Sometimes I feel like a broken record saying that self-awareness is the starting point for _____ development but it’s true. Fill in the blank with career, professional, management, or leadership because it applies to all.
People ask me how to make that happen. Awhile back I wrote about increasing self-awareness and today I’m sharing some DIY tools you can get your hands on and easily use.
All of these assessments are accessed by either purchasing a code online or buying the book which includes the code that you then use to take the online assessment.
Developing good assessments is an art and science and takes skill and time. Therefore, the best assessments are typically very expensive and available only through trained and certified administrators. However, the three here have been developed by organizations/people with much expertise and are based on large samples. For the price and given their nature, these are worthy and can provide useful feedback as you endeavor to know yourself better. I recommend buying the book for each assessment to obtain the code because they all have in-depth discussions about using your results to develop and grow.
This one was developed by Gallup based on years of research, data, and the belief that identifying and growing strengths is as or more important to development than the traditional focus on correcting weaknesses.
My top five Strengths Finder themes are: Strategic, Activator, Individualization, Connectedness, and Positivity
StandOut was created by Marcus Buckhingham who spent many years at Gallup conducting research on strengths. His StandOut assessment identifies a person’s top strengths roles.
My top StandOut roles are: creator and influencer.
The Fascinate assessment by Sally Hogshead comes from her years of work/research starting in advertising and provides a picture of how the world sees you in terms of a personality archetype.
My personality archetype is: The Catalyst – primary advantage Passion and secondary advantage Innovation.
They all work basically the same – after taking the online assessment you will get your results and a detailed report. Each provides tips for being more effective given your strengths, roles, or archetype.
Of course, give it some thought. Consider your results in light of what you know about yourself. Ask someone close to you if it rings true. Keep in mind this information is just one piece of the puzzle. It is not absolute.
Would love to know what you think of these assessments. Please comment below.
My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.
#30in30
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