How do personality assessments diagnose and optimize EOS accountability for cross-functional innovation teams?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Cross-functional innovation teams, critical for driving growth, often struggle with accountability due to diverse working styles and potential communication gaps. Integrating personality assessments like Kolbe A, DISC, StrengthsFinder, and Culture Index into the EOS Accountability Chart process offers a powerful diagnostic and optimization tool. By understanding each team member's natural way of operating, we can proactively identify potential areas of friction or synergy. For example, a Kolbe A quick start might thrive in generating new ideas but need a Kolbe Follow Thru to formalize the process and ensure accountability for documentation. Similarly, a DISC 'D' (Dominance) might naturally gravitate towards leading innovation sprints, while a 'C' (Conscientiousness) excels at refining concepts and ensuring their viability.

To diagnose accountability issues, compare the team's personality profiles against their defined roles and responsibilities on the EOS Accountability Chart. Are the 'seats' structured to leverage natural strengths, or are individuals forced into roles that drain their energy or contradict their inherent approach? A StrengthsFinder analysis can reveal if team members' signature talents are being underutilized or misapplied, leading to a lack of ownership. For optimization, use these insights to tailor leader-to-leader communication strategies, assign specific accountabilities based on inherent strengths, and design collaboration protocols that mitigate potential weaknesses. For instance, if an innovation team has multiple 'visionary' types and fewer 'implementers,' the assessments highlight a potential accountability gap in execution. The solution involves either re-seating or explicitly assigning process and follow-through accountabilities to individuals whose profiles align with those tasks, ensuring a balanced and highly accountable innovation pipeline.