Predicting advancement to senior management from competencies and personality data: A seven-year follow-up study

This study tracked the career progress of general managers over a seven-year period. The main aim was to identify those competencies (skills, abilities, values) and personality characteristics assessed seven years ago which are associated with current success and rate of advancement. The sample consisted of 72 out of 100 managers who had been assessed on the Henley General Management Course in 1988/89. Comparisons were made between their current salary and responsibilities and the equivalent data gathered in 1988/89. Factor analysis revealed two main criteria of success: current seniority and rate of advancement. Correlations were computed between these two factors and assessments of competencies (by the managers and their boss) and their personality profiles derived from the occupational personality questionnaire. The sample was also divided into discrete groups of ‘high fliers’ and ‘low fliers’, based on their respective rate of advancement. Almost all of the ‘high flier’ group are now directors, and receive an average salary of £80,000 (compared to the mean for the total group of £29,000 in 1988/89). Ten characteristics differentiated the ‘high-fliers’. These included: willingness to take risks; an exceptional ability to manage and motivate staff; a need to achieve really demanding targets and a strong competitive streak.