What if the most valuable lessons from a psychometric test aren’t in the strengths, but in the areas we try to avoid?
Before joining Talent Sphere, my only experience with psychometric tests was as a participant, and I had never seen my results until applying for my role here. These tests play a key role in our recruitment process and have been a significant focus during my training.
Early on, I was shown a list of animals representing common personality traits highlighted by our psychometric tests and asked which one I thought described me. Without hesitation, I quipped, “Anything but a butterfly.” Though light-hearted, the comment reflected some genuine feelings. To me, successful professionals embody traits like strength, intelligence, resilience, and power—qualities not typically linked to butterflies.
Our tests produce two profiles: a candidate’s home and a work profile. Lo and behold, one of mine turned out to be a butterfly.
The truth can be a bitter pill to swallow; these tests can and often will throw up some hard facts about our personalities. While it is tempting to focus on the best bits the value is in the underbelly of the profile.
Facing the inconvenient truth paves the way to success or, at the very least, growth.
Think of profiles as blueprints, not reviews.
You must embrace the uncomfortable truths and quirks to grow beyond them. My profile suggests chaos is my default—an unglamorous trait that, if unchecked, overshadows anything positive. Give me a list of tasks, and I tend to flit between them, sometimes leaving jobs unfinished.
But why isn’t recognition enough? Psychometric tests offer great potential in the workplace, as everyone has their quirks. If employees are aware of their own and others’ tendencies, the workplace becomes more cohesive and efficient. After all, no one is perfect.
The saying “there are two sides to every coin” rings true. Instead of simply recognising these traits, by actively neutralising the negative side we can develop personally and professionally through the positive side.
Over time, I’ve developed a system of timers, lists, and trackers to stay on target. While I didn’t choose chaos, I can control how I respond to it.
The flip side of chaos is creativity. Chaos stimulates creative thinking, as noted in research by Krystyna Laycraft (2009), which suggests it creates the conditions for self-organisation.
Creativity is my strength—whether it’s an artistic project, redesigning systems, or thinking outside the box, that’s where I thrive.
Psychometric tests are not just tools for measuring strengths—they can also offer us a mirror, reflecting the parts of ourselves we often overlook or shy away from. While recognising these aspects can be uncomfortable, it’s the first step towards growth.
Recognising these aspects is the first step, but true progress comes through taking action to neutralise weaknesses and harness the positive potential hidden within. By embracing both sides of our personalities, we can develop in both our personal and professional lives.