Psychometric testing is often seen as an HR tool to make more informed people decisions. But there is a wealth of information contained within the reports that can help you fast track from team member to team leader.
Understand your strengths
The reports that are generated from a psychometric test will help you understand your natural strengths. This is important – your natural strengths.
We all have natural strengths and natural limitations. Concentrate on your strengths and you’ll get better at what you’re already good at. The likelihood that you’ll be able to change your natural limitations is limited.
For example, you may be a ‘people person’ (you prefer to work with people than data, you draw your energy from people etc). Can you be trained you to sit in a room by yourself for days at a time? Yes, but it will probably make you unhappy.
To perform at your best you need people interaction – this isn’t a bad thing. If you understand this about yourself you will be able to use it to your advantage.
Tip: if you’ve been assessed at work as HR if they can give you some feedback
Understand your Leadership style
A good psychometric testing tool will have a Leadership Profile. This profile will help you understand how you will motivate others, make decisions and lead change.
You may know yourself well (especially if you’ve followed the tip above) and a Leadership Profile will build on that knowledge to help you stand out as a leader.
Tip: a leader means different things in every organisation – have a look at your leadership profile and compare it to successful leaders in your company
Stand out
Ask for this information and you will stand out – it’s as simple as that. Make sure you speak with HR and your manager to get the appropriate feedback and soak it up.
The most successful people are not necessarily the smartest or most skilful. They are the ones who understand their natural strengths and know how to use them to their best ability.
About the Author: Iain Chalmers is the Managing Director of Holst (distributor of the McQuaig Psychometric System). To contact Iain email him at iainchalmers@holstgroup.co.uk or find him on Linkedin.
To find out more about the McQuaig Psychometric System visit www.mcquaig.co.uk or call 0203 111 9292.
