The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
by
Carla Rieger
The Change Artist
Your strengths and challenges: Try this self-quiz to determine your dominant style
(your strengths and challenges) when it comes to reinventing yourself, moving
through transitions or facing change. After the quiz read about your style and how
you might enhance this skill even more by incorporating other styles. It helps to print
out this quiz and then fill it in by hand.
Focus on your “default” response: Choose the letter of the statement that most closely resembles your
top default response. Keep in mind that sometimes people change how they respond to match the
expectations
others,
such as family, employers or the social group they are part of. Since this quiz is for
Thank
Godof it’s
Monday!
your eyes only, answer based on how you would respond if there were no outside pressure. Also, you may
find that more than one response is true for you or none of them seem true. In those situations choose the
one response that you would go with first, or skip the question completely.
This is just a guide: This quiz is just a guide to identify broad categories of behaviour in the context of
reinvention. We are all unique and this material should in no way be used to stereotype yourself or others.
The purpose is to see where you might want to improve your skills at reinvention. No one style is better
than another. And, people constantly adapt and so will you for the rest of your life. If you have any
questions, please email: [email protected].
1.
Think of the last time you wanted to reinvent an aspect of your life, such as a new job, career
or business, etc. Once you identified the need for change, which behaviour most closely
describes how you approached the reinvention process:
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
You immediately explored a variety of new possibilities, talked to different people, and tried
on many ideas until you found what you wanted, then enthusiastically jumped into the new.
You deliberated for a while on the decision, talked out the pros and cons with several
people, then took action but only with the encouragement from others.
You chose a specific goal for reinvention, mapped it out, then took the necessary actions on
your own.
You deliberated on the decision for quite a while on your own, researched the pros and cons,
analyzed the situation from a variety of angles until you were absolutely certain it was the
right decision.
Think of the last time you had to deal with an unwanted change where the stakes were high
for you, such as a job loss or big financial downturn in your business, etc. After the initial
shock wore off, which behaviour most closely describes how you first approached it:
a.
b.
c.
d.
You talked one-on-one with people you knew and trusted.
You talked to as many people as possible to help you (people you know, professionals, and
even strangers).
You preferred to deal with the situation privately where possible, then you researched
solutions and created an action plan.
You kept going without engaging anyone else in the process in hopes that it would eventually
turn itself around.
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
3.
In terms of your attitude towards reinventing your work life (or how you contribute to the
world), which statement most closely resembles you?
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
b.
c.
d.
You held onto the old in some way for a while (e.g. regularly visiting friends at your old
workplace or reminiscing over photos).
You immediately erased anything to do with the old (e.g. throwing out photos, purposely
cutting off communication), willing yourself to let go and move forward.
You absorbed yourself so much in your new endeavour that you forgot to even think about
the old one.
Thoughts of your old job, business or career stayed with you for a long time and part of you
wished for it back, even though another part of you wanted the new situation. It wasn’t until
the new situation felt more comfortable and familiar that you finally let go of wanting the old
back.
Of these four personality traits, you consider your strongest to be:
a.
b.
c.
d.
6.
Generally, I dislike too much change and prefer a sense of consistency.
Generally, I prefer more variety, and less consistency.
I welcome both change and consistency if it helps me get closer to my work goals.
I welcome both change and consistency if it helps me get closer to people in my life.
In order to reinvent you must transition from one thing (or identity) to another. One reason people
avoid or delay reinventions is that, by necessity, they need to go through an ending, or death, of the
old. Humans are genetically programmed to become fearful in the face of the unknown and to
naturally grieve endings, so will resist even a desired change. Think of the last time you chose to
reinvent your work life in some way, which of these statements most closely resembles your
response to endings:
a.
5.
2
Compassion
Assertiveness
Imagination
Persistence
The statement that most closely describes you is:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sensible and balanced
Rational and quick-witted
Kind and reliable
Creative and fiery
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
7.
Think of the last time you moved. Which statement most closely resembles your response:
a.
b.
c.
d.
8.
I find a way to adapt, but I don’t seek it out.
Change equals opportunity and I love to see where it will take me.
