The Complete Personality Assessment

1. Personality is a Blend of Latent Potential and Expressed Traits

The ‘real you’ is, very possibly, not the person you appear to be! It is the person you could be.

Surface vs. Depth. Our personalities are not solely defined by the behaviors we exhibit outwardly. There exists a reservoir of untapped potential, qualities, and aspirations that may remain dormant, waiting for the right circumstances to emerge. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for personal growth.

Unlocking Potential. The journey of self-discovery involves identifying and nurturing these latent aspects of our being. This requires honest self-reflection, a willingness to step outside our comfort zones, and a commitment to embracing new experiences. It's about bridging the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be.

Embracing the "Real You." The "real you" is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process of becoming. It's about aligning our actions with our values, pursuing our passions, and striving to actualize our full potential. This journey may involve confronting fears, overcoming inhibitions, and challenging limiting beliefs.

2. The Six-Factor Personality Test Reveals Your Style

The test investigates the critical ways in which you deal with situations that confront you.

Six Dimensions of Personality. The Six-Factor Personality Test assesses how individuals approach various situations, revealing key characteristics related to their style, behavior, and relationships. These factors include:

• Casual (Cautious vs. Impulsive)
• Tough (Soft vs. Tough)
• Independent (Sociable vs. Detached)
• Controlling (Unassuming vs. Authoritative)
• Energetic (Passive vs. Active)
• Creative (Conservative vs. Innovative)

Understanding Your Scores. By honestly answering the test questions, individuals can gain insights into their dominant personality traits and preferred ways of interacting with the world. The test results provide a framework for understanding strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for development.

No "Best" Personality. It's important to note that there is no "best" or "ideal" personality type. Each factor has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most effective approach depends on the specific situation and individual goals. The test is designed to promote self-awareness, not to label or judge individuals.

3. Discrepancies Between "How I Am" and "How I Want to Be" Highlight Growth Areas

You will find much to think about when you look at the discrepancies between your scores for how you are and those for how you want to be.

Identifying the Gap. The Six-Factor Personality Test includes two parts: "How I Am" and "How I Want to Be." Comparing the scores from these two sections reveals discrepancies between an individual's current self-perception and their ideal self. These discrepancies highlight areas where personal growth is desired.

Understanding the "Why." Even small differences between the two scores can be significant. It's important to explore the underlying reasons for wanting to change in a particular direction. What motivates the desire for greater caution, assertiveness, or creativity?

Actionable Insights. By analyzing these discrepancies, individuals can identify specific areas to focus on for personal development. This may involve setting goals, developing new skills, or challenging limiting beliefs. The key is to translate self-awareness into concrete action.

4. Fear of Change is a Universal Human Experience

This book is founded on the premise that the person you want to be is more likely to be the real you than the person you are now!

Potential vs. Reality. The book posits that our aspirations often reflect our true potential, suggesting that the person we want to be is closer to our "real self" than the person we currently are. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their dreams and strive for self-actualization.

Common Fears. Despite the allure of personal growth, fear often holds us back. The book identifies five fundamental fears that underlie many of our inhibitions:

• Fear of being ignored
• Fear of seeming stupid
• Fear of not being liked
• Fear of letting people down
• Fear of not being able to cope

Confronting Fears. Recognizing and confronting these fears is crucial for overcoming resistance to change. By objectively examining our anxieties, we can often discover that they are irrational or exaggerated. This allows us to move forward with greater confidence and courage.

5. Career Development Requires Understanding Your Motivations

This test assists you in seeking a career, changing your career or how to become more fulfilled in your current one.

Beyond Qualifications. Career fulfillment goes beyond simply possessing the necessary skills and qualifications. It involves aligning our work with our values, interests, and motivations. Understanding what truly drives us is essential for making informed career choices.

The "Successful" vs. "Contented" Dichotomy. The book introduces the concept of distinguishing between "successful" and "contented" in the context of career choices. What does success mean to you? What does contentment mean to you? Are they the same?

Self-Assessment is Key. The Career Development Profile (CDP) is designed to help individuals assess their work preferences and identify potential areas of conflict. By understanding what motivates us, we can make more informed decisions about our career paths.

6. The Career Development Profile (CDP) Identifies Work Preferences

This questionnaire looks at you and the work you do or might do.

Assessing Work Interests. The CDP questionnaire explores various types of work activities, allowing individuals to express their preferences and identify areas of interest. These activities are categorized into six factors:

• Intuitive
• Objective
• Enterprising
• Administrative
• Practical
• Social

Behavioral Styles. In addition to work interests, the CDP also assesses behavioral styles, revealing how individuals approach situations at work. These styles are measured along three dimensions:

• Changing vs. Maintaining
• Group vs. Independent
• Power vs. Accepting

Interpreting the Results. By analyzing the CDP results, individuals can gain insights into the types of work activities and work environments that are most likely to motivate and fulfill them. This information can be used to guide career exploration and decision-making.

7. Behavioral Styles Influence Career Suitability

Your behavioural style will also influence the types of work activity best suited to you.

Changing vs. Maintaining. Individuals who score high on "changing" prefer fast-paced, dynamic environments with opportunities for innovation and risk-taking. Those who score high on "maintaining" prefer stability, structure, and established routines.

Group vs. Independent. Individuals who score high on "group" thrive in collaborative environments where teamwork and social interaction are valued. Those who score high on "independent" prefer autonomy and the ability to work independently.

Power vs. Accepting. Individuals who score high on "power" seek leadership roles and opportunities to exert influence and control. Those who score high on "accepting" prefer supportive roles where they can contribute to a team without being in charge.

8. Life Balance is Essential for Contentment and Success

The relative balances in your life are essential if you are truly to experience living to your full potential.

Beyond Career. True fulfillment encompasses more than just career success. It requires a harmonious balance between various aspects of our lives, including family, leisure, relationships, and personal well-being. Neglecting any of these areas can lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of imbalance.

The Life Balance Test (LBT). The LBT is designed to help individuals assess their level of contentment in seven key areas of life:

• Relationships at work
• Status of the job
• Authority at work
• Material reward
• Nature of the job
• Leisure time
• Family life

Achieving Harmony. By honestly answering the LBT questions, individuals can identify areas where they are thriving and areas where they may be struggling. The goal is to achieve a sense of harmony and balance across all aspects of life.

9. Imbalances Reveal Compromises and Compensations

Depending upon the results, you are asked to examine where and in what ways you may be holding yourself back.

Compromises. Low scores on the LBT indicate areas where individuals may be making compromises or sacrifices. This may be due to a lack of opportunity, a deliberate decision to prioritize other areas, or underlying fears and inhibitions.

Compensations. High scores on the LBT may indicate areas where individuals are compensating for a lack of fulfillment in other areas. This may involve overemphasizing certain aspects of life to make up for deficiencies in others.

Understanding the "Why." It's important to explore the underlying reasons for these compromises and compensations. What motivates us to prioritize certain areas of life over others? Are we making conscious choices, or are we being driven by subconscious fears and desires?

10. Awareness and Action are Keys to a Balanced Life

When fear is overcome, we gain awareness of the futility of limiting ourselves and how much we can achieve.

The Power of Awareness. The first step towards achieving a balanced life is to become aware of the imbalances that exist. This requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Overcoming Fear. Fear is often the biggest obstacle to change. By recognizing and challenging our fears, we can break free from limiting beliefs and embrace new possibilities.

Taking Action. Awareness without action is meaningless. Once we have identified areas for improvement, we must take concrete steps to create positive change. This may involve setting goals, developing new skills, or seeking support from others.

Last updated: March 18, 2025