Would You Like Me to Read Your Mind?

Ok - here goes.

A simple question: Think of someone who is excellent at their job. What is it that makes them excellent?

Before you read any further, take time to answer the question. Write down a few things that differentiates someone as being excellent rather than good or average. It can be anyone you have worked with past or present or someone you know in a work context, like a client or supplier. It can even be yourself.

Take a minute...

All done?

Now separate items on the list into one of two categories;

Technical Skills / Knowledge Based

Versus

Behavioural / Personality Traits.

Here is my mind reading prediction of your result;

Approximately 75% (or more?) of your answers are behaviour / personality traits.

Was I right?

If so, I am no Derren Brown...

I have asked this question hundreds of times in different industries, companies, cultures, teams and for occupations in the UK / Internationally and the result is the same. Typically, 60 - 90% behavioural.

So what?

I guess the simple point to really think about; Every time I ask this question, people ALWAYS list more behavioural traits than knowledge-based ones.

So, if behaviour can make such a significant difference...is it really valued as much as technical skills are?

I am not dismissing skills or knowledge as these can be critical in a role. I just hope this question and outcome emphasize how important behaviour is in the workplace; What makes someone excellent at their role? Mainly behaviour...

Next question. How does your company hire people? Is it based on their technical skills / knowledge or on their behaviour / personality?

My next mind reading prediction is 80%+ of you will say technical skills...

Final, prediction free, question; Next time your company recruits, if you do not use a behavioural profile / psychometric to assess candidates, why not?

Assessing the behaviour of candidates can significantly improve recruitment and selection outcome.

Don't believe me?

According to research undertaken by Newcastle University, using a behavioural profile to support candidate selection can double your chance of selecting a candidate that is deemed to be a "strong" fit to the role compared to interviewing alone.

Behavioural profiles, such as Belbin Team Roles, can cost less than £50 per person.

Doubling your chance of recruitment success for under £50.00?

Interesting?

For a no obligation chat to find out how Belbin or other assessments can help you recruit more effectively email hello@whitecubeconsulting.com.

I know you want to...I can read your mind...