Task Cycle Theory provides a model for the work process for organizations, managers, leaders, and teams. Developed by Clark Wilson, an organizational psychologist, Task Cycle Theory draws upon theories of learning, cognition, and motivation. As a theory of work, it underpins all of our surveys.




The function of every person in an organization is to achieve the goals defined by his or her role. In all key roles a person must execute a series of tasks. The completion of each specific task follows a logical sequence of steps.

For example, for every task: I you must establish a purpose; II to achieve your purpose, you must lay the foundation; III to implement your foundation, you need a sustained effort from a variety of resources; IV to monitor your progress, you must obtain feedback; V if your foundation is weak, you must monitor and adjust the process; and VI once your purpose is achieved, you must reinforce performance of other contributors.

Although specific tasks may differ, the logical sequence of these steps remains the same for every role in the organization. Task Cycle Theory translates these steps into six phases. By analyzing each phase, we help the worker develop a set of skills needed to perform well in that phase and ultimately accomplish the task.

The Task Cycle is a logical model that makes sense, and its simplicity is important for the training that follows. Beyond the logic, however, the model provides another benefit. Through repetition of tasks, the Task Cycle allows co-workers ample opportunity to observe each other's command of the skills involved. Not only do they become reliable evaluators of those skills, they also learn to anticipate how one will behave on the next task. This anticipation of behavior strongly affects co-workers' motivation to work with one another.

In the early 1970s, Clark Wilson developed the Survey of Management Practices (SMP) as a teaching tool for his management class at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Graduate School of Business. Students completed the SMP on themselves or their bosses. As more students and their peers and supervisors were exposed to the SMP, it made its way into the industry...





"...When we follow up with our clients to ask them what in our programs has had the most positive impact on their ability to lead, the Task Cycle® surveys and coaching experience are at the top of the list. Leadership Practices and Executive Leadership give senior executives the most relevant, actionable and powerful feedback of any of the surveys in the market..."

- Wharton's Business School