I do what I can to avoid too much change; I prefer stability.
Change equals opportunity as long as I can guide its course.
Which attitude towards chaos in your physical environment most closely resembles you:
a.
b.
c.
d.
12.
It usually stimulates and energizes me.
It usually revitalizes me if I can create a special connection with someone in the process.
It usually taxes my reserves, unless there is an important person there I want to meet.
It usually taxes my reserves, so I arrange not to be in that situation very often.
In terms of life bringing you unexpected change, what is your general attitude?
a.
b.
c.
d.
11.
I research and analyze each possibility.
I go with gut instinct.
I weigh each possibility against my long and short term goals.
I ask several people for their perspectives.
What is your typical response to new and non-routine interaction with others (such as
going to a social event where you don’t know very many people)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
10.
I disliked the disruption in my productivity, but I enjoyed planning how to do the move as
efficiently as possible.
I disliked having to deal with all the details of the move, but I enjoyed the creative process
of re-designing my new living space.
I disliked the disruption of my familiar world, but enjoyed figuring out how to solve the
practical and technical set ups.
I disliked having to organize it all, but enjoyed being with the people who helped me do it.
What do you do when faced with a fork in the road? For example, you are offered two
different jobs. Even though you may eventually respond in many ways, which one would
you do first?
a.
b.
c.
d.
9.
3
I dislike it and take the necessary actions to maintain a more orderly environment.
I dislike it but don’t seem to be able to keep things orderly.
I don’t mind a bit of chaos as long as it feels homey.
I prefer it, too much orderliness makes me nervous.
Which description most fits you?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Hard working and ambitious
Animated and gregarious
Practical and technical
Cooperative and gentle
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
4
13. Which is the most admirable trait when going through a reinvention:
a.
b.
c.
d.
The ability to be organized and methodical.
The ability to take charge in a chaotic situation.
The ability to motivate yourself and others to succeed.
The ability to be compassionate towards yourself and others through the challenging parts of
the process.
14. If someone you are close to opposes a reinvention you want to go through (e.g. going back
to school, or moving to a different city), the first thing you tend to want to do is:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Make sure they understand why you want to do this.
Make sure you find a way to accommodate their needs as best as possible.
Show them how they will also benefit from the change.
Problem-solve the disagreement via a compromise.
15. Most people, at some point in their lives, have made a reinvention decision that seemed to
go wrong (e.g. lost money on a business venture or chose a job that was the wrong fit).
Think of a time when that happened to you. What was your predominant response?
a.
b.
c.
d.
You lost confidence for a while, but then you eventually analyzed the situation to learn how
to make a better decision next time.
You lost confidence for a while, but then sought the support of others to find a way to move
forward again.
It slowed you down for a short while, but through good strategy you were determined to find
something that worked.
You figured it was just a numbers game, so you jumped back into the game right away and
kept trying different things in hopes of something turning around eventually.
16. If you were part of a committee to reinvent your team’s workspace for better productivity,
which of these 4 tasks would be the best for you?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Poll and interview people individually in the office for their opinion.
Research what’s available, the costs and installation, etc.
Lead the committee through the decision-making and implementation.
Give a presentation to people explaining the process and asking for feedback.
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
5
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
Reinvention Style Quiz - Answers
Circle the answers you chose. Then, count the number of I's, E's, A's, and S's you have
at the bottom
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
a. E
a. A
a. S
a. A
a. A
a. S
a. I
a. S
a. E
a. A
a. I
a. I
a. S
a. I
a. S
a. A
b. A
b. E
b. E
b. I
b. I
b. I
b. E
b. E
b. A
b. E
b. S
b. E
b. I
b. A
b. A
b. S
c. I
c. I
c. I
c. E
c. E
c. A
c. S
c. I
c. I
c. S
c. A
c. S
c. E
c. E
c. I
c. I
d. S
d. S
d. A
d. S
d. S
d. E
d. A
d. A
d. S
d. I
d. E
d. A
d. A
d. S
d. E
d. E
Total I's _____
Total E’s ______
Total A's ______
Total S's ______
Total should come to 16
On the next few pages you can read about the various Reinvention personality styles.
