Information Technology Personal Profile


Career Development Profile




Table Of ContentsPage
I. Profile Information1
II. Career Orientation2
III. Character Traits4
IV. Communication Style6
V. Attitude Survey7

Thank you for taking the time to complete the Information Technology Personal Profile.

The following information identifies several of your personal strengths that are important to your career planning. The objective of the IT Personal Profile is to match you to the "best fit" position that will capitalize on your strengths and maximize your chances for a successful, rewarding career.

John C. Marshall, Ph.D.


ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002

©1994-2001, Quality Profiles Ltd.



 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 1 

I. Profile Information


What Are The Benefits of Completing The Profile?

This profile will provide you with key insights as you make important career decisions. Your natural suitability to a specific career can be known in advance as well as any developmental needs. Using this information as part of a focused research and information gathering process will help you make the right career decisions.

Why Complete This Profile?

This profile is a normative psychometric tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of your inherent potential in a specific career. This assessment will help you determine whether your career goals are a good fit with your abilities and what you like to do. If you are changing jobs, entering or re-entering the work force or re-assessing your career, this can be a very valuable process.

What Are Normative Profiles?

Normative profiles offer a range of choices that allow respondents to choose between continuous categories that are more representative of their experiences. The data generated by these scales are normative and can be compared across individuals. All components of the assessment are then subjected to a validation study on a regular basis in order to maintain the accuracy of the predictive nature of the profile.

What Is A Validation Study?

A Validation Study is a scientific review of a psychometric tool (and other parts of an assessment system) to determine if it measures what it says that it is measuring and is related to performance in that specific business culture. The major features of a validation study are:
  • Statistical analysis of the attributes and characteristics of a group
  • Identifies attributes and characteristics of people at different performance levels
  • Assesses how well the assessment system works
  • Provides a database to which future candidates can be compared
  • Allows for more effective performance reviews
  • Your report is supported by a validated base of over 1.5 million completed profiles
Who Developed, Supports and Validates This Profile?

The Self Management Group (SMG) is a privately held group of companies which specialise in the selection, development, career planning and retention of key people in careers where high performance is essential and high stress is often a common factor.

Founding partner Dr. John Marshall originated and developed these proprietary psychometric tools that are now in use by a large number of major international clients to identify and develop top performers in the fields of management, competitive selling, information technology and entrepreneurship planning.


 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 2 

II. Career Orientation

Possible Information Technology Career Paths

Although there are literally hundreds of different job titles within the Information Technology career opportunity, we have grouped the careers into four general categories as described below. We have matched your personal strengths and characteristics to each category to help you decide which direction you may wish to take as your career develops. The rating indicates careers that you would be well suited to and would hold your interest and careers that would be less interesting to you and would probably not hold your interest.

INNOVATOR/DEVELOPER

The innovator/developer category includes the type of positions which require creativity, innovation and the development of new solutions to both old and new problems. It requires strong analytical skills, goal orientation and independent thinking. Roles such as those of many consultants, analysts, systems programmers and hardware/software developers would be typical of this category.

       
Good Fit Less Suitable
   Your profile shows that you will need to combine growth as a self starter with improving technical knowledge before you will be able to maximize your potential in an innovator role. Be sure to remember to focus on the people component of new developmental projects.


PROJECT LEADER/MANAGEMENT

This category includes IT management roles from project leader to manager to executive.

       
Good Fit Less Suitable
   You tend to be a very responsive, service-oriented individual who would be more comfortable as a team member working towards long term goals. If you aspire to leadership roles, develop your self management, communication skills and sense of urgency.


MAINTENANCE /SERVICE

This category includes such diverse roles as call center and help desk personnel; on-site service specialists; database and network analysts and administrators; business and technical analysts; systems and maintenance programmers etc. These people are essential in most IT environments.

       
Good Fit Less Suitable
   A maintenance or service role would appear to be reasonably suitable for you. Technical service roles with some freedom of action would be the best fit for you.


