My introduction to personality assessments was met with a mix of curiosity and caution. On the one hand, I looked forward to learning more about myself and hopefully gaining a clearer sense of direction. On the other hand, I feared that I would be “put in a box,” pigeon holed, or worse yet, manipulated. I have worked with enough people and teams to know that I am not alone with these fears and concerns. To be fair, they have some merit, but not as much merit as you think. Let’s dig in…
Common Objections to Personality Assessments
Fear of Misuse:
Concern: “People might use the results to judge or control me.”
Response: As far as being judged is concerned, get used to it. The grim reality of life is that we are constantly being judged. To be fair, we are constantly judging others. Maybe a gentler way to put it is that we are constantly making assumptions about others and they are making assumptions about us. I can write more about this in a future post, but the short reason for this is that in order for us to live we must put all the information we gather in categories so we can move forward and make decisions with incomplete data. Otherwise we would be paralyzed by the mountains of data our brains are processing. Ex: what assumptions do you make about someone driving a BMW, or a Tesla, or a Chevy Volt?
Ironically, assessments actually help us to know ourselves better and feel MORE secure about our identity. That security is something that can help us build resilience to the judgment and assumptions of others.
For the matter of misuse and manipulation, consider that first of all manipulation is a matter of the heart more than the activity itself. I might respond to you based on what I know about your personality out of love and respect, or because I want to get something from you. The chances of you knowing the motivation of my heart are slim. Either way, you are being treated according to your design and therefor having a more pleasurable experience. Ultimately, this boils down to a matter of trust. If you are concerned about your supervisor or teammates using your personality against you, I submit there are more important issues to address; namely, the lack of trust on your team!
The fear of misuse is valid, especially in environments where assessments might be used unethically. It’s crucial to ensure that personality assessments are used in a constructive and supportive manner. Share your results with trusted individuals who respect your privacy and are committed to fostering a positive environment. In professional settings, encourage transparent discussions about how the assessments will be used and advocate for their application in ways that promote understanding and collaboration rather than control or judgment.
Feeling Boxed In:
Concern: “I don’t want to be put into a box or labeled.”
Consider: I don’t want to be “labeled” either! No one likes to feel confined by a label or category. It is important to view personality assessments as tools for self-discovery rather than definitive labels. These assessments offer insights into your tendencies and preferences, providing a starting point for deeper self-reflection. They can help you understand your strengths and areas for growth without limiting your potential or individuality.
Allow me to also gently suggest that in many ways we actually DO want to be boxed in. Think about it. This is why we try to set ourselves apart and love recognition. We do want to be recognized and we love getting prizes or called out for areas where we excel, or for our uniqueness. Caring, problem-solver, leader, dependable are all attributes that could be seen as “a box.”
I do not mean to minimize or poo-poo the fear being put in a box. I think we are more afraid of losing control of the ways we are singled out and relied on than just being “labeled/singled out.” I do want to suggest that our concerns are not about the box, but the type of box. Something deeper is going on and that is worth paying attention to. When you identify that, the box won’t be such a big deal.
Loss of Individuality:
Concern: “I don’t want to lose my individuality.”
Consider: Personality assessments actually celebrate individuality by highlighting what makes you unique. They provide a structured way to reflect on your distinct traits, preferences, and behaviors. Rather than diminishing your individuality, these assessments can help you better understand and articulate the things that set you apart. Embrace the results as a way to gain deeper insights into your unique qualities and how you can leverage them in various aspects of your life.
Even if we just looked at the CliftonStrengths assessment, which identifies the order of 34 different talent themes we all possess, your unique combination of talents makes you 1 in 295 undecilliion – thats 295 followed by 36 zeros! (66 zeros for those of you in Great Britain). Your chances of winning the lottery are better than your chances of not being unique!
Remember, whether you are concerned about being put in a box or losing your individuality, the totality of who you are is also shaped by your values, culture, upbringing, experiences, and infinite other variables. There is only one version of you and I can assure you that version is pretty incredible. Let’s make the most of it.
Inaccuracy:
Concern: “The results might not be accurate.”
Consider: While no assessment is perfect, many are grounded in extensive research and have been validated over time. It’s beneficial to approach these tools with an open mind, considering the results as one piece of the puzzle rather than the entire picture of who you are. Use the insights as a starting point for self-reflection and personal growth. If you find that certain aspects of the results don’t resonate with you, it can be an opportunity to explore why and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.
Personality assessments are valuable tools designed to offer insights and foster growth. They are not meant to box you in or take away your individuality. When used thoughtfully and ethically, they can be powerful allies in your journey of self-discovery and personal development. Approach them with an open mind and use them as one of many resources to understand yourself and others better. By embracing the insights they provide, you can enhance your self-awareness, improve your relationships, and unlock your full potential.
There is a reason that many, even most successful companies and teams spend dollars and time using resources – they make individuals and teams better! If you aren’t using assessments to improve your, or your team’s performance you are missing an incredibly powerful resource to improve performance personally and professionally. If most high-performing teams are using assessments, why aren’t you?