Making the most of psychometric profiles – effective integration into the coaching process

Abstract

This practical paper is based on a skills session as delivered at the first International Coaching Psychology Conference held in 2006. It commences by discussing the use of psychometrics in general by emphasising the four psychometric principles as hallmarks of a good test; and outlining some of the advantages and potential limitations of psychometrics. In this paper a contemporary instrument, the Saville Consulting Wave®is introduced and its application is discussed in relation to coaching, with particular reference to a performance coaching context at work. It is concluded that no psychometric test is a panacea for each and every situation, but that skilful use greatly enhances the coaching process.