Kimberly Blakley
Survey Summary
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines self-knowledge as understanding of one’s own
capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations. The understanding of such concepts paves the way
for self-developments, which can in turn be the key to having a successful brand, image and/or
career. Evaluation and comprehension of a current state of being is a critical condition for evolving.
My personality is one that constantly seeks balance which makes self-knowledge a necessity for
me.
While analyzing others perceptions of me and my beliefs about myself, I realized that there
are many similarities. Two strengths that I associate with my personality is being both a
communicator and a passionate. After distributing a personality survey, I found that 23 out of 33
participants agreed that I possess at least one of those strengths. My passion can be split into two
categories; passion for my relationships and passion for my goals. Further responses identified me
as being a feline or other animals that protect, serve and care for whatever they hold dear.
Additionally, many answerers associated me with being a train, which is strongly driven and “stops
periodically to pick up others”. This corresponds with the 39.4% of responders that believe one of
my key characteristics is being driven. I also relate to the attributes of being .diplomatic, idealistic
and creative. 15 individuals labeled me as being creative and almost 70% of participants see me
as being someone that can bring together diverse view points and ideas into a cohesive approach.
48% of responses casted me as a type of instrument, which also validated my artistic side. This
data is supportive and consistent with the way in which I perceive myself almost exactly.
Many friends, colleges and mentors were able to pin point strengths that I did not know I
possessed. Such feedback consisted of me being confident, inspiring and a leader. 78.8% of
responders said that, in working with groups, I keep the team motivated and inspired to forge
ahead. Almost 73% of responses stated that I help the team expand its thinking and find ways to
create more than the sum of individual parts. I usually try to stay out of leadership roles in fear of
making the wrong decisions and having others suffer the consequences along with me. It is very
interesting and scary that others see me as being influential and a pioneer, even though I do not
see myself in that same light (yet).
Much like my strengths, there are many weaknesses that I can readily identify within
myself. A few of these weaknesses consist of being overly emotional, assertive and indecisive.
Much of the participant’s feedback correlated with my own ideals. 33% of responders found me
to be aggressive, which can be a strength, but if not balanced can be a devastating flaw. I also
noticed that 10 answers consisted of temperament being one of my greatest shortcomings. In
addition, my overly analytical personality can cause me to hit road blocks and be stuck in an
analysis paralysis type state. The traits listed is information that I expected to find. And, I am
actively seeking opportunities to improve upon said attributes.
On the other hand, I was genuinely shocked to read what some people believe to be my
faults. And some opinion, though I respect, I completely disagree with. A few responders marked
distrust as a flaw by relating unreliability as a major characteristic. 1 individual even insisted that
making less excuses for myself would ensure my success, which I believe is an unfounded thought.
I also noticed that there is a couple weaknesses that I pinpointed, but participants view were
divergent. For example, in the “weakening you weaknesses’ section of the work book, I established
that I have a lack of self-confidence and have a lot of self-doubt. Although approximately 2
opinions were compatible with my own, many responders labeled me as being a confident and
secure individual. I always try to reach the expectations that are set for me and to fulfill the roles
that are needed of me, however, at times I fall short.
I found the overall use of this survey and data to be somewhat confusing, in the sense that
I have of half of my participants directing me to be one way and the other have pulling me in the
opposite direction. For example, in some instances I was told to be more outspoken and “stick to
my guns” and in others I was told to take a step back and not come off as being arrogant.
Information such as this leaves me with questions of how much should I pull back or to what
capacity should I voice my thoughts? I know that I can use my strengths of passion, creativity and
communicating as tools to help me cultivate networks and build rapport in the music industry. As
far as my weaknesses, I must seek activities and training that will allow me to find a balance of
character and/or enhance my strengths to compensate for my faults.