Corvirtus Partners With Forward 10 to Develop Pilot Professionalism Assessment

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO--(Marketwire - Mar 1, 2012) - Corvirtus, a provider of innovative, science-based measurements and services for a range of talent processes, recently completed the development of the market's first pilot professionalism assessment. The initiative was conducted in partnership with Forward 10, a research and development company focused on optimizing human performance.

The assessment is designed to measure Level III professionalism. The tool goes beyond traditional assessments for job-related skills and professional ethics and measures drive for continuous improvement, professional engagement, professional image, and selflessness. The assessment tool is based on the principles of a three-level professionalism spectrum outlined in the recently published book, "Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism" (Pygmy Books, 2011), by Dr. Tony Kern, president of Forward 10 and principal of Convergent Performance, a Colorado Springs-based company offering pilot professionalism training and workshops.

Pilot professionalism has become a focus for carriers, most of which face a coming shortage of experienced pilots. Incidents involving pilot error and misconduct are factors behind the FAA's proposed mandate (PL 111-216, Sec. 206) requiring flight crewmember mentoring programs for "instilling and reinforcing the highest standards of technical performance, airmanship, and professionalism in newly employed flight crewmembers." The ruling on this new mandate is expected in August 2013.

"When Dr. Kern approached us with the idea of developing this ground-breaking tool, we were eager to apply our experience to this unique initiative," said Dr. Bobby Baker, vice president of research and development for Corvirtus. "Dr. Kern's three-level professionalism continuum is the only documented pathway to professionalism improvement. We used his concepts as a foundation and then applied our own proven measurement techniques to create this industry-first tool."

"Having worked in the field of human performance for years, I've long been fascinated by the concept of professionalism. Most frequently, the term is used in general terms, and its meaning is left to individual interpretation. In order for professionalism to be accurately assessed -- and to offer the potential for improvement -- one first must offer clear definitions and specific action items," said Dr. Kern, also the author of "Blue Threat: Why to Err Is Human," "Redefining Airmanship," and "Flight Discipline." "This self-assessment tool informs pilots of their strengths and weaknesses across the defined characteristics so they have a concrete understanding of the improvements needed to earn the distinction of being a true professional."

For more information on the professionalism assessment tool, please contact mmoulton@corvirtus.com. For further details on the use of the professionalism assessment in pilot training and mentoring workshops, contact kacy@convergentperformance.com.

About Corvirtus
Corvirtus provides a range of innovative, science-based measurements and services that tie a company's culture and core values to talent processes. Corvirtus solutions have enabled hundreds of companies to strengthen and scale their corporate cultures, and to identify, develop and retain those employees with the characteristics and capabilities essential for business success and customer satisfaction. Customers include companies of all sizes and in all industry verticals, including: Royal Caribbean Cruises, UMB, Owens Illinois, Starplex Cinemas, Fiesta Mart, and Winn Dixie. For more information, visit www.corvirtus.com or email mmoulton@corvirtus.com.

About Dr. Tony Kern
Dr. Tony Kern, one of the world's leading authorities on human performance, is currently president of Forward 10 and CEO of Convergent Performance, a company focused on reducing human error and improving performance in high risk environments such as aviation, military, healthcare and firefighting. In his most recent book, "Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism," Kern has created a guide to achieve "extreme professionalism" in any working environment. He is a frequent lecturer and also a contributing editor for Vertical, Vertical 911 and Canadian Skies magazines.

Kern was in the U.S. Force for 20 years, retiring in 2000 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his Air Force career, he logged more than 3,700 hours of flight time and served as a command pilot and senior flight examiner for the B-1B nuclear bomber. From 2000 to 2003, Kern served as the national flight director of the USDA Forest Service. Kern has degrees from Texas Tech University, Kansas State University, Northern Michigan University, and Albion College.