Keep in mind, the descriptions that follow are exaggerated examples to illustrate how
they differ. Most people are a combination of the four styles, and some people are so
unique, they don't fit into any quadrant. Different styles of reinvention are useful at
different stages through the reinvention process. Use the descriptions simply as a
guideline to help you explore your dominant style and how you might want to add in
more of the other styles where appropriate.
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
6
Explorer
Explorers are people-oriented, fast-paced and enthusiastic. They are the visionaries of the
world who use their intuition to guide them. They tend to be animated, outgoing, spontaneous,
excitable and sociable. They are ideas people who like to explore bold new possibilities and
can think “outside the box” more easily than other styles.
If over-balanced in this style they may jump into change before considering all the
consequences and be overly optimistic and indiscriminate. They may get off track too easily
and miss out on true growth because they don’t know how to stabilize and focus. They may
also throw off those close to them by taking drastic steps too quickly.
How to recognize Explorers
They tend to:
be bold risk takers
be somewhat disorganized
have trouble being on time and keeping track of details
be charismatic and not afraid to be different
think in innovative ways
like to talk about themselves
are great at starting new projects but not so great on follow through
excellent at influencing others
Professions where you find many Explorers
Sales, marketing, PR, advertising
Trial Lawyer
Entertainer
Artistic director
Social director
Designer
Famous people who are predominantly Explorers
Robin Williams - Entertainer
Nikola Tesla - Inventor
Robert Downey Jr - Actor
Carrot Top - Entertainer
Madonna - Entertainer
Dolly Parton - Singer
Mozart - Musician
Frida Kahlo - Artist
Penelope Cruz - Actor
Marlon Brando - Actor
Michael Richards (Kramer on Seinfeld) - Actor
Angelina Jolie - Actor
Jim Carrey - Comedian
Mae West - Entertainer
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change
tool
for understanding
how Branson - CEO of Virgin Atlantic
Sir Richard
Ogmanagement
Mandino - Sales
Trainer
you move through change
7
Initiator
Initiators are fast-paced and direct, like Explorers, but are more task-oriented than peopleoriented. They tend to be hard working, ambitious, leader types. They are good at making
decisions quickly and efficiently. They are goal-oriented, assertive and confident. Initiators
are the take-charge people who let nothing stop them. During reinventions they are great at
taking bold, clear, decisive action on new initiatives.
If over-balanced in this style they may be too impatient and judgmental during challenging
transitions. This could mean they miss out on the next harvest of their life, because they
haven’t let themselves properly replenish and renew during the “Winter of Change”, and
may skip steps and jump into something before they are ready. They may also alienate
those close to them by not including them more in their change process.
How to recognize Initiators
They tend to:
like timeliness and efficiency
take calculated risks
be decisive and focused
take a leadership role in most situations
ask pointed or challenging questions
have strong opinions and creative ideas to share
be self starters
Professions where you find many Initiators
Corporate CEO
Politician
Stockbroker
Lawyer
Independent consultant
Film/TV Director
Entrepreneur
Famous people who are predominantly Initiators
Simon Cowell - Reality show judge
Steve Jobs - CEO of Apple
George Clooney - Actor
Margaret Thatcher - Politician
Chris Rock - Comedian
Brad Pitt - Actor
Jennifer Aniston - Actor
Clint Eastwood - Actor
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
©
The Transition
Style
Candace Bergen
- Actor Assessment
David Letterman - TV Host
Judi Dench - Actor
Tom Cruise - Actor
A change
management tool for understanding
how
James Cameron - Director
Jason Alexander (George on Seinfeld) - Actor
you move through change
8
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are task-oriented like Initiators; however they are more indirect and slowerpaced. Stabilizers tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, thinker types who like predictability.
They are persistent, good problem solvers, and pride themselves on their loyalty and
practicality. During a reinvention they have the patience to take whatever time is needed to
let go of the old, renew and reconfigure. Because they reinvent more slowly, their movement
into the new tends to be very grounded and stable.
If over-balanced in this style they may be too rigid, closed-minded, and overly pessimistic
about new ideas, causing them to miss out on good opportunities for reinvention. They are
more likely than other styles to get stuck in the “Winter of Change” which can frustrate
others who feel it’s time to move forward.
