I'm a big fan of using character assessment tools -- and one of my favorites is www.zeroriskhr.com. My team and I are currently using their post-employment program to help improve our communication and make me a more effective boss. The folks at ZeroRisk reminded me that the employer's goal is to match skills and natural abilities with job function. As the saying goes, "Put square pegs in square holes!"
To help reach this goal, consider how employee personalities can differ:
People Orientation
- Reads people - can sense how to be effective with different individuals
- Needs others to feel good
- Enjoys individual interaction
- Enjoys people in group settings
- Prefers to not deal with the feelings and individual needs of others
- Likes to help others
Results Orientation
- Has good practical judgment
- Likes to get things done using their hands
- Enjoys solve thinking problems
- Likes to apply theories to real-life problems
- Prefers to think about things, rather than applying them to business issues
- Likes to put things where they belong -- creating or preserving order
Environment Needs
- Is comfortable with a routine
- Likes order, structure, and certainty
- Enjoys planning and organizing
- Needs variety in using creative thinking
- Needs to work in a top-level, winning company
Behavioral Characteristics
- Thinks out of the box
- Obeys the rules, no matter what
- Able to do things exactly as instructed
- Able to do repetitive tasks consistently
- Thinks in terms of the team and belonging to the team
- Will be protective of company policies, standards, and mission
Individual Characteristics
- Is an individual and needs to express their individuality
- Able to handle rejection --has a thick skin
- Has a lot of courage
- Is passionate about their work
- Able to keep secrets
- Likes to be in the middle of things
- Flexible in midst of change and surprises
- Likes to be the center of attention
- Team player - little self-glory
- Accurate at knowing what they're best suited to do
- Capable in a highly competitive environment
- Accurate ideas about their own strengths and weaknesses
Ambition Characteristics
- Committed to personal growth
- Likes to win
- Needs rewards to be directly tied to their work
- Driven to excel and improve
- Strong sense of accountability
- High achievement drive
- High degree of initiative
The point is: Match the personality to the job!