In complex times leadership development tools need to deliver practical and actionable results.
Behavioural observation and reporting often offers better outcomes than psychometric testing for leadership development in our experience (over 35 years now). As the world becomes increasingly complex, quality behavioural reporting offers more actionable data and feedback on what leaders in a workplace actually do and how they may be able to refine their impacts.
While psychometric tests assess personality traits, evidence-based behavioural insights provide a deeper, real-world perspective on what leaders do and how they are actually impacting their teams in diverse situations, interact with others, and adapt to challenges.
The Belbin Model and its reports offer a solid evidence-based foundation for leadership development, using both an Individual Self-Perception Inventory, and importantly with Observer assessments added from workplace colleagues and reports.
The outputs of these comprehensive reports therefore offers more practical insights and advice for leaders based on their current self and observer inputs from the workplace perspective.
One key advantage of behavioural reports is the focus on actual observed behaviour rather than self-reported data. Psychometric tests will often rely on individuals' perceptions of themselves, which can be aspirational, biased or inaccurate. Conversely, behavioural insights are gathered from observing how leaders impact people and teams, make decisions under pressure, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. This makes them a more reliable real-time indicator of leadership impact, as they reflect context-specific actions, especially when reliable Observers are added to the data.
Leadership is situational, and behavioural reports can account for this variability. Leaders might excel in one environment but struggle in another, and psychometric tests may not capture this nuance. Behavioural insights, on the other hand, allow for the observation of how leaders adapt their approach based on the unique demands of a situation.
Belbin Observer reports from within different teams that a leader may interact with, provide a more complete picture of their capabilities and adaptability in a workplace context. This can help see beyond just the context of them within a leadership team and observe how the other teams in which they may work interact with the leader.
Behavioural insights also help to identify specific areas for growth, offering targeted and actionable feedback on currently observed strengths and weaknesses. Psychometric tests often categorise individuals into broad types, but behavioural reports with Belbin give leaders quite precise information about which behavioural clusters are at play and can potentially be refined.
By focusing on observed actions, reactions, and context, Belbin reports provide a clearer understanding of how a leader can identify their strengths and refine them to thrive in diverse situations, ultimately proving to be of more long-term benefit than psychometric tests alone.
To find out more contact us:
T – 1300 731 381
Comments