Earlier this week, I wrote a post for Handshake 2.0 about the value of using assessment tools during the hiring process. Jennifer Leake, founder of Assessment Pros, explained to me that tools like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and DiSC were never intended to be used for hiring purposes, but are best used to understand behavior and for self-assessment. I appreciate her explanation. While I have used MBTI for team building, I had always wondered if it could be used during the hiring process. I understand now that there are tools better suited to that.
In the post on Handshake, I wrote that, back in the 70's, I had been turned down for a job because I was born under the zodiac sign of Leo. My would-be employer already had two Leos working for him and he did not think adding a third would make for a good mix. While I was shocked to be turned down for that reason, it was several years later that I came to understand why he felt that way.
As I moved up and took on more responsibility in the various companies I worked for, managing teams and supervising staff were included in the promotions. Just like the manager who turned me down, I found I, too, needed a good mix of employees -- a well rounded group of people and personalities who could work well together. Turns out, getting this is more difficult than one would think, but tools like the MBTI really did help me in more than one enterprise and, today I carry with me the lessons I learned from those experiences.
According to Astrology-online, Leos are the "most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert of all the zodiacal characters." I share a birthday with Robyn Smith, Susan Saint James, and Magic Johnson. Other famous Leos include Andy Warhol, Benito Mussolini, Rosalyn Carter, Jacqueline Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Hmm...makes me wonder...would I hire me?
Kelly, this is definitely a thought provoking topic! As a Leo you are among some of the greatest leaders of our time but also IMO among some of those with less desirable traits. My Mom was a Leo and I don't see her as "most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert". Her qualities were honest, trustworthy, kind, dedicated and witty. She held down the same job with the same company for over 45 years! Great post!
Posted by: Patsy | 01/06/2010 at 11:09 AM
Patsy, your mom sounds wonderful! Did you get your sense of humor from her? I think no matter what sign you are born under, knowing who you are and how to channel your strengths are worthwhile when it comes to carving out a career that suits.
Posted by: Z. Kelly Queijo | 01/06/2010 at 03:20 PM