"Welcome to Five Senses Coffee"

Five Senses Coffee has a long history of using psychometric testing both formally and anecdotally in our work environment. It sounds a bit like something you might find at the local branch of Scientology, but it’s actually a relatively simple and incredibly powerful way to “measure” and categorise peoples’ personality types. Many different versions of the testing have evolved, largely for commercial reasons, but they all have the common thread of attributing a primary personality trait with a secondary, complementary trait to each person tested.

The method we are using at the moment is uncomplicated, with three main personality types; the knower, the feeler and the thinker. Remember that each person will have a combination of two dominant traits. A knower/feeler can be quite different to a knower/thinker.

The Knower

The Knower can reach decisions very quickly, relying on instinctive thought processes and good old “gut feel.” Just because they make decisions quickly, doesn’t mean they are always right!

Pros

• Can make quick decisions and seize time-dependent opportunities and maintain momentum.
• Prepared to take risks and lead more reserved staff onto the “battlefield.”
• Doesn’t hang onto grudges.

Cons

• Will make quick decisions, even when they don’t have a good context for decision-making.
• Short attention span.
• Can be perceived as domineering or abrasive.

The Feeler

The Feeler relies heavily on emotive drives to make decisions. They need to be liked, and value harmony and consensus.

Pros

• Great with people, both inside and outside the business.
• Keeps others upbeat and happy.
• Hilarious at the staff Christmas party!

Cons

• Can over-promise (Have you ever heard “I’ll get back to you today with that information” and then been disappointed? Probably a feeler!)
• Can avoid making tough decisions to protect other people’s feelings.
• Generally not good with high detail work.

The Thinker

The Thinker is strongly analytical and needs all the available facts before they can move forward.

Pros

• Prepared to do the hard slog to get all the facts required to make an informed decision.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to focus on projects without disruption and get work done on time.

Cons

• Will give the reasons why something can’t be done when faced with a new idea.
• Can hold onto and allow small problems to blow out of proportion.
• Slow in reaching conclusions.
• Not always aware of others feelings.

So, armed with this brief overview of one version of psychometric testing, how can you make it work for you in your workplace? The basic premise is that you will get better net results by steering people toward their strengths. Working remedially on weaknesses will give a relatively poor return on investment, and probably leave you with an unhappy staff member. Celebrate the strengths of your work force and cover for the weaknesses. Remember, there is no “right” profile, just the right profile for the job. Here are some examples of how psychometric testing can be useful, and some cautionary notes:

• Knower/feelers make great salespeople because they can handle rejection and are good at “reading” people. Don’t expect the paperwork to be in on time though!
• Thinkers are great at jobs requiring attention to detail and process.
• Thinkers and knowers can have trouble communicating. They speak a different language.
• Thinkers and feelers are great in the entrepreneurial, establishment phase of a business, but make sure you get some thinkers in for logistical support once the business is more mature.
• Don’t allow knowers to dominate meetings, make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard.

Hope this information can help you keep your staff happy, productive and fulfilled, and improve harmony in the workplace.

P.S. I lied about there being no “right” profile, it’s obviously the knower/feeler!