Part 1: Forgetting Self-Assessment Tests: Three Things That Really Matter

There are countless checklists and personality assessments online that purport to help you determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in business. They may be interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining, but even if you “fail,” the “are you capable?” test, ignore the results.

Most tests ask questions such as “Are you an optimist?” Or, “Are you a good leader?” They asked clichéd and superficial questions: “Are you creative?” and “Do you work well with people?” (Anyone asking “Are you a good leader?” A social person? Please ignore the test immediately!)

Why cliche questions don’t apply to female entrepreneurs

No one is an optimist all the time, and being overly optimistic at the wrong time can actually lead to poor business decisions. A successful businesswoman often needs to be a team player—or simply a motivator—rather than always insisting on being on top. And, having an open mind is far more important than being a “creative” person.

Instead of answering questions about how well you work with people you What you should be asking is, who should you work with?

For example, working with family members is a very different thing than working with unrelated employees, and almost everyone can get along with someone who is easygoing. So the question shouldn’t be, “Can you work with difficult, annoying, whiny people?” Because these are the customers and employees you’re most likely to hear – the ones with concerns, complaints, and demands.

A more realistic question is, can you work with a husband who might challenge every business decision you make? Statistically, very few partnerships in which both spouses have equal status in the business continue to run the business together.

Because “people” don’t fit into one category, being a “person” is not a requirement of business as far as I’m concerned. More importantly, the ability to put personal feelings aside and make logical, fact-based business decisions; not emotional decisions made to please others (unless it involves pleasing your customers).

Shouldn’t it be asked instead “Do you love what you’re doing?”

Three things every entrepreneur should cultivate

The “Assessment” test boils down to three very simple things that an entrepreneur should have or be willing to develop that are meaningful assets to successfully starting and running a business.

Please note that the key word here is “development”, not “already have”. The desire, willingness and ability to learn new skills and habits contribute to the success of any business woman.

One is an attitude you can adopt, one is a skill that can be easily learned, and the third is a personality trait that few of us are born with but can successfully master with a little practice.

The three most important things to succeed in business are: