Personality Tests in the Workplace: Are They Sparking Real Change?

Personality assessments are ubiquitous in professional settings, championed for their insights into our working styles. Popular tools like the Myers-Briggs, and DISC and my favourite 5Voices from GiANT provide fascinating glimpses into our behaviours and how we interact with others. Most of us enjoy the process and the self-discovery, but the burning question remains:

Are we actually using these insights to drive genuine transformation within our businesses?

The 5 Voices framework, developed by GiANT, does more than just outline personal traits—it lays the groundwork for applying this knowledge to foster substantial improvement in communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Understanding the 5 Voices

The 5 Voices system categorises personalities into five types and we all are a combination of all of them - but our voice orders are different:

1. Nurturer – Prioritises harmony and values every team member’s contribution.
2. Creative – Brings innovation and isn't afraid to think outside the box.
3. Guardian – Ensures all risks are assessed and processes are followed.
4. Connector – Excels in building relationships and rallying the team.
5. Pioneer – Drives the team forward with strong leadership and bold decisions.

Identifying each voice helps us understand not only ourselves but how to interact effectively with others, creating a more dynamic and supportive workplace.

From Leadership Insight to Action

It’s crucial to move beyond the initial “aha” moments these assessments provide. Here’s how to translate insights into action:

1. Integrate Regularly: Make the principles of the 5 Voices a staple in meetings and strategy sessions to keep the insights alive and relevant.
2. Build Accountability: Encourage team members to remind each other about utilising their strengths and understanding their differences.
3. Measure Outcomes: Use clear metrics like project completion rates, employee satisfaction scores, and feedback to gauge progress.
4. Small Steps, Big Impact: Implement daily or weekly actions that reinforce the insights gained, like rotating meeting leads to include all voices.
5. Evaluate Success: Success can be seen in both improved output and the softer metrics like team cohesion and communication quality.
6. Long-Term Commitment: Recognise that true change is a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly revisit and refine your approach to keep improving.

Are You Really Changing the Game?

Transformations don’t happen just by knowing who’s who in your team. They occur when you apply this knowledge to reshape and invigorate your business practices.

If you have invested in the use of personality assessments, ask yourself: What small steps can we take today to make these insights truly transformative?

If you haven’t yet experienced the clarity that the 5 Voices can bring, I encourage you to try it out and see how it can change the way your team operates.

👉🏻 Take the 5 Voices Assessment here

Knowing your team's voices is just the beginning. How you use this knowledge is what truly transforms your workplace.

I’d love to hear your experiences: How have personality assessments changed the way you lead and work?

Share your stories and let’s discuss how we can turn insights into lasting impacts!