How to Choose the Right Personality Test or
Self-Assessment Tool
Choosing the Right Personality Test in 2025: A Practical Guide
The self-assessment market is crowded. From MBTI to DISC, CliftonStrengths to Enneagram, there are dozens of tools claiming to help you understand yourself, grow as a leader, or guide career decisions.
But not all tools are built the same. Some were designed decades ago. Others are great for team dynamics, but offer little personal development value. And many stop at describing who you are, without helping you grow.
If you're trying to choose the right tool in 2025, this guide will help you decide what actually fits your purpose and avoid tools that only scratch the surface.
Step 1: Clarify What You’re Looking For
Before picking a tool, ask:
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Do I want self-awareness or growth direction?
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Is this for career planning, leadership development, or team building?
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Do I need something evidence-based and work-relevant, or more personal and reflective?
The best tool depends on your goal. Some tools are better for reflection, others for strategic development.
Step 2: Understand the Main Types of Tools
Tool Type | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Type-based (e.g., MBTI, Enneagram) | Assign you to a fixed “type” | Reflection, communication |
Trait-based (e.g., OCEAN, HEXACO) | Measure personality dimensions | Research, profiling |
Strength-based (e.g., CliftonStrengths, VIA) | Rank your top talents or virtues | Coaching, development insight |
Behavior-based (e.g., DISC) | Describe how you show up in teams | Team dynamics, training |
Capability-based (e.g., Big 5 of Strategy) | Measure how you think, act, adapt | Growth, leadership, complexity |
Step 3: Match Tools to Your Use Case
Your Goal | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|
Team communication | DISC, MBTI |
Self-reflection | Enneagram, VIA |
Career planning or transition | Big 5 of Strategy |
High-potential development | Big 5 of Strategy |
Leadership capability | Big 5 of Strategy, Hogan |
Executive selection | Hogan, 16PF |
Coaching frameworks | CliftonStrengths, Big 5 of Strategy |
Step 4: Prioritize Actionable, Evidence-Based Tools
In 2025, the most useful tools do more than label you, they help you:
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Understand your strategic strengths
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Identify development areas
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Navigate career growth or leadership roles
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Adapt to complex and changing environments
That’s why newer, research-backed models like the Big 5 of Strategy are gaining ground, especially where older tools like MBTI or DISC fall short.
Why the Big 5 of Strategy Often Comes Out on Top
If you want more than a personality snapshot, the Big 5 of Strategy offers:
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A personalized profile across five strategic capabilities
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Actionable insight tied to performance, not just reflection
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Clear next steps for development and coaching
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A modern, research-based framework grounded in a 1,200-person study