Psychological Testing

Source: CPA Practice Management Forum

Based on the following, it appears to be unwise for any CPA firm to not at least consider using the Kolbe system.

Sandra Wiley (COO at Boomer Consulting, Inc., in Manhattan, Kansas) says the Kolbe Wisdom, a psychological testing system, can help with productivity of teams, hiring people who are compatible with the firm culture, and more.

The article does a good job of explaining the theory and practicality of the system. Here are a couple of highlights:

Systems such as Myers-Briggs (www.meyersbriggs.com) and the Predictive Index (www.piworldwide.com) help identify the values and beliefs that affect a candidate’s feelings. The Kolbe system identifies what determines how a person will act. This is called the conative part of the mind. It identifies four instinctive forces in people:
- Fact finding—the need to investigate thoroughly.
- Follow-thru—the need for structure.
- Quick start—the inclination to experiment.
- Implementation—making ideas real.

Everyone has instincts in all of the above, but one is predominant.

Suppose a tax department head is hiring a new accountant. The department head has a strong need to do in-depth research, create a plan and go with it. He is interviewing a person who prefers to focus on solutions. If the department head knows this about the candidate, a new approach can be brought to the department. If he does not know it, there can be a conflict between reality and expectations.

The article explains how the system can help with motivation, leadership development, conflict resolution, and teamwork.

For the complete article, click here.

From CPA Practice Management Forum, CCH Incorporated, 800-449-8114, July 2008, p. 11.