Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Have you ever felt like you’re not quite reaching your potential? Maybe you’re excelling in some areas but hitting a wall in others. It’s not because you lack skills or experience—it’s because growth requires self-awareness. That’s where personality and leadership style assessments come in.

Think of these tools as mirrors for your professional life. They reflect not just who you are but how you lead, how you communicate, and how you approach challenges. And when used intentionally, they can become the foundation for meaningful growth in your career and beyond.

Let me share a story about how one moment of self-awareness shifted the trajectory of my professional life.

 

My Personal Experience

Years ago, I was leading a team that just wasn’t clicking. Deadlines were being missed, communication felt strained, and morale was low. At first, I blamed the usual suspects: tight deadlines, company culture, maybe even individual performance. But deep down, I wondered if the problem might have been… me.

So, I did something I’d never done before—I took a leadership style assessment. I was skeptical at first. Could an online tool really tell me something about myself I didn’t already know? But as I reviewed the results, it was like a lightbulb went off. The assessment revealed that my natural leadership style leaned heavily toward autonomy and independence. I preferred to trust my team to take ownership without micromanaging. Sounds good in theory, right? But in practice, it wasn’t working because I wasn’t giving my team the structure or guidance they needed.

As a new manager, I went from one end of the spectrum to the other. At first, I gave autonomy to those who demonstrated that autonomy was a challenge—deadlines were missed, and some tasks weren’t completed at all. Frustrated, I swung the other way, checking in sometimes too much, worried that things wouldn’t get done. But not everyone needed that level of oversight, and it created a different kind of friction.

Armed with the insights from the assessment, I made intentional changes. I started holding more regular check-ins, communicating clearer expectations, and finding a balance between trusting my team and providing the direction they craved. The shift didn’t happen overnight, but within weeks, the team felt more cohesive, and productivity improved. It wasn’t just the team that grew—I grew as a leader.

 

Why These Tools Are Worth It (Even If You’re Busy or Successful)

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to take another assessment? I’m already busy, and I know myself pretty well!” That’s a fair question, but here’s the thing: even the most successful leaders hit plateaus. The truth is, we all have areas of improvements, and assessments help uncover what you might be missing—not to criticize, but to empower.

And let’s address the time factor. These tools aren’t designed to be a drain on your schedule. Many assessments take less than an hour and provide clarity that can save you time in the long run. Think of it like this: spending an hour gaining deep insight about yourself is a small investment for the kind of growth that could transform how you lead for years to come.

 

Looking to further refine how you lead? Don’t miss my blog:

“What Are Your Words Really Saying About Your Leadership?”.

It’s packed with insights to help you align your communication with the leader you want to be.

Even if you feel like you’re thriving now, imagine what’s possible when you’re leading with even more awareness, clarity, and intention. The leaders who stand out aren’t just good—they’re constantly growing.

 

How These Tools Elevate Your Career

Personality and leadership style assessments do more than provide insight—they position you for success, both now and in the future. Here’s how:

1. In the Present:
   • These tools help you adapt your leadership style to meet the needs of your current team and organization. Whether you need to strengthen communication, improve team morale, or align with organizational goals, the insights you gain allow you to make real-time adjustments.
   • They also highlight how your strengths can help you excel in your current role, making you more effective and confident as a leader.

 

2. In the Future:
   • As industries evolve, leaders who understand their strengths and growth areas are better equipped to pivot, upskill, and stay relevant. For instance, if you learn that your leadership thrives in collaborative environments, you can seek future roles that align with this strength.
   • Assessments can also help you prepare for long-term goals, such as moving into executive leadership or transitioning to a new industry. By addressing gaps now, you build a stronger foundation for future opportunities.

 

3. Building Your Brand as a Leader:
   • Self-aware leaders stand out. By knowing and articulating your leadership style, you position yourself as someone who’s intentional, adaptable, and forward-thinking—qualities that recruiters and senior decision-makers value.

When you invest in self-awareness, you’re not just growing for today—you’re setting the stage for a sustainable and successful future.

 

Real Growth Happens When You Act

The biggest mistake people make with assessments is stopping at the results. Growth doesn’t come from knowing your strengths or areas for improvement—it comes from using that knowledge to make intentional changes.

For example:

• If your assessment reveals that you’re naturally reserved, but your role requires networking, you might commit to attending one industry event per month.
• If you discover that your team thrives on collaboration while you prefer working solo, you can implement weekly brainstorming sessions to bridge that gap.

The goal isn’t to change who you are—it’s to adapt how you approach challenges and opportunities. That’s where real growth happens.

 

Ready to Grow?

Using personality and leadership style assessments isn’t about self-critique—it’s about self-discovery. It’s about seeing yourself clearly so you can lead with intention, build stronger relationships, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into understanding your leadership style, let’s connect. Together, we can turn self-awareness into your greatest professional advantage.

 

P.S.

 

Want to dive even deeper into your leadership style? Check out:

“What Are Your Words Really Saying About Your Leadership?”

to explore how your communication impacts your effectiveness as a leader.