Chapter 2 – Self-Assessment
To find my strengths, weaknesses, gifts, natural abilities and skills I lack, I performed a variety of self-assessments to uncover this information. Below is a list of 25 self-assessment personality tests that I took to uncover the traits that I will layout in this chapter.
- Johari Window
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator*
- Keirsey Temperament Sorter
- Big Five Personality Test*
- Machiavellianism Test
- Harrower-Erickson Multiple Choice Rorschach Test
- Holland Code (RIASEC) Test
- DISC Personality Test*
- Psych Central Personality Test
- IPIP Test
- CareerPath.com – Career Planner Quiz
- PersonalityBook.com – Personality Test
- Personality Test – 41 Questions, 1 Personality
- Four Temperaments Test
- Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale
- A/B Personality Test
- Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors Test
- Interpersonal Attraction Scale
- Emotional Intelligence
- MMDI
- My iPersonic Type*
- RHETI Sampler Test
- PersonalityQuiz.net
- Enneagram Test
- Strengths Finders 2.0*
*Denotes specific focus given to this test.
I have chosen to focus on five tests’ results for the purposes of identifying my personality traits, which will in turn allow me to further develop a justifiable career action plan. The tests and their results are as follows:
1) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
To find my strengths, weaknesses, gifts, natural abilities and skills I lack, I performed a variety of self-assessments to uncover this information. Below is a list of 25 self-assessment personality tests that I took to uncover the traits that I will layout in this chapter.
- Johari Window
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator*
- Keirsey Temperament Sorter
- Big Five Personality Test*
- Machiavellianism Test
- Harrower-Erickson Multiple Choice Rorschach Test
- Holland Code (RIASEC) Test
- DISC Personality Test*
- Psych Central Personality Test
- IPIP Test
- CareerPath.com – Career Planner Quiz
- PersonalityBook.com – Personality Test
- Personality Test – 41 Questions, 1 Personality
- Four Temperaments Test
- Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale
- A/B Personality Test
- Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors Test
- Interpersonal Attraction Scale
- Emotional Intelligence
- MMDI
- My iPersonic Type*
- RHETI Sampler Test
- PersonalityQuiz.net
- Enneagram Test
- Strengths Finders 2.0*
*Denotes specific focus given to this test.
I have chosen to focus on five tests’ results for the purposes of identifying my personality traits, which will in turn allow me to further develop a justifiable career action plan. The tests and their results are as follows:
1) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Analysis
Breaking down the results of this assessment, the first trait is “extroverted” (a result I don’t necessarily agree with), symbolized with the letter “E”. I actually consider extroversion a weakness of mine (if in fact being extroverted is a positive trait, which I believe to some extent it is). The Big Five and iPersonic assessments describe me as more introverted than extroverted.
A strength identified by the Myers-Briggs assessment is introverted feeling (symbolized by the letters “S” for “sensing” and “J” for “judging”). A part of this trait states I have the ability to seek out, develop, and appreciate genuine relationships. This trait allows for long-term relationship building, which is beneficial in social and family life, as well as face-to-face sales and interactions with co-workers or managers in a large firm. Furthermore, this introverted style of feeling and thinking means I appreciate tradition. I value this trait because it is a value that I was raised with; things like holidays, birthdays, weddings, etc. are important to me. Being traditional helps me stay grounded, thus, in a way, keeping me level headed.
2) Big Five Personality Test
http://personality-testing.info/tests/BIG5.php
Results
Extraversion ||| 17% (7 percentile)
Conscientiousness|||||||||||||||| 82% (87 percentile)
Neuroticism |||||||| 40% (32 percentile)
Agreeableness ||||||||||||| 65% (30 percentile)
Openness |||||||||| 50% (5 percentile)
Analysis
Looking at the results of the Big Five Personality Test, I found a weakness and a natural ability that were of particular interest. Both of which were also present in other assessments, which made them even more prevalent.
