How can you identify potential leaders on your team using assessments?

1 Benefits of using assessments

Assessments can help you discover hidden talents, strengths, and areas of improvement for your team members. They can also help you align your expectations and goals with their capabilities and preferences. By using assessments, you can create a more objective and fair process of evaluating and developing your team's leadership potential.

2 Types of assessments

Assessments are useful for measuring different dimensions of leadership skills. Personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the DiSC profile, can reveal team members' preferences, styles, and values. Motivation assessments, such as the Motivational Outlook Scale (MOS) or the StrengthsFinder, can show drivers, passions, and strengths. Communication assessments, such as the Communication Styles Inventory (CSI) or the Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ), can indicate communication styles, preferences, and skills. Problem-solving assessments, such as the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) or the Situational Judgment Test (SJT), can measure a team member's ability to analyze, evaluate, and resolve complex situations.

4 How to use assessments

Once you have chosen the assessments that suit your needs and goals, you should take the following steps to use them effectively. Firstly, it is important to prepare your team for the assessment. Explain the purpose, process, and expectations of the assessment, and provide clear instructions and guidelines for taking it. Ensure that your team members have access to the necessary resources and support. Secondly, administer the assessment according to its type and format - online, offline, individually, or in groups. Monitor the progress and completion of the assessment. Thirdly, analyze and interpret the results of the assessment by reviewing scores and reports. Look for patterns, trends, and gaps in the results. Compare and contrast them with other sources of information such as performance reviews, feedback, and observations. Fourthly, share and discuss the results with constructive actionable feedback based on them. Highlight their strengths and areas of improvement. Discuss their goals and action plans, as well as encourage reflection and application of learnings. Finally, monitor and evaluate outcomes by tracking impact on leadership development and performance. Provide ongoing support and coaching to your team members while celebrating achievements and addressing challenges.