What is the Kolbe System?

The Kolbe system is a revolutionary, proprietary analysis tool that is based on empirical research and years of experience. Its foundation is built on the fact that our "innate talents" are unchanging and constant. This is in stark contrast to our skills and learned abilities — which are in flux throughout our lives.

Using the Kolbe system, individuals are identified by the unique ways in which they initiate solutions, respond to situations, and prevent problems. In fact, the Kolbe system has identified 12 instinctive methods of creative problem solving.

However, it's important to note that one person's approach is not deemed "better" than another. Rather, Kolbe studies have shown that having the right mix of individual types (or understanding the current mix) means greater productivity in the workplace — and better results no matter what the objective.

At the same time, Kolbe helps each individual to understand his or her inherent strengths — and how to use those strengths to better advantage in their personal and professional lives. In this way, Susan uses the Kolbe system as a basis for personal and professional development.

For Organizations

For Individuals

Who Uses The Kolbe System?

While the Kolbe system is a great help to individuals who want to understand and better utilize their innate talents, the system becomes even more valuable in the team/group setting.

For more than 20 years, the Kolbe system has helped small groups and larger companies meet their greatest challenge — getting people to work together synergistically for the good of the entire organization.

It has been shown that companies and groups who integrate the Kolbe system into their cultures and give their people the freedom to be themselves have received tremendous bottom-line results.

As a Kolbe Certified Analyst, Susan gives her clients quick results and an accurate analysis based on the specific recruitment and team-building needs. And, the Kolbe system is bias-free, allowing companies and organizations to quickly assemble the most harmonious work groups.

Achieve Results

• Initiate More Solutions
• Significantly Improve Hiring Choices
• Lift Productivity
• Increase Profitability
• Communicate More Effectively
• Retain Good People
• Maximize Team Synergy
• Enjoy Motivated Employees

Frequently Asked Questions:
About the Kolbe System

Q: Our work team is having trouble getting along. Can Kolbe help?

A: Definitely. Kolbe can help groups that seem "stuck" by analyzing the distribution of mental energy among the individual team members. Since the Kolbe system is completely objective, the recommended solution is guaranteed to be free of personal bias.

Q: I've heard of Myers-Briggs™ and many other "personality" tests. What makes the Kolbe system unique?

A: Skills can be taught, personalities can change, but instincts are hardwired into every individual. Instead, the Kolbe system is based on unchangeable instincts. As a result, it's the only proven way that companies and groups can:

• Forecast how teams will perform
• Identify individual's instinctive strengths and abilities
• Pinpoint areas of stress for individuals and prescribe solutions
• Enhance individual or team's competitive advantage by capitalizing on innate strength
• Minimize conflicts, strain and tension in the workplace
• Create teams with the most synergistic mix of talent
• Determine whether or not particular candidates are right for a job.

Q: You talk about instincts a lot. So, how do you find out about how people approach problems?

A: The Kolbe system has identified 12 instinctive methods of creative problem-solving. The Kolbe A™ index measures a person's instinctive method of operation (MO) which allows him or her to be most productive. The Kolbe B™ index measures a person's self-expectations on the job. Comparing the Kobe A and B index results helps people recognize when they are performing contrary to their natural abilities. The Kolbe C™ index identifies the characteristics needed to succeed in a specific job. This index is filled out by a supervisor. Comparing Kolbe A and C index results identifies when job-related stress is caused by conflicting demands. Each Kolbe index consists of 36 questions requiring a most/least response. There are no right or wrong answers — everyone brings a valuable combination of instincts to the table.

Q: Kolbe sounds interesting to me. But can I expect any results to my bottom line?

A: Let's let the numbers speak for themselves. Here are some recent examples of how the Kolbe system has had tremendous bottom-line payoff:

• Xerox Quality Services cut its training design and development time by 50%.
• A national, multi-branch financial institution saved $10 million in hiring and training costs.
• Eastman Chemical Company completed a major SAP software implementation on time, under budget, and with zero turnover.

Q: I don't think it's fair to judge people's personalities with these types of "tests." Why should we use it?

A: It is important to note that there are no right or wrong answers to any of the Kolbe indexes. Everyone brings a valuable combination of instincts to the table and Kolbe index results help teams build on individual strengths.

Q: Now that we know about our Kolbe indexes, what are we supposed to do next?

A: Mismatched jobs and instincts are the reasons for most workplace stress. My job is to help individuals and companies realize that understanding, maximizing, and leveraging instincts is the key to success whether on the individual or team level. When groups better understand the relative strengths of individuals, and how mental energy is distributed among team members — they become more effective, saving valuable time and money while increasing productivity.

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"The Kolbe Process" that Susan took us through at our staff retreat was beneficial in many ways. It specifically gave each of us an insight into how we approach situations and to what motivates and excites us. This has been invaluable in showing us in management where we should be positioning our talent to get the most effective and efficient productivity. Awesome program I would recommend to any company."

Paula Dorion Gray, CFP
President, Dorion-Gray Retirement Planning, Inc.

"Got a better understanding of myself and an opportunity to understand what it takes to build an effective team."

Diane Baker
Insurance Executive, Allstate Insurance Company





"Kolbe helped me understand why I have to delegate in order to become a more effective manager. It also gave me the urgency to re-deploy resources so I can spend more time on activities that will be high impact to my organization. The bottom line — working in a way that doesn't go head to head with my innate make up; if my job "fits" better, I can be a better leader."

Perry Mangione
Senior Vice President, National City

"Kolbe is helped me run on "all cylinders". I have much more energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment for my work because I understand how to approach it, so it is compatible with how I work best. Kolbe has helped me understand that I don't need to fit into a prescribed corporate role of being "everything to everyone"."

Kim Wright
Systems Consultant