Personality Type Assessments vs. Behavioral Table of Elements� Color Key Legend

Personality Type Assessments vs. Behavioral Table of Elements’ Color Key Legend

Purpose: Understanding Traits vs. Measuring Behavior

Personality type assessments aim to categorize individuals based on psychological traits, providing insights into their tendencies, preferences, and thought patterns.
These assessments are commonly used for self-awareness, team dynamics, and leadership development.

The Color Key legend in the Behavioral Table of Elements, however, does not classify personalities—it measures behavior in real time. Its primary function is to analyze stress levels, deception likelihood, and authenticity during interactions. The focus is on observable responses, rather than innate psychological traits.
 

Methodology: Self-Reported vs. Observational Analysis

Personality assessments rely on self-reported questionnaires, where individuals respond to predefined scenarios. The accuracy is influenced by self-perception and willingness to share truthful answers.

The Color Key legend in the Behavioral Table of Elements takes a different approach—it uses direct behavioral observation, categorizing gestures, speech patterns, and physical cues into color-coded indicators (Red for high stress, Blue for variable behaviors, Green for relaxed behaviors). This provides an objective, measurable analysis that removes the subjectivity of self-reporting.

Application in Executive Search

•        Personality assessments help organizations understand leadership styles and compatibility within teams.

•        The Color Key legend enhances structured interviews by detecting stress responses and behavioral inconsistencies.

Both tools are valuable but serve distinct functions—one focuses on who a person is, the other on how they behave in key moments.

Author

Brant Burke Managing Director,Transearch Greater China Leading Transearch Greater China Industrial and Technology search practices. He uses collaborative, methodical processes to recruit best-in-class talent for his clients, prioritising cultural fit, suitability, and alignment in equal measure to core competencies.