TECHNOLOGY SALES

Technology Sales careers are very diverse ranging from selling components and system add-ons to selling very large complex systems to manufacturing, financial services, government, communications and other industries.

       
Good Fit Less Suitable
   You do not seem well suited to a competitive sales career at this time.

 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 3 

II. Career Orientation


CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Look for a career in an environment that is familiar or similar to what you have done it the past. Seek situations which will allow you to take advantage of your existing strengths while you develop new ones. You should consider a role as an individual contributor in a team environment (programmer, analyst, specialist etc). Look for a relatively structured opportunity that will allow for individual initiative. If you are planning to grow into a project leadership role, develop your self management potential to its fullest and focus on meeting your commitments on a consistent basis. Continue to improve your technical skills as you grow in your career.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Make certain that your technical and other skills are up-to-date for the platform/environment.

  • Focus on the needs of the users and clients.

  • Be prepared for frequent change by anticipating and planning for it.

  • Continue to develop your strengths in dealing with others. (see Communication Style)


RETENTION

Approach career change carefully as you are a loyal, reliable individual who looks for the same from your employer. You are most comfortable in a team oriented environment with long term goals and should look for that sort of position. Look for stable organizations with a track record and clear sense of direction. Your profile shows that you would be best suited to a structured environment where you can develop yourself as you work with team members toward organizational goals.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Seek a stable environment where you can grow at your own pace.

  • Look for situations where the overall direction is clear and your loyalty and reliability will be appreciated.

  • Be very careful to commit to a position which provides a relaxed, team atmosphere and the structure that will help you develop.

  • Look for projects and organizations that have medium and long term goals that will lead to a sense of achievement.


 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 4 

III. Character Traits


SELF MANAGEMENT POTENTIAL

Initiates, Very Proactive Primarily Responds to Others

You tend to be very responsive to others and will be most comfortable in an environment that is familiar and very well documented. You would also be most comfortable when working with a familiar platform and familiar applications. An environment where the needs of the user (or management) are well defined and the expectations well established would be ideal for you.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Look for well documented projects that provide lots of feedback.
  • Make a habit of planning your daily activity and reviewing it at the end of the day.
  • Take your previous experience in a familiar situation and apply those things that worked well to your new environment.
  • Look for situations that are similar to your previous experience and will allow you to use that experience and build upon it.
  • Look for a project leader or manager who will provide you with enough information to do your work effectively.
  • Reward yourself for effort not just results.


MOTIVATIONAL PROFILE

Seeks Challenge/Task Oriented Relaxed/Contented

You are very relaxed, dependable and comfortable working toward long term goals. You are rather easy going and would be comfortable dealing with client or user needs and taking as much time as was necessary to deal with them. You would be a good fit to a service oriented environment that emphasizes service. You would likely be comfortable maintaining and enhancing established systems or working on projects with long term goals.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Treat all user problems and your own goals with a sense of urgency by making a note of them and reminding yourself of their status on a daily basis.
  • Identify the little things that need to be done to meet your goals.
  • Set and prioritize goals that can be achieved on a daily basis by focusing on what you are able to accomplish on a daily basis.
  • Make a commitment to your daily goals and if you find that you are not meeting them on a regular basis, evaluate whether your goals should be revised or whether you have been doing all that you can to achieve them.
  • Record your activities each day so that you are able to report on your progress if asked and will have a real basis for review when meeting with your project leader or manager.


 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 5 

ENVIRONMENTAL FIT

Prefers to Create Own Systems & Structure Comfortable in Structured Environments

You will integrate well with most existing organizations and systems that are relatively structured. Occasionally, you may question things that seem wrong to you and offer suggestions for improvement when it is appropriate. You will probably perform most effectively within a clearly defined project that provides you with the opportunity to exercise your individual initiative.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Look for well defined opportunities that will provide you with clear guidelines and growth.
  • Take advantage of your co-operative nature by making a regular contribution to meeting team goals.
  • Build versatility by adding to your skill set and learning other roles in your organization.
  • Look for areas where you can demonstrate team leadership.


