Do personality tests really tell us anything?

They do. Many are surprised at what a test teaches them about themselves and their co-workers. More importantly, taking a test makes you pause and think about your own behavior. Understanding why you or a peer behaves in a certain way can pave a new path for improved communication and help limit quick judgements.

EXAMPLE: A co-worker leaves the office at the exact same time every day. He turns off his computer, puts on his coat, and walks out the door. Never does he say good-bye , have a good night., or see ya! The remaining staff, over the course of several months, talk about this behavior and decide he is rude, weird, and inconsiderate.

The team takes the 16 Personalities test. This employee is a Logistician (ISTJ) - with Introverted, Observant, Thinking, and Judging personality traits. “These people tend to be reserved yet willful, with a rational outlook on life. They compose their actions carefully and carry them out with methodical purpose.”

Taking the test opened up the communication channel within the team. It gives them a place to start. One of the team members finally feels comfortable voicing her opinion. She asks why he doesn’t say goodbye at the end of the day. It makes her feel like he doesn’t like her, or any of the team, for that matter.

The employee is shocked. He doesn’t say good-bye because he doesn’t like to be interrupted when he is working, so he provides the same courtesy to the rest of the team - not interrupting their work when he leaves. Therefore he makes a quiet exit. In his mind, he is being incredibly considerate. Now that he knows the rest of the team likes to hear goodbye when he leaves, he starts doing it. This small action changes the team dynamic. It improves team collaboration with this individual by removing the judgment and negative feelings around him.