Why We Use the RBSE
Most assessments rely on self‑perception and reflection. The RBSE flips that model by gathering stories from the people who know you best, friends, family, colleagues, supervisors, direct reports, those who have witnessed you at your best. This external lens is what makes the RBSE so effective for our clients. It provides a more reliable, multidimensional picture of strengths and impact, often revealing qualities leaders don’t fully recognize in themselves.
We use the RBSE when we want to help leaders:
- Build self‑awareness grounded in real experiences, not assumptions
- Understand how their presence and behaviors influence others
- Identify strengths that are already creating positive impact
- Connect their best self to their leadership identity and style
- Strengthen team cohesion through shared reflection and dialogue
Because the stories come from people across different contexts, the themes that emerge are both validating and actionable. Leaders begin to see not only what they do well, but how those strengths show up in ways that matter to others.
The Client Experience
Javier Persad, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Bank Street College, recently completed the RBSE as part of a Leadership Forward program we facilitated with his team. His experience captures the essence of why this tool resonates so deeply:
“Having the intentional time to do deep reflection, in an area I rarely reflect on, was a worthwhile journey. You rarely ever get that kind of deep meaningful feedback from those around you in your professional and personal life. It was uplifting to read all those stories of how others see me at my best. Putting together the best self statement was really impactful and serves as a positive affirmation of me at my best. It also helped me reflect on my authentic leadership style and vision of my leadership. For me it was a shift in consciousness, in showing up as a leader, and at the same time a human being, so I am now focusing on supporting and developing my team more holistically.”
His reflection mirrors what we see consistently: the RBSE creates a moment of pause, insight, and often transformation.
How We Facilitate the Process
Our role is not simply to administer the RBSE, but to guide leaders through a structured, meaningful interpretation of their stories. We help participants:
- Identify themes across relationships and contexts
- Distill those themes into a clear, compelling Best Self Portrait
- Connect their best self to their authentic leadership style
- Explore how these strengths can be intentionally activated in their roles
- Translate insights into behaviors that strengthen team culture
The phrase “I am at my best when…” becomes more than a statement, it becomes a leadership anchor. It helps individuals articulate the conditions under which they thrive, and the qualities others can consistently rely on.
Why It Works for Teams
When used with intact teams, the RBSE becomes a shared language for strengths. Team members gain insight into one another’s natural styles and contributions, which enhances trust, collaboration, and psychological safety. Leaders often discover that the everyday actions they take for granted, listening deeply, offering clarity, creating calm, sparking creativity, are the very things that elevate the people around them.
This shift from deficit‑based thinking to strength‑based awareness is powerful. It helps teams move from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s possible?”
The Impact We See
Across organizations navigating rapid change, evolving talent expectations, and the need for more human‑centered leadership, the RBSE has become one of the most effective tools in our work. It helps leaders:
- Gain clarity about who they are at their best
- Lead with greater authenticity and confidence
- Create environments where others feel supported and empowered
- Build cultures rooted in trust and psychological safety
By helping individuals articulate and activate their best selves, the RBSE becomes more than an exercise, it becomes a foundation for leadership transformation. And when leaders operate as their best selves, teams become more aligned, more resilient, and more capable of delivering on their mission.
