Competency Framework
The Talent Genome: a behavioural competency framework built from research.
A behavioural competency framework built from 98 peer-reviewed studies and 647 academic citations. 60 competencies. 18 clusters. One integrated model.
What it is
Not another competency framework.
Most competency frameworks are designed by consultants, not researchers. The Talent Genome was built differently - from the ground up, grounded in behavioural science, and validated across industries and geographies.
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.
The assessments
Two instruments. One framework.
The Talent Genome is measured through two forced-ranking assessments - one for behavioural competencies and one for characteristics. Together they produce a complete talent profile.
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.
Learn moreTalentPrint 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.
Learn moreThe complete model
Talent Genome + Org Genome
The Talent Genome defines behavioural competencies at the individual level. The Org Genome maps organisational capabilities at the strategic level. Together, they connect business strategy to individual behaviour.
Explore the Org GenomeWHERE IT IS APPLIED
The Talent Genome is central to four talent practices
Every Talent Genome competency is measurable through TalentPrint. The framework is the shared language that connects assessment, development, succession, and identification - so data from one practice feeds directly into the others.
Talent Assessment
TalentPrint and TalentPrint Plus measure Talent Genome competencies using forced ranking. The 18-cluster version is used for broader populations; the 60-competency version for senior leaders and succession candidates.
Explore Talent Assessment →Talent Identification
Talent Genome assessment data is one of three inputs into the High-Impact Talent model. Competency scores are combined with performance data and learning agility to identify your highest-impact people.
Explore Talent Identification →Talent Development
Development plans are built directly from Talent Genome gap analysis. Each development action is linked to a specific competency, so progress is measurable and the investment is accountable.
Explore Talent Development →Succession Management
Succession readiness scores draw on Talent Genome competency data for each candidate. The framework defines what good looks like for every critical role - so readiness assessments are grounded in evidence, not opinion.
Explore Succession Management →RELATED INSIGHTS
Further reading
360-Degree Assessment: Methodologies, Pitfalls, and What Actually Works
Why most 360 programmes fail to change behaviour - and how forced-ranking against the Talent Genome produces data that development plans can actually use.
Talent Identification and Role Matching
How Talent Genome competency data combines with performance and learning agility scores to identify High-Impact Talent - and why the three-input model replaces the 9-box grid.
Career Conversations That Actually Develop People
Why development conversations need to be grounded in competency gap data - and how managers use Talent Genome results to have conversations that lead to measurable growth.
The Talent Genome Book
The complete framework is documented in a book published by Brett Mulder and Martin Sutherland. It covers the research foundation, the 18 clusters, and how the framework is applied in practice.
Next step
The Talent Genome in action
TalentPrint and TalentPrint Plus are the assessment instruments that measure an individual's Talent Genome profile. Available as part of TMaaS or standalone.