Frequently Asked Questions
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The Big Five model: background and context
Here you’ll find answers to questions about the theoretical Big Five model underlying Myself at Work®, as well as personality tests in general.
What is the Big Five model of personality?
The Big Five model is the most extensively researched and widely accepted model in personality psychology. It describes personality in terms of five dimensions: Openness and Consistency, Conscientiousness and Impulsiveness, Extraversion and Introversion, Agreeableness and Competitiveness, and Sensitivity and Stability.
The model emerged from decades of empirical research. The basic idea is that when the words a language uses to describe personality are systematically grouped, the same five fundamental dimensions emerge again and again. This has been confirmed across numerous cultures and languages, with the strongest body of evidence coming from Western societies.
The Big Five model does not categorize people into types; instead, it measures where they fall along a continuum on each dimension. Each person has an individual score on each of the five dimensions—creating a nuanced profile rather than placing them in a box.
Why is the Big Five model considered a standard in personality research?
The Big Five model is considered a standard in personality research because it has been examined and empirically supported by a vast body of independent research spanning several decades. This sets it apart from popular approaches with little or no supporting scientific evidence.
Three characteristics make the model particularly robust: First, it was not developed by a single individual but emerged through analysis of empirical data. Second, its underlying five-factor structure has been replicated in numerous independent studies. Third, the Big Five model assesses personality along continuous scales rather than assigning people to fixed categories. This provides a more nuanced picture of individual differences than typological approaches.
What do “dimensional” and “typological” mean in personality testing?
Dimensional approaches assess personality traits on continuous scales—for example, from low to high. Typological approaches follow a different logic: They group specific combinations of traits into types and assign people to those types. Individual variation along the scales therefore becomes secondary to type assignment.
The distinction matters in practice: If a continuous scale is divided at the 50% mark to assign people to types, a person scoring 52% would be classified as extraverted, while a person scoring 48% would be classified as introverted. Although their scores are very close, they are assigned to different types. A dimensional model captures both how similar they are and the small difference between them. It shows each person’s position on the scale instead of putting people into boxes.
The Big Five model takes a dimensional approach. The MBTI and DISC use a typological approach, condensing results into personality types and behavioral styles, respectively. The scientific evidence base for the MBTI and DISC does not match that of the Big Five in either breadth or independence. Research on dichotomizing continuous traits also shows that classification based on fixed cutoffs can result in information loss. Dimensional models therefore capture individual differences in greater detail rather than reducing them to a small number of types.
What are the Big Five Aspect Scales (BFAS)?
The Big Five Aspect Scales (BFAS) are a refinement of the classic Big Five model. They distinguish between two aspects within each of the five dimensions, allowing for a more detailed profile.
The BFAS were developed by Colin DeYoung, Lena Quilty, and Jordan Peterson and first published in 2007. In addition to the five scores for the main dimensions, they provide ten aspect scores—two per dimension. For example, within the Extraversion–Introversion dimension, the BFAS distinguish between the aspects Enthusiasm and Assertiveness. Myself at Work presents their opposite poles in value-neutral terms as Calmness and Reserve.
Myself at Work uses the BFAS as its scientific foundation. This allows for a more nuanced assessment that goes beyond the five main dimensions and reveals individual patterns.
Can personality change over a lifetime?
Personality remains relatively stable throughout much of life, but it does change gradually. Research shows that as people age, they tend to become somewhat more conscientious and emotionally stable.
Short-term changes—for example, as a result of life crises, new roles, or therapy—are possible, but they typically affect the degree to which individual facets are expressed rather than the overall profile. A personality profile is not fixed for life, but neither is it merely a snapshot. It describes patterns that generally hold true for several years.
Do the Big Five describe a person’s entire personality?
The Big Five describe the five basic dimensions along which people differ most clearly in their behavior and experience. They account for a large proportion of measurable personality differences, but not all of them.
