1.16 Boldness Index or Influence Preference Assessment
The Boldness Index assesses propensity for bold and decisive action, strategic thinking, and adaptability to change in leaders, managers, and individuals in positions of influence within organizations. The test is based on seven behaviors associated with boldness:
Challenging standard approaches
Creating an atmosphere of continual improvement
Doing everything possible to achieve goals
Getting others to go beyond their original limits
Energizing others to take on challenging goals
Quickly recognizing situations where change is needed
Having the courage to make necessary changes
Organizations may use this instrument to identify and develop leadership traits among their personnel, foster innovation, or drive strategic initiatives. The results of the Boldness Index can be used by organizational leaders, HR professionals, and talent development teams. They may use the data to identify high-potential leaders, tailor leadership development programs, assess leadership effectiveness, and make informed decisions about talent management and succession planning.
Description
Zenger & Folkman (2016) developed the Boldness Index. The instrument follows a self-assessment format, in which individuals rate themselves on a scale or provide responses to statements related to the seven behaviors. It may use Likert-type questions or a similar response format. The instrument’s scoring and analysis methodology involves aggregating responses across the seven behaviors to generate an overall boldness score. Results could be analyzed statistically to identify patterns, correlations, or trends.
Since the authors launched the first version of this self-assessment, more than 1,400 takers have completed it. Folkman (2016) reported a significant correlation between the bold self-assessment and assessments of bold leadership as rated by others. Despite the commercial success of the Boldness Index, the validity of the index requires further research to establish its psychometric properties and applicability in diverse contexts.
Access
The tool can be accessed and purchased using this link: https://zengerfolkman.com/influence-preference-assessment/
References
Folkman, J. R. (2022). The trifecta of trust: The proven formula for building and restoring trust. River Grove Books.
Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. (2016, April 27). Do women make bolder leaders than men? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/04/do-women-make-bolder-leaders-than-men
Folkman, J. (2016, August 12). How bold leadership can help you or hurt you. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2016/08/12/how-bold-leadership-can-help-you-or-hurt-you/
