While cleaning the attic we stumbled upon a personality test Dad had to take for a job many years ago. According to the DiSC Personal Profile Assessment, “it is a non-judgmental tool used for discussion of people’s behavioral differences.” Well Asa and I have vastly different personalities, not to mention nothing better to do this weekend, so we decided to take the test and see where we each stand in their classic profile patterns.
First we had to look at a series of groupings of words and determine which one in each category described us the most and the least. For example one grouping was “well-disciplined, generous, animated and persistent.” Ok, this took some time because in some groupings each word described me perfectly, while in other groupings none described Asa at all. Once that was completed it was time to calculate our answers. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical because to calculate our responses it required using a coin to scratch to reveal symbols like on a lottery ticket, math, and graphing skills. However, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the results. It’s as if they knew us!
I’ll begin by sharing my results. According the DiSC’s class profile patterns I fall into a “Results-Oriented Pattern.” According to them, I “verbalize ego strength, and display rugged individualism.” Seriously, they used the word “rugged!” That’s the first word I think of to describe my good looks! The personality assessment goes on to say that my goal is “dominance and independence,” that I influence others through my “force of character and diligence,” and that my value to the organization is “persistence and doggedness.” Again, note the word they chose to describe me, “doggedness!”
Although I must admit, I’m a bit confused by their overall description of me. “Results-Oriented people display self-confidence, which some may interpret as arrogance.” Arrogant? Who me? As my Great Nana would say, “they’re just jealous!” The description continues with “Result-Oriented persons like difficult tasks, competitive situations, unique assignments, and ‘important’ positions. They undertake responsibilities with an air of self-importance and display self-satisfaction once they have finished.” One just has to look at my groundbreaking UFO research to say this is a correct description of me, a renowned Dog Ufologist.
So I don’t understand why this assessment goes on to say my flaws are I’m “impatient,” and overuse “win-lose” situations. According to them, “Results-Oriented people are quick thinkers, and they are impatient and critical toward those who are not.” Clearly whoever designed this test never had to spend any time solving an important case with someone like Asa! We’d never get anywhere if I waited for Asa to get results! Of course I “take command of the situation when necessary,” whether or not I’m in charge. So why they think I could benefit from a little “patience and humility” is beyond me. However, I’m just glad they recognize that I have an “uncompromising drive for results!”
Asa, on the other paw, falls into the category of “Counselor Pattern.” As they accurately point out, Asa’s strongest traits are he’s “approachable, shows affection and is understanding,” and that ultimately his main goals are “friendship and happiness.” I’m pretty sure Asa’s “happiness” score must be off the charts for whoever designed this test. They go on to say, “Their optimism makes it easy to look for the good in others. Counselors prefer to deal with others by building long-standing relationships.” Asa’s relationship with his favorite squeaky toy, Miss Caterpillar, is proof that he sees the good in everyone and values longterm relationships…a bit too long in my opinion.
However, again I do question their assessment in some areas. For example, they say “Counselors are particularly effective at solving people’s problems.” Well not to criticize, but Asa has yet to solve any of my problems. But then again, maybe because I’m so good at doing that on my own? It also says that “Counselors tend to be overly tolerant and patient with non-producers.” Well Asa has no experience with non-producers because I’m always producing results! Again one just needs to look at my spotless record on solving neighborhood mysteries as proof.
They are correct though in their assessment that Asa “is too trusting without differentiating among people.” He’s yet to meet anyone he hasn’t liked. I’ve had to sit him down a few times and warn him about stranger danger, especially when it comes to squirrels, but yet he continues to see the good in everyone. I guess the big take away here is Counselors “sometimes require help in setting and meeting realistic deadlines.” Well thank goodness Asa has me to take charge and tell him what to do!