The Big Five do not directly capture values, motives, intelligence, or culturally shaped behaviors, for example. A personality profile is not a complete picture of a person—it is a robust tool for reflecting on core personality patterns.
How can you tell whether a personality profile is scientifically sound?
A scientifically sound personality profile meets three key criteria: It is based on an empirically validated model, measures personality on continuous scales rather than assigning people to types, and produces stable results when the assessment is repeated.
Other hallmarks of sound assessment are as follows: The scientific studies on the underlying questionnaire have undergone peer review. The reference sample is current and representative. The report avoids deterministic claims—it describes tendencies without treating them as fixed.
Caution is warranted with assessments whose scientific basis is not transparent or that place people into simplistic categories.
Which personality test is the most accurate?
The accuracy of a personality test depends on whether it is based on an empirically validated model, measures personality on continuous scales, and produces stable results when repeated. By these criteria, personality tests based on the Big Five are among those with the strongest scientific support.
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However, the model itself is not the only thing that matters—how it is implemented matters too. A good test requires a carefully constructed questionnaire, a current and representative reference sample, and a report that describes tendencies rather than putting people into boxes.
What is the difference between a personality test and a personality profile?
The term personality test is widely used. In everyday language, however, the word test can give the impression that there are right and wrong answers. That is not what personality is about.
Myself at Work therefore uses the term personality profile. A profile describes trait levels and patterns without judging them. It says nothing about competence, suitability, or intelligence. It is designed for development, not evaluation.
What is the difference between a free personality test and a professional profile?
Free online tests provide an initial overview and can be a good introduction to the subject. Professional profiles such as Myself at Work go much further: They provide a personalized report spanning multiple pages, based on a questionnaire that has been scientifically evaluated.
The key difference lies in the depth and level of detail. Free tests typically display a brief results screen with broad category scores. A professional profile such as Myself at Work provides a personalized report spanning 35 to 38 pages—with concrete descriptions of your own behavioral patterns at work, prompts for reflection, and a detailed look at ten facets rather than just five dimensions.
If you are simply curious, a free test is a useful place to start. Those who want to explore their own patterns in greater depth—on their own or as part of a team—will benefit from a tool that reflects the complexity of personality.
Myself at Work® in detail
Here you’ll find more information about Myself at Work® and the Myself at Work® profile.
What is Myself at Work?
Myself at Work is a Big Five-based personality profile for modern workplaces. It can be purchased directly online. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes, and the result is immediately available as a personalized 35–38-page PDF report.
Its scientific foundation is the Big Five Aspect Scales (BFAS). Each of the five dimensions is presented as a pair of contrasting poles—such as openness and consistency or extraversion and introversion. This underscores the profile’s nonjudgmental approach: Neither pole is better or worse.
Myself at Work is designed as a development tool—for self-reflection, team development, and collaboration in the workplace. It is not intended to assess professional suitability or serve as a recruiting tool.
What model is Myself at Work based on?
Myself at Work is based on the Big Five Aspect Scales (BFAS), a refinement of the classic Big Five model. You can find details about the model and its scientific foundations in the section “The Big Five model in context” above.
How much does a Big Five personality profile cost?
A Myself at Work profile costs €75 excluding VAT (€89.25 including VAT). This price includes everything: the questionnaire, the evaluation, and the full personalized report. There are no additional costs for certification, a coach, or further evaluations.
This places Myself at Work well below the price range of comparable professional personality profiles, which often cost between €200 and €400 and also require a certified consultant. Professional personality assessment should be accessible to as many people as possible—the price has been deliberately set with this in mind.
What does a Myself at Work report include?
Based on the Big Five model of personality, the Myself at Work personality profile describes an individual’s behavioral patterns. In addition to a detailed evaluation across the five dimensions and their associated personality facets, it includes a comprehensive description of these patterns in the workplace.
Each report is 35–38 pages long and fully tailored to the individual’s questionnaire results—not a generic e-book.
