Episode 602: Personality Tests: Why We Love Them and Why They Can Mislead Us

The Dr CK Bray Show

Content provided by Dr. CK Bray. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. CK Bray or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

22d ago 12:29

MP3•Episode home

Everyone loves a good personality test. Whether it is the Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram, or that quiz you took online that told you which TV character you are most like, there is something satisfying about seeing yourself neatly described in a few short sentences. But here is the question: are these tests actually telling you who you are, or just giving you a clever label?

In this episode, Dr. Bray unpacks the science behind our obsession with personality tests. You will learn why we are wired to love them, how the brain's reward systems light up when we feel recognized, and why the Barnum effect makes even vague descriptions feel spot-on. We will also take a closer look at the history of personality testing, from Hippocrates and the four humors to the modern-day workplace.

More importantly, you will hear why taking these tests too seriously can backfire. Neuroscience shows that personality is not fixed. The brain is plastic, meaning it is constantly adapting and capable of change. When you lock yourself into a rigid type, you may be limiting your own growth without even realizing it.

Dr. Bray keeps it practical and entertaining, weaving together science, history, and a bit of humor. You will walk away with a fresh perspective on personality tests, knowing when to treat them as fun and when to be cautious about the labels they hand you.

So if you have ever wondered whether your four letters define you or if you are destined to always be "the extrovert" or "the thinker," hit play. This conversation will convince you that you are far more than a type, and that the most exciting part of your personality is how it continues to grow and change.

Quotes by Dr. Bray

"The real danger is not in taking these tests, but in taking them too seriously."

"The appeal of personality tests has less to do with their accuracy and more to do with what they promise us."

"This is just who I am" — that's the fixed mindset we need to challenge."

"Hold those results lightly and treat them as a starting point for exploration."

112 episodes

#Business #Careerdevelopment #Change #Corporatechange #Findapromotion #Fulfillingcareer #Jobloss #Laidoff #Leadership #Personaldevelopment #Podcasting Education #Dr CK Bray #Fire #Careers #Careercoach #IT Management #Meaningfulcareers #Promote