In the face of limited talent pools and a highly competitive market, companies need to have a precise understanding of the capabilities of their employees at all levels of the organization, and design talent selection and development initiatives that align with their business’ strategic needs.
This is why in today’s chaotic and ever-changing working environment, companies who carry on regular assessment center will thrive, and those who don’t will perish.
What is it?
An Assessment Centers is a mechanism designed to evaluate the suitability of applicants (external or internal) for a particular job within an organization, using a range of evaluation techniques. An Executive Assessment is focused on evaluating the skills, competencies and conduct of top management candidates.
Having as a compass the needs of the organization and the job in question, several exercises, tests and follow up are planned and chosen for top leaders to share details on the qualities and attributes required to successfully perform the role.
These are some of the exercises which could be included in an executive assessment:
- Psychometric tests
- Behavioural Event Interviews
- Business Cases
- Teamwork exercises
- Competency-based interviews
- 360º assessment
Additionally, an executive assessment usually includes one-to-one coaching during and after the session in order to provide tailored feedback and to develop an action plan.
What is it for?
Selection | Talent Needs | Analysis HiPo | Identification Development
In the particular case of top leaders, an assessment takes place to work on individual development plans linked to the overall business strategy. It could also be a way to prepare succession plans for the mid-long term of a company.
In today’s changing environment, an executive assessment is also helpful to map the skills and strengths of the team, in order to reskill and/or upskill them depending on how the organization is evolving. This is particularly useful to reduce external hiring costs.
And finally, an executive assessment should be able to measure the digital skills of today’s leaders. We strongly believe that successful digital transformation – both inside and outside the organization – starts with digital leadership. Yet many leaders struggle to understand how to evolve their leadership capabilities in the digital world of work and truly to understand the potential value of organizational transformation.
The digital assessment – a new way of working
In the current working scenario, having a face-to-face-8-hour-long assessment centre seems pretty impossible. But most of the consultancy firms which offer these services aren’t prepared for blended “virtual” and “digital” solutions.
We are certain that this will change in the short term, since more and more companies are allowing people to work remotely, sometimes even from different countries. And with greater flexibility in their working hours.
Digital seems to be the only way to map out skills, competencies and conducts remotely. But companies shouldn’t forget about the importance of tailored-human feedback.
So what is a “digital” or “virtual” blended executive assessment?
It is a series of online assessments with the same goals as a face-to-face assessment – but from a remote location such as home, a coffee shop, or the office.
When someone signs up for this kind of service, they are given access to a digital dashboard in which they will find tests which are taken individually, such as psychometric tests or 360 evaluations. Then they schedule interviews with real consultants. And they go through online business cases and exercises with other members of the team – in which negotiation, teamwork, leadership, and other capabilities are measures by a team of consultants.
In the end, participants receive a personalized report which mentions strengths, areas of development, and practical tips, along with a practical development plan and one-to-one coaching to grow his or her skills.
It is a beautiful mix between the real experience, the human touch, and the digital efficiency and global reach.
Because identifying and developing the right talent has never been more critical, businesses should consider assessment centres regularly.
The final result of an executive digital assessment is to:
At Catenon we have developed several virtual HR-solutions such as executive assessments and executive recruitment to help to goal-oriented organisations grow and digitize their talent processes.
If you want to know more about us, just contact us!