The report begins with an overview of the model and the individual profile results, followed by chapters on self-organization at the individual, team, and organizational levels. It then addresses specific aspects such as autonomy, communication, reliability, and innovation. At its core is a detailed examination of each of the five dimensions and its respective facets. The report concludes with tips for further reflection.
Do I need a coach or trainer to use Myself at Work?
No, you do not. Myself at Work is designed to allow users to interpret their results easily and independently. We place a high value on self-empowerment and want to ensure that users can work with their profile without additional support.
However, a coach, consultant, or trainer can be very helpful in a variety of contexts. Just send us a message, and we will be happy to recommend certified coaches, trainers, or consultants.
What sets Myself at Work apart from other personality profiles?
Myself at Work is one of the few Big Five-based development tools that can be purchased directly online without the need for certification—and it costs only a fraction of what established providers typically charge.
Three additional features set it apart: First, the report is geared toward modern, self-organized work—personal responsibility and collaboration rather than hierarchical leadership. No other profile we are aware of has this focus. Second, it uses the Big Five Aspect Scales (BFAS), whose ten facets provide a more nuanced picture than the classic five-factor model. Third, it presents each dimension as a pair of contrasting poles without assigning greater value to either one.
Who is Myself at Work designed for?
Myself at Work is intended for anyone who wants to explore their own personality patterns at work—whether on their own or as part of a team.
Typical users include employees who want to understand themselves better; teams that want to reflect on how they work together; organizations looking for a robust tool to support employee development, team development, or organizational culture initiatives; and coaches and trainers seeking a scientifically sound tool for their work.
The low price per profile means that smaller companies can also use personality profiles company-wide—not just for managers.
Who is behind Myself at Work?
Myself at Work is developed and operated by distinctions GmbH, based in Wiesbaden, Germany. Founded in 2021, the company brings together many years of practical experience with professional personality profiles and a scientifically grounded approach.
Myself at Work is registered in the European Union as a figurative trademark containing word elements. The platform is continually refined, and the questionnaire is regularly calibrated using up-to-date reference samples.
Is Myself at Work GDPR-compliant?
Yes. Myself at Work is operated in Germany and is fully GDPR-compliant. Personal data is processed in encrypted form and deleted within 30 days. Only the person who completed the questionnaire can access the results.
Personality in the Workplace
Here you’ll find more information about what Myself at Work® profiles can be used for and how they can be applied in professional settings.
How do personality profiles help teams work together?
Personality profiles show why team members differ in how they work, communicate, and make decisions. They give teams a shared language for talking about differences. Without it, these differences often lead to misunderstandings or conflict.
Here are some common situations: Two colleagues work through tasks at completely different paces. Someone barely speaks up in meetings, despite having good ideas. Conflicts arise over minor issues even though the underlying cause runs deeper. In situations like these, personality profiles help put the other person’s behavior into context—not as right or wrong, but as an expression of different personality patterns.
The principle here is that personality describes tendencies, not absolutes. A profile does not explain everything, but it establishes a starting point for more open conversations about the way we work together.
Should I use Myself at Work for hiring or promotion decisions?
We advise against it. Myself at Work was designed specifically for personal development. It measures users’ personalities, but not their professional competence or suitability—two areas that are too often conflated with personality.
What does personality have to do with self-organized work?
Self-organized work places greater demands on each person’s ability to reflect. People who understand their own work patterns—such as a preference for structure or flexibility, or for working independently or coordinating with others—can manage these patterns more consciously.
Myself at Work was developed specifically for the modern workplace. The report does not focus on traditional hierarchical leadership, but on personal responsibility, collaboration, autonomy, communication, and dealing with change.
What can Myself at Work be used for?
Myself at Work supports personal development, helps improve collaboration, and can also be used as part of organizational development. Although the content is geared toward the workplace, our customers report that they have also gained valuable insights beyond it—in their personal lives, families, or relationships.
Is Myself at Work suitable for large organizations?
