Category: Uncategorized

5 Best Practices for a Successful Applicant Experience

In the field of recruitment, we often hear buzzwords like employer brand, candidate experience, return on investment (ROI), recruitment process, and so on… But what if I told you that all of these terms are interrelated and stem largely from the candidate’s experience? In the following article, we’ll outline the importance of the candidate experience, as well as our top five (5) best practices for ensuring a unique and ideal recruitment process.

The Importance of Candidate Experience when Recruiting

First, we need to define the candidate experience. Within the context of recruitment, the candidate experience refers to the set of perceptions, emotions and insights that a candidate develops throughout the recruitment process. This includes all interactions between the candidate and the company, from the initial inquiry to the receipt of an offer of employment or a negative response.

Given the ever-changing nature of the job market, it’s fair to say that candidates’ expectations are evolving in tandem. Applicants are no longer attracted by a company’s reputation alone, but also by the experience gained throughout the recruitment processIt’s not about trying to wow people, it’s about providing them with a unique experience that makes them feel valued (whether or not they are selected for the job they want).

So, here are a few reasons why the candidate experience is crucial to your staffing processes:

  • Attracting Talent: A positive candidate experience can draw in high-quality talent. Candidates are more likely to apply and refer the company to others if they have had a pleasant and positive experience during the recruitment process.
  • Corporate Reputation: Candidate experience plays an essential role in a company’s overall reputation. Candidates often share their experiences with their network, be it informally or through online platforms (e.g. Glassdoor). A bad experience can damage a company’s reputation and deter other talents from applying.
  • Commitment & Retention: Candidates with positive experiences during the recruitment process are more likely to engage with the company and stay loyal to it afterward. They embark on their career with the company with a positive impression, which can improve their long-term commitment and satisfaction.
  • Competitive Differentiation: In a competitive job market, providing an excellent candidate experience can set your company apart from the competition. Organizations that ensure candidates are treated fairly from the outset of the recruitment process have a competitive advantage in attracting the best talent.
  • Recruitment Process Efficiency: A well-structured, candidate-friendly recruitment process can improve overall recruitment efficiency. Candidates are better informed, thus reducing misunderstandings and delays. Moreover, recruiters can secure higher-quality applications and make better-informed decisions.
  • Return on Investment: Investing in a strong candidate experience can have a significant return on investment, reducing costs associated with early departures, poor reputation, and the need to re-hire. It can also help in getting the word out to attract new talents at no extra recruiting cost.

5 Best Practices for a Successful Candidate Experience

1. Clear and Timely Communication

Effective communication is vital at every stage of the recruitment process. Brief people on the status of their application, next steps, and expected deadlines. Answer questions promptly and provide constructive feedback following interviews.

2. Simplified Application Process

A tedious or needlessly lengthy application process can deter potential candidates. Make sure the application form is simple, intuitive and quick to complete. Incorporate technologies that make it easy for candidates to apply via their mobile platforms or integrations with professional social networks.

3. Meeting Deadlines

Stick to agreed deadlines for all stages of the recruitment process. Candidates value transparency and punctuality. Should a delay prove unavoidable, quickly notify the parties involved and provide a new estimated deadline.

4. Structured and Respectful Interview

Conduct well-structured interviews with questions that are relevant and appropriate to the position. Treat everyone with respect and professionalism, providing a positive experience whether or not they are successful. Set aside time to answer candidates’ questions about the company and the position.

5. Constructive Feedback

Give detailed, constructive feedback to each candidate after interviews and testing, regardless of whether they’ve been selected. This shows your regard and can help people improve in view of future opportunities, all while enhancing your company’s reputation.

Enhancing the candidate experience is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. Read our latest blog on the 5 best practices for a successful candidate experience and how to integrate them into your recruitment process!

Dotation - sélection de personnel

What role does corporate culture play in a team’s success, and how can you create a winning culture?

A strong and positive corporate culture can serve as the bedrock for high-performing teams, leading organizations toward their goals, and ensuring employees are engaged and motivated. In this article, we explain the critical role that corporate culture plays in the success of a team and explore strategies for creating a winning culture within your organization.

 

The Importance of Corporate culture in Team Success

A company’s culture encompasses its values, beliefs, and behaviours. A positive and supportive culture creates an environment where employees feel motivated, engaged, and committed to their work. When employees feel valued and supported within their work environment, they are more likely to be innovative, take risks, and contribute their best efforts to the team’s success. By exemplifying and promoting the organization’s core values, leaders set the tone for the entire team. Effective management practices that prioritize trust, transparency, and respect further strengthen the culture and enhance team dynamics.

How do you determine if a candidate is a good culture fit?

 

Key Elements of a Winning Corporate culture

A company’s culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that shape the environment in which employees work. Cultures can vary widely, but successful organizations tend to share some common traits in their cultures.

Core Values and Mission

A company’s core values and mission statement serve as the foundation of its culture. These statements define the purpose and direction of the organization, aligning everyone toward a common goal.

Effective Communication

Clear and open communication is vital for any successful team. A strong culture that encourages transparency and active dialogue fosters trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are more likely to be motivated and productive. A positive work environment and opportunities for employee development are key factors in fostering engagement.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Teams that work well together are often the most successful. Cultures that promote collaboration and encourage employees to share ideas and expertise create a strong sense of unity.

 

Building a Positive and Supportive Team Environment

Creating a positive team environment begins with the organization’s leaders. Management teams should actively demonstrate the values and behaviours they expect from employees. This sets the tone for the entire organization and influences how employees perceive the corporate culture.

To build a winning culture, it is important to prioritize open and transparent communication channels. Encourage regular employee feedback and provide opportunities for their development. By conducting skill-level assessments, you can have a comprehensive view of your team’’s strengths and weaknesses. This will help you devise strategies to improve their professional development and give them the tools they need to help you achieve your business goals.

How to measure your leadership skills

 

Fostering Collaboration and Communication Within the Team

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful team, enabling members to work together toward common objectives and strategies. Encouraging active participation and open dialogue among team members is essential to achieving a positive work environment.

To promote a culture of collaboration and open communication, consider the following strategies:

  • Regular Team Meetings: Hold regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and encourage input from all team members.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback channels for employees to express their opinions, ideas, and concerns.
  • Effective Team Cultures: Encourage teams to develop their unique cultures while aligning with the overarching corporate culture.

 

Aligning Company Values with Team Goals

One of the keys to team success is aligning the company’s core values with the team’s objectives. Ensure that team goals support the organization’s larger mission and values. This alignment creates a sense of purpose and direction for team members, motivating them to work toward common goals.

Start by clearly defining and communicating the mission statement and company values to all team members so that everyone understands the overarching purpose and shared values of the organization. Next, leaders need to actively reinforce these values through their actions and decisions, serving as role models for the team.

Regularly review and your team’s skill set to ensure they are aligned with the company’’s goals and values. Provide growth opportunities and encourage employees to use their individual strengths for collaboration. This way, you can create a positive environment that drives employee performance and leads to success.

 

Recognizing and Rewarding Team Achievements

Recognition is a powerful tool that reinforces the values and behaviours that contribute to success. Whether it is a simple encouraging word during a team meeting or a more formal recognition program, acknowledging the accomplishments of individuals and teams demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements regularly. This recognition can take various forms, from verbal praise to tangible rewards. Recognizing individual and collective contributions fosters a positive culture of appreciation.

 

Promoting Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-Being

A healthy work-life balance and employee well-being are essential aspects of a winning culture. Organizations should provide resources and support to help employees maintain this balance. Initiatives like flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and employee perks can contribute significantly to employee satisfaction and morale.

By encouraging employees to have a healthy separation between work and personal life, companies can ensure that employees have the time and energy to recharge, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and generous vacation policies are effective ways to promote work-life balance.

How to use critical thinking tests in the hiring process

 

Strategies for Creating a Strong and Sustainable Corporate Culture

Building and maintaining a strong corporate culture is an ongoing process. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Cultural Initiatives: Develop specific initiatives that reinforce the desired culture and values.
  • Culture Audits: Regularly assess the current culture to identify areas for improvement.
  • Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture of learning and growth by providing opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing.
  • Positive Corporate culture Forms: Recognize that culture can take various forms, such as clan culture (family-like), adhocracy culture (innovative and dynamic), or market culture (results-driven).
  • Conversations About Culture: Encourage open dialogues about culture within the organization, allowing employees to contribute to its development.
  • Assess the company’s values:  Assess how the company’s values are shared by management and employees and make sure that there is a good fit.

