Friday, April 21, 2006
Personality In Several Popular Colors
by
People looking to assess their own or someone else’s personality via online tools have an amazing number of options. One of the latest and most intriguing is called Personal DNA (via Neville Hobson with a good explanation). Unlike many personality tests that use a forced choice methodology, Personal DNA uses some AJAX-like features that let you precisely answer certain questions. It measures 13 different traits and places you (or someone else) into one of 256 different types. Check it out. It’s free, but because it is quite comprehensive, plan on it taking 20 to 30 minutes.
Another popular personality test is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. This test is also free and it categorizes people into four basic temperaments (with several variations): Artisans, Guardians, Idealists, and Rationals. It also gives examples of famous people in each type.
There is also a free mini-version of the famous and popular Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test online. This is the granddaddy that is used in corporations all over the world. There are many books on the MBTI, and one of the best I’ve seen is called Type Talk. A search of Myers Briggs or MBTI will take you to a wealth of other information and resources on the Internet.
Another test that measures five dimensions of your personality is the Big Five Personality Test. This also seems like a thorough evaluation, and like the Personal DNA test, it allows you to paste your personality type into your emails or on a Web site.
The True Colors personality test method is also popular. The comprehensive version of that test is $22.50, but it gives you a 20-page report. Another less comprehensive free version of True Colors test is available here.
The number of resources available online for this purpose is enormous. I’ve included a link to a whole list of mini-tests that can be fun, entertaining and illuminating. You’ll find things such as the Jerk Test, Dysfunctional Family Test (hmmmmm...fun for the whole family), the Flirt Test and dozens more.
Have fun.
