Understanding Personality Tests: What They Are and How to Use Them

Why Personality Tests Matter

Whether you’re building a team or just trying to understand yourself better, personality tests can offer powerful insights. Tools like Myers-Briggs, DISC, Enneagram, and StrengthsFinder are everywhere—used in corporate training, hiring, coaching, and even casual self-reflection.

But with so many options, how do you know which ones are useful? And once you take them, how should you actually apply what you’ve learned?

This post will walk you through:

• Why personality tests exist

• What makes a good assessment

• Reviews of popular tests (Myers-Briggs, DISC, Enneagram)

• A look at additional tools (Predictive Index, StrengthsFinder, Big Five)

• How to use these tests to grow as a person, a professional, and a leader.

What Are Personality Tests?

At their core, personality tests are structured tools—usually questionnaires—designed to assess how people think, behave, and interact with others. They’re often used in the workplace to gauge compatibility, improve communication, and support leadership development.

A Brief History

While personality theory dates back to ancient philosophers, modern personality testing rose to prominence during World War I. Military leaders used assessments to identify soldiers who might struggle with the psychological toll of combat.

Since then, personality testing has found its way into:

• Corporate hiring and team development

• Mental health and psychological research

• Personal growth and coaching

• Magazine quizzes and pop culture

Today, the best assessments function like shortcuts: helping articulate what we intuitively know about ourselves—and offering a new lens through which to view others.

What Makes a Good Personality Test?

Not all personality tests are created equal. Some are based on years of psychological research; others are more entertainment than science.

Here’s what to look for in a quality assessment:

✅ Difficult to Manipulate

If you can consciously game your answers to get a desired result, the insights won’t be reliable. A good test should discourage biased responses and offer balanced, nuanced scoring.

✅ Consistent Over Time

While personality can evolve, you shouldn’t get wildly different results each time you take a test. A solid assessment reflects both enduring traits and areas of natural development.

✅ Actionable and Personalized Feedback

The best assessments go beyond labels. They show you how your traits play out in work and life—and give constructive suggestions for leveraging strengths and addressing blind spots.

💡 Pro Tip: Free versions of tests can be helpful, but may lack the depth and precision of paid or validated versions. I’ll note where I used free vs. paid versions in the reviews below.

Reviews of Popular Personality Assessments

1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

   Website: mbtionline.com

   Overview: This widely-used framework assigns you a four-letter type based on four scales:

   • Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

   • Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

   • Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

   • Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

   There are 16 possible combinations.

   My Experience: I’ve consistently hovered around ENTP, INTP, and ENTJ—mainly due to being right on the E/I line. Even with those shifts, I find the explanations resonate with me every time.

   Pros:

   • Clear, accessible language

   • Strong explanatory text

   • Ideal for team dynamics and coaching

   Cons:

   • The 16-type system can feel restrictive

   • Some critics question its scientific validity

   ⭐ Rating: 4/5

   A solid go-to for self-awareness and workplace use, especially if paired with expert interpretation.

   
   

2. DISC Profile

   Website: discprofile.com

   Overview: DISC measures you along four behavioral traits:

   • Dominance (D)

   • Influence (I)

   • Steadiness (S)

   • Conscientiousness (C)

   Rather than assigning a type, DISC gives you a numerical score (out of 100) for each category.

   My Results:

   • Dominance: 67

   • Influence: 67

   • Steadiness: 77

   • Conscientiousness: 25

   Pros:

   • Very practical for workplace communication

   • Detailed insights and personalized feedback

   • Reflects both natural and adaptive styles

   Cons:

   • Less focused on internal motivation than others

   ⭐ Rating: 5/5

   Highly actionable and grounded in workplace relevance. I found it accurate and immediately useful.

   
   

3. Enneagram

   Website: enneagraminstitute.com

   Overview: The Enneagram categorizes people into one of nine personality types, each with specific motivations, fears, and patterns of behavior. It also explores how we shift under stress and growth.

   Types include:

   1- Reformer • 2- Helper • 3- Achiever • 4- Individualist

   5- Investigator • 6- Loyalist • 7- Enthusiast

   8- Challenger • 9- Peacemaker

   My Results: A free version typed me as a Type 1 (Reformer), but I’ve also scored as a Type 4 (Individualist) in the past.

   Pros:

   • Rich with emotional and psychological depth

   • Popular in coaching and spiritual growth contexts

   Cons:

   • Can be hard to understand without a guide

   • Some free versions lack accuracy or nuance

   ⭐ Rating: 2.5/5

   Intriguing but complex. If it resonates with you, consider investing in the $20 official test for deeper insights.

   
   

Other Personality Tests Worth Exploring

I’ve also explored these tools briefly, though I haven’t reviewed them in full:

• Predictive Index: Often used in hiring and team placement

• StrengthsFinder: Great for identifying your top talents

• Big Five (OCEAN): Scientifically validated and widely respected

Each has its strengths depending on your goals and industry.

How to Use Personality Tests Effectively

Taking a test is just the beginning. Here’s how to make the most of your results:

1. Be Open-Minded

Don’t try to “ace” the test—answer instinctively and honestly. You’ll get more valuable insights that way.

2. Reflect Thoughtfully

Read through your results with curiosity. Which traits do you want to lean into? What blind spots might need attention?

3. Use Assessments with Your Team

Having your team take the same test can enhance collaboration and reduce friction. Compare results and discuss how to support one another more effectively.

4. Focus on Growth, Not Labels

Personality assessments are tools—not verdicts. You’re not boxed in by your type or score. Use what you learn to guide your development, not limit it.

Final Thoughts

Personality tests can be powerful tools for self-awareness, communication, and leadership—if you approach them with honesty and curiosity. Whether you're discovering your Myers-Briggs type, exploring your Enneagram, or comparing DISC scores with teammates, these assessments can help you unlock new levels of insight and performance.

Good luck - and enjoy the process of learning more about yourself and others!