Extended DISC - testing for potential leaders
Last week the Times described how psychometric tests can identify a potential leader, provided they are tailored to the role and are part of a programme of feedback and development.
In the article "Wisdom can be learnt" Lyn Dale of the psychometrics centre at the University of Cambridge states that " Good leadership requires a balance of wisdom, intelligence and creativity", she also says "There are different ways of looking at intelligence: analytical intelligence (your verbal and critical thinking); creative intelligence and most relevantly, your everyday practical intelligence, often referred to as wisdom. Wisdom is the mark of a great leader. It involves the ability to solve complex problems for the greater good of all.", "Integral to being wise is knowing where your strengths and weaknesses lie"
The article describes how there is no universally accepted list of competencies. Companies need to develop their own competency framework for leaders based on the knowledge and skills they need.
Extended DISC has helped many organisations throughout the world identify and develop potential leaders using a range of assessments to increase self awareness including bespoke 360 questionnaires tailored to fit the leadership competencies specified by a particular organisation.
The Times, decribes how a transformational leader is usually thought of as a top performer who motivates and coaches, is democratic, visionary, affiliative and inspirational. The Extended DISC personal analysis would show this type of leader with quite a high preference for influencing, low for compliance, and moderate for stability. But as highlighted by Professor John Rust of The Psychometrics centre, tests only show part of the story and they should be used as part of an overall development programme.
Extended DISC has recently launched a one day workshop aimed at leaders / potential leaders who would like to improve their performance and their teams performance. The day will include how leaders can use assessments to become more self-aware and discover how to develop themselves as a leader.
For more information using Extended DISC to develop leaders and one day workshops in "Leading a Winning Team", contact Kerry Munday on 01249 700295