Workplace profiling (sometimes crudely referred to as personality tests) tools have been around for a while. They began to gain traction with business in the sixties with the Myers Briggs Typology Indicator, based on the work of Carl Jung. Since then, numerous alternative indicators have been developed. Some are influenced by insights from neuroscience and a growing understanding of how our brains work…and some not so much. Included in the former is Emergenetics which is based on robust psychometric data and socioanalytic theory. As someone who has come to know and love the tool (an accredited practitioner), I’m utterly convinced of its value for individual and team development. Let me provide four reasons why you might be interested to explore its value for your own team.
Uncannily accurate
When introducing Emergenetics to people for the first time, it is not unusual for some to express a degree of cynicism. This is often due to a poor experience with other profiling tools or an unappreciation of the science behind this tool. Science and technology have evolved so much since the sixties and scientists today understand, in remarkable detail, how the human brain works. Further, while, many other profiling tools are still a little cagey about their methodology and the scale of their testing, Emergenetics publishes a 28-page technical report, explaining the robustness behind the questionnaire formulation. The data continues to be re-normed every two years, to ensure that there is no drift in correlation: https://www.emergenetics.com/pdfs/EG_Technical_Report.pdf
We also need to remember that at least half the world consists of introverts – or as Emergenetics would describe them, those who are inclined to be reserved rather than outspoken (‘Introversion is often seen as a negative characteristic, which is completely wrong). These individuals do not tend to open themselves up to work colleagues, let alone to complete strangers. They can be understandably doubtful, over the possibility that you can ‘know’ them, based on their answers to a questionnaire.
I have profiled over one hundred people with the Emergenetics methodology and have been reassured to see through the eyes of my clients, how accurate the results are. I’ll never forget the words of one high performing engineer. His reaction is a common one when the profile is revealed and digested for the first time: “I must admit I was a bit sceptical, but you got me”.
Strengths based
In the early part of my career, I enjoyed the benefit of Myer Briggs profiling along with various managerial assessment and development programmes. I would not knock any of this. On the contrary, I was and still am grateful for any form of personal development opportunity. However, I do recall a lot of it concluded with a statement of things that needed to be worked on; areas of weakness that I should endeavour to address. Again, nothing wrong with this – it can be useful in the real world. On the other hand, what I like about Emergenetics is that it celebrates ‘how’ you are, to celebrate that and to work with it. For me personally, this has proved to be far more beneficial than trying to correct perceived weaknesses. We were not all born to be great business leaders. Our genetic make-up does have a significant influence on the path we travel in life. But if you subscribe to the idea you can be both happy and successful, through being the best possible version of you, then Emergenetics provides a healthy backdrop against which you can do this. Many, including myself, have found this insight both empowering and liberating.
Avoids negative language
Linked to the previous point, the language of Emergenetics is positive. It measures preferences not competencies, so can not be used in judgement, There is no good and bad, strong and weak or high and low. Instead Emergenetics explores how we all exist on a spectrum of thinking attributes and behaviours. Where our thought patterns are concerned, our place on the spectrum in determined by the pace at which we like to operate at. Where our behaviours are concerned, it is about the energy we show around expressiveness, assertiveness, and flexibility. There is no right or wrong where this is concerned. It’s just how we happen to be wired to approach the world. Once you understand this, you can be so much more effective. For example, someone who comes to understand they tend to be third third assertive – they have a preference for driving projects forward at pace – can a) come to the fore when this style of assertiveness is appropriate b) adapt their style for others who prefer a more easy-going approach. By doing so, the team can work more cohesively together and achieve better outcomes.
Easy to digest
It is the combination of four thinking attributes and three behaviours – and the way that these can play out together that makes Emergenetics interesting, distinctive accurate and valuable. An easy to read, single page report makes one’s profile memorable and impactful , as does the single page visualisation. The exploration is detailed and nuanced, but the comprehension is straightforward and simple. The process of exploring the power of the profiles as a team, is one to be enjoyed!
Want to know how you are wired to approach the world? Interested in finding out how Emergenetics can be a great vehicle for driving enhanced individual and team performance? Just drop me a line.
