Assessment Tools- what are they and how can they help me?

Assessment tools are designed to provide a range of insights into an individual’s leadership and team behaviours .  The tools usually consist of a questionnaire which the individual completes and which is then analysed to identify their preferences and behaviours.

In the case of 360 degree tools, the individual selects others from their workplace to complete questionnaires which enable colleagues to provide feedback on their perceptions of how that individual operates at work.

360 degree questionnaire results are by computer and a report is produced which outlines and discusses the individual’s leadership and team styles.  The input from others is often grouped so that individual ratings remain anonymous.  Clients are able to acknowledge behaviours which serve them well and also identify actionable pointers to enhance their leadership and team styles in order to achieve their outcomes.

What is involved?

Threshold offers coaching on the data from a wide range of assessment tools, including the Harthill LDF; Myers-Briggs Type Inventory, Step One and Step Two; the FiroB; CPI 260 and Matrix.  We are also able to offer design of bespoke 360 degree tools and coaching on the results from them.

Threshold works with the client to determine which assessment tools would be most helpful. The client then completes the questionnaires, which are often available online. The results are processed and returned to the client and coach so they can work together on the insights provided. The whole process is entirely confidential to the individual and the coach.

Threshold can also offer coaching on the results of assessments already completed by the client.

Once an individual has understood the information presented from the assessment tools, they usually wish to develop an action plan to help them move forward in their learning.  Ongoing coaching can help them to identify goals and strategies, keep on track with their learning, maintain their focus on specific outcomes and ultimately make the most of the feedback from their assessment.  The  coach ensures that the individual gains maximum added value from the information identified by the assessment tools.

Coach and client normally arrange a specified number of phone and/or face-to-face sessions over a period of weeks or months until the client’s outcomes have been attained.
 
What skills does the coach bring to coaching on the results of assessment tools?

In addition to their general coaching skills, a coach who bases their session around the results from assessment tools, is equipped with a thorough knowledge of the instruments used.  He/she is qualified in and certified to use the instruments offered, and very skilled in ensuring maximum benefit to the client from the information provided. He/she is able to:-

• introduce skills and perspectives which are new and challenging
• provide support for moving forward

What are the outcomes and benefits of coaching on the results of assessment tools?

• A thorough and integrated grasp of the insights provided by the tools used
• Enables participant to thoroughly take stock of their current situation and the distance to their intended outcomes
• Highlights the actionable items from specific instruments
• Shows the participant the pathway and stepping stones ‘from here to there’

For further information and a discussion of your needs, please contact Eoin (pronounced owen) McCarthy at eoinm@threshold.com or telephone +0044 (0) 1684 891566

TCL Feb 2010