 

Unlock Your Team’s Full Potential with Skill-Level Assessments

Assessing your employees skills is the first step toward creating a thriving corporate culture and achieving your organizational goals. HRID can help you improve every aspect of your organizational culture through state-of-the-art testing strategies. You can assess how your employees share the company’s values and the extent to which it matches your vision and strategic position. The ID-Values is the best tool available to meet this objective.

Our skill-level assessments come with tailored strategies for creating a strong corporate culture. From cultural initiatives to continuous learning, we provide you with the tools to actively shape your organization’s future.

 

Professional skill assessments

Why Opt for Management?

Why Opt for Management?

Management is an essential activity, ensuring that the company is both viable on a long-term scale and profitable in a competitive market. This approach encompasses several fields linked to a project’s viability (administration, human resources, production, marketing, etc.) to create an environment conducive to growth. To achieve this, a good manager must possess excellent management skills. We explain the importance of management in this article and help you measure your skills as a manager.

What is management?

Management is the implementation of processes and tools to optimize a company’s resources and achieve its objectives. It is based on 5 fundamental pillars:

Objectives

This involves defining SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) objectives. They must be consistent with the company’s overall vision and its economic environment.

Action Plan

An action plan is a document that identifies the main tasks to be undertaken in order to achieve defined objectives. It includes:

  • Responsibilities;
  • Resources;
  • Calendar;
  • Follow-up indicators.

Controlling

It’s a day-to-day activity for operational management, enabling performance indicators to be tracked and variances between actual and forecast figures to be calculated. The greater the number of measurements, the more effective management control will be.

Strategy Optimization

The manager modifies the strategy according to the results obtained and any changes in the company’s internal or external environment.

Responding to Unforeseen Events

Management enables us to deal with the challenges and unforeseen events that can disrupt business operations. It establishes corrective actions and a forward-looking risk management plan.

Difference between Management and Administration?

Management focuses on day-to-day administration and specific activities (human resources management, financial management, purchasing management, etc.), while organizational or company management refers to the guidelines for achieving strategic objectives.

What is entrepreneurship?

What types of management are available?

Administrative Management

Administrative management covers the tasks involved in keeping a company running smoothly. It includes documentation, human resources, regulatory compliance, external communication (public relations), etc.

Human Resources Management

Human Resources Management is mainly concerned with recruitment, ongoing training and employee payments. The HR department often includes a career management service. This aims to optimize internal mobility by making adjustments between available skills and functions within the company.

Project Management

Project Management involves planning, executing and completing projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget. Project managers tend to break down the project into more manageable components.

Financial management

Financial management involves planning, directing and controlling a company’s financial resources:

  • Financial planning: Anticipates the need for funds to ensure the company’s growth and stability, namely preparing budgets and long-term financial plans;
  • Cash and liquidity management: The aim is to ensure that the company has the necessary liquidity to meet its short-term commitments;
  • Financial analysis: Involves using financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, etc.) to assess a company’s financial health, profitability, solvency and other key performance indicators;
  • Tax management: Managing tax returns in the best possible way, while complying with current obligations and regulations;
  • Financial risk management: Identifying, assessing, and implementing strategies to mitigate financial risks such as fluctuations in interest or exchange rates.

Stock Management

Stock management involves monitoring and organizing the flow of goods and raw materials by carrying out various tasks such as:

  • Monitoring stock levels: Use computerized systems to track quantities of items in stock, movements, expiry dates, etc.;
  • Stock rotation: Ensure that old stock is used up first to avoid aging or expiry (FIFO principle, First In, First Out);
  • Stock control: Carry out periodic inventories to check that actual stock levels correspond to those recorded in the system;
  • Optimize warehousing: Organize storage space to facilitate rotation and handling of goods.

Commercial Management

Sales management encompasses all activities related to the sale of products or services, including Sales Strategy, client relationship development and after-sales service.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management includes the planning, control and execution of production, distribution and delivery processes.

Quality Management

Quality management refers to processes that ensure quality conforms to predefined standards and customer expectations:

  • Quality control;
  • Continuous quality improvement;
  • Audits and certifications;
  • Etc.

Environmental Management

Environmental management involves identifying, assessing and reducing the impact of a company’s activities on the environment.

What is the role of management?

Tool for Managers

Irrespective of the industry, management tools provide executives with the precise information they need to run their business effectively, both in the short and long term.

Steering Tool

Management optimizes corporate strategies by ensuring that they are consistent with day-to-day operations and available resources, also taking into account opportunities and threats in the external environment.

Monitoring Tool

Managers are required to monitor and assess their project task performance. Management control is essential for checking compliance with best practices and taking corrective action in the event of anomalies.

Communication Tool

Good business management stimulates communication between different departments, as well as between managers and employees. This is a fundamental asset in ensuring coherence between all stakeholders.

What are the advantages of management?

  • Optimizing resources: Effective management means making the best possible use of available resources, whether human, financial, material or technological;
  • Informed decision-making: Solid management based on accurate data and relevant analyses enables informed strategic and operational decisions;
  • Improved competitiveness: Good management helps to improve quality and stimulate innovation, which is important in the face of competition;
  • Sustainable growth: Through strategic vision and effective implementation, corporate management contributes to stable, sustainable growth;
  • Positive corporate culture: managerial culture can have a positive impact on motivation and the working environment within a company;
  • Stakeholder satisfaction: Successful management aims to meet the needs and expectations of customers, resources, shareholders and other stakeholders.

How do you determine if a candidate is a good culture fit?

Am I interested in management?

To answer this question, you need to know how well your managerial skills match your profile:

  • Leadership skills: ability to lead, inspire and motivate a team;
  • Strategic skills: a deep vision to anticipate market trends and establish long-term plans;
  • Communication skills: ability to convey information fluently and convincingly;
  • Technical skills: necessary to master the workings of the business in question (finance, taxation, production, human resources, etc.).

If you have an interest in management, you can take management training courses to develop the new skills required in this field.

What conditions maximize learning?

Discover your management interests

Specializing in the development of assessment tools, HRid offers you the ID-Interest Management Test to measure your management skills. This test also helps human resources managers to propose an ideal career choice to employees based on their interests and professional experience. For a complete assessment, you can take other related tests, such as:

 

Discover our tests

 

Ask the Dr. Article

Question from a Human Ressource Director at a Quebec SME

We are currently in a process of changing our organizational culture and we would like our employees to feel engaged. We want to improve productivity, to foster a culture focused on customer service, and to maintain a good working environment. Are there any tools that would help us reach these objectives while ensuring a good return on our investment, taking our limited financial flexibility into account?


This is an excellent question. First, a couple of observations: The objectives you have set are laudable but ambitious. Cultural change is a difficult process that can succeed only if we ensure the right conditions for success are in place. Furthermore, I think you are working towards objectives that can sometimes be contradictory: improving productivity and maintaining a good working environment are two elements that do not always go hand in hand. That said, there are ways to reach these objectives, and I would like to focus particularly on the last part of your question, about using tools to facilitate this process.

The ideal tool for this situation is the engagement survey. We have used this tool several times, notably in the context of major cultural changes. In every case, the information provided by the survey has played a central role both in making decisions and in implementing action plans.

First, the engagement survey allows you to get a read on your employees at a specific point in time. Survey technology now allows measuring many aspects while restricting questions to a reasonable number (usually fewer than 50). The surveys we use at the firm systematically cover three fundamental aspects that play a predominant role, not only in the day-to-day management of employees, but also in cultural changes:

  • The engagement index allows for verifying whether employees are engaged, i.e. whether they are proud to work for the organization, are satisfied with their workplace, want to stay with the organization, and if they would recommend the organization to other people. Engagement is critical in the context of cultural change because it will determine how much effort employees are willing to devote towards reaching the objectives set by the organization.
  • The performance index checks whether employees have the necessary means to achieve the set objectives. Employees may well be engaged, but then unable to offer their best performance because they lack the necessary tools.
  • The employee experience index measures how strongly employees feel or perceive themselves as being part of a team, how important they feel their job is, how happy and enthusiastic they are at work, and whether they have a sense of fulfillment.

