How can personality assessments be used to diagnose and resolve EOS Accountability Chart role overlap?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Personality assessments are powerful tools for diagnosing and resolving role overlap within an EOS Accountability Chart, which often stems from unaddressed behavioral tendencies rather than just poor structural design. When two leaders are unintentionally stepping on each other's toes, it might not be a lack of clarity in the chart, but a natural inclination of their personalities. For instance, if two leaders both score high in Kolbe A Quick Start, they might both naturally initiate new projects, leading to overlap in innovation or strategic vision tasks, even if their core accountabilities differ.

By comparing the Kolbe A, DISC, StrengthsFinder, or Culture Index profiles of leaders in overlapping areas, you can pinpoint the root cause. Perhaps two leaders are both high in DISC Influence, leading them to both want to lead external communications or team morale initiatives. The solution isn't just to redraw lines, but to guide them in how their natural styles can complement each other within distinct lanes. This might involve reassigning specific accountabilities based on who has the stronger natural fit, or coaching leaders to recognize when their natural inclination is leading them into another's territory. This approach provides a deeper, more sustainable resolution to role overlap, ensuring each leader has clear ownership aligned with their innate strengths and the needs of the business.