5 Alternatives to the Myers-Briggs Personality Test

Since it was first published in 1962, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has become the gold standard for personality tests. But many people have criticized the test saying it's arbitrary and based on unproven theories. Let's look at five Myers-Briggs alternatives you can consider.

[Read more: How to Tell if You're an Introvert or Extrovert at Work]

The Big Five Personality Test

The Big Five Personality Test is based on the belief that most people embody five core personality traits. The test is given by Psychology Today and takes about 25 minutes to complete.

After you finish answering the questions, you'll receive a complimentary summary of your results and the option to purchase your results for $6.95. Your results will be broken down into the following five categories:

• Openness.
• Conscientiousness.
• Extraversion.
• Agreeableness.
• Neuroticism.

Each personality trait represents a range between two extremes, with most people falling somewhere in the middle. And one of the things that's unique about the Big Five test is that it doesn't just share flattering information.

[Read more: 8 Personality Tests to Help You Hire the Best Candidate]

The Enneagram

The Enneagram test outlines nine interconnected personality traits with 27 additional subtypes. The nine traits are then grouped into three different "centers": instinctive, feeling, and thinking.

Here is an overview of each of the nine personality traits:

• The Reformer: Perfectionistic and self-controlled.
• The Helper: A generous people pleaser.
• The Achiever: Driven and image-conscious.
• The Individualist: Dramatic and temperamental.
• The Investigator: Innovative and perceptive.
• The Loyalist: Responsible and engaged.
• The Enthusiast: Fun-loving and spontaneous.
• The Challenger: Self-confident and decisive.
• The Peacemaker: Agreeable and complacent.

The DiSC Assessment

The DiSC assessment breaks down four personality types: dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness. Most people contain elements of all four personality traits and use them to varying degrees.

The test is based on the book written by William Moulton Marston called "Emotions of Normal People." Eight different scales are measured on the DiSC assessment, and your results will likely show a combination of one or two letters.

Workplaces often use the DiSC assessment to help employees understand how to communicate and work together.

The Four Color Personalities

This test uses four different colors to symbolize the four standard personality types. It is designed to help you uncover important social information about yourself to better understand how well you work with others.

Many organizations use this test to promote effective communication at work. Here are the four color personalities:

• Orange: The orange personality type tests to be energetic and action-oriented. This individual enjoys taking risks, is competitive, and loves to push past normal boundaries.
• Gold: If your primary color is gold, you prefer structure and organization. You tend to be on time and expect others to be on time as well. These individuals like rules and follow a predetermined schedule.
• Green: The green personality type is analytical and intuitive. They tend to be big-picture thinkers who think outside of the box.
• Blue: Blues are empathetic, enjoy working with others, and tend to be very social people. They look for opportunities to collaborate with other people.

[Read more: Entrepreneurs Reveal the 6 Personality Traits That Make Them Successful]

Goleman's EQ Test

The Emotional Intelligence test is a free test offered by the Global Leadership Foundation. It is based on Daniel Goleman's four quadrants of emotional intelligence, which include:

• Self-awareness.
• Self-management.
• Social awareness.
• Relationship management.

The test can help you understand the emotions driving your behavior and how to redirect negative impulses. It can also help you uncover the motivation driving many of your behaviors.

How to Choose the Right Personality Test

Choosing the right personality test for your business involves understanding the specific needs of your organization and the characteristics you wish to assess in your employees. Start by understanding what purpose the test will serve. Do you need help hiring, team building, or developing employees' skills?

Next, look for tests that have been validated through research and are thoroughly vetted by experts. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of online assessments that claim to produce game-changing results for teams. You want one that is reliable, provides constructive feedback, and fosters opportunities for true growth.

Finally, consider the cost and the ease of use of each personality test. Look for an option that's manageable for your team — the more questions they have to answer, the more likely they are to drop off and lose interest. Tests that are easy to complete and deliver clear, actionable insights are ideal. Some tests are more affordable than others too.

The Role of Personality Tests in Team Building

Research published in Harvard Business Review suggests that personality tests can help predict team performance and make teams stronger. Assessment tools can be used to profile the group — not just individual team members.

"[They] can indicate whether the group is likely to bond or fracture by examining qualities that predict both success and failure," wrote Harvard Business Review. "For example, we know that teams with members who are open minded and emotionally intelligent leverage conflict to improve performance, whereas neurotic and closed-minded teams fall apart in the face of disagreement."

Personality tests show where a team might be missing certain characteristics. They can also ease communication, helping highlight where introverts might be steamrolled by their extroverted counterparts or certain personalities that could benefit from being paired with other personality types. Ultimately, personality tests help team members better understand how others work and adjust their expectations accordingly.

This article was originally written by Jamie Johnson.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.