Engagement surveys can also assess many other subjects. For example, in your case, it would make sense to measure the customer service level as your employees perceive it. Using this measure, you can determine whether employees feel that customer service is sufficient or whether they feel that improvement is also necessary. The answer to this question can be used to calibrate the changes you make to help employees improve this aspect. Furthermore, the survey can tackle many other elements, such as teamwork, workplace health and safety, the organizational vision, managers’ leadership skills, and so on. A thoughtful choice of elements to measure in a survey allows you to get a read on the organization and prepare you to intervene effectively.

At the same time, best practices indicate that the engagement survey will have no real impact unless two other conditions are implemented.

Use of an Action Plan

First, the survey results must be reflected in specific action plans. The tool we use at the firm can both generate and monitor action plans that are directly linked to aspects that have a major impact on employee engagement levels. Each organization, and even each manager, faces an environment and constraints specific to them. That’s why it is essential that action plans be adjusted according to these realities. A high-quality survey tool will make it possible to develop specific suggestions, which will take the elements with the greatest impact on engagement levels into account. Once action plans have been identified, they must be closely monitored to ensure that intentions are being implemented through concrete measures. Cultural change can be achieved only when all managers act in a concerted and directed way and when the organization follows up on implemented action plans.

Continuous Listening

Secondly, more organizations are recognizing the value of “continuous listening.” This approach encourages the use of mini-surveys (pulse surveys) to get a read on employees regarding a particular aspect. For example, in the context of cultural change, we are interested in periodically checking whether actions taken by the organization result in the expected changes.

Understanding the Investment and Its returns

Finally, it is clear that using engagement surveys involves a certain cost for an organization. However, it is now possible to access a range of different survey solutions that any organization can benefit from.

That being said, it is important to understand that using this technology is, first and foremost, an investment for organizations. Indeed, several studies, including those conducted by the IBM Institute, have shown that improving one or more fundamental indices generates significant return on investment. For example, we know that an increase of 0.25 points on the engagement index and an improvement in performance will significantly improve client satisfaction (2.04 points on the American Customer Satisfaction Index), shareholders’ total gains, and employee performance. Similarly, an IBM study of 23,000 employees in 45 countries demonstrated that an increase in the employee experience index improved performance and work effort, and reduced intentions to resign.

Engagement surveys are, therefore, a powerful tool for any organization. I wish you success in your cultural change process.

What is entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is much more than just a business activity; it’s a powerful driver of social transformation, economic development and personal fulfillment. Although theoretically accessible to everyone, entrepreneurship requires specific skills to keep a business growing. Read on to find out more about entrepreneurship and how best to assess your entrepreneurial skills.

What is entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship refers to the action of undertaking and developing one’s own project. The person who creates an economic activity to meet a need is deemed an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship is only about creating new businesses, it also entails entrepreneurial initiatives within existing organizations, such as developing new products, integrating new technologies or implementing an expansion strategy. Entrepreneurs make informed decisions regarding their entrepreneurial activity operation and take on the associated risks.

Who can do it?

Entrepreneurship calls for certain qualities, such as:

Motivation

Motivation is the source of energy that enables us to achieve our goals and transform our entrepreneurial ideas into reality. It is essential for meeting challenges, overcoming obstacles and maintaining perseverance in difficult situations.

Patience and Resilience

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Entrepreneurs often have to go through various stages, especially in the start-up phase. Patience enables them to keep a long-term perspective and work steadily towards their goals.

Creativity

Entrepreneurs need to develop a creative spirit that encourages innovation in their business. This is essential if they are to stand out from the competition and open up new prospects for business expansion.

Courage

Entrepreneurship is a field exposed to many risks (fierce competition, economic crisis, shortage of raw materials, new regulations, etc.). That’s why you need courage to set up a business. However, it must be accompanied by risk management to deal with disruptive events and ensure business continuity.

Flexibility

An entrepreneur’s personality needs to be flexible in order to adapt to changes inside or outside the company.

Curiosity

Curiosity fosters continuous learning. A curious entrepreneur tends to acquire new knowledge and skills. They are open to technological developments and changes in their industry.

Entrepreneurial leadership

An entrepreneur must be a quality leader who is able to create a climate conducive to productivity and collaboration:

  • An entrepreneurial leader inspires and motivates other team members;
  • They make strategic decisions for their company’s future;
  • They are a good listener;
  • They establish a corporate culture;
  • They align their team’s efforts to common goals;
  • They must be able to manage conflict and maintain healthy relationships;
  • Etc.

The meaning of communication

An entrepreneur must master the techniques of effective communication so as to:

  • Communicate their vision and objectives to their team;
  • Negotiating with suppliers;
  • Attract and retain clients;
  • Etc.

How do companies evaluate leadership?

What are the 7 forms of entrepreneurship?

1.Entrepreneurship from the ground up

This is the most popular form of start-up for young entrepreneurs. A business built from the ground up means that its founders start from scratch, and must mobilize all the elements necessary for its operation, such as financial capital, human resources, infrastructure, partnerships, customers/clients, etc.

There are several possible reasons for choosing this form of business:

  • Create an innovative solution;
  • Respond to a problem encountered by the entrepreneur;
  • Respond to a change in the economic or social environment.

A business built from scratch takes a lot of time and effort to establish itself in the market. A solid business plan is essential to get the company off the ground.

2.Company Takeover

As the name suggests, this involves taking over the activities of an existing company, be it an SME, a start-up or a large corporation. The buyer has the choice of creating a new company or taking over an existing one. This form of enterprise offers a number of advantages, not least in terms of customer and supplier relations if the company was already strong. What’s more, communicating a message of continuity is a plus for a company that’s doing well.

3.Franchise Business

A franchise business is a business model in which an entrepreneur, known as a franchisee, obtains the operating rights to an established brand, known as the franchisor. The franchisee uses the knowledge, operating methods and brand recognition of the franchisor to start up and run the business.

Franchising offers a number of advantages, such as reduced risk compared with an independent business, access to a recognized brand, ongoing support and the possibility of faster growth.

4.Spin-offs (extrapreneurship)

When an employer helps their employees to become entrepreneurs, we call it a “spin-off” company. There are 3 types of spin-offs in entrepreneurship:

  • Hot (or social) spin-offs: aimed at solving a problem of overstaffing within a company or implementing a restructuring policy;
  • Cold (or active) spin-offs: this concerns staff who already have a business creation project;
  • Strategic spin-offs: this involves outsourcing an activity and establishing a win-win economic relationship.

5.Intrapreneurship

Intrapreneurship encourages the development of entrepreneurial skills. It involves, for example, creating a new economic activity within the same company. In regard to an intrapreneur, this means an excellent opportunity for learning and experimentation, while avoiding the risk-taking inherent in setting up a new business.

6.Public entrepreneurship

Public entrepreneurship refers to initiatives and businesses that aim to create social and economic value and solve environmental problems.

  • Vocabulary of social entrepreneurship: public companies focus on issues such as social equity, the environment, health, education, employment, culture and so on.
  • Collaboration: public entrepreneurship encourages collaboration between different players, including governments, private sector companies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, etc. These partnerships are important for mobilizing the resources and skills needed to achieve social objectives. These partnerships are important for mobilizing the resources and skills needed to achieve social objectives;
  • Social innovation: innovation in social enterprise involves the creation of new approaches, technologies or solutions that respond to society’s emerging needs;
  • Sustainable development: public entrepreneurship focuses on viable projects that respect the well-being of individuals and ecological constraints.

Why become an entrepreneur?

  • Becoming your own boss: This allows you to organize yourself freely and flexibly, and achieve an effective work-life balance.
  • Bringing ideas to life: Entrepreneurship allows you to realize your own strategies and stimulate your creative spirit.
  • Developing skills: Beyond technical skills, entrepreneurship is an excellent opportunity to develop personal skills in team management, communication, negotiation, risk management and so on.
  • Improving income: Entrepreneurial work offers greater income potential than salaried work. This is an important motive for maximizing business performance.

How to improve interpersonal relationships?

What are the advantages of entrepreneurship?

Creating economic value

Entrepreneurship helps create added value and stimulate the local and national economy.

Job creation

Companies help to create new employment opportunities, reducing unemployment and helping young people to integrate into working life.

Innovation

Entrepreneurs tend to come up with innovative solutions, which helps to improve the quality of products and services.

Social commitment

Entrepreneurs can support local initiatives, sponsor events, collaborate with other organizations and participate in community projects.

How do you measure your entrepreneurial skills?