The weakness uncovered is my lack of extroversion. This test does not necessarily characterize me as an introvert (although other assessments did). However, it does state that I am in a low extroversion percentile compared to other extroverts. In a competitive environment, extroverts are those that get noticed the quickest. They often are the squeaky wheels that get the grease. This is not always a good thing, as all too often, an outgoing personality can outpace one’s performance capabilities, resulting in a downfall. Being extraverted is not a bad thing, but maybe being too extraverted is. However, I still consider my 17th percentile extraversion score to be too low. In order to get noticed, thus, advance in my career, I must display a somewhat higher level of extraversion so that I am noticed for my accomplishments and others recognize I have valuable input.
The Big Five assessment also reveals one of my natural abilities: Analytical. This trait can best be described as considering all factors when making a decision. It ties into other strengths I have as well (i.e.: disciplined, big picture oriented, deliberative). The analytical trait is not directly reported in the results of this assessment, but it is correlational to the conscientiousness category, which I scored in the 82nd percentile. Conscientiousness individuals make decisions very systematically, and are deliberative in carrying out their decisions and in their work. I feel (and I have been told) that I analyze all possible outcomes and consider all factors when making decisions, thus being truly systematic.
3) DISC Personality Test
http://personality-testing.info/tests/DISC.php
Results
Breaking down the results of this assessment, the first trait is “extroverted” (a result I don’t necessarily agree with), symbolized with the letter “E”. I actually consider extroversion a weakness of mine (if in fact being extroverted is a positive trait, which I believe to some extent it is). The Big Five and iPersonic assessments describe me as more introverted than extroverted.
A strength identified by the Myers-Briggs assessment is introverted feeling (symbolized by the letters “S” for “sensing” and “J” for “judging”). A part of this trait states I have the ability to seek out, develop, and appreciate genuine relationships. This trait allows for long-term relationship building, which is beneficial in social and family life, as well as face-to-face sales and interactions with co-workers or managers in a large firm. Furthermore, this introverted style of feeling and thinking means I appreciate tradition. I value this trait because it is a value that I was raised with; things like holidays, birthdays, weddings, etc. are important to me. Being traditional helps me stay grounded, thus, in a way, keeping me level headed.
2) Big Five Personality Test
http://personality-testing.info/tests/BIG5.php
Results
Extraversion ||| 17% (7 percentile)
Conscientiousness|||||||||||||||| 82% (87 percentile)
Neuroticism |||||||| 40% (32 percentile)
Agreeableness ||||||||||||| 65% (30 percentile)
Openness |||||||||| 50% (5 percentile)
Analysis
Looking at the results of the Big Five Personality Test, I found a weakness and a natural ability that were of particular interest. Both of which were also present in other assessments, which made them even more prevalent.
The weakness uncovered is my lack of extroversion. This test does not necessarily characterize me as an introvert (although other assessments did). However, it does state that I am in a low extroversion percentile compared to other extroverts. In a competitive environment, extroverts are those that get noticed the quickest. They often are the squeaky wheels that get the grease. This is not always a good thing, as all too often, an outgoing personality can outpace one’s performance capabilities, resulting in a downfall. Being extraverted is not a bad thing, but maybe being too extraverted is. However, I still consider my 17th percentile extraversion score to be too low. In order to get noticed, thus, advance in my career, I must display a somewhat higher level of extraversion so that I am noticed for my accomplishments and others recognize I have valuable input.
The Big Five assessment also reveals one of my natural abilities: Analytical. This trait can best be described as considering all factors when making a decision. It ties into other strengths I have as well (i.e.: disciplined, big picture oriented, deliberative). The analytical trait is not directly reported in the results of this assessment, but it is correlational to the conscientiousness category, which I scored in the 82nd percentile. Conscientiousness individuals make decisions very systematically, and are deliberative in carrying out their decisions and in their work. I feel (and I have been told) that I analyze all possible outcomes and consider all factors when making decisions, thus being truly systematic.
