Using assessment centres to select team leaders

The management development programs known as assessment centers can help identify potential work group leaders. Assessment centers submit selected employees to a battery of multidimensional exercises simulating work group activities. These simulations help identify both the qualities necessary to lead teams effectively and those employees who possess the requisite qualities. At least some of the assessors of employee performance should be actual line managers, to ensure a practical focus to the assessment. Assessment exercises at the center should combine a variety of individual and group activities.