You Don’t Know Me! Or do you?

I am a personality assessment junkie. It probably started back in Junior High when my friends and I couldn’t wait for the next issue of Seventeen so we could take the latest personality quiz. Since 2011, I have received several assessment certifications and definitely have my favorites. There are roughly 2,500 personality assessments used in the United States according to a 2012 article in BBC magazine. But are they really reliable?

Many personality assessments are at least loosely based on the early 20^th century work of Carl Jung and his book Psychological Types. While the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is the most directly derived from Jung’s theory, even DiSC and the Big Five conjure strong similarities to the traits and behaviors of the MBTI.

With thousands of assessments available, they draw much criticism from those who see them as dangerous tools used for nefarious purposes. They claim that labeling people unfairly excludes them from hiring decisions and no assessment can accurately predict a person’s success. I actually agree with some of this criticism as it relates to hiring decisions. I do not believe most hiring managers and recruiters know how to properly interpret assessment data and rely too heavily on the results as a black and white, yes or no to hiring a candidate. However, personality assessments would not be a multi-billion dollar industry if they were not supported by observation, testing, validation, reliability, and peer reviewed.

Today kicks off International Coaching Week. Properly trained and certified coaches, like myself, know how to use these assessment tools as one piece of information to explore with our incredibly complex human clients. I choose the appropriate assessment for my clients and their goals.

My personal favorite for one-on-one coaching is CliftonStrengths. It provides a positive view of the gifts that each person has to offer. The development plan does not dwell on weaknesses. Rather you are empowered to grow by harnessing your natural talents to be successful. At Opportunities to Grow, I work with clients to discover their talents and empower them to create easy to execute action plans. Let’s connect if you would like to see how I can help you design and Reimagine Your Future through YOUR strengths.