3) DISC Personality Test
http://personality-testing.info/tests/DISC.php
Results
Analysis
The DISC Personality Test was quite useful in that I found a strength, a few weaknesses and a natural ability all from the results of this test.
First, the strength: Big Picture Oriented. This strength was somewhat self-reporting, in that I selected this about myself while taking the assessment, not knowing whether or not this was a strength, weakness, or neither. The results list the trait as a strength, and I take pride in the fact that I consider myself a long-term, big picture type thinker. This style of thinking is what motivates me to advance long term in my career. My supervisors have also echoed this trait to me stating they appreciate my capability to see beyond the here and now and to think long term. An executive of a large firm must have the capability to think long term and across the entire company. As I aspire to reach the corporate level in my career, I plan to lean on this capability in an effort to exhibit my various areas of expertise.
The weaknesses revealed by this assessment are “Conflict Avoidant”, “Pushover”, and “Impatient”. The traits of conflict avoidant and pushover are similar to one another. They both imply that I am somewhat introverted in that I do not always speak my mind in fear of causing a disagreement. Also, if a disagreement does arise, I am prone to back down quicker than the opposing party in an effort to minimize an argument. Competition amongst peers is a crucial element in succeeding in a career. It is hard for me to be competitive if I do not occasionally stand up for my beliefs. I also recognize that I must hold my ground more on ideas or decisions that I feel strongly about. If I make myself known as a pushover, then I will certainly get “pushed-over” for that next advancement opportunity.
Regarding my impatience, I tend to think of this as being impatient when setting out to accomplish a task. If the task involves others, I generally want to work at my pace and become frustrated if others fall behind or do not perform at my level of expectations.
My natural ability displayed in the DISC results is “Agreeable”. In my mind, being agreeable somewhat corresponds to being conflict avoidant. However, this assessment does not seem to consider it that way. Being agreeable with others can be a strength. It creates a relaxed, low-stress work environment where others feel they can share ideas with me.
4) My iPersonic Type
(http://www.ipersonic.com)
Results
Reliable Realists like you are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. You are precise, reserved and demanding. Your most prominent quality is reliability and you will always make every effort to keep any promise given.
As a Reliable Realist you belong to the introverted personality types. You don’t appreciate too much commotion around you preferring to work relatively independently of others. You need to give yourself plenty of time to work in peace and deal with your projects thoroughly and intensely. Your ability to concentrate is exceptionally high and if you are interested in something you can truly immerse yourself forgetting everything around you. Very strongly team-oriented professional fields, or employment where your concentration is continuously disturbed, or your work is disrupted, are not really for you. It is just too important to you to complete your projects really well.
One or two colleagues who are on your wavelength or possibly a small group of like-minded colleagues are the most you need. Too many people are stressful to you because the emotionality and irrationality that comes with interpersonal relationships tends to disturb you. You are reserved when revealing yourself, and often have the effect of being aloof. Sometimes, and although it may not be your intention, you even convey the impression of being dismissive to the people around you. The continuous locker room and water cooler banter enervate you more than anything else. For you, work is work, and you feel that private matters don’t really belong there. When you choose your profession, watch out that you are not made to adjust to and interact with others around the clock.
Reliability is your middle name. Whoever hands you a project can rest assured that it will be handled diligently and delivered on time. The thought not to keep a promise or a commitment on time is total horror to you. Therefore, it is important to you to be in an environment providing smooth working conditions where you receive consistent and predictable feedback about your efforts. Clear and definite objectives, and the assurance that the necessary resources for your activities will be available, are a must.
Analysis
The My iPersonic Type assessment revealed a weakness and a natural ability. The weakness revealed to me has already been mentioned, but it presented itself again in this assessment, so I feel it is worth mentioning again. It is the trait of being “Introverted”. This particular assessment describes introversion as not liking commotion and preferring to work alone rather than with others. I feel this is true with me. Sometimes it is ok to work alone and not wish to be disturbed, however, I cannot always be this way or others will not see the value I bring because I will not allow them close enough to see.
