Who Are You? The Importance of Assessments
Do you know who you are? Sure, you have a name, but what about your personality, communication style or strengths? In the year 2000, my husband, Tom, and I needed to make a transition in employment and life goals. Our mentor started by giving us an assessment to discover our unique personalities. We took the Myers Briggs. When the results came in, they sheepishly came into our meeting to discuss the outcome.
Did you realize you both are not compatible, they blurted out. After being happily married for almost 15 years, we were shocked. What do you mean? Based on the result, Tom and I were opposites. But don’t opposites attract? Not according to the advisors. We have now been married for 36 years, and all of the tests we have taken over the years say the same thing. We are not well-suited for each other.
With all of those negative findings, you might think we would be anti-assessment. The opposite is actually true. Knowing our traits allows us to understand each other a bit more. For instance, Tom likes to talk through a problem. However, I prefer to quietly contemplate things before I offer input. Knowing this we respect each other’s styles.
Not only can personality tests give you a greater understanding of your preferences, what drives you, and where your strengths lie, they can also help identify the types of careers you're likely to excel in. It is essential that every family and family enterprise start their governance process with assessments. As a family’s advisor, it is paramount to encourage your clients to take assessments.
There are many tests out there depending on what you are trying to measure. Here are a few of our recommendations.
Myers Briggs (https://www.myersbriggs.org/)
The identification and description of the 16 distinctive personality types that result from the interactions among the preferences. A preference is what you like, you may like, or prefer.
Strengths Finder (https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253868/popular-cliftonstrengths-assessment-products.aspx)
Without your full CliftonStrengths 34 profile, you have an incomplete understanding of who you are, who you're not and how you can best contribute to your team. Taking the assessment using the CliftonStrengths 34 option allows you to:
· develop a deeper understanding of your strongest CliftonStrengths
· learn how to navigate your full, unique CliftonStrengths profile
· work better with others by focusing on what you do best
DISC Work Styles (https://www.discprofile.com/)
The tool classifies people's behavior into four types (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness) by looking at their preferences on two scales: Task versus People.
Fast-Paced versus Moderate-Paced.
Character Strengths (https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via)
Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave. Scientists have identified 24 character strengths that you have the capacity to express. By taking the VIA Survey you will discover your unique character strengths profile. Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self.
The Feat Experience (www.premiergrowth.com/feat/)
FEAT® provides a snapshot of the current state of family dynamics and business enterprise and is used as a foundation for legacy planning.
Communicating with different personalities is not always easy. Taking an assessment to find out and understand the unique strengths within a family and how to better relate to one another is key to family harmony. What assessments works best for your family and your clients?
