Welcome to this episode of Jack Chat and another tiny lesson in leadership, straight up.
Personal self-assessments are very popular tools for team building and personal development.
The good news is these assessments can lead to what we call SELF KNOWLEDGE. And self-knowledge is definitely a good thing. It protects us from the tragedy of self-deception and helps us figure out how to share our unique capabilities generously with the world.
Unfortunately, personal assessments are frequently used in ways that … are not the wisest use of these tools.
One of the most common misuses of a personal assessment is to set up a perimeter of boundaries of “here’s how you should treat me” demands for your colleagues.
So… this reminds me…. we should also look at the other side of this “assessment equation.” What do we gain from seeing someone else’s assessment results? Here, too, we find some…misunderstandings.
There are two things people think they will gain, but probably won’t.
Bonding. I just know these deep revelations will bring us closer together.
Certainty. Aha! Now I know exactly what to behavior to expect from this person.
It just doesn’t work this way because the thing that predicts human connection and collaboration cannot be found in personal assessment reports.
Connection and collaboration are created by all of us showing up to every interaction with the skills of humility, curiosity, empathy and belief in others. Every time. Regardless of our own or other’s “type.”
Here are a few self-reflection questions to keep you thinking…
How have I used self-knowledge to share my unique capabilities with the world?
How might I be holding onto the belief that personal “type” defines a person’s ability to work effectively with others?
Give those questions some thought and join me again for another chat.