How to recognize Stabilizers
They tend to:
not initiate conversations, wait for others to do that
need facts, figures, statistics and proof before making a change
be dependable and secure
prefer tradition over innovation
have difficulty establishing priorities
wait for change to happen to them, rather than making it happen
Professions where you find many Stabilizers
Accountant or Bookkeeper
Secretary
Repair person
Engineer
Technician
Tradesperson
Jeweller
Scientist
Famous people who are predominantly Stabilizers
Bill Gates - CEO of Microsoft
Rick Moranis - Comedian
Steven Wright - Comedian
Woody Allen - Director
Leonard Nimoy - Actor
Ellen Degeneris - TV Host
Deepak Chopra - Speaker
David Whyte - Poet
Kate Winslet - Actor
Angela Lansbury - Actor
Dalai Lama - Spiritual leader
Anthony Hopkins - Actor
Julia Louise Dreyfuss (Elaine on Seinfeld) - Actor
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
9
Adjuster
Adjusters are easy going and indirect like Stabilizers, but they are more people-oriented like Explorers.
They are warm, friendly, gentle and cooperative. They value relationships over goals. They are good at
listening, have a sweet temperament, and tend to be open-minded. Most people find them to be loving
and emotionally intuitive. During a reinvention they are more likely to take the time to properly explore
before jumping into something new. They are good at garnering the support they need to move
forward.
If over-balanced in this style they can be too passive or timid during transitions, not taking the bold
actions that are necessary. They may over accommodate to please others and choose approval over
self fulfillment; which can lead to getting stuck in the “Winter of Change” far too long.
How to recognize Adjusters
They tend to:
be helpful and attentive
like to both talk and listen
be down-to-earth
show gratitude easily
work well as part of a team
be overly sensitive
be good at adapting when change hits
let change come to them rather than make it happen
Professions where you find many Adjusters
Counselor
Teacher
Minister
Human Resources Manager
Nurse or Caregiver
Social Worker
Philanthropist or Humanitarian
Famous people who are predominantly Adjusters
Mary Tyler Moore - Actor
Oprah Winfrey - TV host
Jerry Seinfeld - Actor
Jack Canfield - Speaker
Jimmy Stewart - Actor
Sally Field - Actor
Bill Cosby - Actor
Elizabeth Gilbert - Author of Eat, Pray, Love
Barack Obama - Politician
Martin Luther King Jr. - Human Rights Activist
Jimmy Carter - Politician
Bill Clinton - Politician
continue...
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
The Transition Style Assessment
©
A change management tool for understanding how
you move through change
Further Resources
No one style is better than another; rather, having access to all styles can help you move through
the various stages of reinvention with more ease. This quiz is designed to help you start building
your ability to continually reinvent yourself in constructive ways. Below are other resources that
may be helpful to you.
The Art of Reinvention - White Paper
If you liked this process, and want to continue the exploration of your
reinvention, you can get a 19- page white paper that helps you explore
what might be next for you in terms of a job, career, or business
reinvention. Just go to our Online Store at
http://www.ArtistryofChange.com/Online_Store and click on
The Art of Reinvention. It’s only $4.97 and takes about an hour to do the
whole thing. It’s a powerful way to move on from the Winter of Change
into the Spring.
The Change Artist - A Story of Reinvention
If you would like to read a book in which this reinvention process is
embedded in a story check out the award winning novel The Change Artist
by Carla Rieger: at http://www.thechangeartistbook.com.
“A fascinating story of transformation and how to release the past so you
can finally re-create yourself.” - Sidra Stone, Bestselling Author of The
Shadow King
The Art of Reinvention Live Programs
Your organization or association can hire Carla Rieger to give a keynote, half day, or 1-3 day
program on The Art of Reinvention. Call 1-866-294-2988 or email: [email protected]
for more details.
If you wish to use any part of this quiz for commercial purposes or for information on booking an
Art of Reinvention program, please contact us at www.ArtistryofChange.com or toll-free at 1-866-294-2988
10