In the past couple of decades, highly-programmed assessments have helped human resources personnel match the right people to the right jobs. But it’s becoming apparent that assessment isn't enough. Boyd Ober believes he has part of the answer: go beyond assessment to a personal perspective.
Ober should know. He is president of Leadership Resources (LRSuccess.com), named 2014 America’s Licensee of the Year by Leadership Management Inc. (LMI), in a field of 141 U.S. licensees. LMI boasts nearly 1,000 licensees worldwide. Ober also was named 2014 World Motivator of the Year by LMI.
To ensure successful employee/job matches, Ober said that a personal touch must be combined with assessments at three stages of employment:
Employee Selection. Assessments help hiring professionals determine whether a person has knowledge, natural tendencies, and personal values matching the organization. The first and third pieces require personal conversations in addition to assessments.
Communication Style. People change jobs much more often than they used to. The generation gap between older and younger workers is growing. Assessments help us understand natural differences, but in-person contact improves communication and helps leaders better coach, manage and lead.
Individual Development. Over two decades of working with hundreds of clients, Ober and his staff have learned reinforcement and education is required to ensure ongoing employee effectiveness. Assessments identify areas of need, but conversations, courses, and professional coaching are needed to make professional development stick and grow a company.
“When you really take time to understand a person better, you improve the fit,” he explains, “and that always means stronger growth. People are a company’s number one asset, and leaders should make a business decision to hire and develop their best assets. Assessments are only the beginning.”
Kindra Foster is our ground reporter for Lincoln, Nebraska.
From Lincoln Nebraska
Take it Personal: Assessments Aren’t Enough to Ensure Successful Employees
By Kindra Foster
Boyd Ober