Personality tests are a popular tool used by organisations to learn more about the unique personalities, traits and behaviours of individuals looking to join or develop within their company. These tests are also used by entrepreneurs who want an easy, effective and non-judgemental tool to help them understand what they need to do to push their business forward, as well as by people looking to change careers to see which jobs are the best fit for them.
There are numerous personality tests currently available, including:
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This generates a personality type based on four different measurements. These measurements assess how we interact with others, access information, make decisions and perceive the world around us
- Five Factors Model. This test measures the degree to which we identify with openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism
- DISC Personality Profiling. A personality profiling tool based on William Marston’s theory that behavioural characteristics can be arranged into four major groups. People with similar styles tend to exhibit specific behavioural characteristics common to that group. The acronym DISC stands for the four personality styles represented by the letters. D = Dominance, I = Influence, S = Steadiness and C = Compliance.
I’m qualified in DISC Personality Profiling, and below, I’d like to show you three ways to use personality tests effectively in the workplace.
1. Complementing the recruitment process
There are many ways to assess if a candidate will be a good fit for your organisation. For example, screening CVs and application forms, and evaluating interview performance. However, these mainly focus on the skills and experience a candidate possesses. But what about a person’s working style? For example, how will they interact in a team or participate in your organisation’s culture?
This is where personality tests can help. One exercise that can be really beneficial is carrying out DISC profiling on your current workforce to help identify what personality traits are missing from the team e.g. being results-driven or detail orientated. You can then tailor the job advert and interview, and use DISC, to ensure you recruit an individual who plugs any gaps, thus creating a balanced and effective team.
2. Assisting with career development
Not every senior or high-performing team member is ready or cut out for promotion into a management role. Personality tests can be used to see which character types would thrive in these roles or be suited to secondments into short-term project positions.
As employees progress through an organisation, DISC Personality Profiling can highlight the areas they need to develop. It can also help managers to become more self-knowledgeable, well-rounded and effective leaders. By identifying areas of growth in their leadership style and helping them understand their team’s dispositions and priorities, they can adapt their management style for each individual. This can help improve communication and their ability to have a positive influence on every team member.
3. Improving working relationships in existing teams
Tensions between co-workers affect morale, productivity and the smooth performance of a team. DISC Personality Profiling is an excellent tool to shed light on an individual’s interpersonal communication abilities. How do they respond to conflict? What motivates them? What causes them stress? How they solve problems? With a better understanding and appreciation of the different working styles within a team, you’ll significantly reduce the potential for conflict and bolster the team’s effectiveness too!
DISC also creates a clear framework that enables everyone to understand how their individual strengths contribute to the team’s overall success. Leading to improved communication, productivity, engagement, and ultimately reducing turnover!
How can personality tests benefit your organisation?
Organisations who use personality tests, such as DISC, typically observe a more inclusive workforce, less conflict, improved communication, more effective leadership, and better client relationships. All of which result in higher-performing teams! Companies that recruit the right individuals for the job also see increased retention and happier employees.
For more information on how DISC Personality Profiling can help your company, you might like to read my previous blog.
Find out more about personality tests
To find out more about how DISC Personality Profiling might benefit you or your business, contact me to book a free, no-obligation 30-minute phone consultation.
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