Personality tests. There are a million out there, telling us what traits we have, what we’re well suited to, what challenges us. But what can we actually learn and take away from these tests?
I’ve recently done two different personality tests. The first was the common 16Personalities test (or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) which looks at:
Mind – are you introverted or extroverted?
Energy – are you intuitive or observant?
Nature – do you think or feel more?
Tactics – do you judge or prospect more with planning and work?
Identity – are you turbulent or assertive with making decisions?
I actually found it really interesting how much this online test knew about myself, and how I operate. I’m pretty much right in the middle of introvert/extrovert, I’m observant and success driven, and like structure and predictability in my life. While I knew most of this already, it was interesting to see it on paper, and it also got me thinking if other people see me like that too, and how we can use these tests in the workplace.
According to Deakin University, these tests can be useful as they can give people in the workplace a way to understand why they do things one way, and what are our different thought patterns and working styles.
The results can open up conversations with colleagues about what tasks you are best at and what you find challenging. Personality tests can also be useful when recruiting, giving helpful insights into a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, but they will never replace good old “gut feel” and a thorough interview process.
The traits I uncovered I use every day in my role here at HC. I love planning and project management, which plays into my ‘structure and predictability’ trait. And I learn a lot through observation, and always take in everything that I can to help me learn more.
So, if you have a spare 5-10 minutes, or need something to break up your day, have a go at the 16Personalities test and see what you can learn about yourself and how you like to work. You may be surprised!
Alex Williams