Getting to know your personality type can be a useful tool for personal growth. When approached compassionately, assessments can reveal strengths, weaknesses, commonalities with others, and areas where you may wish to challenge yourself.
What is a Personality Assessment?
A personality assessment is a method used to categorize an individual’s characteristics. The most well-known model categorizes individuals into types like extravert vs. introvert or thinking vs. feeling. However, it’s important to remember that these are generalizations – no one fits perfectly into a single box.
Common Personality Assessment Models
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
- Enneagram
- DISC
- Big Five
Benefits of Personality Assessments When Used Compassionately
- Better self-understanding
- Awareness of strengths and growth areas
- Improved relationships through appreciation of differences
- Personal development when results are applied constructively
Cautions Around Personality Assessments
While assessments can provide insight, it’s important not to let a personality type define you. You are a complex individual with free will. Furthermore, personality is not static – people grow and change over time.
Tips for Getting Value from a Personality Assessment
- Take multiple assessments over time
- Read about your types compassionately
- Focus on using insights to better understand yourself and others vs. limiting self-perception
- Remember that you have free will to stretch and grow
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most accurate personality test?
No assessment is 100% accurate. The MBTI and Big Five are among the most statistically validated. Enneagram and DISC also have merit. Consider taking multiple over time.
Can personality assessments change?
Yes, personality changes over time as we grow and develop. Assessments provide snapshots, not permanent determinations.
Do companies use personality tests?
Yes, assessments like DISC or MBTI can be used in hiring, team-building, and leadership development. Their use is controversial, but can provide insights if applied compassionately.
Can I fake my responses on a personality test?
You can, but doing so limits their usefulness. To get meaningful insights, authentic participation is best.
What should I do with my personality assessment results?
Reflect compassionately on areas for self-improvement, treatment of others, and your strengths. But don’t let any result limit your growth or potential.
