Talent Genome
A periodic table of human behaviour.
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.
Framework Structure
60 Competencies. 18 Clusters.
The 60 competencies are grouped into 18 higher-level clusters, each representing a domain of human behaviour relevant to performance at work.
The Big Picture Thinker
3 competencies
The Calming Presence
1 competency
The Conflict Confronter
3 competencies
The Considerate Carer
3 competencies
The Constant Learner
2 competencies
The Effective Negotiator
4 competencies
The Energetic Driver
3 competencies
The Flexible Character
1 competency
The Imaginative Mind
2 competencies
The Inspirational Motivator
4 competencies
The Methodical Organiser
3 competencies
The People Manager
3 competencies
The Practical Fixer
4 competencies
The Responsible Citizen
1 competency
The Skilled Communicator
2 competencies
The Social Networker
3 competencies
The Sound Decision Maker
4 competencies
The Willing Risk Taker
2 competencies
The Assessments
Two instruments, one framework
The Talent Genome is measured through two forced-ranking assessment instruments, each designed for different use cases.
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 more →Talentprint 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 more →The 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 Genome →Business Strategy
What does the organisation need to achieve?
Organisational Capabilities
What does it need to be good at? (Org Genome)
Behavioural Competencies
What behaviours drive those capabilities? (Talent Genome)
Assessment and Development
How do we measure and develop those behaviours? (Talentprint / TGI)
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.