How can you use assessments to identify and address communication challenges in your clients?

I am a big fan of assessments and am trained and certified in nearly 20 instruments. Assessments provide three valuable insights to the taker: 1.) A mirror, 2.) A lens, and 3.) Learning and growing opportunities. In the hands of a qualified and trained assessment provider, assessments are wonderful tools for learning and growing; however, in the hands of someone who is not trained or qualified, they can become weaponized and destructive. I have seen first hand how untrained and unqualified providers use assessment results to limit, label, criticize, box in, and even reject. If this has happened to you, I am so very sorry; you have been most likely victimized by an ego-maniac who only cared for themselves and not your best interest!

Using assessments is a valuable strategy to identify and address communication challenges in clients as a business coach. Assessments provide objective insights into communication styles, preferences, strengths, and areas for improvement. By utilising tools such as personality assessments, communication style inventories, or emotional intelligence assessments, coaches can gain a comprehensive understanding of their clients' communication dynamics. These insights enable coaches to tailor their strategies, interventions, and coaching approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. Assessments also facilitate meaningful conversations about communication patterns, barriers, and goals, self-awareness and promoting constructive changes.

Assessment is a good conversation starter. Why this works is because EVERYBODY is very curious and want to know about themselves. This is not only benefitting the clients by them understand their strength and areas of improvement; but also for the coaches, as you could use the choice of words that appeal to your clients for change management, drawing from the assessment results. It is definitely a tool for communication and influence!

Evaluar nuestra comunicación con el cliente es esencial para garantizar relaciones sólidas y exitosas. Nos permite identificar áreas de mejora, comprender mejor las necesidades y expectativas de los clientes, y adaptar nuestra comunicación para satisfacerlas. Además, la evaluación constante nos ayuda a mantenernos ágiles y receptivos a los cambios en el mercado y las preferencias de los clientes. En resumen, al evaluar nuestra comunicación con el cliente, estamos invirtiendo en la calidad y la eficacia de nuestras interacciones, lo que contribuye directamente al éxito a largo plazo de nuestro negocio.

Assessments are lenses into the personality, preferences, and motivations. There is no one assessment that is a “perfect” lens nor is there one assessment that provides “all” the insight. Anyone who says that does not really understand assessments. The kind of assessment(s) chosen depends upon the purpose or the end you are seeking. When an assessment is chosen, the rationale, motivations, and desired outcomes must be evaluated. I am a big fan of DISC (it was the first one I was trained in), MBTI, Enneagram, LivStyle, TKI, ThinkingStyles, NEO PI-R, and many others; however, the stated desires for learning and growth of the person or the team I am working with, inform my choice(s) of assessment.

Choosing assessments as a business coach involves considering several factors to ensure their effectiveness and relevance to your clients' needs. Start by identifying the specific communication challenges or goals your clients want to address. Then, research and select assessments that align with those objectives and have demonstrated reliability and validity. Look for assessments that are widely recognised, backed by research, and user-friendly for both you and your clients. Consider the assessment's format, ease of administration, and interpretive resources available to support the coaching process. Additionally, seek feedback from colleagues, review testimonials, and explore trial options to assess the suitability.

As a coach there are various assessments that I can incorporate based on what topics come up in sessions with clients as they clarify topics they want to dedicate time to enhance. On most occasions, taking an assessment can be a one and done task where what is learned doesn't get applied to build new habits towards success. When it comes to communication I do employ a DISC assessment when appropriate so that my clients can understand their styles and preferences as well as recognize others so that they can "pivot" when needed. All of us have unique experiences that have crafted our communication styles so developing the ability to recognize others and flex to meet their needs is a way to take your communication to the next level.

Regardless of the assessment(s) chosen and used, always, always, always provide a copy of the results and a live debrief. I cringe whenever I am asked to work with a team and I find out that they have used assessments…but no one ever saw their results and a debrief was not provided. This is one of the biggest reasons assessments have gotten such a bad rapport and reputation. In addition, please do not use the “free” versions online. While they may provide similar results, they rarely provide the reports and depth of knowledge that comes with using a trained and licensed assessment provider.