Understanding Hogan’s Inquisitive and Imaginative scores

Hogan Assessments is one of the most used tools for the evaluation and development of individuals. In the Middle East, hundreds of organisations use the framework and tests for evaluating potential hires, upskilling their staff, and developing their leaders.

Hogan Assessments sets itself apart from other talent assessment solutions through a number of factors, including its rigorous and scientific-backed approach to assessments, the depth of its portfolio and tools, and its state-of-the-art technology.

When organisations adopt Hogan Assessments, it is key that they not just conduct the assessments, but also translate the insights gained into tangible results, among others through developing learning-focused action plans for teams and individuals, and investing in capabilities that need to be upskilled.

To that end, having an in-depth understanding of the different assessments and their scores is an essential responsibility for Hogan-certified assessors and the ‘owner’ of the process (often HR).

In this article, Feras Banna (a Hogan-certified assessor and consultant at Phoenix Consulting) hones in on the interpretation of scores from two popular assessments for leadership development: Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) and Hogan Development Survey (HDS).

The HPI: The Bright Side of Personality
The HPI measures a person’s bright side or typical day-to-day personality. The Inquisitive scale in the HPI assesses a leader’s openness to new ideas and experiences. This scale provides a comprehensive view of a leader’s cognitive abilities and their approach to problem-solving.

HDS: The Dark Side of Personality
The HDS uncovers a leader’s dark side or the tendencies that emerge under stress or when they are not aware of their behavior. The Imaginative scale evaluates a leader’s tendency to engage in flights of fancy or unrealistic thinking, particularly when under stress.

The Relationship Between HPI and HDS

When considering the Inquisitive and Imaginative scores in both the HPI and HDS, leaders can develop a more comprehensive understanding of their personality and behavioral tendencies. Balancing these scales can help a leader become more effective and well-rounded.

On the Inquisitive and Imaginative dimensions, leaders can land four possible score combinations:

Low Inquisitive and Low Imaginative

• Leaders with low scores in both the Inquisitive and Imaginative scales may struggle with openness to new ideas and creativity.
• To improve, attend workshops or training sessions focused on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
• Engage in daily activities that challenge your thinking, such as solving puzzles or reading articles on diverse topics.
• Surround yourself with diverse individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and ideas.

Low Inquisitive and High Imaginative

• Leaders with low Inquisitive scores and high Imaginative scores may be prone to unrealistic thinking and lack a critical evaluation of ideas.
• To mitigate, practice active listening and ask questions to ensure a thorough understanding of information before making decisions.
• Seek feedback from others and consider different perspectives before taking action.
• Engage in critical thinking exercises and activities to improve your ability to evaluate ideas.

High Inquisitive and Low Imaginative

• Leaders with high Inquisitive scores and low Imaginative scores may be open to new ideas but struggle with creativity and original thinking.
• To improve, engage in activities that promote creativity and imaginative thinking, such as brainstorming sessions, art, music, or writing.
• Seek out new experiences and expose yourself to diverse perspectives.
• Practice thinking outside the box and challenge yourself to find unique solutions to problems.

High Inquisitive and High Imaginative

• Leaders with high scores in both the Inquisitive and Imaginative scales possess a strong ability to generate original ideas and are open to new experiences. To ensure effectiveness, maintain a balance between openness and critical evaluation of ideas.
• Continuously seek feedback from others and engage in self-reflection to ensure a thorough understanding of information.
• Practice active listening and ensure you are considering different perspectives before making decisions.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricate relationship between the Inquisitive and Imaginative scores in the HPI and HDS is essential for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. By examining these scores, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing self-awareness, leaders can mitigate potential pitfalls, hone their cognitive abilities, and ensure they are using their strengths to their fullest potential.