Q: I just had an exhaustive personality assessment. How can I make the best use of this information?
A: Congratulations your organizaton has chosen to invest in you. You can use this information to your advantage if you have the “right” mindset. Many people misinterpret the data as a signal that there is something wrong with them and that they have to make a fundamental change in what they are. I have heard clients say, “They want me to be change who I am, I won’t do that.”
Your personal style is not fixed: You may have watched Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates change from “nerd” to company spokesperson. This assessment will deepen your insights about your personal style, behavior and approach and help you understand how your personality “fits” with your manager, your colleagues and the organization. To begin, consider the following questions:
- How is your personality an “asset” to your organization? When does your personality
rub people the “wrong” way? - Why did your organization invest in you? Are you high potential? Are you being considered for promotion or a lateral move?
- If you are new or moving to a new organization or function, how well do you understand the culture? Protocols? Informal expectations?
- Have you received feedback about your personality and ignored it? If yes, what insights do you gain from this assessment?
- How open are you to feedback?
- Based on the assessment, what are the strengths that you want to leverage?
Remember that when you take on a new role or are being considered for an opportunity, how well your personality “fits” with your colleagues will be a key determinant of your success. What aspect of your personality will your bring to the forefront now to lead you to success?