Interpreting Assessment Results

by Shawn Bakker

Being around assessment tools and looking at assessment results everyday, I sometimes forget how intimidating these tools can be to the people taking them. Having answered a lot of different questions, the client is presented with a report that outlines his/her results. Since most people do not complete psychometric assessments very often, the results can be difficult to understand and even more
difficult to make decisions with.

There are a few basic interpretation principles when utilizing psychometric assessments that calm clients, and also ensure that the results are used appropriately, especially in developmental applications.

1. The client is the expert. Your clients’ know themselves best, and should be asked to verify or contradict their assessment results.
   
   

2. Reports offer hypotheses, not revelations.
   
   

3. There are no ideal results. Client’s often want to know if their results are good or bad. While certain groups of people, such as managers, often share similarities, each person’s role is rather unique and as such will have unique demands. What might be a strength in one environment, could be a weakness in another.
   
   

4. There is good news and bad news. Most reports provide information on the client’s strengths and areas for development. Emphasize to clients that a key aspect of personal development is making the most of their strengths, and addressing areas of difficulty.
   
   

5. Change is the point. The reason for using these tools is to identify and pursue individual development. Therefore, frame change as something that is positive and possible. By targeting a few key areas at a time, the client will see the change as manageable.
   
   

6. The client makes it happen. The client is responsible for setting and pursuing the development goals.
   
   

By keeping these key principles in mind when you work with clients, you will quickly set them at ease and enable them to make the most of their assessment results.