Choosing a psychometric solution can be a minefield – so how do you decide which to use?
Obviously, we’re advocates of Everything DiSC, so we will always highlight the benefits of this tool. But we are also certified and experienced in many of the most well-known behavioural profiling solutions currently available, so we have a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Here are our top tips to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
1. Reliability & validity
It’s essential that the test you choose will consistently deliver, reliable results.
This means choosing a product that is backed up by scientific proof of any claims made for the tool. WIthout this kind of validity, the time and effort you and others put in to the process will be wasted and your attempts to introduce behaviour change will be sabotaged.
If scientific proof is not freely available, ask to see evidence to support claims made by the provider. Any good psychometric profiling tool will be backed up by scientific proof of its effectiveness.
Everything DiSC profiles are generated by computerised adaptive testing, achieving very high levels of reliability, validity and credibility.
2. User friendly
You need a profile that is quick and easy to complete and uses straightforward language, so the learning sticks. Some psychometric tools are so complicated, you need a great deal of training and a lot of patience to correctly interpret the output! Hard to remember models and overly complex systems are barriers to learning and to any desired behaviour change.
Not only does this make the tool unwieldy to apply, but it means that participants will simply not remember what they learned in the classroom.
Choosing a tool that is simple to use but insightful in its output will give you the best of both worlds.
Everything DiSC is simple but certainly not simplistic, ensuring learners grasp the model and concepts quickly and are able to apply the learning in their day to day roles.
3. Accessible
Easy accessibility is a must. In today’s mobile world, users want to be able to access the tool wherever they are, so a robust online platform is essential.
You need to be able to rely on the fact that your psychometric provider has the relevant technology and structure to be able to manage large scale and international projects without any loss of access.
GDPR and security aspects should be a main priority.
4. Proven results
Can the psychometric supplier prove that the tool delivers tangible results?
Ask to see case studies/testimonials of those that have experienced the tool in action. Good providers will be able to show you case studies or put you in touch with clients who are happy to have a conversation about their own experience with the product.
Any tool that has no supporting evidence of its effectiveness should be regarded with suspicion.
One million Everything DiSC profiles are completed every year by thousands of reputable organisations. Check out some of our case studies here
5. Experienced support team
Your psychometric solution partner needs to understand the profiles and tools they offer – inside out. It’s only through detailed knowledge of their product that providers can make informed recommendations on how and when to use the tools, to meet your business needs.
Without this insight, you are in danger of spending time and money on something that isn’t appropriate and (worse still) you risk alienating everyone involved.
You also need to be confident you have access to customer support when you need it, from individuals with the in-depth product knowledge necessary to answer all your questions.
You don’t want to be left in the lurch, unable to generate profiles or share results at a crucial point in your programme delivery, because your provider can’t resolve a complex issue promptly and effectively.
We offer a lifetime support promise – just pick up the phone or drop us an email and we’ll answer your query. As a team of experienced L&D professionals and facilitators, we not only understand the organisational challenges you face but we know the Everything DiSC suite of tools backwards so we’re well placed to help!
6. Clear business benefits
Select a tool that is going to meet your specific organisational objectives – whether this be to improve team performance, develop leaders, improve employee engagement etc.
It’s important that the tool is relevant for the population and business objective in question and is not a generic product that claims to work in every situation and for every role.
Everything DiSC has individual profiles designed for teams and individuals at every level – including Workforce, Managers, Leaders and Sales Professionals plus a specific profile for Conflict Resolution, check out the full list of profiles here.
7. Investment
With psychometric profiling (as with most things in life) if it seems to good to be true … it probably is! So if you’ve found a free tool, the chances are it will not provide any business benefits – either in the short or long term. Great for a bit of fun with friends, but no more than that.
We cannot stress enough the importance of ROI. Understanding the cost to implement, versus the business benefits, is critical to assessing the real value a psychometric tool will bring to a business.
Seek a solution that is within your budget and has proven results. Don’t be swayed by a price tag that comes with no qualification or validation.
Everything DiSC’s robust profiles offer real value for money. Comprehensive reports and a learner’s portal are all included with no ongoing licensing costs. Business benefits can easily be measured and the profiles and reports have leverage for the future, so its not just a ‘one hit wonder’.
8. Language options
Do your learners have English as their first language? Will the tools be distributed to clients/colleagues overseas?
You need to ensure that the implementation is inclusive across regions in which you operate and extra resources are not required for translation/further development, adding cost and causing potential delays to programme delivery.
This is particularly important if you trade in different countries.
Everything DiSC provide profiles in a variety of languages including, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Estonian and Dutch and more languages are continually being added.
If you’d like an honest assessment of how Everything DiSC stacks up against the competition, please request a call back and we’ll be in touch to answer any questions you have.
