This is an industry-validated and video-delivered soft skills assessment program. SMP measures the competencies required by employers of first-line leaders and managers in a 'blue 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, SMP is used in support of hiring and promotion decisions. LRI's managerial and supervisory programs have effectively assessed over 225,000 people.

Supervisory skill sets measured include:

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

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

NOTE: A demo of a similar (managerial) program is available on-line; it can be accessed at the left-hand column of this website.

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.

Our managerial program (SMP) measures similar competencies using 'blue collar' video settings.

Competencies Measured

SMP 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 at large 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 in planning and prioritizing their work efforts
• Explaining and interpreting organizational policies and 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 to discuss and resolve problems of mutual concern
• Determining and implementing appropriate personnel actions regarding team members
• Monitoring the general work habits and time application of team members and acting on problem situations
• Intervening in and mediating conflicts or disputes between team members
• Talking with team members about personal problems or issues that impact performance.
• Providing manager (boss) with status updates and reports
• Providing guidance and direction to boss
• Acknowledging and recognizing the 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 work activities and/or those of team members in order to handle unexpected work demands
• Developing work assignments for team members
• Providing feedback to team members aimed at improving their job performance and satisfaction
• Providing team members with guidance on the most effective and 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 that involve parties beyond the immediate work area
• Discussing personnel issues and problems and proposing resolutions to boss
• Recognizing and responding to the training needs of individual team members
• Reviewing routine operating reports in order to assess work unit's effectiveness
• Interacting with hostile or angry team members in a calm and non-defensive manner
• Monitoring work habits of team members and taking action to correct unsafe practices

Note: "Team members" refers to 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.

SMP Content Information

The SMP assessment tape contains 95 minutes of video during which the viewer responds to 32 work-related questions. This tape is recorded in English and Spanish.

For additional information about SMP click here:

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

For additional information, please contact: