Identification of Paths to EX Development (IPEX)

Questions and answers

Who might benefit from an IPEX assessment?

IPEX is designed for newly appointed EXs, EX equivalents, and EX minus ones. Often, participants have been pre-selected for their leadership potential:

• individuals selected for development in view of succession to senior management
• participants in a leadership development program
• individuals who show leadership potential
• professionals who have managed personnel in their area of expertise but who would benefit from leadership development on a broader scale

What factors are assessed with IPEX?

IPEX assesses personal characteristics which may impact on leadership potential, for example:

• Work orientation, problem-solving skills, planning and organizing skills
• Interpersonal patterns, openness to change, emotionality and control, stress and coping skills
• professional interest themes, work-related values.

IPEX assesses those key leadership competencies which have been identified as essential to effective leadership in the Public Service of Canada:

• Values and Ethics
• Strategic Thinking: analysis and ideas
• Engagement: Mobilizing people, mobilizing organisations, mobilizing partners
• Management Excellence: Action management, people management, financial management

How much time does IPEX require to complete?

The full IPEX process requires five to seven meetings of one to two hours' duration with a psychologist, plus one full day in the assessment centre. From intake interview to final report requires approximately three months.

What are the costs for IPEX?

Total cost per person

• Full package Modules 1, 2 and 3 - $5,490
• Career and interactive assessment Modules 1 and 3 - $4,655
• Career and workplace assessment Modules 1 and 2 - $3,750
• Organizational evaluation Modules 2 and 3 - $4,335
• Simulation Evaluation Module 3 - $3,500

All prices include intensive preparation and feedback with psychologists, detailed reports, and a summary report which provides assessment results and personalized recommendations to guide leadership development.

How long are IPEX Assessment Day results valid?

IPEX Assessment Day results are valid "indefinitely". However this is not intended to mean "forever". It is up to the participant to decide whether his/her past results reflect his/her current experience.

Can I be selected or eliminated in a competition based on IPEX results?

No. IPEX is designed to provide a wealth of information to guide development and learning. It has not been designed to make reliable distinctions between individuals, as is required of a selection tool. The results are intended to assist managers and employees in identifying developmentally appropriate assignments, learning experiences and activities.

What is the difference between IPEX and SELEX?

While the IPEX Assessment Day and SELEX are both leadership simulations targeted at the entry executive level, the simulations differ in both content and purpose. SELEX is an assessment instrument designed and used strictly for selection in a staffing context. The main focus is on ratings. In contrast, the IPEX Assessment Day is designed as one component in a range of tools aimed at facilitating the participant's leadership development of which self-discovery is an important aspect. The focus is on the participant's experiences during the entire process as well as the ensuing feedback discussions which are rich and detailed. IPEX and SELEX are not equivalent, and one cannot be used to meet the objectives of the other. Accordingly, a participant who has favourable IPEX results cannot use them as a substitute for SELEX results, nor vice-versa.

What is the difference between IPEX and SIL?

While IPEX and SIL both include a leadership simulation and a career assessment component, and provide developmental information to individuals aspiring to the EX level, they differ in the competencies assessed, and in the breadth of developmental information provided. Usually the SIL is applied at levels leading up to the EX level (EX minus 1, 2, or 3). IPEX is appropriate for individuals who are beginning to work at the EX level, members of professional groups at equivalent levels, or EX minus 1's. SIL may be used in a context of selection or of development, while IPEX has been designed exclusively to support leadership development.

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