Background to the Influence Profile
Okay, there's so much more we could say about the Influence Profile, but rather than weigh you down with
too much information, here are the most common questions we get asked. If you don't find your answer here, why not
get in touch instead? Contact
us and we'll be more than happy to help.
What is the Gautrey Influence Profile?
It is a simple ipsative psychometric with 30 paired statements. Clients select the statement they "prefer". At
the end of the questionnaire, one of 33 different reports are produced based on the way the client has
answered the statements. If they have gone with their gut feeling/preference, the report will describe
how others regard their behaviour when acting according to their preferences. Virtually all clients
say that it is a very accurate report! Those few that don't usually own up to having answered the
questions based on what they want to be rather than what they currently prefer to be!
The report also contains some very practical ideas and tips on how to become more influential by flexing styles.
Why was the Gautrey Influence Profile developed?
While there are vast numbers of psychometrics on
the internet, we found none that focused on influence and political
styles. We needed an instrument in response to our clients' needs
but could not find anything that did the job. We needed something
that would accurately and quickly diagnose the strengths and limitations
of someone's style, so that we could speed up the learning processes
on our workshops and coaching interventions.
Originally developed with Mike Phipps as the successful Influence and Political Styles
Questionnaire (the IPQ), the Influence Profile builds on that strong base, simplifies the language and provides even
greater accuracy.
How was it developed?
We used the research that we had completed previously,
which focused on individuals who were highly influential and who
managed the political dimension of work successfully. We had a clear
target to aim for.
From this work, several first draft questionnaires
were created and tested and with each new revision it was tested
for validity and we adjusted the questionnaire accordingly.
We eventually were able to produce four clear dimensions
which could be combined and compared depending on the responses
and these in turn would trigger the report.
How was it validated?
We began using these reports with our clients and
as a private on line offering to our colleagues and those in our
professional network during 2004. We needed to test for validity and accuracy,
as well as ensuring that the reports were clear and helpful. Over
400 people took part in these trials. Analysis showed that 96% rated its accuracy
as either "Spot on" or "Mainly True" and 88%
confirming that the helpfulness of the profile is either "Good"
or "Brilliant".
Following the success of the original profile, 2010 saw a reassessment of the results. Several
adjustments were made to improve the accuracy of the tool, and also and the clarity of the language used.
It has continued to perform extremely well with 2011 being used by over 500 of our clients, not counting those
used by our professional partners and licensees.
How long does it take to complete?
With simple online processes, it generally takes
around five minutes to complete. Rarely more than 10 minutes. It is
important to note that when you sit down to complete the questionnaire,
try to do it without interruption. If you do get interrupted, you
may well have to begin again as there is a time-out process.
How is it used?
One of the great things about the Gautrey Influence Profile is that it
is very versatile. Everyone who uses it gains new insights and learning,
from the practical ideas we've included on how you can develop your
influencing skills depending on your current strengths and style.
When the Influence Profile is used in a workshop or when working with a coach, this
accelerates your learning so that you can develop more quickly and
put what you have learned into action.
An increasingly popular and effective use of the Influence Profile
is when you get a group of people together to discuss their results
and reports. Not only do they learn from each other, but they also gain
greater appreciation for how their colleagues differ and that there
are many ways in which the team can gain collective strength.
For more insights into how our licensees are using
the profile, take a look at the case studies.
How does it work with different cultures?
It is a perfect tool for helping people to understand more about working with different cultures. Because
it is based on basic human behaviour, it gets beneath the overlaying cultural conditioners. Put another way,
we all have a natural preference but usually behave within cultural norms which can be different, especially
in certain cultures (particularly Asia in our experience so far).
Some of our associates are now using the profile to help international executives to manage the strains between
their own preference, how they have been conditioned by their native culture and, then, how they are expected to
behave in the new country they happen to be working in. Fascinating developments which the Influence Profile is
able to advance.
If you are interested in partnering with us in a research programme on this aspect, please
get in touch. We are hoping to be able to norm major countries during 2012.
Can I use the Influence Profile for team building?
Absolutely. It is a fantastic way to help people
in a team explore the way they influence each other. This helps
them to learn about what helps and hinders their work together.
You can then start looking outside the team to see how your team
is challenged in the wider environment; and most importantly,
how you as a team can flex your style to become more successful (further examples).
If you have any queries that are not answered here, please feel
free to contact us.
We'd love to hear what you think about this. . Please email us or post on our
Facebook Wall.
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Published 25-Aug-2012 by Colin Gautrey |
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