
The Psychology of Workplace Assessments and Their Hidden Impacts
02/06/24 • 19 min
In this episode of The Culture Clinic, we will be exploring the complex world of personality assessments used in the workplace and how to navigate the challenges of applying them. Take a listen to learn about the historical roots and social impacts of three common assessments frequently used in organizations. You'll gain insights into tools like the Myers-Briggs, Big Five, and DiSC, examining their ability to connect and divide. We will uncover the social psychology behind in-group biases and how belonging can conflict with overgeneralization. Emphasizing ethical leadership and inclusivity, the discussion highlights how these tools should foster growth, not limit individuals.
Links for more exploration:
- The History of the MBTI® Assessment
- The "Big Five" Personality Traits
- Big Five Personality Traits: The 5-Factor Model of Personality
- The Famous Big 5 Personality Test Might Not Reveal The True You
- Everything DiSC
- Everything DiSC Timeline
- 7 Workplace Personality Tests That Can Help Improve Your Team
- Are your findings ‘WEIRD’?
- The Truth About Lie Detectors (aka Polygraph Tests)
- Lie Detectors: Why They Don't Work, and Why Police Use Them Anyway
- Persona: The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests
Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!
In this episode of The Culture Clinic, we will be exploring the complex world of personality assessments used in the workplace and how to navigate the challenges of applying them. Take a listen to learn about the historical roots and social impacts of three common assessments frequently used in organizations. You'll gain insights into tools like the Myers-Briggs, Big Five, and DiSC, examining their ability to connect and divide. We will uncover the social psychology behind in-group biases and how belonging can conflict with overgeneralization. Emphasizing ethical leadership and inclusivity, the discussion highlights how these tools should foster growth, not limit individuals.
Links for more exploration:
- The History of the MBTI® Assessment
- The "Big Five" Personality Traits
- Big Five Personality Traits: The 5-Factor Model of Personality
- The Famous Big 5 Personality Test Might Not Reveal The True You
- Everything DiSC
- Everything DiSC Timeline
- 7 Workplace Personality Tests That Can Help Improve Your Team
- Are your findings ‘WEIRD’?
- The Truth About Lie Detectors (aka Polygraph Tests)
- Lie Detectors: Why They Don't Work, and Why Police Use Them Anyway
- Persona: The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests
Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!
Previous Episode

Creating Your Masterpiece: S.M.A.R.T. Objectives for Individual and Collective Success
Ready to shape the rhythm of work and life like a symphony? Tune in to this episode for an exploration of goal-setting that helps you map your personal and organizational aspirations. This episode gets into the art of setting goals and defining objectives, emphasizing the unique role of each, much like different instruments contributing to the grand composition of life and work.
Discover the significance of SMART goals and objectives—more than just clever, they are essential—and learn how to tailor them to align with your personal dreams and your organization's objectives. Uncover strategies to make your them manageable, clear, and aligned with your values. You will see how the discussion underscores that achieving organizational goals requires effective communication, collaboration, and solid performance metrics. As the year concludes, let's raise a toast to gleaning lessons from the past and stepping into the future with a clear vision, purpose, and a revitalized commitment to aspirations. Whether you're an individual navigating life's journey or a leader steering towards collective success, consider this episode a resources to get you on your way!
REFERENCE
There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management Goals and Objectives
Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!
Next Episode

From Observance to Action: Elevating Our Cultural Narrative
Confused about Heritage Months? Let's Talk.
Black History Month just wrapping up, but some my wonder why don't we have a White History Month. We dive into the history and purpose of Heritage Months in the US, exploring their impact on diversity and inclusion.
This episode gets real about the challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. We'll discuss the dangers of superficial gestures and emphasize the importance of celebrating the true complexity of our communities.
And forget just checking a box! We'll explore how Heritage Months can be a springboard for deeper engagement and understanding. Imagine workplaces and communities where every identity is truly seen and valued, not just acknowledged once a year.
Ready to go beyond the surface? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on Heritage Months and creating truly inclusive spaces.
And don't forget to check out the additional resources below!
For Further Exploration:
- US State Department: State Department Celebrates Heritage and History Months
- Harvard Heritage Months and Identity Recognitions
- History.com: History - Black History Month
- History.com: Frederick Douglass
- CNN: Aramark Apologizes for Insensitivity of School Lunch Served on First day of Black History Month
- People: IKEA Apologizes After Employees Protest Over Juneteenth Menu with Fried Chicken and Watermelon
- Business Insider: 9 reasons celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the US is the worst
- WBUR: Please Don't Wear A Sombrero: What Cinco De Mayo Really Means, From A Mexican
- Carnegie Melon University: Understanding Cinco de Mayo
- Time: Kimberlé Crenshaw and Intersectionality
Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!
The Culture Clinic - The Psychology of Workplace Assessments and Their Hidden Impacts
Transcript
Well , well , happy 2024, . My friends , I hope that the start of your new year has truly been wonderful . Did you set some New Year's resolutions ? Setting New Year's resolutions is practically as old as time , at least goes back to the Babylonians some 4,000 years ago , when they would celebrate the new agricultural year by making promises to the gods in hopes of a fruitful
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