Psychometric Profiling

What is Psychometric Profiling?

Psychometric profiling is the use of a model to understand what drives a particular individual's behaviour. Using the metaphor of an iceberg, profiling looks beneath the surface and helps us to understand an individual's personality. It works by getting an individual to complete a questionnaire the answers to which are compared in a systematic way to a mass of data from other people who have answered the same questions.

It is often referred to as personality profiling or even as psychological testing, this latter term is not helpful as it implies the making of value judgements and a profiling exercise is not a “test” as such and the individual is not sitting an exam where he or she will pass or fail.

Psychometric profiling has a long history; there are many models on the market. Many are based on the observations of Carl Jung, this lead to the development of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); in recent years other bodies and individuals have developed other useful models based on various approaches.

Since the psychometric models are all based on 'norms' of various sorts, interpretation of the results depends on an understanding of the underlying model. The profiles are therefore only made available via accredited people, who will usually be consultants (whether occupational psychologists or management development specialists, coaches etc).

Once you have “Sat” or “Taken" the “test” the accredited person then gives the report to the person being profiled and, on a one-to-one basis, explains how the model works, analyses the individual's profile report and then discusses with them the implications in terms of personal development opportunities, career planning, etc.

Why do it?

Psychometric profiling can work at all levels within an organisation, for many different purposes, including:

• Career development
• Coaching
• Conflict management
• Leadership development
• Personal development
• Personality assessment
• Recruitment and selection
• Self-awareness
• Talent management
• Team development

Does it work?

In short, yes. Extensive research in recent years (most notably an academic literature review by Barrick and Mount drawing on some 24,000 profiles undertaken in a work context) has validated the 'Big Five' approach. Coupled with the impact of PC and web technology, this has led to a significant increase in demand for new generation profiling tools.

MBS Coaching Psychometric Profiling Services

EBW: The EBW is an excellent Psychometric Profiling system that assesses an individual's or a team's Emotional Intelligence and potential for success. It’s one of the best coaching tools that we have found for kick starting a coaching relationship. Coaching that is about adding measurable value and realising the full potential of individuals and the organisation's human capital.

PARIO Questionnaires

360 Degree - feedback has significant potential in the areas of Leadership Development and Talent Management (Individual and Group)

Professional/Executive - is designed to strengthen assessment, management feedback and coaching.

Workplace - is a short questionnaire that profiles work behaviour and motivation. It is aimed at operational and support staff, including supervisors, and is used to support competency based interviews, performance review, and team development.

MBTI: The MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR Profiling Tool is one of the most widely used personality assessment in the world.

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