In my last column (head over to PMEngineer.com for it), I talked about a number of personality metrics available to you and I ranked those metrics.

Over the course of the last several years, as a result of my newfound personality metrics obsession, I have taken those assessments.  For the sake of comparison for your benefit, I have listed my results below:

1. Predictive Index — Venturer

“Once Venturers identify an opportunity to push the organization forward, it becomes an irresistible magnet. Venturers are always exploring and moving past boundaries. They are strong-willed, goal-oriented and focused on making an impact at work. Expect them to be self-starters and innovators who tackle new problems with enthusiasm.”

2. How to Fascinate — Victor

“You are a strong leader who sets big goals. You pursue excellence across the board. You express yourself with confidence. You are results-oriented. In a chaotic world, you maintain a sharp focus on objective. Ambitious and competitive, you constantly seek ways to improve your products, procedures and ways of working.”

3. Myers Briggs — ENTJ

“ENTJs are usually ready to assume leadership of whatever project interests them. They develop and implement comprehensive systems to solve problems. They enjoy long-term planning and then organizing to achieve results, and can be forceful in presenting their ideas. They value home, family, health, financial security, achievement and learning.”

4. DISC — High DC 

“Creative Pattern express themselves from opposing behavioral forces. They desire immediate results, yet have an equally strong desire for perfection. You will observe aggression and it will be tempered by sensitivity. They think and act quickly, yet will explore all options before making a decision. Creative styles exhibit great planning ability and they strive for perfection. They make sound decisions, yet may lack attention to interpersonal relationships.”

5. StrengthsFinder Top 5 Strengths: Context, Achiever, Learner, Discipline, Input

“People exceptionally talented in the context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history. People exceptionally talented in the achiever theme work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and pro-ductive. People exceptionally talented in the learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them. People exceptionally talented in the discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create. People exceptionally talented in the input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.”

6. Enneagram — 8 wing 7

 “Type 8 exemplifies the desire to be independent and to take care of oneself. Eights are assertive and passionate about life, meeting it head on with self-confidence and strength. They have learned to stand up for themselves and have a resourceful, “can-do” attitude. They are determined to be self-reliant and free to pursue their own destiny. Thus, Eights are natural leaders: Honorable, authoritative and decisive, with a solid, commanding presence. They take initiative and make things happen, protecting and providing for the people in their lives while empowering others to stand on their own. They embody solidity and courage, using their talents and vision to construct a better world for everyone, depending on the range of the influence.”

7. Kolbe A — 6-8-3-3

 “Your Kolbe A Index result shows you excel at providing highly dependable comprehensive methods for monitoring activity. Others can depend upon you to check things out, itemize inconsistencies and present practical diagrams and schedules. Your best way of gathering/sharing information is by explaining. Your best way of arranging/designing is by systematizing. Your best way of dealing with risks/uncertainty is by stabilizing. Your best way of handling space/tangibles is by envisioning.”

What’s interesting to me is the common threads that many of my assessments indicate to me: 

• Discipline and systemized approach to things;
• Being dependable and wanting to achieve high-level results;
• Being direct in my communication, exuding confidence;
• A desire to push boundaries and learn new information; and
• Potentially having a difficult time dealing with uncertainty, ambiguity and/or lack of leadership.

Interestingly, each of the seven assessments I have listed above kept coming back to these common threads. One thing that was mentioned in the more detailed portions of many of the reports is that I need to take extra care when communicating to not come across as too direct or forceful. This piece of advice has been particularly helpful on a personal level.

So, what do you think?  

What’s your experience been with personality metrics?  Are you interested in learning more about any of the above?  Hope to hear from you soon. Feel free to drop me a line at clohr@liquitech.com.