Guest Blogger - Take the Step to Become a CPI 260® Certified Practitioner
written by simonsez
When the pilot workshops for CPP’s new CPI 260® Certification Program were held in 2009, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to get a really in-depth learning on the assessment that I was responsible for as Product Marketing Manager. So, I signed up to attend one of the 2-1/2 day pilot workshops. And, what an incredible educational experience it was!
I went into the workshop knowing that the CPI 260 assessment is a top-notch quality tool with a rich history of high reliability and validity. The assessment has a valued reputation as one of the best tools for leadership and high-potential development, performance improvement, coaching, succession planning, and selection. I also knew that the assessment can be intimidating for many professionals who aren’t familiar with it or don’t currently use it, so I wanted to learn how to overcome that feeling and be able to communicate that.
As a workshop participant, first you take the assessment and also identify a “volunteer client” who takes the assessment. In the workshop you receive your own results as well as those of your “volunteer client.” To be honest, my own results didn’t surprise me, but what did surprise me, was the depth of insight into my strengths and style of leadership and some developmental suggestions. In the workshop I had lots of practice on delivering and interpreting someone’s results, so after completing the workshop I was quite confident doing that with my “volunteer client.” He and I had a great time during our coaching session.
I also want to comment on the workshop trainers: Rob Devine and Sarita Bhakuni. My workshop was led by Rob, but I also observed another workshop led by Sarita. Both are extremely knowledgeable about the assessment (Rob actually authored the workshop program and several CPI 260 support materials), and they use the assessment in work with their own clients. They are inspiring, enthusiastic, patient, and make the workshop fun! Very soon you’ll be able to watch a few short videos featuring some of my fellow workshop participants talking about their experiences and how they now use the assessment. Stay tuned for the videos to show up on cpp.com soon.
If you’re thinking about attending a CPI 260 Certification Program, please don’t be intimidated. Take the step to help yourself be better and in turn help others to be better. You’ll come out of the workshop with an ideal tool to develop leadership by helping people better understand themselves and how they interact with others. And, when you think about it, isn’t that what we all want—to be better!