If you’re interested in becoming an entrepreneur, HRid offers you the ID-Entrepreneurship test to assess your entrepreneurial abilities. Our process is based on in-depth research and the different aspects of a talented entrepreneur, namely:

Discover our tests

 

How to become an entrepreneur?

Becoming an entrepreneur

Setting up your own business is an exciting project that many employees are enthusiastic about. It’s an excellent option for becoming independent and improving your quality of life. However, beyond the skills needed to run a core business, entrepreneurial success is strongly linked to personal qualities. That’s why it’s important to examine the profile of a good entrepreneur.

What is an entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is a business owner who is held responsible for their own actions. They are not legally under anyone else, setting them apart from employees. An entrepreneur is, therefore, free to make their own decisions when it comes to strategic planning, choosing clients and suppliers, pricing and so on.

An entrepreneur is not necessarily in charge of the company. They can delegate this role to a manager. The main objective of an entrepreneur is to make a profit and ensure the long-term viability of the business.

Is entrepreneurship for everyone?

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, as it entails specific challenges and skills that are not suitable for many people.

Is becoming an entrepreneur risky?

Yes, becoming an entrepreneur is risky; that’s why you need risk management skills.

Financial Risk

An entrepreneurial project can affect our personal finances. There may be uncertainty about income, the profitability of investments, future expenses, and so on.

Unstable Economic Environment

The entrepreneurial environment is often characterized by great uncertainty. Markets, consumer trends and technologies evolve rapidly, making it difficult to forecast the future of a company.

Competition and Market Saturation

In many business sectors, competition is fierce. Market saturation can make it difficult for companies to differentiate themselves and win market share.

High Workload

Entrepreneurs are often responsible for multiple tasks and can work long hours, sacrifice their personal lives and suffer high levels of stress. Some people might drop their projects as a result.

How do you decide if becoming an entrepreneur is right for you?

To find out whether starting your own business is the right choice for you, it’s important to analyze your goals, your lifestyle and your personal qualities. Taking an online test is an excellent idea for evaluating important aspects of entrepreneurship, such as:

  • Conditions for success;
  • The intention to become an entrepreneur;
  • Motivation and determination;
  • The ability to take risks;
  • Problem-solving skills;
  • The personal qualities needed to develop a business;

The HRid entrepreneurship test lets you know what kind of entrepreneur you are:

Builder Type

Builder-type entrepreneurs are known for their determination to achieve their goals. They are seen as energetic and strongly focused on results. They are confident and willing to take risks. They can manage stress and build an extensive network of contacts. However, these people do not see conventional entrepreneurship as the only way to achieve their goals. They include people who work independently and individuals who wish to participate in projects, without being the company’s creators.

Developer Type

Developer-type entrepreneurs demonstrate both the motivation and traits required to build a business from the ground up. They are proactive and oriented on results. To them, entrepreneurship is more than just a career, it’s a way of life. They’re optimistic about creating new solutions to meet customer needs. This category includes founders of small, medium and large companies, as well as those looking to grow an existing business.

Employee Type

This type of person displays certain characteristics associated with entrepreneurs but is not equipped to start their own business. However, they may contribute significantly to starting up a business, rather than taking on the risks inherent in a new venture.

Explorer Type

This type of entrepreneur is driven by exploring new markets and opportunities. Explorer-type entrepreneurs are often on the lookout for emerging trends. They are ready to take risks and experiment with new approaches to expand their entrepreneurial ventures.

Entrepreneurial qualities and commonalities

Motivation

Motivation is an essential driving force for all entrepreneurs who want to create and develop a business:

  • Commitment and determination: motivation keeps entrepreneurs committed to their goals and gives them the determination they need to achieve them;
  • Perseverance and resilience: motivation provides the energy needed to overcome obstacles and meet challenges. A motivated person is more likely to learn from their mistakes and continue on the entrepreneurial path;
  • Inspiration for the team: motivation is contagious and can inspire team members. When an entrepreneur is passionate and motivated, they impart this positive energy to the team, strengthening cohesion and productivity.

Creativity

A competent entrepreneur needs to be creative in order to stand out in their field and must implement strategies for innovation and continuous improvement.

Adaptability and Flexibility

The ability to adapt to market changes and new circumstances is crucial to success as an entrepreneur. The entrepreneur must be able to adjust strategy, revise business plans and seize new opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Skills

A quality entrepreneur must acquire specific skills to manage their business, such as:

  • Strategic planning: an entrepreneur must be able to lay out a strategic plan to achieve their objectives. Strategic planning involves setting objectives, identifying actions to be taken, allocating resources and evaluating results;
  • Project management: an entrepreneur needs basic management skills, including human resources management, operations management, financial management and time management. Effective management helps optimize the allocation of available resources;
  • Communication skills: an entrepreneur must be a good communicator, able to clearly express their vision, negotiate, persuade and create solid relationships with customers, partners and team members;
  • Leadership: an entrepreneur must be a good leader and be able to engage their team, align their efforts with the company’s objectives and strengthen the bonds between employees.

Is leadership innate or acquired?

What are the advantages of becoming an entrepreneur?

Independence

Entrepreneurship means being your own boss. Entrepreneurs value the freedom and autonomy offered by entrepreneurship, in which they can shape their business according to their own values, visions, and goals. This enables them to define their own schedules and create a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Income Potential

Entrepreneurship offers the possibility of significant financial gain. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to create value, increase sales and build their own wealth, rather than depend on a fixed salary.

Economic and Social Contribution

A business project is a good idea for contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Developing Professional and Personal Skills

Entrepreneurship provides a fertile ground for continuous learning. As an entrepreneur, you will constantly be confronted with new challenges and situations, enabling you to acquire new skills and broaden your areas of qualification.

What if I had other choices? What are my career interests?

6 Steps to Becoming an Entrepreneur

1.Business Idea

It’s about examining your skills, talents, and preferences to choose a business concept that is tailored to you.

2.  Administrative Procedures

  • Answer the questionnaire;
  • Take the administrative steps required by the law of the place where you want to set up your business.

3.Complementary Training

Identify the technical and managerial skills needed to launch and run your business.

4.Business Model

A business plan defines the vision, objectives, strategies and actions to be implemented to create and develop a company:

  • Market study: competitor analysis, market trends, potential client profile, etc.;
  • Marketing strategy: product, price, placement and promotion;
  • Operational plan: procurement, production processes, technologies used, marketing, etc.
  • Financial plan: projected financial statements, cash flow, profit margins, etc.
  • Growth strategy: expansion plan, strategic partnerships, etc.

5.Fundraising

There are several ways to raise the funds you need to create and develop your business:

  • Use your savings;
  • Obtaining a loan or microcredit;
  • Ask your family and friends to participate in the project to create your company;
  • Access a crowdfunding platform;
  • Contacting angel investors;
  • Applying for a small business grant;
  • Etc.

Take an entrepreneurship test

If you have a business project in mind, HRid offers you the ID-Entrepreneurship  test to assess your interests and skills as an entrepreneur. Our model enables you to determine your entrepreneurial style and provides you with the key aspects of a potential entrepreneur.

Discover our tests

Midlife crisis? What are my career options?

Midlife crisis, career options

The midlife crisis is an often-tumultuous transitional stage that generally occurs between the ages of 35 and 55. This pivotal period of life is generally characterized by a profound reappraisal of personal choices, meaning in life and professional direction.

Some feel that the seemingly good career choices they made in the past have now become irrelevant, while others take advantage of this period to reassess their priorities and embark on new challenges. Read on to find out more about the mid-life crisis and the career opportunities available to you during this period.

What is a midlife crisis?

The midlife crisis is a concept introduced by Canadian psychoanalyst Eliott Jacques in 1965. According to him, this period translates into an awareness of one’s own mortality, i.e. death is no longer an abstract concept or applied to someone else, but becomes a personal matter.

This is a stage in life when the “midlifer” is questioning their ideas, relationships, work, etc. They have the desire to change but don’t have a clear vision of their future. This existential crisis can be triggered by major events such as losing your job, a breakup, a loved one passing away or simply questioning where your life is headed. The repercussions of a midlife crisis vary from person to person. It can take the form of temporary depression or more serious psychological problems.

What are the symptoms of a midlife crisis?

Dissatisfaction and questioning

People experiencing a midlife crisis may feel dissatisfied with their current life, including their professional career. They may question past choices and wonder if they’re on the right track.

