This kind of assessment focuses on cognitive and behavioural responses to stress and pressure. Participants are presented with a series of realistic scenarios that accurately simulate high-pressure work situations, including crisis management, competing priorities and looming deadlines.

These scenarios may be delivered by way of questionnaires, role-playing exercises, simulations or digital testing platforms. Responses are then compared to key performance indicators typically linked to sound decision-making processes.

Areas commonly evaluated by this assessment include

• The ability to prioritise information quickly and accurately
• Risk awareness and judgement quality
• Stress tolerance and emotional regulation
• Speed vs accuracy in decision making, and whether it changes when stress is introduced
• The quality of communication and collaboration under pressure

The decision-making under pressure assessment typically follows three stages:

Stage 1: Simulation or testing: Participants complete a series of pressure-based decision tasks

Stage 2: Analysis: Responses are evaluated using psychological benchmarks

Stage 3: Development planning: Training strategies, including targeted coaching, are then recommended

Key benefits for organisations include

• Reduced risk of costly errors in high-stress situations
• Enhanced leadership when it comes to readiness and resilience
• Better coordination during high-stress events
• The ability for managers to make better selections when it comes to promotion decisions