Norms are not the panacea

Tuesday, 07 January 2020

My introduction to Psychometrics was with FIRO-B in my Business School. Our Professor was so good in interpretation that he seemed like a fortune teller, unravelling the threads of behaviour patterns and indicating corrective measures for a more effective life.

Even though our Professor started with a statutory disclaimer that the results are to be taken as indicative and not definitive predictors of behaviour; I was hooked and psychometrics soon became a good tool for me, extremely reliable and with immediate impact.

In most of the situations, where I used psychometric tools, the main discussions always used to be, given ‘this’ score – how do individuals improve; which brought me to the concept of norms, expectations, behaviour modification, etc.

Over the years, I have realized that drastic behaviour changes, unless brought about by deep catharsis, sustained exposure to a specific environment; are superficial and not sustainable. However even now, the expectation remains that Managerial Behaviour, Leadership Behaviour have specific traits and behaviours. If the individual follows certain set guidelines / norms, managerial success can be predicted.

On the contrary, the need of organizations today, is to have a diverse range of behaviour, different motivators, singular thinking patterns, variety of response to similar stimuli; and not create a set of Robots, with similar emotional responses. It is this diversity that makes a culture, rich and distinct, capable of absorbing shocks and being resilient. 

Similarly, teams that are agile, combine well, are creative, have healthy even though conflicting discussions; are not monoclonal, but diverse in needs, aspirations, beliefs, and working styles.

Today, I look at the uniqueness in individuals, how they can nurture and develop it, and utilize it for the benefit of the team. As an organization we need to create non-threatening supportive environment to induct, nurture, engage and enable performance of all persons.

Thus, my use of psychometrics is today focussed on explaining individual differences and demonstrating its role in behaviour patterns and how to assimilate and engage the individual’s better to achieve the Team’s goals.

This when expanded to a larger context, creates a stronger, resilient, inclusive culture, with individuals mutually respecting all types of differences and choices.

Celebrate diversity and there will be more reasons to celebrate.