Testing testing testing 1 2 3.....

Another experience on placement which I've been reflecting on a lot (well actually feeling pretty annoyed about) was what happened on the first day. There I was trying to create a good impression, first thing on my timetable was psychometric tests. I was made to sit them - verbal, numerical and diagrams, they were marked and the results were fed back to me in what I can only describe as the style of a school master.

Fortunately I didnt' embarrass myself in anyway but I really felt it was an abuse of power, and it made me realise if I had done badly I would have been embarrased and felt like a bit of a donkey for the next two weeks.

This got me thinking about these types of testing being done on clients and how rubbish they must feel if the results aren't good. Its like writing someone off, with very little basis, as of course lots of people do brilliantly well in their jobs, but maybe can't perform in these type of tests. I think if I am in a position where I have to administer these tests to people I will be very careful about how I give feedback, and be telling people just to disregard them if they do badly.