The Art of using Psychometrics to Build Your Team’s Effectiveness

As we approach the new year, it's a time for organizations to reflect on how well their teams are performing and plan for the future. The start of 2024 is a golden opportunity to set goals and figure out how to make our teams not just functional but outstandingly effective. So, the big question is: How do we ensure that our teams not only do their job but also excel in terms of being effective and getting things done?

The Power of Effective teams

The significance of effective teams cannot be overstated—they serve as the foundational pillar of successful organizations, propelling innovation, productivity, and overall achievement. In a world marked by fierce competition and rapid work pace, teams that transcend mere functionality become a strategic advantage (Psych4U, 2023). The prowess of an effective team, or the manifestation of good teamwork, extends far beyond basic functionality, yielding numerous positive outcomes (Middleton, 2023; Bit Blog, 2022):

1. Greater Creativity and Innovation: Effective teams foster open communication, healthy challenges, and consideration of various perspectives. This synergy leads to greater creativity and innovative ideas, contributing to more robust brainstorming sessions.
2. Happier and Engaged Employees: Teams that function cohesively exhibit mutual respect, open communication, and a culture of collaboration, significantly contributing to creating a space where team members feel empowered, at ease, and united. The positive impact on mental well-being and job satisfaction translates into engaged employees, providing organizations with a host of additional benefits.
3. Simplified Conflict Resolution: Effective teams, built on trust and open communication, excel in resolving and managing conflicts. The strong sense of team spirit enables these teams to approach conflicts calmly and efficiently, often resolving issues internally without the need for managerial intervention.
4. Improved Problem Solving: The knowledge-sharing culture within effective teams allows for a wealth of insights and experiences to be leveraged when facing challenges. This collective wisdom enables proactive problem anticipation and planning, minimizing disruptions and optimizing overall team output and success.
5. Smarter Risk-Taking and Fewer Mistakes: Supportive team environments, rooted in trust, encourage members to propose new ideas with confidence, allowing for the exploration of innovative ideas and approaches. Sharing these concepts within the team allows for refinement and improvement, setting the stage for organizational success.

In the quest for team effectiveness, psychometric assessments emerge as a strategic ally.

How Psychometrics is a powerful tool for creating Team Effectiveness

Psychometrics provide a structured understanding of individual team members' strengths, weaknesses, and working styles, acting as a guiding force for enhanced collaboration, communication, and overall team optimization. There are various assessments one can use to develop your team’s effectiveness; however, before administering these assessments, there are a few crucial elements to consider (Testlify, 2023):

1. What is the assessments use: Ensure that the right assessment is selected for the right purpose, matching the assessment with the expected outcome.
2. Validity and reliability of an assessment: Consult registered professionals to ensure that the assessment is valid, reliable, and aligns with the cultural setting in which it will take place.
3. Stick to the aim of the assessment: Be clear about the developmental purpose of the assessment and ensure it aligns with the intended goals.
4. How will feedback be done: Ensure clarity and transparency in how feedback will be given, using professional or accredited individuals to interpret and provide feedback on the assessments.
5. What developmental approach will be used: Decide whether group coaching or an individual developmental plan will be most effective.
6. Do not only rely on assessment outcomes: Use a combination of employee input, additional assessments, and team feedback to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
7. Legal and ethical considerations: Adhere to the legal framework for assessment use, ensuring informed consent and ethical practices.

The following are some assessment types that could be explored to develop your team’s effectiveness (Scott, 2022):

1. Personality Assessments: Personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Traits, provide valuable insights into individual team members' personality traits, preferences, and communication styles. Understanding the diverse personalities within a team helps in creating a more harmonious and collaborative working environment. Teams can leverage this information to enhance communication, assign tasks according to individual strengths, and build a cohesive team culture that respects and appreciates differences.
2. Ability Assessments: Ability assessments focus on evaluating specific skills and capabilities relevant to the tasks at hand. These assessments can identify the unique talents and expertise that each team member brings to the table. By aligning tasks with individual abilities, teams can optimize performance and ensure that each member is contributing in areas where they excel. This targeted approach enhances overall team effectiveness and productivity.
3. Strengths Assessments: Strengths assessments, like the CliftonStrengths assessment, aim to identify individual strengths and talents. When applied to team development, these assessments highlight the collective strengths within the team. By strategically assigning tasks based on team members' strengths, teams can create a well-rounded and high-performing unit. Acknowledging and leveraging individual strengths also fosters a positive team culture and encourages mutual support.
4. Organizational Cultural Assessments: Assessing organizational culture involves understanding the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how a team operates within the broader organizational context. This type of assessment, such as the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), helps teams align with the organization's goals and values. It fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that the team's efforts are in harmony with the overarching organizational culture, ultimately enhancing team effectiveness.
5. Thinking Style Assessments: Thinking style assessments, such as the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), delve into how individuals process information and make decisions. Recognizing diverse thinking styles within a team can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making processes. Teams can capitalize on a variety of perspectives, ensuring comprehensive analyses and innovative solutions. Understanding thinking styles also aids in effective communication and collaboration among team members.

Incorporating a combination of these assessments in team development initiatives allows organizations to tailor their strategies to the unique dynamics and strengths of their teams. By fostering a deeper understanding of individual and collective attributes, teams can unlock their full potential, leading to increased effectiveness and success.

As the art of using psychometrics unfolds in the realm of team development, organizations are invited to embrace the transformative possibilities that lie within. Let the coming year be a canvas upon which your teams paint a masterpiece of collaboration, innovation, and unparalleled effectiveness. Through the strategic integration of psychometrics and a commitment to continual improvement, may your teams not only meet the challenges of the future but surpass them with resilience and excellence. Here's to a year of extraordinary team accomplishments and the realization of unparalleled effectiveness in all your endeavours.

By Wilmari Horn

 

References

Bit Blog (2022) Top 10 benefits of teamwork you must know!, Bit Blog. Available at: https://blog.bit.ai/benefits-of-teamwork

Middleton, T. (2023) The importance of teamwork, Work Life by Atlassian. Available at: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/the-importance-of-teamwork

Psych4U (2023) Team Effectiveness - the art of building effective teams and leveraging psychometrics, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.f54db463750940e0e7f7630fe327845e-gdprlock/pulse/team-effectiveness-art-building-effective-teams-leveraging-psychometrics

Scott, E. (2022) Can team assessments strengthen your team, Brighter Strategies. Available at: https://brighterstrategies.com/blog/team-assessment

Testlify (2023) How to use psychometric tests to improve employee performance, Testlify. Available at: https://testlify.com/how-to-use-psychometric-tests-to-improve-employee-performance