Quest for Meaning and Purpose

A search for deeper meaning in life is becoming a major preoccupation. Individuals may feel a need to find a greater purpose, whether in their personal or professional lives.

Doubts About Oneself and One’s Achievements

During this period, doubts often arise about past skills, achievements and successes. Individuals may wonder whether they are living up to their own expectations.

Sense of Loss

A mid-life crisis can also be accompanied by a sense of loss, whether of youth, career opportunities or unfulfilled dreams. Individuals may feel nostalgic for the past, and find it difficult to accept the irreversible changes that come with age.

Desire for change

The midlife crisis is often associated with a desire for change in all aspects of one’s life (buying a new car, a new wardrobe, a new house, etc.);

Psychological disorders

A person experiencing a midlife crisis may manifest psychological disorders of varying degrees of severity:

  • Great weariness and a feeling of despondency;
  • Strong irritability with those around him;
  • A feeling of oppression;
  • Feelings of anger, even violent outbursts;
  • Feelings of depression, loss of motivation and malaise;
  • Anxiety and sleep disorders;
  • Etc.

Signs of a midlife crisis in men

  • The forty-something man may tend to seduce younger women to cope with the feeling of early old age. To do this, he renews his appearance, his car and even his behaviour.
  • He becomes harder on those close to him, provokes others and argues.

Signs of a midlife crisis in women

  • Menopause and the hormonal changes associated with it can cause hot flashes, headaches, reduced libido, memory and concentration problems, and so on.
  • The woman experiences a feeling of anguish when her children leave the parental home;
  • She finds more time to take care of her beauty and her private life.

Why are emotional intelligence tests important?

How do you overcome a midlife crisis?

Accepting the Crisis

It’s important to accept and acknowledge the emotions you feel during this critical period, whether they be confusion, frustration, sadness or anxiety. This helps you put in place an effective coping strategy. By refusing to face up to such a situation, you run the risk of feeling discouraged and, in the long term, experiencing depression that .

Taking a Step Back

The midlife crisis may be associated with other social or personal problems. So you need to better understand the origin of each ailment. Stepping back from the decisions you’ve made during this period is also crucial. Remember that the consequences of certain decisions can have an impact on the rest of your life. Generalized second-guessing is to be avoided. Take time to reflect on your values and goals. Ask yourself what’s really important in your life. This will help you make more informed decisions.

Seeking Support

Communication is the best way to get out of a crisis. Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns and emotions (anxiety, fear, disappointment, exhaustion, disillusionment, etc.) with a close relative or trusted friend. The experience of people who have lived through a midlife crisis can provide a different perspective and invaluable moral support.

Get Help From a Therapist

A mental health professional or life coach can help you determine the real reasons for your midlife crisis. They can guide you toward appropriate treatment methods and provide personalized follow-up.

Explore New Opportunities

A midlife crisis can be a time to explore new opportunities. Life is constantly evolving, and being open to change and adjustment helps you regain a sense of fulfillment.

Taking Care of Yourself

Neglecting your physical and mental well-being can make the midlife crisis even more complicated. Make sure you take care of yourself by adopting a healthy lifestyle and engaging in activities that bring you relaxation and pleasure.

How do you choose a new career?

The midlife crisis can be an opportunity to start a new professional career. There are several reasons for this:

  • Want to change your work routine;
  • Want to develop your skills to maintain your self-confidence;
  • Want to start your own business and become independent;
  • Financial and social stability that allows you to take risks;
  • Sufficient physical and mental capacity.

Here are some practical tips for choosing a new professional career after the age of 40:

Consider your passions and interests

Think about what motivates you. Identify the areas in which you enjoy working and which give you a sense of fulfillment. Taking a career interest test can also be a quick and valid way of clearly identifying your career interests. You may be surprised at just how interesting certain jobs can be for you.

Take the ID-Career test

Assess your skills

Review your skills, knowledge and experience acquired over the years. Identify the professions in which you excel and the skills you’ve acquired that you could use in a new career. Don’t underestimate the expertise you’ve built up over the years.

Do Some In-depth Research

Find out about the different career options that match your passions and skills. Carefully examine job descriptions, requirements and prospects. This will help you choose the path that’s right for you.

Talk to HR Management

You can negotiate a new position within your company with your human resources department. Internal mobility allows you to explore new avenues without changing your working environment.

Why do employers use personality tests?

Develop your skills

Find out about continuing education and retraining programs that align with your expectations. For example, training in information technology (IT) is necessary for many sectors to remain competitive in the job market.

Create your own company

Self-employment offers a distinct professional experience:

  • Increased sense of responsibility: as an entrepreneur, you are responsible for your own professional success. This can be both stimulating and rewarding;
  • Flexibility: self-employment allows for better time management and a break from the routine of regular working hours;
  • Versatile skills: as a company manager, you can handle a wide range of tasks (commercial, administrative, technical, accounting, etc.);
  • Opportunity for innovation and creativity: you have more freedom to implement your ideas and experiment with new approaches. It can be exciting and rewarding.

To find out more about your interests and your chances of success in entrepreneurship, take the ID-Entrepreneurship test.

Take a career test

Specializing in the development of psychometric tests, HRid offers you the ID-Career test. It includes over 200 multiple-choice questions to determine your professional interests and level of compatibility with the desired position.

Discover multidisciplinary tests

What if I had other choices? What are my career interests?

Professional interests and career

Career choice can have a major impact on not only your career path but your quality of life. Several factors should be taken into consideration to make the right choice, from your personality type and working conditions to your career prospects. This article explains how to optimize the career guidance process.

What are your career goals?

Career goals represent what you want to achieve in your professional career in the short, medium or long term. They can vary according to individual interests and ambitions.

Financial stability

The first objective of a career is to generate a regular and satisfactory income to meet personal and family needs.

Hierarchical promotion

This implies that you are aiming for a higher-level position, taking on more responsibility and becoming a leader in your professional field.

Career development

You can set yourself the goal of developing new professional skills that will improve your performance and make you more competitive in the job market. To do this, you can follow:

  • Ongoing training in your specialty;
  • Language training;
  • Information technology training (IT);
  • Soft skills training;
  • Conferences and seminars;
  • Etc.

Career transition

If you’re considering a complete career change, your goal may be to take up a job that will enable you to acquire new skills and open up new professional horizons.

Developing your own business

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial mindset, your goal may be to set up your own business, improve its profitability, expand your customer base and innovate in your sector of activity.

Social impact

If the idea of making a positive difference in society motivates you, your career goal may be to work in a field that has a significant social impact, such as health, education, the environment or humanitarian aid.

Work-life balance

The goal of seeking employment may be to achieve an optimal balance between professional activities and personal concerns. This is important for reducing work-related stress, improving performance and maintaining a good quality of life.

What are the most important things to consider when choosing a career?

Education

Looking for a job that fits in with your studies has several advantages when it comes to career management:

  • Optimal mobilization of skills: a job that corresponds to your field of study enables you to put your theoretical knowledge to use, and fosters autonomy, creativity and self-confidence.
  • Quick to adapt: when you work in a field related to your training, you’re more likely to adapt quickly to the demands of the job. This facilitates your integration into the work environment and helps you to improve your performance.
  • Job opportunities: Employers often tend to prefer graduate candidates. By choosing a job in line with your training, you increase your chances of being selected during the recruitment process.
  • Professional recognition: working in a field consistent with your program of study builds credibility with colleagues, customers and employers. You’ll be perceived as someone with in-depth knowledge in your field.

Know your interests

A career path that matches your interests helps you:

  • Work with motivation and enthusiasm;
  • Achieve personal fulfillment;
  • Building a long-term career;
  • Optimize your performance;
  • Stimulate the creative spirit;
  • Facing the challenges;
  • Etc.

Evaluate your skills

Assessing your skills enables you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. It helps you focus on areas where you can excel, and set in motion a process of improvement. In this way, you can identify new skills required by the job market.

Competency Tests

Career compatibility with personal values

A career choice in harmony with your values enables you to be authentic in your work and act under your principles.

Growth prospects

To ensure a good long-term professional career, you need to assess the growth prospects of your target field. Here are some criteria to consider:

  • Economic market trends: focus on sectors that are growing and have strong development potential;
  • Job demand: explore occupations where there is a high demand for skilled labour. This may include fields where there is a shortage of talent or an increase in demand due to demographic, technological or economic factors.
  • Networking and collaboration opportunities: consider careers that offer opportunities to network and collaborate with highly qualified professionals. Professional relationships can play a crucial role in enhancing your career.
  • Continuous training: choose a career that encourages professional development and offers opportunities for ongoing training. Companies that invest in the skills of their resources and encourage continuous learning offer strong growth potential.

