This is an industry-validated and video-delivered soft skills assessment program. SMS measures the competencies required by employers of first-line leaders and managers in a 'white collar' environment. The program identifies both the current competencies and the developmental needs of individuals. When skill development is suggested, strategies are identified to support the attainment of those skills. Because of its validity, SMS is used in support of hiring and promotion decisions. LRI's managerial and supervisory programs have effectively assessed over 225,000 people.

Managerial skills sets measured include:

• Team Building
• Situational Style of Interaction
• Influencing
• Initiative
• Analysis and Problem Solving

NOTE: A demo of SMS is available on-line; it can be accessed at the left-hand column of this website.

This assessment technology helps employers, trainers and educators determine if people have the skills needed to effectively address the following kinds of situations:

• Motivating team members to pursue a goal
• Coaching people effectively for performance improvement
• Recognizing when to be "participative" and when to be "directive"
• Forming a sound course of action to solve on-the-job problems
• Identifying operational and personnel issues that drain productivity

Complementing this assessment program is a modular training program designed to develop individuals in those areas where performance improvement is needed. The modules are available in self-paced and trainer-led formats. Click here to go to an overview of this training program.

Competencies Measured

SMS measures competencies that employers have identified and validated. These include:

• Developing and implementing work processes to improve performance of the work unit
• Communicating general information to team members* regarding the organization and/or events impacting the work unit
• Assisting team members in resolving problems that impact team members' assignments
• Ensuring that team members use organizational assets appropriately
• Assisting team members plan and prioritize their work efforts
• Explaining and interpreting organizational policies/procedures for team members
• Reviewing and responding to team members' administrative requests
• Reviewing and responding to team members' expenditure requests
• Working with peers in one's own department in order to discuss and resolve problems of mutual concern
• Determining and implementing appropriate personnel actions regarding team members
• Monitoring general work habits and time applications of team members and acting on problem situations
• Intervening in and mediating conflicts/disputes between team members
• Talking with team members about personal problems/issues which impact performance
• Providing manager (boss) with status updates/reports
• Providing guidance and direction to manager (boss)
• Actively acknowledging and recognizing positive work efforts and accomplishments of team members
• Recognizing and responding appropriately to political implications of situations
• Working with peers from other areas to discuss and resolve problems of mutual concern
• Prioritizing and scheduling work activities
• Adjusting one's and/or team members' work activities in order to handle unexpected work demands
• Developing work assignments for team members
• Providing performance feedback to team members aimed at improving their job performance/satisfaction
• Providing team members with guidance on the most effective/efficient means of performing tasks
• Formulating realistic projections regarding the work unit's staffing needs, productivity limits, etc.
• Assisting team members in dealing with problem situations outside the immediate work unit
• Discussing personnel issues/problems and proposing resolutions to manager (boss)
• Recognizing and responding to the training needs of individual team members
• Writing and reviewing memos and reports
• Reviewing routine operating reports in order to assess work unit's effectiveness

Note: "Team members" are those in the work unit for whom the supervisor is responsible.

Complementing this assessment program is a modular training program designed to develop individuals in those areas where performance improvement is needed. The modules are available in self-paced and trainer-led formats.

SMS Content Information

The SMS assessment tape contains 98 minutes of video during which the viewer responds to 28 work-related questions. This tape is recorded in English and Spanish.

For additional information SMS click here:

• For an example of a SMS Applicant Feedback Report
• For an example of a SMS Incumbent Feedback Report
• For an example of a SMS Group Report
• For an example of a SMS Interview Guide please contact LRI

For additional information, please contact: