If you deal with customers in some sort of sales role, you should try to do this personality test sometime this week. It doesn’t take long (five minutes, max) and it will tell you what sort of sales personality you are. I think that for most of us by the time we reach adulthood we know who we are and we’re pretty comfortable with it. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need reminding sometimes – especially when it comes to how our personality comes across to others. Often the thing that holds us back in life and our career is not knowing what we don’t know (you follow me?), so the more we can be aware of, the better we’ll do.
For example, you may be a real go-getter – someone who cuts to the chase, calls a spade a spade and gets.things.done. People will turn to you when they want decisions made quickly or if they’re after some sort of leadership, but your bluntness and bolshiness can also be off-putting to others in certain situations. The purpose of a test like this one isn’t to change who you are but to make you aware of how your personality traits can affect others – in particular, customers. I think personality tests like this one by Bob Phibbs can be very helpful; personality tests in those women’s mags, however, not helpful!
Most personality tests have similar results, just described in different ways. Bob Phibbs outlines four: Driver, Analytical, Amiable and Expressive…
Driver
You, the Driver, get things done! You know what you want, and you usually have a great idea about how to get it. You proudly assert you are the best because you are so results-oriented, your goals are usually clear and your paths to them straight. Your biggest strengths are your pragmatism and your drive. You can get things done, and don’t waste time. You don’t mince words, you know how to communicate clearly and you don’t let emotions get in your way. You value professionalism, and like it when people stay focused on the team goals. Your office is filled with awards and accolades.
Your basic peeves are indecisiveness and lack of efficiency; that’s because you judge whether something is right or wrong – rarely grey. Because goals and the necessary steps are so clear to you, it can really gripe you when you see people dithering.
While it’s great that you’re goal oriented and know how to manage your risks, make sure you know when to take a deep breath and step back. Sometimes people can find you intimidating.
Analytical
Your methodical approach and persistence in finding the solution is a great benefit to any organization. You know how to organize anything – from your desk, to a stockroom, to a body of data. You need very little supervision, as you like to work alone and can be counted on to get the job done. You don’t waste time on idle chitchat, but much like a Driver, cut right to the chase.
However, surprises and unpredictable scheduling can be your downfall. You can be derailed by information that seems to come out of the blue and you really dislike it when someone constantly changes his or her mind. You do not crave the limelight like either the Driver or the Expressive.
While your methodical approach and ability to focus and analyze are valuable, sometimes teammates who prefer a more personal approach misunderstand your focus as aloof. A little so-called meaningless chatting every now and then can really smooth the path in the workplace.
Amiable
You’re a fantastic support person. Efficient and dependable, you’re ready to make sure the team succeeds. While you’re not afraid of hard work, you like to work at a steady, relaxed pace. You’re agreeable and respectful of everyone in the office. People find you a friendly asset to the team. You remember special occasions and understand the value of each person with whom you work and their families. In fact your office may be filled with photos of special people.
You find conflict and lack of support within the working environment frustrating and upsetting. You like it best when people get along and respect each other.
You need to watch out and make sure you’re not just going along to get along when there’s conflict. Your ideas are important and sometimes even more important than team harmony. Don’t be afraid to speak up when necessary!
Expressive
You’re the rock star of the office. You thrive on the spotlight. You’re friendly, personable and interested in the people with whom you work. Your dramatic flair gives energy to almost any project and your enthusiasm is often contagious. You love it when a new project requires your natural creativity and you give any such project your all. Your office, like your home is filled with color and variety.
Routine bores you and inflexibility makes you shudder. You want changeability, creativity and excitement!
Watch out to make sure you don’t let necessary, but boring tasks slide. Coping skills in this area are a big help to your career-building, as well as team harmony. Your enthusiasm can be mistaken for being overly optimistic, so make sure you can back up that great energy with facts.
Find out which one you are here: www.retaildoc.com/retailerresources/personality-test. And for business coaching or insight into how to make your personality work for your team or customers, give me a bell! zac@businesschanging.co.nz
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