Control Feature — What It Is and Why It Matters
The Winslow Assessment has two unique controls—positive bias (objectivity) and accuracy — to make sure we’re providing you the most accurate and objective feedback possible.
Throughout the self-assessment, control questions (statements) are included to ensure that people are being as objective and accurate as possible. This feature also provides a chance to observe the way people work (and react) when tasked with something they may not be totally comfortable with.
Pay attention to the insights that the Winslow positive bias and accuracy controls provide!
Positive Bias - Objectivity
- Super-human things we all like to think we do, but we don't. For example, "I have successfully completed every project I've ever started."
- Negative things that we all do/have done but don't necessarily like to admit.
Accuracy
- Obviously false statements, such as, “The youngest manager I know is 85 years old.” These accuracy statements make sure people can understand English, Spanish, French, or German at a 10th grade level, and that they are treating the assessment process with respect—not just hurrying through ticking the boxes.
Objectivity and accuracy are especially important when looking for insights about a candidate you don’t know, yet are bringing into your company. I used to think of these controls as cumbersome because they slowed down the assessment/hiring process. Over time, I changed my mind thanks to several experiences, including the following story.
One morning, I received two requests for help with candidates who had received the Positive Bias.
On the first call, I was greeted by an uptight gentleman who informed me that he wasn’t going to retake the assessment until the CEO personally called him. I attempted to calm him down and informed him that the CEO instructed me to call him.
After explaining the positive bias control feature, I told him it was in his best interest as a candidate to simply complete the assessment. No big deal…really.
The problem was, he just couldn’t let it go and began to rant on and on about how he didn’t like the CEO, the company, their sales strategy, and asked why should he put himself through this anyway? After listening, I politely and kindly (because I am kind) explained that because we had clarified the Positive Bias questions, he should simply complete the assessment.
Again, his stubborn response: “Not until the CEO calls me!” And so, we ended the call.
After that conversation, I rang the other candidate. This person had received the Positive Bias twice and mentioned that during his second attempt, the assessment was ticking the boxes itself, which actually sounded kind of creepy!
He told me he was having IT check his computer, and once any issues were resolved, he would retake the assessment. He was understandably slightly frustrated, but basically wanted to let me know what was going on, and that he’d update me when it was resolved.
Four hours later, he sent me an email stating that his computer had multiple viruses and it took three hours to clean up. He also assured me it was working fine now, and that he completed his assessment! As frustrating as his situation was, he never once complained. He simply identified where the problem was, corrected the issue, and got the job done.
My question to you: Which of these people would you want working in your company? The hothead who was rude to a complete stranger (me) and was too self-important to complete what he was asked to do – or – the gentleman who kept his cool, troubleshot the issue, solved his computer's issues, and then completed the task without one complaint? And an aside – he had great scores!
From that day on, I viewed the positive bias and accuracy control features in the Winslow as huge assets (that many assessments don’t provide).
Most people when they receive the positive bias or accuracy notification simply read / listen to the explanation, and then get back in and complete the assessment - which is ideally what we want to see!
Please contact me with assessment questions
or for technical help - - Lindsay
