How NASA Builds Teams: Mission Critical Soft Skills for Scientists, Engineers, and Project Teams

CHAPTER 4

The 4-D Assessment Process

You can conduct the 4-D assessments described in this chapter at no charge at www.4-DSystems.com. The web site also has other resources that are free or purchasable. We name them Team Development Assessments and Individual Development Assessments to emphasize their role as aids to development, not evaluations. I do not even like the word “assessment” in their title, but that is what they are—measurements against standards. I liken them to doctors’ physical examinations. Whether you are feeling good or not, it is useful to have a health check-up. Moreover, just as doctors assess your blood indicators by comparing them with norms of others, our assessments compare your scores with peer teams and individuals to assess your performance.

I organized this chapter as follows. I begin with my first realization of the power of 4-D assessments to modify behaviors. Next, I describe the assessment process. Finally, I show you samples of the free assessments’ data products.

Potency of Team Assessments to Drive Behavioral Change

Some years ago, my financial investment firm reviewed our teambuilding company’s (4-D Systems) business strategy. They were so impressed with our 4-D processes that they engaged us to address their ongoing problems, including employee retention. I began, as always, with Team Development Assessments for the two sides of the company. Both sides of the company had behavioral norms in the bottom quintile, the bottom 20 ...