When you choose to to conduct a skills assessment, individual coaching or that you hire a coach to work on your team's cohesion, It regularly happens that you are offered a psychometric tool : MBTI®, DISC®, Process Com®, Enneagram®, Comcolors® and many others. You're probably wondering... The question is, what is the real usefulness of these methods?
In this article, you will discover why these tools are helpful. valuable for your individual or group support.
First of all, what is a psychometric tool?
- Psychometrics is a science that measures psychological characteristics people, like personality, motivation, reasoning and many other cognitive and behavioral abilities, using standardized measurement instruments validated according to international scientific and psychometric standards defined by the International Test Commission (ITC) to gain permission to be implemented. They often required more than 15 years of research to be considered reliable (measure what they are supposed to measure), viable (provide consistent data) and sensitive (Provide an individualized report). Everyone offering this service is certified; I recommend you verify this. In short, it's legitimate!
- There is a difference between a test and a psychometric questionnaire. A test is used to evaluate the person based on certain criteria, skills etc. expected and measured. A questionnaire is a self-diagnosis tool. based on the person's answers to questions about themselves. In principle, the tools offered in professional and personal development are questionnaires and not tests, which are used in recruitment or internal promotion processes within companies, for example.
Okay, so what's the point and how can taking these questionnaires help me?
- Self-knowledge We agree, if you're considering coaching, it's because you want to know yourself better. And self-knowledge is the foundation for personal growth and understanding your interactions with others, your motivators and performance drivers, your limitations, and your strengths. The questionnaire, which is essentially a self-assessment, will stimulate your awareness and encourage introspection with scientifically validated data and a comprehensive report, generally around twenty pages long, describing your key characteristics. The debriefing session with the coach is essential to fully utilize the insights provided by your self-assessment.
- A time saver In general, the debriefing saves 3 to 4 coaching sessions because it accelerates the reflection and decision-making process. It often lends credibility to your coach, as you will more readily refer to information about yourself derived from tools that have required years of research and development and are validated by psychometric professionals.
- A more extensive vocabulary These questionnaires help you verbalize your personality traits using words, adjectives, and qualifiers you might not have thought of, or simply didn't know. It's enlightening, reassuring, and allows you to talk about yourself with a richer vocabulary, in professional interviews or even at home or with friends to explain your differences and individual needs.
- An icebreaker effect In individual coaching, the first session often involves a debriefing of a psychometric questionnaire. This allows the coach and client to get to know each other, build rapport, and establish trust within a safe and supportive environment. Because the questionnaire results are not determined by the coach, this approach facilitates open dialogue and free expression. In group coaching, exercises have a playful aspect, encouraging participants to open up more and learn while having fun, in a relaxed atmosphere that fosters discussion, debate, and improvements in team behavior and performance.
- You are not put in a box Since we're talking about self-assessment, you're not being categorized in any way. Only broad trends are highlighted. These allow you to understand your differences from others, and most importantly, you can choose to accept or reject them. You are the best judge of your own identity, and you choose the elements that resonate with you and discard those that don't seem to fit.
- The diversity of themes There is a fairly wide variety of psychometric questionnaires available. Depending on your needs, you can choose a tool focused on personality, motivations, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, team cohesion, etc.
So, what do you think? If this makes you want to know more, I invite you to visit the detailed description page. Psychometric tools we use: MBTI Coaching, DISC, tools tailored to your performance (aktasens.fr)
You can also write to us via our contact form for a free initial exchange.
