Each day, as I use the Kolbe assessment more and more…with clients, staff, and other professional groups that I am involved in, I realize how critical this tool is in finding the missing piece of the puzzle that is often the difference between a successful interaction and a grave misunderstanding. I am part of a group that focuses on Appreciative Inquiry (a focus on positivity and how to act from an appreciative state – led by Ed Jacobson) and the group recently asked me to lead a session on the Kolbe assessment.
The Kolbe A Assessment was created by Kathy Kolbe (www.kolbe.com) and helps us understand how we, and others, instinctually take action.
This is not a personality assessment, and generally it does not change during your lifetime. It was interesting to see how the group reacted first to taking the assessment-some hesitated until the last moment- but in the end, so many of the group were floored by how accurately Kolbe assessed who they truly are. It brought us closer together because we understood each other more deeply and fully, a key part of being appreciative with others.
Yes, it is only one piece of the puzzle, but it is an important piece in many business interactions and personal relationships.
Another recent business example is a group of new financial life planners that I am mentoring through the Kinder Institute…had I not known the profile of one of my members, I would have thought that this person was purposely ignoring my instructions on how to post a case study. Given, that I knew that their profile was to resist process, I was able to be more patient & supportive and not take it personally as can often happen.
Finally, one more example with a client where I have a sense (but no actual Kolbe profile score) that the client needs ALOT of information. We have revised our recommendations a number of times for the client and just realize that they need much more detail than we do. It could have easy been construed as “don’t you trust our advice” and yet I have an innate sense of something else that might be behind the client’s continued need for more information.
In closing, let me share a personal example about my son…
I am learning (because I DO have his Kolbe profile) that he is not comfortable with quick changes and uncertainty. Rushing around, quick deadlines all make him crazy. In the past, when we are in situations where there are events booked back to back and we are running on a tight schedule, his frustration and anxiousness might have been misunderstood…not any longer. I can let him process his anxiety without taking it personally.
I am very grateful for this powerful tool and impressed each day with what the Kolbe assessment is able to help me gain in understanding, insight and effectiveness with others.
