As you may have read, I’m an INTJ (or Architect) and a DiSC Panther.  As part of recent communication with a recruiter, I’ve partaken in yet another personality test.  This one pegs me as an Administrator.  Keeping in mind a certain amount of salt needs to be taken with such tests as these tests are all made up and personalties are fluid.

An Administrator is precise and reserved.  They want to do things right and pay attention to detail.  Had this test produced the same output as my DiSC appraisal, I’d most likely have been a Driver (they want to take charge in order to succeed and win) with a smattering of Promoter (wanting to influence others and inspire them to act).  As it is, I’m, 38% Driver, 50% promoter and 100% Administrator according the latest test.

Administrators like working where there are clearly defined goals, their analytical skills are used and they are very business-like.

Administrators can be summarised (if that is possible) as:

• Strives to produce accurate and precise work.
• Follows directions and standards rigorously.
• Excellent at controlling quality output.
• Focuses on detail.
• Brings reality to the situation.
• Enjoys working to the guidelines.
• Always checks for accuracy.
• Will comply with management requests.
• Adheres to procedures and policies.
• Tries to avoid conflict.

The Strengths of an Administrator and how they can benefit you

Strives to produce accurate and precise work / Always checks for accuracy

I cringe when I’ve produced a document and see there’s an “s” missing from the end of a word, or my proof reading has missed a change of tense that autocorrect has touched. That’s why I put documents I’ve created aside for 24 hours before I revisit them as I tend to see what is written, not what I think is written.

When it comes to other’s documents, bring out the fine tooth comb and highlighter!

With regards to accuracy, one needs to be accurate when reporting or designing/documenting methods as if not, sloppy outcomes result.

Follows directions and standards rigorously / Enjoys working to the guidelines / Adheres to procedures and policies

This is in direct conflict with the INTJ which supposedly loathes structure.  As stated in that post…

I definitely loathe rules and regulations where there is no logic to why they were put in place.  Good examples are requiring solid rear lights on cycle competitors on non-closed roads in Victoria and high visibility vests on learner motorcyclists.  For myself, I love schedules and documenting things as quite often I’ll imagine I’ve done something when I have not, hence my love of scheduling and documenting.

When it comes to the scientific process, I’m a stickler for the rules.  Follow the regulations.  Follow the guidelines.  Follow your internal policies, standard operating procedures and operation instructions.  Document and record what you do.  If you missed a step, document that. Audit your processes to make sure you are following the rules and have not missed anything.  Train your teams to ensure they follow the rules and can critically examine procedures at each use.

Excellent at controlling quality output

Enough said, really.

Brings reality to the situation

Having lead teams and delegated work, I’ve gotten good at managing expectations and providing feedback on what actually can be done with the resources and timeline made available to me.

For example, wanting a result in two days when the regulations require a seven-day incubation.  It’s not going to happen.

For medium to long-term projects, the use of Gantt charts and project management principles can also provide realistic timelines and expectations.

Will comply with management requests

If management requests are fair and reasonable, then yes.  Otherwise, I’ll advise why what they ask cannot be done, or if it cannot be done by date A, why not and provide a realistic date.

Tries to avoid conflict

In so far as I like a harmonious work environment.  Diffusing or circumventing conflicts is the way to go, both in office politics and in the actual work tasks at hand. With regards to quality assurance, I most certainly want to avoid conflict with the regulations.

But what about my Weaknesses?

Demotivated by conflict:  Hmm.  Not so much.  In QA and QC roles, I am motivated by conflict as I want to eliminate it!

Dislike vagueness and inaccuracy:  In my career, most certainly.  Following procedures and being accuracy are required.  At all times, I like to know they why’s and how’s of everything.

Cold and dispassionate:  Here I can come across as rude or arrogant at times.  However, I try not to be and scientists are supposed to be objective in their work anyway, so bonus points to me.

Needs more awareness of feeling of others:  I think not.  I am quite aware of the feeling of others. That is why I like to manage change and communicate the how’s and whys, which in turn, results in a decreased chance of conflicts.  As a team leader, I try to be fair and diplomatic.

Lack of small talk:  I’ll small talk where it assists my ultimate aims.  Otherwise, no.  I will not discuss reality TV or similar.

Continually seeks detailed instructions and clearly defined responsibilities: I disagree with this. I like to develop my own instructions which tend to be detailed.  Responsibilities are provided in internal polices and procedures, guidelines and regs and I certainly do no keep asking for such information over and over!

Conclusion

My Administrator traits can contribute to your company’s success in the following ways:

• I follow the regs and guidelines and enjoy doing so.
• I love documentation.
• My output is accurate and compliant.
• If ideas or demands are unrealistic, I’ll tell you why and offer alternatives.
• By avoiding conflict, I ensure things run smoothly and you/we are audit ready.

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