The natural ability uncovered through this assessment is my trustworthy and reliable nature. I have always been devoted to any assignment or project given to me; if my name is on it, then it is my best work. Others can sense this, and I feel this is one of the main reasons I am recruited for projects and leadership roles.
5) Strengths Finder 2.0
(http://www.strengthsfinder.com/home.aspx)
Results
The DISC Personality Test was quite useful in that I found a strength, a few weaknesses and a natural ability all from the results of this test.
First, the strength: Big Picture Oriented. This strength was somewhat self-reporting, in that I selected this about myself while taking the assessment, not knowing whether or not this was a strength, weakness, or neither. The results list the trait as a strength, and I take pride in the fact that I consider myself a long-term, big picture type thinker. This style of thinking is what motivates me to advance long term in my career. My supervisors have also echoed this trait to me stating they appreciate my capability to see beyond the here and now and to think long term. An executive of a large firm must have the capability to think long term and across the entire company. As I aspire to reach the corporate level in my career, I plan to lean on this capability in an effort to exhibit my various areas of expertise.
The weaknesses revealed by this assessment are “Conflict Avoidant”, “Pushover”, and “Impatient”. The traits of conflict avoidant and pushover are similar to one another. They both imply that I am somewhat introverted in that I do not always speak my mind in fear of causing a disagreement. Also, if a disagreement does arise, I am prone to back down quicker than the opposing party in an effort to minimize an argument. Competition amongst peers is a crucial element in succeeding in a career. It is hard for me to be competitive if I do not occasionally stand up for my beliefs. I also recognize that I must hold my ground more on ideas or decisions that I feel strongly about. If I make myself known as a pushover, then I will certainly get “pushed-over” for that next advancement opportunity.
Regarding my impatience, I tend to think of this as being impatient when setting out to accomplish a task. If the task involves others, I generally want to work at my pace and become frustrated if others fall behind or do not perform at my level of expectations.
My natural ability displayed in the DISC results is “Agreeable”. In my mind, being agreeable somewhat corresponds to being conflict avoidant. However, this assessment does not seem to consider it that way. Being agreeable with others can be a strength. It creates a relaxed, low-stress work environment where others feel they can share ideas with me.
4) My iPersonic Type
(http://www.ipersonic.com)
Results
Reliable Realists like you are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. You are precise, reserved and demanding. Your most prominent quality is reliability and you will always make every effort to keep any promise given.
As a Reliable Realist you belong to the introverted personality types. You don’t appreciate too much commotion around you preferring to work relatively independently of others. You need to give yourself plenty of time to work in peace and deal with your projects thoroughly and intensely. Your ability to concentrate is exceptionally high and if you are interested in something you can truly immerse yourself forgetting everything around you. Very strongly team-oriented professional fields, or employment where your concentration is continuously disturbed, or your work is disrupted, are not really for you. It is just too important to you to complete your projects really well.
One or two colleagues who are on your wavelength or possibly a small group of like-minded colleagues are the most you need. Too many people are stressful to you because the emotionality and irrationality that comes with interpersonal relationships tends to disturb you. You are reserved when revealing yourself, and often have the effect of being aloof. Sometimes, and although it may not be your intention, you even convey the impression of being dismissive to the people around you. The continuous locker room and water cooler banter enervate you more than anything else. For you, work is work, and you feel that private matters don’t really belong there. When you choose your profession, watch out that you are not made to adjust to and interact with others around the clock.
Reliability is your middle name. Whoever hands you a project can rest assured that it will be handled diligently and delivered on time. The thought not to keep a promise or a commitment on time is total horror to you. Therefore, it is important to you to be in an environment providing smooth working conditions where you receive consistent and predictable feedback about your efforts. Clear and definite objectives, and the assurance that the necessary resources for your activities will be available, are a must.
