Dimensions of the graph
The Team Fit graph plots selected candidates and coworkers in the team that you are hiring for over two dimensions, Initiating-Finishing and Relationship-Results focus.
Initiating-Finishing
This is the horizontal axis in the graph. It represents an individual's preference for initiating versus finishing tasks. Another way of thinking about this is whether the individual prefers starting up new ideas and projects, or whether the person is more inclined to work to completion on tasks given.
This axis is constructed from facets of Openness and Extraversion. Specifically:
Openness: Curiosity
Openness: Change orientation
Extraversion: Assertiveness
Extraversion: Energy level
Relationship-Results focus
This is the vertical axis in the graph. It represents the general orientation towards either results or other people. In other words, whether a person is more interested in understanding and maintaining relationships in the team or if they likely prioritize the task instead.
This axis is constructed from facets of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. Specifically:
Conscientiousness: Goal orientation
Conscientiousness: Carefulness
Agreeableness: Compassion
Agreeableness: Politeness
Interpreting the graph
Based on the above, results in the graph can be interpreted according to the following rules of thumb. Note, however, that there will always be exceptions and that these guidelines are based on general patterns. Do not take them as absolute truths, but rather as indications of potential strengths and challenges.
Where is the team on the vertical axis? Generally, a certain mix is positive, but some patterns may represent warning signs. A team that is only plotted in the lower half of the graph may have difficulty delivering on targets, due to a lack of task focus. A team with a very large spread in the vertical axis may have a hard time agreeing on both ambition level and a preferred team climate.
Where is the team on the horizontal axis? A team with a relatively large spread in the horizontal axis has the benefit of including both members who like to initiate new projects and members who prefer finishing what has been started. If the whole team is plotted to the right, there is likely no lack of action and future-oriented ideas, but on the other hand the group may have a hard time finishing things. A team where all members are mapped to the left probably follows through on tasks with great thoroughness, but may have gaps when it comes to relationship building and change orientation.
Missing profiles. The fact that a certain profile is missing from the team in the absolute view does not need to be a problem - the interpretation depends on the context. For instance, if an entrepreneurial startup team completely lacks a driver, this may represent a warning flag: Someone needs to drive towards results and make sure things get done. In other types of teams, however, e.g. some creative ones, this may not be a problem at all.
If you would like additional support in interpreting your team's dynamics, please reach out to our customer support or your dedicated customer success manager.