Working Style and Environment

Work style and environment need to be factored into your career preferences. Here are a few points to consider:

  • Self-employed or salaried;
  • Corporate culture;
  • Teamwork or individual work;
  • Work in the public or private sector;
  • Local or multinational;
  • Etc.

Compensation and financial stability

Consider your financial needs and the earnings prospects in the field you’re considering. It’s important to align your financial expectations with a realistic goal. Compensation varies according to many factors, such as:

  • Skills and qualifications: the more solid your knowledge and specialized qualifications, the more likely you are to earn a high salary.
  • Years of experience: experience testifies to the expertise acquired over time, as well as an ability to meet challenges and act proactively;
  • Level of responsibility: positions requiring team supervision, strategic decision-making and project management are often associated with higher remuneration.
  • Sector of activity: remuneration can vary from one sector to another due to market demand, competition, regulations, etc.
  • Individual performance: resources that meet targets and make a significant contribution to their company may be rewarded with higher remuneration in the form of bonuses, commissions or gifts.
  • Company policy: some companies may have rigid pay scales, while others may adopt a more flexible approach offering opportunities for salary increases.

Are career tests accurate?

What are your career interests?

Career interests can be represented by the RIASEC model. This is a typology that groups career interests into 6 domains:

Realistic range (R)

People with realistic interests enjoy manual activities and prefer hands-on tasks. They are often drawn to occupations that handle tools, equipment, materials, plants, etc.

Investigator (I)

People with this type of professional interest have the intellectual and analytical capacity to excel in careers in research, technology, computing, etc.

Artistic (A)

An artistic profile prefers aesthetic expression in its work. They often work in the visual arts, design, music, theatre, literature or multimedia content creation.

Social (S)

People with social interests are empathetic and have a strong desire to help others. They often choose careers in health care, teaching, social work, psychology, community services and so on.

Entrepreneurial (E)

Enterprising people have a strong capacity for persuasion, autonomy and leadership. They are often attracted to careers in sales, management, marketing, executive positions and so on.

Conventional (C)

People with conventional interests are organized and prefer structured, office-based jobs, such as administration, accounting, financial services, human resources management, etc.

How do you test logical reasoning?

How do you see your professional career developing?

The job market is constantly changing. That’s why it’s a good idea to put in place effective career planning to maintain the value and competitiveness of your profile.

  • Regularly assess and develop skills;
  • Set clear objectives;
  • Be flexible to change;
  • Search for potential careers;
  • Consult a recruitment expert;
  • Participate in professional events such as open days and job fairs;
  • Explore the possibility of setting up your own business.

Discover your career interests

If you want to find your ideal career, HRID offers you the ID-Career test as well as the ID-Personality and ID-Cognitive tests to help you identify:

  • Your professional interests;
  • Your cognitive skills;
  • Your personality traits;
  • Your RIASEC profile;
  • Career options that suit you;
  • Jobs furthest from your interests;
  • Etc.

The ID-Career test takes 30 minutes and results are available immediately.

Discover our tests

 

How to measure your sports intelligence?

Intelligence sportive

The concept of sports intelligence has been increasingly studied by specialists in the sports world over the years. The mental aspect of the performance of athletes is believed to be of vital importance, regardless of their level and goals. Read on to learn more about sports intelligence.

What is sports intelligence?

Sports intelligence is the ability to use physical skills, mental skills, and strategic analysis to optimize the athlete’s performance. It can be developed through training, competitions and sports psychology sessions. We can identify 7 types of intelligence associated with sports intelligence.

Physical Intelligence

Physical intelligence refers to the ability to produce action efficiently. It is based on the coordination of movements and a set of criteria related to physical performance, such as:

  • Motor skills;
  • Agility;
  • Speed;
  • Flexibility;
  • Power;
  • Endurance;
  • Responsiveness;
  • Etc.

Technical intelligence

Technically intelligent athlete masters the execution of movements specific to their discipline. This involves understanding the biomechanics of movement. Technical intelligence is essential to progress, avoid injury and save effort.

Tactical Intelligence

Athletes with tactical intelligence can develop an effective plan of action to achieve a specific goal. This plan can be adjusted based on the opponent’s performance, current outcome, physical condition, etc.

How to test for logical reasoning

Strategic intelligence

Strategic intelligence refers to the ability to prepare strategies to achieve a medium or long-term goal. It is often developed by sports leaders and coaches, namely:

  • Investment in youth to ensure succession and a future level of performance of the senior team in the future;
  • Planning of physical preparation courses.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is about controlling emotions and redirecting them to improve sports performance.

Personal aspect

An emotionally intelligent athlete develops mental qualities and personal values that enable him to achieve his goals and overcome the obstacles he may encounter:

  • Motivation;
  • Self-confidence;
  • Perseverance;
  • Patience;
  • Focus;
  • Ambition;
  • Stress management;
  • Controlling negative emotions;
  • Etc.

Physical aspect

Emotional intelligence helps the athlete to:

  • Don’t be obsessed with sports;
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, restful sleep, etc.).

Social aspect

An athlete with good emotional intelligence develops good relationships with teammates, coaches, medical staff, etc. This is expressed in a positive attitude toward others, an ability to listen to them and to establish good interpersonal relationships. This is expressed by a positive attitude toward others, an ability to listen to them and to establish good interpersonal relationships.

Technical aspect

Emotional intelligence helps to understand the opponent’s behaviour, anticipate his reaction and take advantage of this information.

Why is an emotional intelligence test important?

Collective intelligence

Collective intelligence refers to the ability of a team to work together effectively to achieve a common goal. It involves combining individual skills, knowledge and experience to create a powerful group dynamic. Collective intelligence can be developed through communication as well as by establishing a strong team culture and exemplary leadership.

Is leadership innate or acquired?

Analytical intelligence

Analytical intelligence consists of analyzing the performance of athletes to establish an adapted training plan and an effective strategy during competitions. It uses specific software for video and data analysis. Fitness enthusiasts can also use connected watches and mobile apps to measure their performance.

Here are some of the data that are the subject of the sports analysis:

  • Distance travelled;
  • Travel speed;
  • Areas covered by the player represented by the heatmap;
  • Passing success rate (in team sports);
  • Number of attempts towards the goal;
  • Motion Modelling;
  • Heart rate monitoring;
  • Maximum amount of oxygen that the body uses per unit of time (VO2 max);
  • Calories burned;
  • Opposing Team Tactics and Disposition;
  • Etc.

Analytical intelligence in the sports context has gained new momentum with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) to refine the analysis of performance indicators and predict future athlete performance.

Is it possible to measure one’s sports intelligence?

There are different ways to measure sports intelligence. However, it is important to note that this notion remains quite complex to identify precisely because sports intelligence is a combination of several factors (emotional, physical, technical, tactical, etc.).

For example, physical intelligence can be measured through physical effort tests. Technical intelligence can be measured through observation and assessment of cognitive skills through the use of valid and reliable psychometric tests. Emotional intelligence in sports can be measured through psychometric tests that assess the athlete’s ability to manage emotions, communicate effectively, work as a team, and adapt to constantly changing situations.

Why is it essential to measure your sports intelligence?

Set achievable goals

Whether it is for a professional or an amateur athlete, the measurement of sports intelligence makes it possible to set achievable objectives according to the physical and mental capacity of the athlete.

Identify the sport’s profile

Sports intelligence is useful in identifying the profile of young athletes to direct them to disciplines in which they can excel. In team sports, sports intelligence tests help coaches determine the appropriate position for each player (for example, a defender, a midfielder, or a forward on a soccer team).

Identifying Talent

Measuring sports intelligence helps identify players who have the potential to become leaders on their team. It can also help coaches recruit players who are best suited to their style of play and goals.

Monitor the Evolution of Collective and Individual Performance

The measurement of sports intelligence makes it possible to follow the evolution of athlete and team performance over time. It identifies strengths, limiting factors and areas for improvement. This can help to develop specific training programs.

Strengthen team cohesion

Sports intelligence indicators help to implement actions that can

  • Strengthen the sense of belonging to the group;
  • Stimulate communication and the exchange of experiences and skills;
  • Promote mutual understanding within a team;
  • Etc.