Yes. Myself at Work can be used at different scales—from individual profiles to use within large organizations. The platform is web-based and can be administered independently—without complex implementation projects.
For organizations with larger-scale needs, we offer master agreements and support from certified Practitioners. The low cost per profile makes it possible to offer personality profiles to all employees—not just managers.
What does it mean for a personality profile to be nonjudgmental?
Being nonjudgmental means that no personality trait is inherently good or bad. Each dimension brings specific strengths and challenges in different situations.
Myself at Work presents each dimension as a pair of contrasting poles to underscore this very point. Openness and consistency, extraversion and introversion, sensitivity and stability—each side has value. The profile describes patterns; it does not judge them.
Is there a personality profile specifically for modern ways of working?
Yes. Myself at Work is geared toward modern, self-organized ways of working. The report does not focus on traditional hierarchical leadership models, but on personal responsibility, collaboration, and the demands of today’s work environments.
No other Big Five profile we are aware of has this specific focus. The report covers topics such as individual self-organization, teamwork, autonomy, communication and conflict, reliability, social interaction, organizational learning, and innovation and risk.
Can Myself at Work be used to address conflicts?
Particularly when conflicts have a strong personal component, using Myself at Work profiles can help people understand one another much better and, in turn, support new approaches to resolving the conflict. Using the profiles is particularly helpful when the people involved in the conflict are interested in continuing to interact with one another constructively—or even positively—in the future.
Do the results also apply to my personal life?
Yes, the results generally apply to all areas of our lives. We do not have one set of personality patterns in our personal lives and a different set at work. At times, however, it may feel as though we do. This is usually because we take on different roles in different areas of our lives or may not express ourselves as fully in every context.
How long can I use my Myself at Work profile?
A Myself at Work profile can generally be used for several years. Our personality patterns tend to change slowly or in response to particular circumstances.
When is a new personality profile worthwhile?
We recommend creating a new profile in response to significant career changes, new demands, or other major changes. After a change like this, however, you should wait until you have settled into the new situation.
Certification & coaching
Here you’ll find more information about the Myself at Work® certification program and in-depth coaching.
Is certification required to use Myself at Work profiles professionally?
No, we do not require certification for professional use of Myself at Work profiles. This also applies to coaches, trainers, and consultants who want to use the profiles when working with users. However, we strongly recommend certification because the background knowledge and practical guidance we provide in our certification programs go far beyond what a profile itself can convey.
Who would benefit from certification?
Certification is worthwhile for anyone who wants to use Myself at Work profiles in their work with users. This may include coaches, consultants, or trainers, as well as HR professionals specializing in employee development or Learning & Development experts.
How can I get additional coaching?
We would be happy to provide you with a proposal for one-on-one coaching. You are also welcome to get in touch directly with coaches trained by us.
As a coach or trainer, can I provide my clients with Myself at Work profiles?
Yes. Profiles can be purchased directly from the online store and distributed to clients using license codes. To provide clients with professional guidance, we recommend certification, which offers in-depth knowledge of how to interpret and use the profiles.
Will I receive proof of continuing education when I complete the certification?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the entire Myself at Work certification program, we issue a Myself at Work Practitioner certificate. Upon request, we also provide documentation confirming 35 continuing education hours. This is particularly relevant for coaches and trainers who are required to provide evidence of continuing education on a regular basis. The certificate and documentation of those hours can be used to maintain memberships in professional associations, obtain listings on coaching platforms, or provide clients with proof of qualifications.
Process & delivery
Here you’ll find answers to questions about the questionnaire, receiving your profile, and using license codes.
How long does it take to complete the questionnaire?
As a general guideline, the questionnaire takes about 15 minutes if completed fairly quickly. If you read more slowly or spend more time considering your answers, it may take 20–25 minutes. We recommend answering the questions without interruption and moving through them fairly quickly.
What devices can I use to complete the questionnaire?
