The Talent Genome
A periodic table of human behaviour
A behavioural competency framework built from 98 of the most widely used, peer-reviewed competency models. The goal: identify a set of behavioural attributes that - like chemical elements - can be combined in different configurations to explain and predict effectiveness in any context, at any level, across any culture.
What it is
Not another competency framework
Most competency frameworks are designed by consultants, culturally biased, and obsolete in five years. The Talent Genome was built differently: it emerged from pattern analysis across 98 peer-reviewed studies, not designed top-down.
Research-based
Built from 98 peer-reviewed competency models. Every competency is grounded in published academic research, not consultant intuition.
Culture-free
Deliberately constructed to be non-biased and non-context specific. The same framework applies across industries, levels, and geographies without modification.
Emergent design
Competencies were identified through pattern analysis across thousands of studies - not designed top-down. The result is a framework that reflects how human behaviour actually works.
Universal application
Applies from individual contributor to C-suite. The same 60 competencies describe effectiveness at every level - what changes is the context, not the framework.
Framework structure
60 competencies, 18 clusters
The 60 competencies are grouped into 18 higher-level clusters. Talentprint assesses at cluster level; Talentprint Plus assesses all 60 individual competencies.
How it is measured
The Talent Genome in action
The Talent Genome is the underlying framework. Talentprint and Talentprint Plus are the assessment instruments that measure it, using forced ranking to eliminate rater bias.
Talentprint
18-cluster assessment
Maps an individual's behavioural profile across the 18 talent clusters using forced ranking. Designed for high-volume use - assessments complete in 9-14 minutes with exceptional rater consistency.
See the assessmentTalentprint Plus
60-competency assessment
The full-depth version. All 60 competencies from the Talent Genome, assessed via forced ranking to eliminate rater bias. Provides a granular behavioural picture for senior leadership, succession, and high-potential programmes.
See the assessmentThe complete model
Talent Genome + Org Genome
The Talent Genome defines behavioural competencies for individuals. The Org Genome defines capabilities for organisations. Together, they create a direct line from business strategy to individual behaviour.
Explore the Org GenomeThe Talent Genome book
The complete framework is documented in a book published on Amazon and by Knowledge Resources in South Africa. Original authors: Martin Sutherland and Yolanda Lacoma. Re-released by Brett Mulder and Martin Sutherland.