Synthesis’s methodology relies heavily on narrative psychology, which evaluates executives through the life stories they choose to tell.

Narrative Psychology

Our approach is unbiased because Synthesis psychologists never meet evaluated executives in person.  Rather, we use narrative psychology to analyze assessed executives’ answers to our online questionnaire. Through narration, we begin to understand ourselves, those around us, and the world in which we live.

This psychological approach to assessment enables serious, honest reflection on one’s personal life.  As a result, personal values and goals often come to the forefront of their story, as well as those relationships that people deem most impactful on their  lives, both positive and negative.  We can also learn from what an executive omits from their narrative, thus creating a thorough analysis of one’s belonging and general life purpose. 

 

Leadership Indicators

Also at the heart of the Synthesis methodology are our Key Leadership Indicators. Through extensive research, our psychologists have determined three fundamental elements that contribute most to leadership potential: how an executive relates to one’s self, how they connect to others, and how they relate to the world around them. These are our primary indicators, which we’ve named Self-AwarenessConnecting with Others, and Comfort with Ambiguity.

Within those are sub-indicators that allow for a deeper dive into the personality of the executive:

  • Self-Awareness: Maturity, Growth Mindset, and Inner Motivation
  • Connecting with Others: Emotional Intelligence, Management, and Executive Presence
  • Comfort with Ambiguity: Intellectual Flexibility, Resilience, and Shaping Reality

These Key Leadership Indicators are highly correlated with effective leadership in a business environment. With clear definitions for each, our psychologists can fully evaluate the executive’s potential for success and provide suggestions for development.

We believe that leadership isn’t a single quality that one is born with. Rather, it’s a collection of skills and attributes that a person can practice and refine over time. Knowing that even the best professionals can improve, we offer our insights in a challenging and supportive way.