How to improve interpersonal relationships?

Prepare yourself mentally

A psychologist can use the athlete’s sports intelligence to help him or her manage stress at sporting events and counteract the pressure from the club, the public and the media.

How to measure your sports intelligence?

Psychometric tests are considered among the most effective tools for measuring sports intelligence. With over 25 years of experience in designing cognitive, emotional and personal assessment tests, HRID offers the ID-Sport, ID-Personality and ID-cognitive tests. Each of these tests measures one of the major aspects of sports intelligence. These tests can be used for both individual and team sports, they help you to:

  • Determine the sport’s profile of a team or a player;
  • Determine an athlete’s ability to integrate into a team;
  • Assessing the athlete’s perceptual competence;
  • Assess motivation and personal factors impacting athletic performance;
  • Etc.

Discover our tests

How to become better at your sport | Sports Psychology

Sport is a great way to stay healthy and improve your well-being. However, some people fail to maintain regular physical activity due to a lack of time or motivation. In this article, we discuss the importance of psychological aspects in becoming a better athlete.

 

What makes someone good at sports?

A good athlete is someone physically efficient, disciplined and respectful of those around them.

Physical performance

The notion of sports performance varies according to the athlete’s objectives. The performances required for a high-level professional athlete are not the same as those of an amateur athlete. In any case, it is a question of optimizing the level of performance according to your capacity and the means available.

Here are some physical aspects to consider:

  • Endurance;
  • Resistance;
  • Strength;
  • Flexibility;
  • Speed;
  • Clarification;
  • Ability to coordinate;
  • Etc.

Mental qualities

A good athlete must have a set of mental skills that allow them to achieve goals and meet challenges. These include:

  • Self-confidence;
  • Determination;
  • Perseverance;
  • Increased focus;
  • Positive attitude;
  • Emotional control;
  • Ability to manage stress and anxiety;
  • Sense of responsibility;
  • Tactical intelligence;
  • Etc.

Why are emotional intelligence tests important?

Discipline

A good athlete has to:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, good sleep, moderate alcohol consumption, etc.);
  • Strictly respect the rules of the game and the internal regulations of the club.

Good relations

A successful athlete must develop healthy relationships with his or her environment:

  • Respect your coach and teammates;
  • Respect the referees, the opponents, and the public.

 

What is the role of psychology in sports?

Strengthen Motivation

A psychologist can help athletes of all levels to engage in regular physical activity as well as explain the benefits sports can have on mental health and offers solutions to overcome obstacles.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

A sports psychologist helps athletes prepare mentally for sporting events by working on developing potential and managing performance anxiety. Relaxation techniques are effective for staying calm and focused before and during competition. Sports psychologists can teach various breathing and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. They can also help athletes change their perception of competitive situations. Getting into the “right frame of mind” can sometimes mean the difference between winning and losing.

Improve Performance

Sports psychology allows the athlete to identify his or her strengths and weaknesses and to develop mental strategies to improve performance.

Strengthen Team Cohesion

May it be a team or individual sport, a sports psychologist can strengthen the bonds between members of the sports organization by stimulating communication and team spirit.

Managing Difficult Situations

Athletes can go through difficult moments during their career, such as serious injury, negative results, an unexpected defeat, a lack of participation, etc. The support of a psychologist is necessary to overcome negative emotions and facilitate reintegration into the team and competitions.

How to improve interpersonal relationships?

 

How to make exercise motivating?

Know the benefits of sport

Regular physical activity has many benefits for both physical and mental health:

  • Improve cardiovascular activity: sports reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks and high blood pressure. It lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), increases good cholesterol (HDL), improves blood circulation, regulates blood sugar, reduces the risk of diabetes, makes the heart more resistant during physical effort, etc.
  • Get in better shape: physical activity is an effective way to avoid becoming overweight and obese by activating the body’s metabolism. It allows you to lose excess weight and obtain a slimmer and more toned figure.
  • Improve muscle and bone strengthening: Sports entail movements which help develop muscles and strengthen bone density, preventing joint pain and certain chronic diseases such as low back pain, rheumatism, osteoporosis, etc.
  • Strengthen the immune system: regular exercise stimulates the production of immune cells such as lymphocytes and antibodies. These agents play a key role in the body’s defence against viral or bacterial infections. Physical activity also promotes the anti-inflammatory response.
  • Improve well-being: physical activity causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation. This is due to the secretion of pleasure hormones, called endorphins. These hormones are synthesized by the brain following intense physical effort. Sport thus helps to reduce stress and to disconnect from everyday life.
  • Staying in a good mood: Athletes are often in a good mood. This has a positive impact on professional and social life.
  • Develop mental skills: physical activity provides good oxygenation of the brain, which improves thinking skills, memory and control of nervous tension.
  • Improving the quality of sleep: sport is an effective tool to enjoy restful sleep. The feeling of relaxation helps the body to enter a calm and deep sleep.

Find a Partner

A training partner is a good ally to get motivated to do exercise. You can encourage each other and share great moments together. It is best to join a local sports organization, even an amateur group, with whom you can exchange tips and experiences about your favourite activity. Alternatively, you can participate in friendly sports events such as running, cycling or yoga sessions in the countryside.

Setting Goals

Setting achievable goals helps maintain regular participation in sports. It creates a personal challenge and allows you to measure your performance progress, which improves your confidence and self-esteem. For example, run or swim a certain distance every week.

Integrate a different activity

Doing a different work out now and then helps you break the routine and develop new skills.

Consult a life coach

A life coach can help you better manage your daily life so that you can practise physical activity continuously without impacting your work or family commitments.

 

How to become better at your sport?

Regular training

Consistency when training is crucial to achieving significant results. Progress in any discipline requires adherence to a program for each workout.

Working with a coach

The support of an athletic trainer is important for different reasons:

  • Personalized program: An athletic trainer can develop a personalized training program based on your goals, fitness level, and availability. This can help you reach your goals and avoid injury.
  • Supervision and safety: An athletic trainer can monitor and correct your technique. He or she also ensures that you use the equipment properly.
  • Expertise: He or she has extensive knowledge of exercise, nutrition and health. He can answer your questions and provide valuable advice on how to maintain good health and how to get back into shape after you stop exercising, for example.

Participate in Competitions

Participating in sports competitions accessible to the general public is an effective way to improve your performance. Meeting many athletes and sharing festive moments can also be a source of motivation.

Take an Assessment Test

HRID, a tool specialized in psychometric tests development, offers the ID-Sport test, comprising 3 parts intended for professional or competitive athletes. It allows to:

  • Distinguish between levels of athletes;
  • Identify the athlete’s profile to maximize their potential;
  • Evaluate the athlete’s problem-solving skills;
  • Etc.

We also have other cognitive, emotional, and personality tests if you would like a complete assessment.

Discover our tests

Auditory or Visual: What is my Learning Style?

Have you ever noticed that some people remember things they have seen better, while others remember things they have heard better? This reflects their dominant memory type, either visual or auditory. Keep reading to better understand the difference between the two and how to identify which learning style is right for you.

What is visual learning?

Visual learning is a mode of learning that draws on the use of visual aids, such as images, graphics, videos, and animations to facilitate understanding of abstract concepts and retention of information. The visual style is used in many contexts, including education, professional training and personal development.

 

What are the visual learning tools?

Several visual modalities can enrich your learning experience as a teacher or learner. They allow you to represent complex information clearly and concisely, facilitate the synthesis and memorization of information and stimulate interactivity with the learning content.

  • Diagrams: help organize information logically, identify trends and patterns, and highlight key points.
  • Concept maps: mental representations that focus on the logical structuring of information. The most general concepts are placed at the top of the map, while more specific concepts are placed at the bottom. To create a mind map, you can use software such as Mind Meister, MindManager, Cmap Tools, Miro or Inspiration.
  • Educational videos: educational videos are a powerful tool in visual learning, as they combine visual, auditory and kinesthetic elements to present information dynamically and engagingly. Educational videos can be used to:
  • Explain complex concepts;
  • Illustrate practical procedures;
  • Provide real-life examples.
  • Virtual tours: modern teaching method that allows learners to visit places in virtual reality to better understand and interact with the learning context.

 

What are visual people like?