You can, of course, complete the questionnaire on a computer, but also on a tablet or smartphone. We recommend completing it in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
How will I receive my Myself at Work profile?
Your Myself at Work profile will be provided digitally. After completing the questionnaire, you will receive a link to download your profile.
How long does it take to receive my results?
Your Myself at Work profile is generated immediately after you submit the completed questionnaire. You will usually receive it within 10–30 minutes.
Can I complete the questionnaire more than once?
The questionnaire can be completed only once per user license. Our personalities are generally relatively stable unless we experience major changes in our lives. The results in your Myself at Work profile therefore remain valid for a long time.
Who else has access to my profile?
Your personal Myself at Work profile can only be accessed through the email address you provided. If you want anyone else to have access, you will need to share the profile with them yourself.
How is my data protected?
We take data protection very seriously and comply with the GDPR. You can find more details in our privacy policy.
Orders & technical support
Here you’ll find information about the purchasing process, invoices, and tax matters, as well as help with technical issues and details about our customer support.
How do I set up an account?
Setting up an account is very easy: you can create one during checkout. This lets you conveniently manage all your licenses and order details in one place. An account also makes it easy to distribute licenses to employees. If you need help setting up your account, we’d be happy to help. Just send us a message. Don’t want to create an account? No problem. You’ll receive all your licenses directly by email.
Can I give a profile as a gift?
Yes, of course. After your purchase, you’ll receive one or more license codes that you can also give as gifts. However, we recommend that only adults complete the questionnaire. It is only partially suitable for children and adolescents.
What payment methods can I use?
You can currently pay directly with PayPal, a credit card, Apple Pay, or iDEAL.
How will I receive my invoice?
Once payment has been processed, your invoice will be sent directly to the email address you provided. Business customers can provide their company address and tax ID.
How many profiles can I order from the online store?
As many as you need. There are no quantity limits when ordering through the online store. Customers who need a large number of profiles or would like to combine Myself at Work profiles with complementary services are welcome to contact us.
As a business customer, how can I get a custom proposal?
Please contact us directly. You can use the contact form on our website.
Can I place an order without using the online store?
Individual Myself at Work personality profiles are available only through the online store. For larger quantities, you have the option to order directly from us.
Who is charged VAT?
We are required to comply with local tax laws. Depending on the tax regulations in the recipient’s country, tax may be charged at the time of purchase. Prices in our online store are generally shown inclusive of VAT. Customers with a billing address in Germany are generally charged VAT. An exception applies to EU business customers with a valid VAT ID.
What happens if I don’t provide a VAT ID?
If a valid VAT ID is not provided at checkout, we are required to charge VAT at the rate applicable in the relevant country.
What happens if I forget to provide my VAT ID?
If a valid VAT ID is not provided at checkout, we are required to charge VAT at the rate applicable in the relevant country. If, in exceptional cases, you would like to request a correction after completing your purchase, please contact us through our contact form.
How can I verify my business status?
Business customers established in the EU can verify their business status using a valid VAT ID. Business customers established outside the EU should do so by entering a unique business identification number, such as a UID, CRN, BRN, or CN.
I can’t find my profile anymore. Can I download it again?
For data protection reasons, we store your results on our servers for up to 30 days. So if you contact us within four weeks of completing the questionnaire, we’ll be happy to generate a new download link for you.
I haven’t received the download link. Who can I contact?
In rare cases, our emails end up in the spam folder. Please check again to see whether the email has ended up in your spam folder or been quarantined by your email program. If you still can’t find it, please send us a message, and we’ll be happy to generate a new download link for you.
I haven’t received the download link. Who can I contact?
In rare cases, our emails end up in the spam folder. Please check again to see whether the email has ended up in your spam folder or been quarantined by your email program. If you still can’t find it, please send us a message, and we’ll be happy to generate a new download link for you.Please use the contact form or email us directly at support[at]myselfatwork.com
How can I contact technical support?
Please use the contact form or email us directly at support[at]myselfatwork.com