, friendly and engaging. As you can see, it takes all kinds of people and personalities to make an organization run smoothly. Luckily they have me here to keep on task while they are off socializing and making friends!

If you would like to learn more about the Assessment tools and solutions available to your organization, please contact; Shawn O’Hara-Smith shawn@kellenjames.com, Jim O’Hara jim@kellenjames.com or John Smith john@kellenjames.com.