As career coaches, we are always looking for effective methods to help our clients navigate their career paths and unlock their full potential. One way to achieve this is through the use of career assessment tools, which provide valuable insights into a client’s strengths, personality traits, and preferences. However, not all of us are immediately sold on the idea of relying on these tools. In fact, I was quite sceptical of certain assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Cappfinity Strengths, until I witnessed their impact firsthand.

My Initial Scepticism

When I first encountered MBTI, I was intrigued but also wary. The idea of categorising individuals into16 distinct personality types seemed overly simplistic to me. How could such a broad brush accurately capture the nuances of a person’s personality and career potential? This concern was especially true when considering neurodiverse clients, such as autistic individuals, whose unique perspectives and experiences might not fit neatly into conventional categories.

Similarly, my introduction to Cappfinity Strengths was met with hesitation. I was sceptical of how effectively a strengths-based approach could apply to the complex and varied career aspirations of my clients. I questioned whether focusing on strengths might overlook areas where clients needed to grow or develop new skills.

Turning Point: Manchester Metropolitan University’s Presentation

My perspective began to shift during an AGCAS presentation last week, given by Manchester Metropolitan University. They shared compelling evidence of the positive impact Cappfinity Strengths had on their students. The university had implemented the tool to help students identify and leverage their unique strengths, leading to increased engagement and success in their careers. Hearing first hand examples of how students had benefited from this approach opened my eyes to the potential value of focusing on strengths rather than merely addressing weaknesses.

Embracing the Buzz Quiz and Its Impact

I also learned about the Buzz Quiz, a tool inspired by MBTI but with a unique twist—it categorises individuals into different animals. This playful approach makes the concept of personality types more accessible and relatable, especially for younger clients or those who might find traditional assessments intimidating. The Buzz Quiz’s use of animals such as dolphins, tigers, and owls add a layer of fun and engagement, making it easier for clients to internalise the insights and apply them to their career journeys.

My initial scepticism began to fade as I witnessed the enthusiasm and self-awareness that clients gained from this animal-based assessment. It provided a light-hearted yet meaningful way for them to understand their traits and how these could translate into careers.

Addressing Neurodiversity in Assessment Tools

A significant aspect of my scepticism about tools like MBTI was their applicability to neurodiverse individuals. Neurodiverse clients often have unique ways of processing information and interacting with the world that might not be captured by standard personality assessments. For example, an autistic indivdual might not fit neatly into a specific MBTI type because their thought processes and communication styles can be vastly different from neurotypical patterns.

However, I’ve learned that these tools can still offer value when used thoughtfully. The key is to interpret the results with flexibility and an understanding of each client’s unique context. Instead of rigidly applying the results, I consider how the traits and preferences revealed by the assessments can inform a more nuanced understanding of my neurodiverse clients. For example, an MBTI result indicating a preference for introversion might align with a neurodiverse client’s need for quiet, focused work environments.

Overcoming Scepticism and Seeing Results

Inspired by these experiences, I decided to pilot integrating MBTI, Strengths, and the Buzz Quiz into my coaching practice, albeit with a cautious and critical approach. My scepticism transformed into curiosity and eventually into conviction as I witnessed how these tools could complement my coaching process. Here’s how I managed to embrace these tools and use them effectively:

1. Contextualising the Results: Rather than treating assessment results as definitive labels, I use them as starting points for deeper conversations. For example, when a client scores as an “INTJ” on the MBTI or identifies as a “Tiger” in the Buzz Quiz, we explore what these results mean in the context of their unique experiences, values, and goals. For neurodiverse clients, I consider how these insights might be adapted to better suit their individual needs and perspectives.
2. Strengths as Building Blocks: With Capfinity Strengths, I am going to encourage clients to view their strengths as foundations upon which they can build their careers. Instead of focusing solely on areas for improvement, we can discuss how they will leverage their natural strengths to achieve their career objectives. This strengths-based approach will hopefully lead to greater client confidence and motivation, as they see their strengths as valuable assets rather than just characteristics.
3. Encouraging Self-Discovery: The Buzz Quiz, with its animal personas, helps clients gain insights into their personalities in a fun and engaging way. This can be particularly useful for clients who are new to self-assessment or feel overwhelmed by more traditional tools. By framing self-awareness as a journey of discovery rather than a test, clients become more open to exploring their traits and considering how they align with their career aspirations.

Conclusion

Embracing these assessment tools has enriched my coaching practice by providing new avenues for client self-discovery and growth. While I initially approached MBTI, Capfinity Strengths, and the Buzz Quiz with scepticism, I’ve come to appreciate their value in fostering a deeper understanding of my clients’ potential. By contextualising the results and focusing on strengths, these tools have become powerful allies in helping my clients navigate their career journeys with greater clarity and confidence.

For neurodiverse clients, these tools can offer valuable insights when used with flexibility and a nuanced approach. If you’re a career coach looking to enhance your practice, I encourage you to explore these tools with an open mind. You might be surprised at how they can transform not only your clients’ careers but also your approach to coaching.