2.3.1 Benchmarks 

Purpose 

The Benchmarks instrument assesses skills, perspectives, values, and potential flaws of managers. The instrument was developed out of interviews with 400 top company executives and from studying how these managers developed rather than simply what they did. The goal of Benchmarks is to highlight areas in which managers can learn and develop, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in leadership roles. This tool can be used by middle and upper-level managers, executives, HR professionals, talent development specialists, and organizational consultants involved in leadership development initiatives.

Description 

Benchmarks was developed by experts associated with the Center for Creative Leadership in 1994. Its 22 scales, which have 132 items, are classified into two sections: managerial skills and perspectives (106 items) and potential flaws (26 items).

The original test-retest ranged from 0.62–0.87, while ratings by others ranged from 0.71–0.95. Internal consistency ranged from 0.70–0.97. Interrater reliability of 92 managers ranged from 0.43–0.58 (Leslie and Fleenor, 1998). Potential limitations may include self-report biases and the broad scope of the factors assessed. Future studies are needed for ongoing validation and refinement to ensure the test’s effectiveness across different leadership contexts.

Access 

Benchmarks is accessible online at https://www.humansynergistics.com/docs/default-source/research-publications/leslie-j-b-amp-fleenor-j-w-(1998)-feedback-to-managers-a-review-and-comparison-of-multi-rater-instruments-for-management-development-(3rd-ed-)-greensboro-nc-center-for-creative-leadership-lws.pdf. It is also available via academic journals and research databases, including in the relevant resources listed in the references section. Prior to usage, permission from the authors or copyright holders may be necessary. Contact the authors directly or consult the articles for more information on the availability and permissions.

References

Leslie, J. B. & Fleenor, J. W. (1998). Feedback to managers: A review and comparison of multirater instruments for management development (3rd ed.). Center for Creative Leadership.

Leslie, J. B. (2013) Feedback to managers: A guide to reviewing and selecting multirater instruments for leadership development. Center for Creative Leadership. https://www.humansynergistics.com/docs/default-source/research-publications/leslie-j-b-amp-fleenor-j-w-(1998)-feedback-to-managers-a-review-and-comparison-of-multi-rater-instruments-for-management-development-(3rd-ed-)-greensboro-nc-center-for-creative-leadership-lws.pdf