The latest Ward Howell International study confirms what many organizations are already experiencing: Leadership skills such as emotional intelligence, resilience, conflict resolution, and transformative leadership are becoming more critical than traditional fact-based management skills. However, identifying these competencies is far more challenging than assessing technical expertise.
When it comes to leadership behavior—especially its impact on teams and individuals—standardized tests and digital profiling often fall short. They may measure a candidate’s intentions but fail to capture how those intentions translate into actions and how they are perceived by others.
Interactive leadership assessments provide a more holistic approach. They create a spectrum of real-world scenarios that allow for observing behavior in action, interpreting underlying messages, and aligning findings with the specific requirements of a leadership role.
Given the complexity and nuance of leadership assessment, this process cannot be fully automated by AI—nor does it provide a final verdict. Instead, it offers valuable insights into where an individual stands in their leadership journey and what development areas still need to be addressed to align with career aspirations.
A perfect match between a role and a candidate’s profile is rare. In most cases, priorities must be set, and development plans need to be negotiated. In this sense, leadership assessment is not just an evaluation—it is the starting point of a transformational journey for both the individual and the organization.