Before diving into how these risks can be managed, it is important to understand the key tenets that guide our approach to behavior change and talent development.

A core principle that forms the foundation of Deeper Signals’ tools and is at the heart of our mission is that personality change is possible. Though it is hard, we support the research-based view that with insight, awareness, and the right level of motivation, individuals can shift their baseline characteristics. The intent of our diagnostics is to provide the first critical step in facilitating improvement through feedback. ‍

Studies suggest that every individual tends to behave in some ways that are unfavorable to their effective social functioning. Often, it is circumstances that determine whether or not these behaviors surface. Behavior is determined by environmental factors and is not a function of personality alone. Moreover, obtaining an extreme score in a diagnostic does not necessarily imply that an individual will exhibit these behaviors. It is merely an indicator of a greater probability, especially when the individual is stressed or exhausted. ‍

People generally tend to adapt their behavior in a way that enhances their self-image or shines them in the best light. But often, we are unaware of our blind spots until they have been pointed out to us. These usually are our extreme tendencies, and we tend to be unconscious of these. The intent of Deeper Signals’ diagnostic tools is to facilitate a reliable way of bringing them to our conscious awareness so they could be worked on.‍

Finally, it is important to be mindful that some of our personality traits may be a result of habitual or adaptive responses to life events, trauma, or unusual circumstances. In this regard, extremes could be regarded as overused strengths. Extreme behaviors are part of a continuum, and in moderation, some of these could work in our favor.‍

With these principles in mind, it is our view that Core Drivers are our unique strengths that become Core Risks on days we are not at our best. Managing our risks and changing our behavior is possible, with the first and most formative step being self-awareness. Understanding how our risks get in the way of our effectiveness helps us convert this awareness into insight. It enables us to determine which elements of our personality could be dialed up or down to become more effective decision-makers, team members, and leaders.

Turning this insight into action is where the magic unfolds. Deeper Signals’ Digital Coach provides tips for small, science-backed micro-actions that can easily be practiced on a regular basis to mitigate these risks. While change is hard, it need not take a herculean effort. Small habits built over time can compound and help attain “big, hairy, audacious goals”.