Executive Intelligence refers to the unique capability that enables executives to perform at the highest level. It is about how executives think, analyze situations and make decisions. Executive Intelligence is a critical factor in executive performance, yet it cannot be measured by standard assessment practices.
Through our proprietary ExI ® methodology we offer our clients a new level of accuracy, objectivity and predictive validity in the assessment of their senior management team.
ExI measures the three main components that determine an individual’s Executive Intelligence—problem solving capability (practical intelligence), understanding of people (social intelligence) and self-evaluation and adjustment skills (emotional intelligence). Understanding these components enables us to predict how an executive will think and, ultimately, how he or she will perform.
Companies that evaluate executive intelligence as part of their assessment of managers and leaders gain a profound insight into the underlying drivers of an individual's performance. This insight is based on aptitudes, rather than past accomplishments. Combining this insight with a thoughtful examination of demonstrated competencies and proven track records provides a rounded perspective and allows companies to make decisions about the deployment and development of individuals with far greater accuracy and confidence.
The ExI evaluation is conducted in a 1.5 hour "case" interview in which candidates react to unfamiliar scenarios and demonstrate their analytical and decision-making ability. Results are then compared with a comprehensive (and confidential) database of benchmark data. Executives themselves benefit from the valuable insights the evaluation provides into their own capabilities, helping them enhance their contribution and success as leaders.
The ExI evaluation is credible with senior executives because it presents situations relevant to the individual. Participants find the ExI interview engaging and respect its rigor.
Executive Intelligence Group
The Executive Intelligence Group developed the concept of Executive Intelligence and the evaluation techniques that measure it, and has worked as an exclusive partner to Spencer Stuart since 2002. Spencer Stuart acquired the Executive Intelligence Group in September 2007 and now has a team of specialists who assess management teams on behalf of a range of clients around the world.
Jeff Cohn
Justin Menkes Ph.D.
Robert Stark
Learn more about the theory and application of the Executive Intelligence evaluation in Executive Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have by Justin Menkes.
October 2008
Why are some executives better equipped to get at the heart of
important issues and effectively anticipate and manage challenges
that arise? What skills do these leaders possess? Management theories abound, but years of research and interviews with scores of
successful business executives show that the most effective leaders
possess the set of skills that defines Executive Intelligence.
November 2005
This article explores the concept and assessment of Executive Intelligence, the set of business-specific critical-thinking skills that senior executives need to perform at the highest level.