INTRODUCTION
The Hogan Development Survey (HDS) informs leaders of behaviors that emerge in times of increased strain. Left unchecked, these can disrupt relationships, damage reputations, and derail people’s chances of success. By assessing these derailers, you can recognize and mitigate performance risks before they become a problem.
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HDS Scales Explained
So where do our derailers come from? You will probably be surprised to hear that our derailing behaviors come from when we lean to hard on our strengths and they cross the line into unconstructive behaviors. All derailing behaviors are motivated by 1 of the following 3 ways of managing stressful situations
- Moving Away / Create Distance: When under pressure or stress, the tendency to adopt self-protective strategies that involve withdrawing or putting distance between self and stressor
- Move Against / Assert: When under pressure or stress, the tendency to become overly
- assertive, aggressive, or confrontational, resulting in strained relationships or resistance from others due to an excessive need for control or dominance.
- Moving Towards Others/ Secure: When under pressure or stress, the tendency to adopt overly compliant, ingratiating, or approval-seeking tendencies. These behaviors often involve a strong desire to please others, avoid conflict at all costs, and conform excessively to meet expectations. While appearing cooperative, these tendencies might lead to an avoidance of expressing individual opinions or taking necessary risks in order to maintain harmony and gain acceptance from others.
From these 3 motivators, emerge 11 behavioral derailers:
- Excitable: This scale measures the tendency to become easily frustrated or overwhelmed under pressure. Individuals high on this scale may display emotional volatility, impulsivity, and difficulty managing stress.
- Skeptical: Skeptical measures distrustfulness and a cynical attitude towards others. Individuals high on this scale may be suspicious, critical, and prone to questioning the motives and intentions of others.
- Cautious: Cautious assesses risk aversion and reluctance to take decisive action. Individuals high on this scale may be overly cautious, indecisive, and hesitant to make decisions or take risks.
- Reserved: Reserved measures social withdrawal and reluctance to engage with others. Individuals high on this scale may be introverted, aloof, and may struggle to connect with colleagues or build rapport.
- Leisurely: Leisurely assesses procrastination and a lack of assertiveness. Individuals high on this scale may be passive, indecisive, and may avoid taking initiative or asserting themselves in social or professional situations.
- Bold: Bold measures overconfidence and a tendency to disregard rules or authority. Individuals high on this scale may be arrogant, reckless, and may take unnecessary risks without considering the consequences.
- Mischievous: Mischievous assesses a tendency towards rebelliousness and nonconformity. Individuals high on this scale may be impulsive, unpredictable, and may engage in disruptive or counterproductive behavior.
- Colorful: Colorful measures attention-seeking behavior and a desire for recognition. Individuals high on this scale may be dramatic, flamboyant, and may seek attention or validation from others in inappropriate or disruptive ways.
- Imaginative: Imaginative assesses a tendency towards eccentricity and unconventional thinking. Individuals high on this scale may be creative, unconventional, and may have difficulty conforming to traditional norms or expectations.
- Diligent: Diligent measures perfectionism and a rigid adherence to rules or standards. Individuals high on this scale may be overly conscientious, detail-oriented, and may struggle with delegation or adapting to changing circumstances.
- Dutiful: Dutiful assesses a tendency towards compliance and a desire to please others. Individuals high on this scale may be overly obedient, submissive, and may have difficulty asserting themselves or making independent decisions.
By understanding their derails and what they are motivated by, leaders gain crucial insights into behaviors that might potentially hinder their leadership effectiveness. Recognizing these potential derailing behaviors helps leaders proactively address and mitigate their negative impact, thus fostering a more conducive environment for effective leadership and team success.
Next Steps