Most people expect a written report summarizing the results of a personality test. Is this really an advantage?
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Recently, someone contacted me because she wanted to take a personality test. Disappointed that we did not offer a report, she turned to another institute. Is it really a disadvantage that we do not provide reports to our clients?
Reports need to put you in boxes
It's highly counterintuitive, but a written report doesn't necessarily represent an advantage. Why? Reports are usually generated by IT systems. In order for them to process your input, it must be unambiguous. This is the case when checkboxes are used, which limit your options for answering. It's “yes/no” or categories such as “always/often/rarely/never”. This means you can't give a nuanced answer. The results that can be deduced from your data are therefore biased. It is important to be aware of this limitation when examining the results of such a test.
Our personality test includes a section with multiple-choice questions. However, these results are supplemented by two other sections of the test where you can express yourself freely, providing additional and more in-depth insights. You can find more information on this topic in our article on the unique structure of the PSI personality test.
Reports fail to grasp the key issues
In our test, one section consists of multiple-choice questions. You might argue that we could therefore write a text based on this section. That's true, but this section would be incomplete or could even give a false picture, as it would be based only on your perception of yourself. The other two sections of the test, as explained above, provide a much deeper insight into your personality. However, this data cannot be evaluated by software – and therefore, it can't be put in a report. In addition, the different sections of the test sections must be set in relation with each other, which software is not capable of doing, especially since there are often inconsistencies in the data that can only be clarified through a conversation with the client.
A feedback without labeling people
Most tests put you somewhere on a line between two extremes for each aspect of your personality. It is assumed that you belong either to one side or the other. This excludes the idea that you might react in a certain way at one moment, but in a different, even opposite way, in a very similar situation. In principle, you are put into a box.
The PSI personality theory, on which our test is based, rejects this narrow view. It assumes that our personality is composed of a number of systems that interact with each other and respond to external stimuli. This theory takes full account of the fact that human beings do not act like machines with little flexibility to respond to a given situation. This essential aspect is not taken into account by ordinary personality theories and, as a result, is missing from the tests based on them. Furthermore, it is difficult to integrate such aspects into a report that is required to provide unambiguous answers. For this reason, it is better to address these elements in a discussion, where they can help to expand the view you have of yourself.
An approach tailored entirely to your needs
We are convinced that our unique method will give you a better understanding of yourself – precisely because it will not be based on a report. Our feedback is 100% personalized. We do not classify you into rigid categories that do not take into account your unique way of functioning. By doing so, we ensure that no essential aspect of your personality, even if it has been hidden to you so far, will be overlooked. You will receive a feedback that reflects the full richness of your personality.
Together, we will look at the test results in order to find the elements that answer your questions and give you a better understanding of yourself. After evaluating the personality test, you will be better able to decide where to direct your energy and in which areas certain changes could be beneficial for you.
Our role is that of a coach, not of an advisor who informs you of what he reads in a report. Above all, we will help you understand the conditions that will allow you to live in greater harmony with your nature, which will ultimately bring you greater satisfaction and well-being. We look forward to discovering your personality together with you!
Find out more about the PSI personality test
You will find more information about the PSI personality test on the following page:
Would you like to find out more? – Get in touch with us:
This article was first published in French in November 2023 and has now been translated into English by the author himself.
Author of the article: Beát Edelmann, expert in neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, and HPI) and personality exploration. He founded the Abundana Institute for Self-Management in Geneva, which offers coaching, training, and consulting services in French, English, and German.
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