Ivey and SIGMA Define and Measure Leadership Character
Ivey and SIGMA Define and Measure Leadership Character
Leadership character is a critical element of leadership that should not and cannot be ignored. Recognizing the importance of character for effective leadership and the lack of available tools to measure leadership character, the Ivey Business School and SIGMA Assessment Systems, Inc. have partnered to create the Leadership Character Insight Assessment (LCIA).
The LCIA is designed to measure leadership character and provide leaders and potential leaders with practical insight regarding:
- What leader character is and why it is essential for building strong leaders and organizations
- Key dimensions of character, their corresponding elements, and how they interact to influence leadership effectiveness
- Character strengths as well as information on how leaders can grow and develop on each character dimension
“Character fundamentally shapes what leaders notice, how they interpret and react to information and events,” said Gerard Seijts, Executive Director, Ivey’s Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership. “Nowhere were the failures of leadership more obvious than during the 2008 financial crisis, in which instant gratification triumphed over temperance.”
Pioneering research by the Ivey Business School after the 2008 financial crisis found people who knew that bad risks were being taken did not have the courage and/or confidence to speak up, and people without integrity sold mortgages to those who could not pay them. Leaders of large, global companies knew about these types of practices yet did nothing to stop them. Still others were unable to create the honest, transparent corporate culture that would enable them to be in touch with what was happening deep down in the organization.
Why Leadership Character Matters
The question is not really why character matters – people intuitively understand the importance of character to good leadership and stewardship of organizations. A better question may be why it does not get the attention and respect it warrants. For character to find the spotlight it deserves, it needs to be illuminated. We can see some light shed on character in organizational statements of values and leadership competencies, but the practice is not widespread.
“We believe organizations should move beyond statements of organizational values to anchor leadership development in profiles that enhance leaders’ understanding of their character strengths and development areas.” said Julie Carswell, Vice President, SIGMA Assessment Systems.
The Leadership Character Insight Assessment is a great place to start making Leadership Character a priority.
Visit AssessCharacter.com to Learn More.
Journalists interested in learning more about the Leadership Character Insight Assessment and the foundational research behind the tool can contact:
Glen Harrison
SIGMA Assessment Systems
800-265-1285 ext 233
Email Glen
Ivan Langrish
Ivey Business School
416-203-0664
Email Ivan
SIGMA Assessment Systems are experts in the science of success. Working to help you make success a reality in your workplace, SIGMA supports you in finding and developing people potential. We don’t need a crystal ball or good fortune to predict the future. We make it happen using science to support your important people decisions. Through more than just products, but tried-and-true processes, we are a team of talented people who understand people and deliver solutions that will help you choose wiser, hire smarter, develop stronger, and feel confident about what the future has in store.
The Ivey Business School is Canada’s leading provider of real-world, innovative business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping students, through Case-Method Learning, with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle today’s leadership challenges. Beyond the classroom, Ivey students gain a global perspective on business issues, through international study trips, exchanges and practicums. Ivey offers its renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education, at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.