What's next? It is a common question from individuals who has completed a profile assessment, got their report, and had someone interpret the results to them. Many comment that “I know that is me, the report describes my behaviour accurately, but what do I do with it, what's next?”
Looking at the profile reports we generated, I find that there’s a tremendous amount of useful information available in each report. To have a good grasp of the contents of a profile report, will require time for one to comprehensively digest the information and apply it to one’s own context. We notice that many are eager and curious to read their reports; they rush through it and get a feeling that they “get” it, and don’t spend any more time with the information.
To get the best value from profile reports, there are many approaches. I would like to focus on two, which I think are particularly important if not critical to the effective use of the assessment and the relevant data. They are:
1. Reflection, and
2. Application .
Reflection
Today, we are always in a hurry, rushing through things, and we cope by scanning information quickly, grasp what we believe are relevant and important and then move hurriedly on to many other things.
The first approach that I would like to share about, is to make time, to slow down and reflect. Reflecting requires one to look closely at the information available, deliberating carefully on what it means, the implications and how we can leverage on these perspectives to identify what we can do with the information and what we want to modify. All the above takes time and effort, and requires some level of deep analysis. For greater efficacy, this reflective process should be repeated regularly. With each iteration of reflection, one could bring in work situations previously not apparent before, and therefore continue to "collect gems" for learning and awareness.
Application
The second approach is that of application. My definition of Self-Awareness is not just about knowing about one’s preferred approach and its impact. It includes the effort to continually “modify” according to situations, one’s behaviour approach, and getting feedback on effectiveness and making adjustments to get the best results possible.
Let me give an example using the Thomas Personal Profile Analysis (PPA), which provides information about one's preferred behaviour at the workplace.
One of the behaviour traits is the Dominance trait. In this example, let's say that we have a preference for a "high D" approach to work. Some of the group of words that would describe this category of behaviour are:
Self-Starter
Driving
Competitive
Assertive
Direct
Reflecting on these descriptors could bring us to think about what are the strengths and advantages this particular trait brings, and also very importantly, what could be the limitations of such a trait. We can compare our own preferred behaviour with the descriptors and see which ones describes us more accurately, and/or we can then think about when would be the best situations to apply this trait to leverage on its advantages. With this, it would be important to consider being flexible and to “tone” down this trait when it is not ideal to behave in a "high D" manner. It’s seeing the “bigger” picture of the impact of such a trait.
Next, It would then be useful to observe oneself at the workplace and how the “D trait” comes across and also get feedback from others on the impact one has on others. It is important to note here that in the PPA, each individuals have different combinations of D, I, S, C (high and low that is), and there will also be different combination of Intensity of the preferred trait.
By going through the above, it will enable one to “apply” their self awareness and to know in what situations we should be our natural selves and when we may have to make effort to adopt a modified behaviour that we less prefer or are less comfortable with.
Summary
So in summary, completing any particular type of profile assessment and getting the relevant report is only half the journey. There will only be benefits and add-value for us when we apply the knowledge of our preferred tendencies and therefore, truly become more Self-Aware. Leveraging on the knowledge of when to modify for the situation, is the key that will enable us to apply the data we get from the report, and become more effective at our influencing through greater self-awareness.
So if you have done a profile lately, may I suggest that you :
Regularly reflect on the report
Understand the impact what your profile is on others
Identify when to leverage and/or to modify your respective traits
Continue to observe yourself and get feedback from others
In my experience, it is wonderful to see the joy, and enhanced performance of individuals who apply their Self-Awareness and knowing when to adjust their behaviour to the best effect. From our coaching and team-building sessions, there are some who are fast and there will be other who may take longer. It is my believe that if you make time and put in effort, will be sure to draw on the benefits one way or another.