Analysis
The My iPersonic Type assessment revealed a weakness and a natural ability. The weakness revealed to me has already been mentioned, but it presented itself again in this assessment, so I feel it is worth mentioning again. It is the trait of being “Introverted”. This particular assessment describes introversion as not liking commotion and preferring to work alone rather than with others. I feel this is true with me. Sometimes it is ok to work alone and not wish to be disturbed, however, I cannot always be this way or others will not see the value I bring because I will not allow them close enough to see.
The natural ability uncovered through this assessment is my trustworthy and reliable nature. I have always been devoted to any assignment or project given to me; if my name is on it, then it is my best work. Others can sense this, and I feel this is one of the main reasons I am recruited for projects and leadership roles.
5) Strengths Finder 2.0
(http://www.strengthsfinder.com/home.aspx)
Results
gallupreport.strengthsfinders2.0.pdf | |
File Size: | 443 kb |
File Type: |
Analysis
In keeping with its name, the Strengths Finder 2.0 assessment did not yield any weaknesses or areas of improvement, but it did highlight several of my key strengths. Strengths in which I scored the highest in this assessment include: “Disciplined, Deliberative, and Analytical”. I have already touched on my analytical traits, so I will not do so again here.
Possessing discipline, according to Strengths Finder, means I enjoy routine and structure. I appreciate clear direction and expectations in my work. Ambiguity is not something I work well with, thus I generally pass along my strategic planning to others on my work team. Being disciplined also means I am motivated by my talents, and that I almost always finish what I start. This trait also has a trace of reliability, as detailed in the My iPersonic Type assessment analysis.
Strengths Finder summarizes the deliberative trait as being precautious in decision-making, taking all information in, and breaking it down into its simplest parts. It goes on to say a deliberative person anticipates obstacles. This could be compared to being an analytical decision-maker. I feel this is a true asset of mine in that I tend to produce rational, dependable decisions that people can rely on. I have noticed in my current position that co-workers like to get my thoughts on ideas. This can be attributed to my deliberative style of thinking.
In keeping with its name, the Strengths Finder 2.0 assessment did not yield any weaknesses or areas of improvement, but it did highlight several of my key strengths. Strengths in which I scored the highest in this assessment include: “Disciplined, Deliberative, and Analytical”. I have already touched on my analytical traits, so I will not do so again here.
Possessing discipline, according to Strengths Finder, means I enjoy routine and structure. I appreciate clear direction and expectations in my work. Ambiguity is not something I work well with, thus I generally pass along my strategic planning to others on my work team. Being disciplined also means I am motivated by my talents, and that I almost always finish what I start. This trait also has a trace of reliability, as detailed in the My iPersonic Type assessment analysis.
Strengths Finder summarizes the deliberative trait as being precautious in decision-making, taking all information in, and breaking it down into its simplest parts. It goes on to say a deliberative person anticipates obstacles. This could be compared to being an analytical decision-maker. I feel this is a true asset of mine in that I tend to produce rational, dependable decisions that people can rely on. I have noticed in my current position that co-workers like to get my thoughts on ideas. This can be attributed to my deliberative style of thinking.
To summarize these five self-assessments, I have determined the following:
My Strengths:
- Relationship Building (Myers Briggs Assessment)
- Big Picture Oriented (DISC Personality Test)
- Disciplined (Strengths Finder 2.0)
- Deliberative (Strengths Finder 2.0)
My Weaknesses:
- Not Extroverted Enough (Big Five Personality Test and My iPersonic Type)
- Conflict Avoidant (DISC Personality Test)
- Pushover (DISC Personality Test)
- Impatient (DISC Personality Test)
My Gifts and Natural Abilities:
- Traditional (Myers Briggs Assessment)
- Analytical (Big Five Personality Test and Strengths Finder 2.0)
- Agreeable (DISC Personality Test)
- Trustworthy (My iPersonic Type)
Skills I lack to achieve my aspirations:
- Extraversion (Big Five Personality Test)
- Competitiveness (DISC Personality Test)