How to select a personality test to improve team cohesion

Selecting the best personality test for improving team cohesion in a company involves considering a few key factors. Personality tests can be useful tools for understanding team dynamics, individual strengths and weaknesses, and fostering a more collaborative environment. Here are some widely recognised and respected personality tests that you might consider:

  1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This test categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on four dichotomies (Introversion/Extraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving). It’s helpful for understanding team members’ preferred ways of thinking and interacting.
  2. DiSC Assessment: DiSC focuses on four personality traits – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. It’s particularly useful for understanding communication styles and can be instrumental in improving team interactions.
  3. StrengthsFinder (Now CliftonStrengths): Developed by Gallup, this assessment helps individuals identify their top strengths. Teams can use this information to assign tasks more effectively and appreciate the unique contributions of each member.
  4. Big Five Personality Traits: Also known as the OCEAN model, this test measures Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. It’s backed by a significant amount of psychological research and can provide a well-rounded view of individual personalities.
  5. Belbin Team Roles: This tool identifies nine team roles and helps in understanding how each team member can best contribute to the team. It’s specifically designed for team dynamics.
  6. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Assessments: While not a traditional personality test, EQ assessments can help team members understand their emotional intelligence, which is key for effective collaboration and communication.
  7. The Enneagram: A model of nine personality types, the Enneagram can be used for personal growth and understanding interpersonal dynamics.

When choosing a test, consider the following:

  • Purpose: Define what you want to achieve with the test. Is it for team building, communication improvement, conflict resolution, or something else?
  • Scientific Validity: Ensure the test is scientifically validated and reliable.
  • Application to the Workplace: Some tests are more suited for workplace dynamics than others.
  • Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to administer the test and interpret the results.
  • Cost: Factor in the cost of administering the test, especially if it requires certification or a trained professional to interpret the results.

It’s important to communicate with your team the purpose of the assessment and to use the results in a positive and constructive manner. Remember, no test is perfect, and they should be used as one of many tools in your toolkit to improve team cohesion.

Here are the official websites for the various personality tests that can be useful for improving team cohesion in your mid-sized company:

  1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI):
  1. DiSC Assessment:
  1. StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths):
  1. Big Five Personality Traits:
  1. Belbin Team Roles:
  1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Assessments:
  1. The Enneagram:

Each of these websites provides detailed information about the respective tests, including how to administer them, interpret the results, and apply the insights to improve team dynamics and cohesion.

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