Over the Years: Celebrating 10 Years of Administering the Kolbe Index™

Earlier this summer, Erin Werde, the president and founder of The Instinctive Advantage, celebrated 10 years of administering Kolbe Indexes. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Erin and ask her a few questions about these past years and what the future holds for The Instinctive Advantage.

Looking back to when you first started, what have been some of the biggest changes or shifts you’ve seen in facilitating the Kolbe A™ Index? (for example, how has the shift to more remote or hybrid work changed how you do your job?)

“What has impressed me more than anything is the integrity of the tool!!  I have administered 6,687 A Indexes – and met with a good percentage of these contacts.  Time and time again, the validity of the tool has blown my mind.”

“There have also been dramatic changes in the business landscape.  Employees are looking for more out of their work.   (Naturally, the companies that are looking for deeper engagement/connection are the ones hiring me).  It is not a job that they show up to do 40 hours per week; but often times something they are truly passionate about.  This passion combined with the changing landscape from the pandemic has been a significant shift towards wanting true connection with professional work.”

What has been the most satisfying thing you’ve seen or accomplished in your 10 years?

“More of a personal answer – but there are so few (less than 10?) firms that consult on Kolbe exclusively, and I have been able to find the formula – and grow my business consistently year after year.  This is very much a business; but there is a social mission behind this work.  How can people go through their life without knowing this information?”

What do you wish you would have known 10 years ago?

“Commitment that I’d still be going strong 10 years later 😊.  In all seriousness, the amount of people that I have been able to build relationships with has been truly astonishing.  Many times, I am not working with just one business – but I am constantly bringing on new clients from referrals or relationships that have been built.  It is an honor and a privilege to do this work.”

What advice would you give to an individual who is looking to begin facilitating the Kolbe A (TM) Index at their organization? 

“In order to get the most of out of Kolbe, don’t let this be a ‘one and done’.  I am in it for the long haul, and can help you craft a plan to make sure it is embedded into the DNA of your organization.”

Are there any particular interactions that stand out or bring you joy when looking back on them?

“I love being a part of someone’s professional journey. You get to be involved in their history and longevity and see them evolve. What they learn and obtain from their Kolbe Index can be taken from job to job, industry to industry. It’s really helped people find the best versions of themselves.”

Why do you think the best years are yet to come?

“To put it into perspective, early on I worked on 1-3 Indexes a week. Fast forward to now and I’m working on 150 a month. So the demand is definitely growing. It’s becoming something bigger than myself at times! With that brings the opportunity to scale and ramp up with clients that have a need and are ready to ramp up. I want to continue to be embedded in the culture of organizations. In order to do that and meet the need/demand, various systems and processes I utilize will evolve in the coming months.”

What do you love most about the Kolbe Indexes?

“Taking the Kolbe Index validates what you already instinctively know about yourself. You may see some parts of it in your life but not in other aspects. By understanding your Kolbe Index, you’re better equipped to bring all those pieces together.”