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SELEX - Questions and Answers
What is SELEX?
SELEX refers to the Simulations for the Selection of Executives. It is an assessment instrument used for entry to the EX group. SELEX replaces the Assessment Centre for Executive Appointment (AC for EXA) for selection and recruitment into the EX group.
When will SELEX begin?
SELEX will replace the AC for EXA starting January 5th 2004.
Are AC for EXA results still valid?
AC for EXA results were valid until June 30th 2005. During the transition period, candidates participating in a competitive process that required SELEX could use their valid AC for EXA scores if they desired. Now, after June 30th 2005, only SELEX results are valid.
Is Selex mandatory?
No, Selex is not mandatory for entry to the EX group. Qualifications for EX staffing are to be assessed with a structured interview, a structured reference check and with other necessary assessment tools (such as Selex).
SELEX is a standardized PSC test developed to assess competencies in selection processes for entry into the EX group.
Why was SELEX developed?
In the fall of 2000, the PSC's Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) decided, in consultation with Executive Resourcing, to replace the AC for EXA with another measure of leadership competencies. Two main factors contributed to this decision:
- The AC for EXA was due for review and updating after several years of use. For example, the focus on managing diversity and continuous learning has increased since 1992. Additionally, technological advances have broadened the management fields an executive must cover, necessitating a strengthening of the expression of these themes in the behaviours assessed and in the simulations.
- There is a demand for a more streamlined process and for making the instrument portable for use in the regions. Moreover, the technology is now available to do this.
The development of this new tool demonstrates the PSC's ongoing commitment to strengthening and modernizing its assessment instruments in order to ensure fairness and merit in executive selection.
Who was consulted in the development of SELEX?
Given the need for an updated leadership assessment instrument, the PPC considered a variety of options. To identify a recommended approach, the PPC undertook a comprehensive environmental scan, including extensive stakeholder consultation, bench marking with other organizations and review of research information. The consultations revealed that stakeholders still wanted a rigorous, independent, third-party assessment of leadership competencies. They also favoured interactive simulations, primarily because simulations focus on this "people" aspect of leadership and producing results.
What does SELEX assess?
When launched in 2004, SELEX assessed seven of the 14 leadership competencies.
In January 2006, following the release of the new corporate Key Leadership Competencies, SELEX was aligned with the new competencies.
Because it was designed to provide a focussed, streamlined assessment, SELEX assesses aspects of the key leadership competencies. The competencies include: values and ethics, strategic thinking, engagement and management excellence. Management excellence is further defined in terms of action management (including some aspects of financial management) and people management. These competencies have been noted as ones that are well assessed by interactive simulations.
What will my results look like?
Participants in SELEX will receive five ratings. Each rating will range from 1 to 5. The five ratings reflect performance in SELEX on values and ethics; strategic thinking; engagement; management excellence - action management; and management excellence – people management.
Are my SELEX results obtained in 2004 or 2005 still considered valid?
Yes, the results are still valid. In aligning SELEX with the new profile, all the behaviours that are assessed in SELEX are retained and regrouped to evaluate and report on aspects of the key leadership competencies. Accordingly, should your SELEX results be required for staffing processes involving the new profile, your ratings on the behaviours will be regrouped to report on the key leadership competencies. Your results will be expressed in terms of five ratings; one rating each for: values and ethics; strategic thinking; engagement; management excellence - action management; and management excellence - people management. To receive your results converted to report on the new key leadership competencies, contact the Assessment Centre SELEX Coordinator or call (613) 947-0555.
What happens at SELEX?
SELEX consists of a series of interrelated simulations in which the candidate assumes the duties and responsibilities of a director in a simulated organization. The simulations provide the candidate with an opportunity to demonstrate the key leadership competencies as he/she deals with the varied issues and challenges that are typical of entry-level executive positions. The candidate's behaviour on each of the competencies is observed, recorded and evaluated by trained assessors using standardized rating procedures.
As a candidate, how can I prepare for SELEX?
Seven days before participating in SELEX, you will receive instructions and background information for preparation, including various information on the simulated organization, the Director's position, the simulations, and the key leadership competencies and behaviours to be assessed.
It is very important that you take sufficient time to read the background information and allow the materials to "sink in".
It is also very important to familiarize yourself with the Key Leadership Competencies, and in particular, the behaviours, at the director level, that will be assessed.
In each of the meetings, you will be observed by trained assessors. Moreover, your assessment results will depend on the behaviors you demonstrate as you face the challenges in the meetings. Think of effective strategies you have used in the past to problem-solve and interact positively. You should therefore be prepared to make your thoughts, plans, decisions and rationales explicit, rather than assuming the assessors will know what you would do as the Director in the simulation.
Since the day at SELEX will be stimulating, you are advised to have a good night's rest. You are also advised to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the assessment site so that you will not start the day feeling rushed.
How will SELEX results be used?
In entry-level selection processes, selection board members will combine information from SELEX with information on other merit criteria and information from other instruments prior to a candidate being appointed.
If you have any questions please contact PPC Call Centre at:
Telephone: (613) 992-9741
Fax: (613) 995-0748
E-mail: ppc-cpp@psc-cfp.gc.ca
