We have a loyal department head who is currently getting by, but we know their natural instincts will not match the demands of our seat once we automate our operations. How do we run a proactive alignment check using Kolbe before they fail?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Scaling a business toward a clean exit requires a shift in leadership capabilities. A loyal department head who is getting by today may not have the conative strengths needed for your future, automated state. To address this proactively without making them feel targeted, you should run a comparative conative analysis using the Kolbe system.

First, have the executive complete the Kolbe A™ Index to measure their instinctive method of operation. Next, complete the Kolbe C™ Index for that specific seat on the Accountability Chart. The Kolbe C™ Index defines the actual requirements of the job from a management perspective. By comparing the results of the Kolbe A™ and Kolbe C™, you will see the exact tension points between their innate talents and the job requirements.

If the comparison shows a massive gap, you are dealing with conative strain. This explains why they are struggling, despite their loyalty and effort. This objective, data-driven approach removes emotion from the conversation. You can sit down with the leader and show them the data. You can then work together to transition them to a seat that fits their natural strengths, or redesign the seat by shifting specific responsibilities to another team member who has the right instinctive strengths.