We have completed our Accountability Chart but have not yet mapped our team's natural conative strengths. How should we use the Kolbe A Profile during our quarterly pulsing sessions to resolve deep-seated execution bottlenecks?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Once your Accountability Chart is established, integrating the Kolbe A Profile is the fastest way to stop natural conative differences from causing friction during execution. Conative screening measures how people instinctively approach problem-solving and get things done, which is critical when assigning quarterly Rocks.

To make this practical, assign the Kolbe A Profile as homework to all leadership team members prior to your next quarterly pulsing session. Ensure everyone completes the assessment, reviews their results, and watches the introductory video beforehand.

During your quarterly planning, draw the Kolbe framework on a whiteboard, charting everyone's scores across the four action modes: Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quickstart, and Implementor.

When you are selecting Rocks and assigning ownership, refer to this chart. If you assign a highly structured process Rock to a high Quickstart who naturally resists routine, the Rock is likely to fail. Conversely, if you assign a rapid innovation Rock to a high Follow Thru who needs perfect information before moving, they will get bogged down. Use these conative profiles to match the right person with the right Rock, ensuring your execution strategy aligns with your team's natural strengths.