Truth, Lies and Work 279. The Leadership Assessment Tool we're ALL using wrong, with Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Juliette Alban-Metcalfe
Feb 26, 2026
Juliette Alban-Metcalfe, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and CEO of Real World Group, who builds evidence-based leadership and culture assessments. She argues behaviour matters far more than personality tests. The conversation covers why 360 feedback beats profiling, how founders become accidental managers, using assessments to build psychological safety, and two simple actions leaders can use to boost team engagement.
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Behaviour Beats Personality For Predicting Leadership
- Behaviour predicts performance far better than personality tests like DISC or Myers-Briggs.
- Juliette explains behaviour sits between personality and outcomes, explaining ~60% of motivation and fulfilment versus <15% from personality.
Founder Blindspots Revealed By 360s
- Founders often lack self-awareness about how demanding or exclusionary their behaviour is.
- Juliette recommends a TLQ 360 so founders can discover what to keep (passion) and what to change (over-controlling decisions).
Use 360s Organization Wide With Appropriate Frequency
- Roll out 360 feedback across all levels, not just senior managers, and repeat only every 12–18 months.
- Juliette describes tailored 360s for frontline roles (e.g., fire service) and less complex versions for non-execs or frontline staff.