In reality, there is not a 100% visual or auditory profile, but rather preferences for a mode of communication. This comes down to the personality of the learner and the environment in which they have developed. Visual people tend to use eye contact as the primary mode of information processing.

Here are some characteristics of this type of person:

  • They have a strong preference for pictures, graphs, charts and diagrams to understand information;
  • They tend to remember images and colours more easily than words or sounds;
  • They are often drawn to visual aesthetics and have a great appreciation for art, photography and design;
  • They have a great capacity to imagine complex visual scenes and to mentally represent objects and situations;
  • They may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts or complex verbal instructions unless they are associated with visual images;
  • They often have a great ability to spot visual details and errors in visual data;
  • Etc.

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What is auditory learning?

Auditory learning is a learning process that focuses on listening and understanding auditory information. This can include recognizing sounds, understanding speech, understanding intonations and nuances of language, and being able to discern subtle differences between sounds. People with a preference for auditory learning may learn more easily by listening to information rather than reading or watching it.

What are the auditory learning tools?

  • Audiobooks: audio recordings of books that allow people to listen to them rather than read them.
  • Podcasts: audio programs broadcast on the Internet that deal with various subjects and that can be listened to at any time.
  • Recorded lectures: audio recordings that may include lectures, seminars or courses.
  • Speech recognition software: this is software that allows users to practise recognizing and understanding words and phrases by listening to a synthetic voice or a human voice.
  • Online auditory games: online games that focus on sound recognition and can help people improve their hearing ability.

 

How are people with hearing loss?

  • They have an excellent auditory memory and can easily recall sounds, voices and songs;
  • They can perceive the delicate variations in tone, intonation and emphasis that are important for understanding a speech;
  • They are often musically talented;
  • They may have difficulty concentrating in noisy environments;
  • They have an expressive voice;
  • Etc.

Functioning of the human brain in visual and auditory people

Visual or auditory people use the right brain mostly, as it is the seat of creativity, imagination and emotions. The left brain is used more for logical reasoning, mathematics, task planning and goal setting.

 

How do I know if I have a visual or auditory memory?

To find out if you have a visual or auditory memory, you can do some simple exercises. If you remember things you’ve seen better, like pictures or diagrams, you probably have a visual memory. Try to visualize things in your mind so you can remember them later.

If you remember things better when you hear them, such as conversations or songs, you probably have an auditory memory. Try repeating aloud what you want to remember, or listen to recordings of what you want to remember. It is also possible to have a mixed memory, where you use both types of information to remember things. There are several tests online to find out if you are a visual person or an auditory person.

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What are the different learning styles?

According to the channels of perception (sight, hearing and touch), we can distinguish 3 learning styles:

  • Visual learning: learning by observing;
  • Auditory learning: learning by listening;
  • Kinesthetic learning: learning by doing.

Discover your learning style

With more than 20 years of experience in developing assessment tools and psychometric tests, HRID offers you the Learning ID-Agility which allows you to identify your learning style and maximize the conditions that will facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Other multidisciplinary tests are available on the platform to measure your personal and cognitive abilities.

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What conditions maximize learning?

Learning refers to a process of acquiring new knowledge allowing us to improve our personal and professional skills, but not everyone learns the same way. Some people learn best by listening, while others need to learn through watching or practising. It is therefore important to know the different learning styles and conditions that can help you get the most out of your learning experience.

 

What are the different learning styles?

Visual learning

Visual learning or visible learning is a method that relies on the use of pictures, videos, charts, diagrams and other visual aids to help learners understand and remember concepts. This style of learning is particularly suited for learners who have a strong visual memory and have difficulty retaining written or oral information. Visual learning is increasingly being used in classrooms and online learning areas.

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Auditory learning

Auditory learners tend to understand information better by listening to lectures, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. They develop a good auditory memory and easily recall information they have heard. They develop a good auditory memory and easily recall information they have heard.

Verbal Learning

Verbal or language learning focuses on the learner’s ability to express and communicate to assimilate information. This is a modern learning style used for professional training. Conservations and group discussions are good ways to stimulate verbal learning.

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learning is often used in practical training. This style of learning relies on the use of physical movements and body sensations to help learners process new information. This teaching method involves handling objects, hands-on exercises, role-playing, simulations and other physical activities.

Logical Learning

Logical learners develop good problem-solving skills and analyze information in an orderly and logical manner. They make causal connections between their ideas. They think mathematically and tend to make assumptions on a logical basis. This type of learner does not have difficulty assimilating theoretical training.

How to test for logical reasoning?

Social learning

Social learning is a learning style that involves a strong preference for learning through social interaction and communication. Social learners tend to learn best by working in groups, exchanging ideas and discussing concepts. They often develop good interpersonal relationships.

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Solitary learning

Solitary learners are people who like to study independently. They tend to be disciplined and organized in their learning journey. They often prefer to work at their own pace, taking time to think and process information thoroughly. Teaching methods for solitary learners may include individual readings, individual projects, personal research, and other activities that emphasize self-study.

 

What are the conditions that promote learning?

Being motivated

Motivation is considered the driving force behind a commitment to an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, it allows you to:

  • Increase perseverance: it helps you develop a positive mindset and overcome failures and obstacles you may encounter.
  • Promote personal satisfaction: if you are motivated, you can achieve your learning goals more easily, which builds your confidence.
  • Stimulate creativity: a motivated person tends to find innovative solutions and acquire new knowledge.

To strengthen your motivation for professional learning, you should set clear goals, such as:

  • Improving existing skills or developing new skills to advance your professional career;
  • Acquiring a certification;
  • A professional reconversion;
  • Etc.

Controlling your attention

Attention during the learning period is key:

  • It improves comprehension: attention allows us to understand and retain information more effectively by focusing on the important details.
  • It promotes memory: by being attentive, you can better consolidate information in your long-term memory.
  • It allows errors to be identified and corrected quickly: it is important to create an environment conducive to attention where sources of distraction are reduced.

Believe in your personal capacity

The performance obtained after a learning session is not only related to the initial level of the learner’s skills but also depends on his or her own confidence in his or her brain capacity. Believing in your self-efficacy influences how you mobilize your skills, set goals and engage in the learning process.

Ask questions

Asking questions of the pre-service teacher or someone more experienced helps you to:

  • Clarify concepts and eliminate doubts;
  • Get more explanations;
  • Stimulate engagement and participation in the learning process.

Putting acquired skills into practice

Applying what you learn right away is crucial to assessing and refining your skills. Practice allows you to identify gaps and correct them effectively.

Learning in a group

Group learning offers many benefits, such as:

  • Encouragement and mutual support: group members can support each other by sharing their knowledge and encouraging each other.
  • Sharing ideas: Group learning allows members to share their ideas and discuss different points of view. This can help learners understand topics more fully.
  • Social skills development: Learning groups allow learners to work in teams, communicate and develop interpersonal skills.

Varying learning styles

Variations in learning activities can stimulate different skills in learners. Regardless of age, learners will be more motivated if they learn in a way that suits them. By varying learning styles, learners are prepared to deal with different situations.

Considering Emotions

Modern learning guides encourage teachers to take into consideration the emotional state of learners. This is because of the impact of emotional intelligence on the cognitive process. Experts distinguish four learning emotions that can be positive or negative:

  • Emotions of achievement: these are emotions related to the outcome of learning, regardless of its failure or success. For example, satisfaction, pride, fear of failure, etc.
  • Epistemic emotions: they are triggered by new learning experiences (pleasure of learning, curiosity, perplexity, confusion, astonishment, etc.).
  • Thematic emotions: these are related to a specific subject of study, for example having an aversion to mathematics.
  • Social emotions: these are derived from the relationships between the learner and those around him/her (appreciation, trust, empathy, shyness, etc.).

Why is an emotional intelligence test important?

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can have many benefits for improving learning ability:

  • Better concentration: a healthy, balanced diet helps maintain concentration, improve brain function and reduce mental fatigue.
  • Quality sleep: sleep is essential to strengthen memory and improve the ability to recover and concentrate.
  • Stress reduction: Chronic stress can affect cognitive function and learning ability. Exercises such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help reduce stress.

Discover Your Learning Style

If you want to identify your learning style, it is important to assess your personal skills. HRID provides the ID-Learning Agility allowing you to identify your learning style and will give you development paths allowing you to maximize the acquisition of knowledge and skills by taking into account your preferences and your style. HRID also offers a variety of targeted evaluation tests to meet your personal and professional development objectives.

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