After spending my life thinking I’m a bit weird (and having it confirmed by my dad at my 21st, when he describe me as an “odd-bod” during his speech), it was fascinating to take a personality test at work last week – as part of a conference – and discover I’m predictably normal.
I answered a series of questions and the computer spat out a startlingly accurate assessment of my character.
Some of the highlights included:
“This person tries to avoid insecure surroundings”
“She doesn’t like inconsistency, unnecessary talking, unreliable people, losing face, being in the centre of attention, disloyalty …”
“She dreads mistakes and wants to do her own work at her own pace”
“Others may perceive her as too critical, distant, pessimistic, and even cold”
“Is calm and rational”
“Is afraid of revealing one’s inner self”
“Is too critical of oneself”
“Cannot stand people talking too much”
“Difficult to criticise people close to oneself”
The personality test divides personality styles into four quadrants:
D-style – competitive, aggressive, decisive and results-oriented.
I-style – talkative, sociable, optimistic and lively.
S-style – calm, helpful, patient, modest and laid back.
C-style – precise, logical, matter-of-fact, analytical and careful.
I had absolutely no “I style” and only the teeniest hint of “D style”. Buggered if I know how I edited Woman’s Day for six years. It’s an absolute bloody miracle (let’s not even go into the “wants to stick to the truth” assessment the computer made).
Rather than be disheartened by it, though, I found it really helpful. Having my strengths and weaknesses analysed and exposed made me feel incredibly normal and hopeful about the future. It explained why I get excited/freaked out/motivated in the workplace. And learning about my workmates’ personality types helped me understand why they excite/freak-out/motivate me.
I am a fan.
Have you ever done a personality test?
housegoeshome 
That does sound very interesting, Alana. Where can one have this personality test done (without having to enter a Scientology building)?
A mob called results.com did mine
I’ve done loads of personality tests as I worked in sales/finance. I’m so not a fan as they are so easy to rig the answers. In my old job they wanted sociable, confident people who didn’t follow rules. So I answered in ‘that’ way and voila my profile came back as sociable, confident, non rule follower. I changed job to a more technical role and again had to do a test (in a different company using a different test). I answered as a more ‘bookish’ person who was introverted and voila…my results came back as an introverted technical type. So I don’t give them much weight as they are too easy to rig. However if you do answer correctly then I do think they give an accurate general profile. Long answer..I have new keyboard – I’m in love).
I need a new keyboard … all the letters have worn off and the little stickers I’ve put on them with the letters keep peeling off.
Does unnecessary talking really bug you? It sure seemed to like that answer lol. I wonder how I’d go – it would probably tell me I’m flat out bonkers.
That’s the thing, it makes everyone feel like there’s a whole quarter of the population like them, so not bonkers at all.
oh God yes I have done these tests and I found them to be pretty accurate as well. I came back as an introverted creative type that can’t work excel.
Have you been copying my answers?
🙂
Ah the old friend, the personality test. I’ve done 4 or 5 through work (lawyer) and I also think that, used correctly, they can be a powerful tool. They can be confronting and not everyone in the workplace appreciates such personal scrutiny. Once I had a boss who taped our MyersBriggs profile type to our doors. It was supposed to serve as a reminder to respect each others differences (I am now entering the space of an ENFP) but in reality just stigmatised the introverts. The law has a tendency to respect and reward extroverts but I think that’s slowly changing.
I think mine was accurate because I wasn’t trying to trick it. I gave honest answers. Taping it to the door is EXTREME!
Just got the first bit of your post in my ‘reader’ and had to check you weren’t about to run off and join the Scientologists! Phew!