Congratulations! You are now the leader of a team or maybe even an entire organization full of talented professionals and a solid strategic vision you’re eager to pursue… Everything’s perfect, right?
Ehhhhh… not quite.
Now you realize that to fully tap into the skills and innovative ideas of your team members, you need to navigate different learning styles, personalities, communication preferences, and what drives each person. No problem, this is a part of leadership training, right? Not exactly. Teams are dynamic, and there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for managing and leveraging all the natural diversity of people.
Now What?
This is where a strategically implemented assessment strategy can bridge the gap. Here are The Wheelhouse Impact, we LOVE using assessments with both individuals and teams because they are the closest thing you can get to a guidebook for understanding yourself and others.
Think about those fun quizzes in magazines and on Social Media with questions like ‘What’s your spirit animal?’ or ‘What does your favorite color say about you?’ People love them because they reveal something about themselves. In the same way, professional assessments in the workplace can bring an increased sense of self-awareness, helping people understand their behaviors, others’ behaviors, and they both merge together.
Why Use Assessments in the Workplace?
Now, let’s bring this to work. Whether you’re a people leader managing a small team or an executive guiding an entire department, understanding yourself and your people is key to getting the best out of everyone. Workplace assessments reveal insights into each person’s strengths, communication styles, and drivers. These tools can help leaders understand how their team works together, communicates, and handles conflict—giving you the closest thing to a people manual.
Key Benefits of Workplace Assessments:
1. Unlocking Strengths and Building Awareness
Imagine knowing what motivates each of your team members. One member might thrive with clear structure and routine, while another is driven by creative freedom. Assessments can uncover these strengths and preferences, making it easier to tailor support and feedback. When team members understand themselves better, they’re more likely to bring their best, most authentic selves to work (“You know that excited, engaged person you met in the interview”)
2. Improving Communication and Collaboration
We all know communication is the heart of any team. But let’s face it—sometimes, different styles clash, leading to misunderstandings or frustration. By using assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or DiSC, you’ll gain insights into how people prefer to communicate and receive information. This awareness can bridge gaps between team members, making it easier for them to understand each other and work together harmoniously. Assessment results also provide the team with a common language to offer feedback and express their needs with clarity.
3. Boosting Engagement and Motivation
When people feel seen and understood, they’re more engaged. Assessments reveal what excites team members and what drains them, giving leaders the tools to align tasks with each person’s natural strengths and preferences. The result? A more energized and motivated team. It’s like having a map that shows you where each person’s passion lies.
4. Increased Self-Awareness
Assessments aren’t just about understanding others—they’re also about getting to know yourself. By taking assessments, team members gain valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth, which is the first step toward personal development. This self-awareness empowers people to take ownership of their progress and actively seek opportunities to improve.
5. Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning
When assessments become a regular part of your leadership strategy, they can help build a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Leaders who prioritize understanding their people set the tone for a workplace that values growth and adaptability. And in today’s rapidly changing world, a growth mindset is priceless.
Which Assessment Should I Choose?
With so many different assessments available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry; the goal of this process is clarity, not confusion. I’ve put together a free guide comparing several well-known professional assessments. This guide covers strengths and best uses so you can make an informed decision that fits your team’s needs.
Download our Free Guide
Get your copy of ‘Your Assessment Toolkit: Your Practical Guide to Choosing and Using Assessments at Work’ and start building a more self-aware, engaged, and high-performing team today!
