Technology As Innovator

Problems with Trait tests mis-use

Firstly, many of them cover self-assessment. As depicted in the “360 assessment” illustration, self-assessment alone is never, and far from enough. How good self-assessment results are depends on their self-awareness.

Next, using these tests for what they were not intended for may invite counter effects. Trait tests were designed to guide rather than to judge, they give more information on preferences than on abilities. They help people to identify their potentials; they are not to identify people’s capabilities. They are great in creating and maintaining healthy relationships, but they are not an excuse for relationship termination

Furthermore, when seeing test result of a person, you’re seeing a snapshot of that person together with his mental and probably physical conditions. People are not static, but dynamic and growing, fluctuating with dreams, visions and aspirations.

Applying Trait tests without credentials of ethical and appropriate use might come as another question. A lot of tests rely heavily on interpretation and the results can be trusted as the level of trust placed upon the reader.

Besides, many assessments have a little something for everyone. People are not totally black or white, but tend to have a mixture of different, degree varying, personalities. Test-takers are tempted to to seriously overestimate the degree to which general statements can fit them uniquely.

Finally, categorization, or fitting dynamic people into pre-defined frames can become an abuse, one one should be fully aware not to overuse or takes the risk of being misled.

Notes when applying Trait tests

• Adaptation is required for the tests to comply with the enterprise’s culture and sociological factors
• When invest in using Trait tests, do so seriously and stressing the importance and complexity of these tests. Overall, they are definitely not for idle times, but require full research and occupation.

1. Google–$66.4 billion
2. General Electric–$61.9 billion
3. Microsoft–$55 billion
4. Coca-Cola–$44.1 billion
5. China Mobile–$41.2 billion
6. Marlboro–$39.2 billion
7. Wal-Mart–$36.9 billion
8. Citigroup–$33.7 billion
9. IBM–$33.6 billion
10. Toyota Motor–$33.4 billion

Millward Brown, Brandz Ranking 2007

“Still waters run deep” - Shakespeare

Abstract

This article clarifies certain myths about introverted people and proposes solutions for extraverts to communicate better with introverts and for introverts to take advantage of their strengths

1. Myths

1.1. Introverts are asocial

Not true. Some introverts are very sociable they do well in social settings and public speaking. Some even succeed in areas commonly considered fitting for extroverts: marketing, sales, journalism.

Some introverts might have lots of friends and are good at networking. There’s nothing to be surprised. Introverts’ social capability is perfectly normal, it’s just that they direct energy inward.

1.2. Introversion is something to overcome

Not true. Introversion is an orientation and it has its own advantages. Many scientists and philosophers are introverts, and their cogitation is the root of technological and social evolution.

1.3. Introverts usually have lower self-esteem

This is an arguable misconception. Because introverts don’t talk much about themselves doesn’t necessarily mean that they often feel bad about themselves, or that they have no interesting things to tell. They just don’t talk much about themselves and fullstop.

With introspection as one of primary activities, introverts tend to understand their problems and conditions better, then communicate and solve the problems. Because they talk about or appear to solve their problems more often doesn’t necessarily mean that they have more problems.

1.4. Introverts are arrogant

Not true. When they remain silent, it’s not because they ignore the other but that they’re deep in thoughts.

1.5. Introverts spend a lot of time thinking

Or more correctly, to reflect. They spend a lot of time, especially when being alone, for thinking, introspection and reflecting their activities in their own mirror. This habit dominates life of an introvert.

Introverts tend to think deeply before they speak or act.

1.6. Introverts hate conversations

Not true. Introverts enjoy conversations with small groups of close friends. They engage in expressing ideas and concepts. They are attracted to abstraction and the big-pictures.

1.7. Introversion is stable

Not true. Extraversion/introversion is suggested to be continuum. A person who acts introverted in one scenario may act extraverted in another, and people can learn to act “against type” in certain situations. Jung’s theory states that when someone’s primary function is extraverted, his secondary function is always introverted (and vice versa).

2. Communicate with introverts

Accept their need for space and time alone. They can enjoy social get-togethers, but normally they’ll need to time alone to ‘recharge’ afterwards.

They love insightful comments. Give them plenty.

Introverts are usually disheartened by unempathic or ‘ingenuous’ extraverts, and become even more withdrawn. Those who don’t understand introverts may complain “They can just say outloud what they want!” May I remind you that introverts don’t talk much about themselves? They don’t say it often enough, that’s why I am doing this.

Allow them lots of time when they think, and expect well-established response.

3. Introversion IS an advantage

Chance to avoid mistakes when saying or acting what have been thought through. Moreover, carefully analyzed arguments are more solid and thorough.

Self-motivated and independent, introverts require little external driving force.

Introverts enjoy close and loyal relationship.

Patient, empathic and considerate, introverts make good listeners and win charisma through in-depth coverage of matters.

Introverts easily concentrate and usually absorb lots of information from observations.

4. Traps of introversion

Introverts might as well be aware of some traps that could harm their health and relationship.

4.1. Trap of melancholy

Some introverts may even enjoy lonesome melancholy. This is harmful to their health.

4.2. Trap of abstraction

Attending to abstraction may drive introverts away from details. Some are not comfortable with analyzing data and try to avoid doing it.

4.3. Trap of morality

Introverts have high sense of value and moral. Sometimes they can become too rigid or over-critical when they consider things are going beyond their ethical boundaries.

4.4. Ignoring being misunderstood deepens misunderstanding

5. Reference

Jonathan Rauch, Caring for your Introvert

Marti Laney, The Introvert Advantage

Carol Bainbridge, Definition of Introvert - What is an Introvert?

6. Acknowledgment

Thanks to all, without whose discussions I couldn’t have possibly understood the topic.

Hien Nguyen, General Director, UniMEx

Liep Nguyen, General Director, QT Supply

Linh Le, Bachelor of Commerce, RMIT University

Hanh Truong, Bachelor programme in Social Sciences, Singapore Management University

Hoa Lam, Bachelor of Business, Illinois State University

Duong Nguyen, Bachelor of Education, University of Education

Minh Nguyen, Business Analyst, First Consulting Group