While many people believe this to be true, research shows that what is actually constant is temperament. Personality tends to form as a result of many factors: genetics, temperament, environment, training, and experience, among others. If personality can be formed, then it most certainly can be shaped once there is a clear understanding of what factors of the personality have developed over time.
What do we use to measure personality?
There are many personality assessments on the market today measuring essentially the same thing but describing the traits differently. As an organization specializing in assessments, Bay Centre has reviewed and is licensed to give many personality assessments and has chosen the Strength Profile, which is a customized Winslow Assessment designed and normed for 30 years by the Winslow Research Institute. There are several things about the Strength Profile that is distinctive: (1) it uses a coach-approach language in it's feedback; (2) it measures 24 domains in 4 areas giving one of the most comprehensive looks at personality; and (3) it is legally defensible in court, unlike several well-known personality assessments, such as the Meyers-Briggs. This is of vital importance to corporations wishing to use these types of instruments.
How is this used for executive leadership development?
We believe that leadership development begins with self-awareness. The Strength Profile is the most comprehensive tool that we've found to assist executives in understanding how they measure, specifically, in key areas that could be impacting their corporate success. The Strength Profile provides an inside look at such traits as organization, resilience, coachability, control, nurturance, flexibility, and so on. Once an executive understands, for themselves, how their personality traits may be impacting them both positively and negatively, they then can work with their coach to create a Leadership Development Plan that is specific and achievable.
How is the Strength Profile used by corporations?
Corporations use the Strength Profile as an HR solution for such issues as leadership development, programs for emerging leaders, job fit analysis, new hire programs, success planning, and more. We have found that executives who take the Strength Profile before taking a 360 profiler are far more open to the feedback of the 360 and find it more meaningful within the context of what they have already learned about themselves in the personality assessment.
How much does it cost?
Price is dependent upon which Profile is used. The cost begins at $30. The assessment most often used is the Strength Profile that measures 24 traits within 4 domains. It is the most comprehensive of the reports and provides feedback on all traits determined to impact executive and corporate success. The cost of this Profile is $195. Corporate costs can be adjusted for volume.
How is it administered?
The Strength Profile is a web-based assessment that takes approximately 30 minutes to take. While it is recommended to be taken in one sitting, it can be saved as necessary. Individuals taking the test are provided with a password and log-in instructions. Corporations can be set up as an end-user.
Have you ever heard the saying, "I couldn't help it - it's just my personality?"