Maximum Lawyer Why “Fair” Rules Quietly Kill Performance
Feb 3, 2026
A conversation about using the Kolbe assessment to understand instinctive work styles and why scores can change over time. Discussion of how misaligned roles, not effort, often create people problems. Debate over uniform rules that feel fair but hamper performance. Practical ideas for restructuring roles and introducing flexibility to match strengths.
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Two Kolbe Tests, Different Results
- Tyson Mutrix recounts taking the Kolbe in February 2020 and again in March 2023 with different scores.
- He explores why the results changed and plans a follow-up with the consultant to investigate adaptability versus true change.
Kolbe Measures Instinctive Energy
- Tyson explains Kolbe measures instinctive action patterns, not personality, skills, or intelligence.
- He reframes Kolbe as an energy map showing where people instinctively place energy under pressure.
Align Roles To Instinctive Energy
- Do examine alignment between where people place energy and the firm's expectations.
- Fix role fit instead of blaming effort or skill when performance issues are people-driven.
