Prevent Fires: Hire Right

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Emotions or Gut Instincts?
Not all employment testing is verbal.  In addition to basic job-skills exams, some companies are opting for less traditional methods of determining the potential success of a candidate, such as using personality tests to identify character traits in applicants.

The Enneagram is one approach to executive coaching, leadership development and team building. As with personology (see sidebar), Enneagram testing explores the innate predispositions to internal behavior patterns. “It’s a psychological mapping tool that helps better understand people’s emotional make-up and life strategies,” says Lynne Sutter, an Enneagram instructor for the Placer School for Adults in Auburn.

Not only can testing pinpoint one of nine Enneagram categories, such as the Reformer, the Enthusiast and the Peacemaker, it can also establish whether the respondent operates from an emotional, gut-instinct or thought-process base. “A No. 3 person, the Achiever, is typically very image conscious, so he or she would definitely dress for success. But a No. 5, who’s the Investigator, may dress to recede,” explains Sutter. “They both might have the skills for a position, but will approach it and relate to others in very different styles.”

It’s not the only way to determine whether an applicant is suited for a job opening, although it is a valuable tool. “Perhaps the best use of the Enneagram in a business situation would be to understand group dynamics,” Sutter says. “It’s an extremely valuable tool for understanding friction.  Once you pull the clues together, you can better understand where the people are coming from.”

The first Enneagram convention, held at Stanford University 10 years ago, drew about 1,400 attendees.  In August of last year, thousands of Enneagram enthusiasts from around the world  converged on Arlington, Va. If Enneagram testing’s popularity in human-resource departments continues to rise, it might become the sharpest implement in the corporate toolbox. From ancient personality tests to online preparation tips and compatibility assessment software, innovative evaluation techniques are providing corporate matchmakers more insightful ways to find the best candidate for the job.

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