First, personality generally refers to the characteristic way that a person behaves, the pattern of beliefs, actions and feelings that distinguishes one person from another. Part of one’s personality includes the way a person views him-or her-self, called the self concept. This can also include, through the extension of self-concept, the physical and psychological traits.
A personality test, examples of which would include Myers-Briggs, DiSC, California Personality Inventory, MMPI, etc., provides much of what constitutes the definition of personality. In some cases they are a true test in that there are “right” and “wrong” answers. The results are interpreted and shared back with the respondent by an individual familiar with or trained in that specific test. With other tests, the interpretation is left to the respondent and it is usually a one-time event.
The Forté Interpersonal Communication Style System:
- Is a survey, not a test
- Has no “right” or “wrong” answers
- Avoids rater fatigue and can be completed in less than 8 minutes
- Is strengths-based
- Is not once then-done, Forté walks life’s journey with because life goes on
- Provides present and ongoing measurements for the respondent’s current logic style, current stamina level and current goals index
- Offers an actionable communication style strategy for each 30-day period
- Can be customized to unlimited environments and provides coaching on the best ways to communicate effectively to the respective person/environment
You can think of personality tests as Point A on a map. Then, think of Forté as providing directions for how to get from Point A to Point B, and ongoing directions to wherever you want to go from there.
The Forté process has applications in business, the family, community services, and virtually any environment in which interpersonal effectiveness is important. It provides understanding and pathways for positive and successful interpersonal communication.