Why Are We Bad at Picking Good Leaders? A Better Way to Evaluate Leadership Potential

ASSESSING JUDGMENT

In our assessment work with executives and high-potential leaders, we focus heavily on the candidate's capacity to exercise good judgment. We want to know if he or she will make good decisions under pressure. We are eager to see how the candidate approaches complex problems without the benefit of plenty of time, resources, or support staff. Typically we meet with only candidates who have already demonstrated an ability to get results. Being selected as a high-potential leader in the first place requires compiling a clear record of success. With this in mind, when we initially sit down with an aspiring leader, we try to get a better understanding of the expertise and wisdom this person has gained during the course of his or ...