Friday, February 27, 2009

Reviewing Personality Profile Providers

The previous posting outlined the reasons we might want to consider using personality profiles, along with some brands commonly used. Since I have, at one time or another, used each of them, this post will examine the characteristics & pros and cons of each, according to my experience.

Caliper - This is the most comprehensive, takes the most time to do, and delivers, arguably the most specific feedback. It is also the most costly at $200+. The process involves a live interview of a company representative to determine values and specific needs. They will then provide you with a standard data gathering tool that requires 2-3 hours of the employee or applicant, which includes multiple choice and written responses. After submission, they will provide a several page analysis of how the person fits their real or proposed job description. Oral feedback is also available. Plan 3-4 days processing time for each, after the interview is completed.

AVA - The data input is 15 to 20 minutes long, involves only multiple choice, and can be done on-line or with a score sheet sent via fax or mail. An oral analysis is provided by phone in 1-2 days, followed by a 4-5 page written analysis. They too interview the company before hand and customize their analysis. It is not as detailed as Caliper, but is about half the cost.

Drake P3 - This uses similar data input to the AVA. Drake. to its credit, was among the first to provide software to their clients that allowed the user to input the data and receive feedback immediately. Accordingly, the analysis is not as comprehensive, but also is not as expensive, at half the AVA.

Gallup - The approach is entirely different. They want you to buy their book for $30which explains in depth their Strengths Finder (SF) approach. About half way through the book, they refer you to a pin # which you can use on-line to create your personal data. From that, you will get a 3 or 4 page printout analysis of your strengths profile. This upbeat profile serves to solidify the point that there is no right or wrong profile. The SF is also available without the book, for slightly less money, but for maximun value, I would recommend reading the book, especially if you intend to use it repeatedly.

Myers/Briggs - This is a tried and true system that takes 20-30 minutes to take, which then provides you with a grid of the 16 possible personality combinations, with a fairly brief explanation of each. Like Gallup, Drake, and DISC this is not customized to the company and the job description, but it is comparable in cost and quite effective in educating. How the various types interact is especially helpful.

DISC - This system is the only one to provide graphs as part of the feedback. Graphs are helpful because they visually show a pattern. The DISC graphs distinguish between three things: How we see ourselves; How others see us; and How we perform under stress. The data input is simplest, with only 28 multiple choice questions to respond to, and the cost is reasonable at about $25. The downside is that the company must score its own data, which can take at least 1 hour, although they have developed media that can be purchased for under $50 to do the scoring. The output, in addition to the graphs, outlines the personality types with a good description, including how that type interacts with others, similar to the Myers/Briggs.

My hope is that this has been helpful; please don't hesitate to contact me at jhengsbach@wi.rr.com or 262-363-9846 if you have further questions.

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