VirusHead

You’ll thrive in a corporate culture that allows you to be a VISIONARY.

In your book, the future is now. You’re motivated by being part of something new and exciting. And to reach those ends, you’re willing to take some risks. You have personal expectations and want to ultimately make a difference in this world and your workplace. Work is not just a paycheck for you and it shows in how you care about what you do. You’re a standup person and are committed to the success of any organization you work for — willing to accept responsibility squarely on your shoulders.

But you won’t get far if you’re working for a company that’s not based on a system that values your contributions.

This is the Tickle test – you have to pay for a more detailed profile. This is a broad sketch, but it doesn’t really tell me very much (and I suspect I could already say what the detailed report would look like). I love doing these little blog-type quizzes, but they are often flawed or reductive, or both.

I’ve always loved taking tests of almost any kind (except for medical, and oh.. word problems having to do with train speeds). In the case of this Tickle test, they seem to be using a modified DISC styles theory. It claims to be “Ph-D verified” which actually means nothing at all. I’m a PhD, and that’s not the measure of a validated assessment. Still, these things are always fun, and I wouldn’t disagree with the classification of my ideal work in corporate culture as being “visionary.” Does anyone hire “big picture” people anymore, or has it really become much more about somewhat slash-and-burn short-term profit margins? Are they only looking for drones? Comment if you have a theory.

I research and recommend assessments as part of my long-time part-time job. I’ll bet I’m one of the most “assessed” people you’ll ever meet! I’m aware of more accurate, helpful tools for the workplace and career-planning, such as a behavioral profile of the job itself, or a behavioral career-planning assessment that includes a section on your ideal work environment along the lines of challenges, persuasion, pace and compliance with policies and rules. The latter is a great tool for high-school students. My favorite assessments give an all-around picture, including things like your awareness of yourself and others, motivational priorities, intellectual abilities and emotional intelligence. Those usually include strategies to compensate for your weaknesses, and resources to build on your strengths – dream tools for the personal coach.

I’m trying not to become cynical, but I’ve discovered that it is unlikely that I will ever be able to pay for my PhD with the credentials I’ve established with my PhD. I have been applying for corporate jobs – averaging about 5 a week – without a bite. I’m not alone either. Some of my most intelligent, competent, flexible, practical friends are having similar difficulties. I’m going on the academic national job hunt this season, but the prospect of living apart from my family does not appeal to me very much, and positions in the area are scarce.

HEY! There is an opening for my dream job! Call me stunned. This is a call for ME. I’ve got to get my dossier ready, ask for my letters of recommendation, rewrite my curriculum vitae, think through my teaching philosophy again, compose the all-important letter, possibly buy a pair of shoes. Oh. Oh!

Send me good vibes. Competition for these few jobs is rather intense. The deadline for application is November 15. Don’t expect to hear much on the blog in the next couple of weeks.