Potential Is Not Performance
The future leadership of your organisation matters. Think about it. Who would be ready to lead if your CEO were to leave? Organisations naturally want their top employees in a high-potential program, but identification processes based on performance aren’t working. You’d think that close to 100% of participants in high-potential programs would be above-average leaders, […]
The Personality of Evil: Authoritarian Leaders and the Dark Side of Personality
The dark side of personality is aptly named. But is there such a thing as an evil personality? During World War II, psychiatrists wondered whether the authoritarian leaders of the Nazi regime shared any personality characteristics that would explain their criminal behaviour. On episode 146 of The Science of Personality, cohosts Ryne Sherman, PhD, and Blake Loepp spoke […]
Avoiding Manager Overwhelm: Large-scale 360 Program Management
Rolling out a 360 feedback process across a large group of leaders can be a powerful way to accelerate development and cultural change, but the logistics can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to managing potentially hundreds of evaluators at a time. One of the most common questions even experienced HR leaders ask is, “How […]
How Overconfidence in Leadership Can Sabotage Success
“You’re wrong. I’m right,” says the boss. Later, when the opposite proves true, the line changes: “Look, that wasn’t my fault.” If you’ve ever worked with a leader who’s unwilling to admit their mistakes or listen to feedback, you’ve seen how overconfident leadership can manifest problems in the workplace. A worst-case scenario is that arrogance […]
Why Uniqueness Matters: Personality and Individuality
Nobody else has your personality. Unique individuality is the concept that no one ever has been, is, or will be precisely like you. It’s also what differentiates human intelligence from artificial intelligence. But uniqueness is more than a feel-good concept. When we measure individuality with personality assessments, we can predict performance, empower behavioural change, and […]
From Shortage to Strength: Rethinking Talent Attraction and Retention in 2026
Across industries, organisations are facing a paradox: demand for skills is accelerating, yet the supply of people willing—and able—to fill critical roles is tightening. What began as a short-term disruption has evolved into a structural talent shortage, placing sustained pressure on leaders, HR teams, and hiring managers. At the same time, retention has emerged as […]
Understanding the Hogan Competency Model: The Science Behind Great Leadership
Building effective, future‑ready leaders starts with understanding what great looks like — and that’s exactly what the Hogan Competency Model (HCM) provides. Backed by decades of global research and integrated into PBC’s evidence‑based leadership solutions, the HCM helps organisations identify, measure, and develop the behaviours that drive real performance. What Is the Hogan Competency […]
When Leaders Hesitate: The Hidden Costs to Team Performance
A team leader who hesitates to make decisions stifles innovation, delays progress, and quietly trains their team to stop trying. Here’s how it works: The team presents an idea, and the leader says, “Hmm, let me think about it.” Then nothing happens. The next idea gets the same response. Suggestions for change and improvements stall […]
The Psychology of Underdog Leadership
World history and literature are full of stories and legends of underdog leadership: people who have defied the odds of expected defeat. How do they find a way to lead others to success? And what makes underdogs so appealing that we feel compelled to cheer for them? On episode 143 of The Science of Personality, cohosts Ryne Sherman, […]
Top Trends in Personality Assessment Usage in 2026
The only certainty about 2026 is uncertainty. AI deployment is accelerating, skills demands are evolving, and the workforce is anxious. These forces make effective leadership more essential than ever—and personality assessment especially critical for organisations facing bewildering transition. Understanding these talent challenges is necessary for organisations looking to maximise the strategic value of personality assessment […]
