Earlier this month I was certified in an assessment called the CPI-260.
The CPI-260 is a cousin of the Myers Briggs assessment (MBTI). It focuses on our capacity for leadership and how we are perceived by objective and knowledgeable people. In other words, how our friends and colleagues view us. The CPI-260 is useful in business settings as a coaching tool for leadership development
One of the components assessed is “Good Impression”. Individuals who score higher on good impression are “careful to present a favourable image to others, deferential to those in authority, comply with rules of polite behaviour”.
Those that score lower are “not very much concerned about the image presented to others, skeptical, frank, and may be individualistic”.
Where do you think you sit?
With this assessment, people can present themselves in a more favorable light while taking it, they can “fake good.”
Meaning, they attempt to answer the questions in a way that will please the reviewer, as opposed to providing their authentic answer. When this happens it is called “Faking Good”. The flag for an assessment where the individual has “faked good” is a higher-than-normal Good Impression score.
All of this made me smile, as my Good Impression score was a solidly individualistic 37 out of 100. It turns out I am not too concerned about what others think of me. So the “faking good” concept did not apply. But it did get me thinking…
Are there places where I “fake good”?
I can think of a first day in a new job, or when I want to create a positive environment for my daughter (i.e. be nice to her teachers and coaches ), or when I really need someone to do something for me (which borders on manipulation so careful here), and I’m ALWAYS nice to flight attendants. ALWAYS (even the crabby ones).
Where do you “fake good”?
When do you want to rip someone’s hair out but know it is a far better idea to plaster on a smile and find a way to be polite?
Perhaps at the airport?
At work?
How do you balance politeness/social norms with your own authenticity? Are there places and people with whom you know you can just be you? Do you have enough of those? When we manage aspects of who we are to fit in, it takes energy. A sense of belonging is a source of deep energy and wellness. Where do you have it? And where are you “faking good?”… What is the ratio? Do you want it to be different? Are there new places to explore?
Something to think about.
Have at ‘er.