Symbol Test

Choose the symbol that you like best and then the one that you like second best. Don't allow any intellectualization about it, just make a quick and simple choice. Afterwards read the analysis and explanations.

Squares feel most comfortable with a stable environment and clear directions on what to do. They are conservative and like things that are regular and orderly. If given a task they will work on it until it is finished, even if it is repetitious, cumbersome and lonely.

Rectangles like structure and regularity. But they will better establish it with organization, meetings, committees and so forth. This will have to be done the proper way, taking all rules and regulations into consideration. If given a task they will start organizing it to be sure it can be done the most systematic way.

Triangles are goal oriented. They enjoy planning something out and then doing it. They get motivated by the accomplishment. They will tend to look at long-term issues, but might forget the details. When given a task they will set a goal and work on a plan for it.

Circles are social and communicative. No hard edges. They handle things by talking about them and smoothing things out with everybody. Communication is the first priority, and making sure there is harmony. When given a task they will talk about it.

Squiggles are off-the-wall and creative. They feel best doing new things and get bored with regularity. When given a task they will come up with bright ideas about it.

The square, rectangle and triangle are all convergent. They are working towards something specific and finite, and they do it in a logical and systematic way. But they might be lacking in personal creativity.

The circle and squiggle are divergent. They are creative, extroverted, and intuitive. They will reach out around them into new areas and to other people. But they aren't particularly systematic or dependable.

This categorization is very useful for evaluating people for job positions or for finding out how well people will work together. If you really need something specific done, the square is most likely to do it exactly as specified. Squares will work great in the accounting department. If things need to be organized amongst a group of people, then the rectangle is most likely to make that happen. A triangle might be a good executive, setting goals and making sure they are met. The circle will be good at public relations. If anything new is needed a squiggle is the person for the job. Advertising, problem solving etc.

The different categories of people might often get into conflicts with each other if they don't realize that they each work differently. The convergent people might get frustrated that the divergent ones don't care about deadlines. The divergent people might find the convergent ones cold and narrow minded, not taking human factors and new possibilities into consideration.

These categorizations can tell us a person's preferred method of working with something.

A square will need fairly specific instructions. They are not happy just floating around, not knowing where they are going. A square will feel good about being presented with a technique and carrying it through until it is done. It doesn't matter much if it is repetitious, regularity is a source of comfort. For a square it is a good idea to have more of a formal routine, certain rituals that are repeated.

A rectangle needs to see how things are organized. Rectangles enjoy understanding the principles of what they are doing. The rectangle will feel comfortable knowing and noticing that systematic techniques are being used and that they have names and so forth.

A triangle needs to make goals and accomplishments. They would appreciate making a list of tasks and then checking them off. It should always be clear what the underlying intention is for each task. If the direction is agreed upon, the triangle can be quite flexible on how the task is to be accomplished.

A circle doesn't need a plan or a system. They prefer to talk about whatever is at hand. Achieving harmony is more important than using the right procedures or techniques.

A squiggle must be presented with new and different things. Unexpected perspectives and angles are what motivates them. It is perfectly fine if no procedure is defined and every session is different. They are flexible and avoid preconceived ideas about where they will end up.

If it isn't already apparent, there is no value judgment connected with each category. None of them are better than the other. Each one is a somewhat fragmented package and has qualities that are better for certain purposes.