February 14, 2005 4:49 PM

Know thyself 101
Posted by Douglas Eisenhartat 4:49 PM

Two articles from yesterday's Boston Sunday Globe take a look at the growing vogue in personality tests. The first, by The Cult of Personality author Annie Murphy Paul, is not so flattering:

Personality tests are increasingly popular as management tools, yet many of them are no better than astrology at describing character or predicting behavior. Though we may regard personality tests as harmless fun, or an annoying nuisance, in fact important decisions may hang on their results -- making their widespread use deeply troubling.

The second, by Harvard JFK School Senior Fellow Shalom Saar, while still somewhat skeptical, is a little more forgiving:

. . .There are some instruments that, when properly administered and carefully facilitated, can enhance an individual's self-awareness. Furthermore, knowing oneself can serve as a solid base for exploring ways to become a better leader when dealing with conflicts, interacting with difficult people, and motivating others.

Read on and draw your own conclusions. Whatever you think of the tests, one thing is for sure: a true and unblinking foundation of self-knowledge immeasurably increases your chances for successful and happy engagement in the workplace.
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