The assessment of capability is an established concept with a wide range of tools and techniques at the disposal of those who those who need to gain an appreciation of the gap between current and desired capability.
Continuum argue that capability is simply a single factor in the ability of an organisation to meet its strategic goals or to ‘futureproof’ itself against the vagaries of the market.
Potential for us is the most significant factor in understanding human development. We are regularly asked to give a view on the ability of an individual or team to achieve and objective, plan or strategy. It is potential which gets that team or person ‘over the finish line’ or to exceed expectations.
We argue that people with ‘high’ potential but lower capability are those who benefit most from appropriate development, support and attention – however, organisations often focus their efforts on those with higher capability, often with ‘low’ potential. This can mean that tangible and intangible resources are ‘wasted’ in the pursuit of performance from people who’s ability to maximise the effect of the investment is sub-optimised or minimised.
Continuum have a robust and effective process which allows us to advise of the nature of the potential of individuals, teams and functions. Our methodology has developed using a range of psychological interventions and has been deployed in a range of assessment situations including:
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Management Capability
- Investor Due Diligence
- Turn around investment decisions
- Succession
- Resourcing
The decision to move to the assessment of potential rather than capability has given organisations fresh insight into their people. It also has often shaken up the expectations and perceptions of those who are making decisions around investment and future direction.
‘the insights Continuum bring to the process of assessment mean they have saved us literally millions of pounds in unsafe or unfocused decisions’
VC Invesment Partner
Talk to us – find out how you can exploit the potential you need for the achievement of your ambitions……