COMFORT WITH CONFLICT

Comfortable with Conflict Balanced Avoids Conflict

You prefer to avoid situations where there is potential for conflict and may go along with others rather than be disagreeable. You would be perceived as agreeable and would prefer an environment where conflict is low.

Developmental Suggestions

  • When faced with a situation where there is conflict, maintain your composure and do not allow yourself to be upset by others, even if they are being unreasonable.
  • Investigate such issues as assertiveness training and conflict resolution strategies that will allow you to feel more comfortable with conflict.


 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 6 

IV. Communication Style


SOCIAL ORIENTATION

Very Sociable Immediately Builds Relationships Slowly

You like to take your time to get to know people and would tend to build relationships over a longer term. Some people may even find you shy. You are most comfortable relating to a regular or familiar group of users and clients or working on projects that require little interaction with others.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Evaluate and build upon your strengths as a listener. Be sure to let people explain themselves thoroughly before offering your views.
  • Evaluate your performance as both a listener and a contributor at meetings with users, clients and peers. Do you respond to others or follow your own agenda?
  • Avoid the appearance of disinterest or impatience.
  • Some career opportunities require strength as a public speaker. You can develop this skill in yourself by taking part in community service groups, coaching and other similar opportunities.
  • When making a presentation, work on such skills as timing, breaking the ice with humorous remarks and speaking directly to members of the audience.
  • When conversing with others, look for feedback so that you are keeping their interest.


ANALYTICAL ORIENTATION

Systematic/Analytical Learns the Necessities

You are highly analytical, very logical and practical. You pay close attention to detail and are interested in learning for its own sake. Clients and business situations that provide technical challenges or interesting problems to be solved would be motivating to you. You would likely enjoy training that introduces you to new ideas and products. A role with a fair amount of conceptual challenge and detail would be very appropriate for you.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Look for career situations that will have a significant problem solving component so you will be able to take advantage of your analytical style.
  • Take advantage of your technical orientation when solving problems by using open ended questions that will allow the client or user to share in the solution.
  • When consulting with others, provide technical detail only when it is essential to understanding or when specifically asked.
  • Look for feedback from users and clients so you are certain that you understand their needs and that they are comfortable that their needs are being understood.
  • Match your personal development strategy to organizational needs.


 
 Information Technology Profile (ITPP# 000000 for Sample Person on May 6, 2002) Page 7 

V. Attitude Survey


SELF CONFIDENCE

Feels in Control/Internally Directed Feels Controlled by External Factors

You are confident in most situations which allows you to feel that you are able to handle them yourself through your own efforts. Your profile indicates that you generally accept responsibility for your own performance.

Developmental Suggestions

  • Maintain your confidence by reinforcing your good feelings about yourself.
  • Awareness of your strengths will help you continue to perform well.
  • Continue to take responsibility for your performance. You can make an impact.
  • When you have done something well, feel proud of it appropriately and accept the praise of others.


STRESS MANAGEMENT

Handling Stress Well Stress Management Training would Help

You are currently showing signs of having difficulty managing your energy and dealing effectively with stress. People who are not dealing effectively with stress have difficulty with consistent performance and may need support from an understanding supervisor. Fast paced and/or intense technology positions with demanding clients and users would not be a good fit for you as long as you are having difficulty coping.

Developmental Suggestions

  • List all the things that may be causing you (additional) stress and evaluate whether your approach to coping with these stresses is effective.
  • Identify essential and non-essential responsibilities and focus on the ones that need to be handled.
  • Seek to view stress as a challenge.
  • Identify negative thinking and behavior patterns and replace them with more positive ones.
  • Seek the advice of other people who are coping with some of the same issues that you are.
  • In many cases more exercise and better diet are very helpful in dealing with stress.
  • Seek stress coping strategies from the library, public health units, the internet and the popular media.