Proposal psychopaths

12/9/2013

Posted by Jon
I was fascinated by the research project underway online, linked to a forthcoming Channel 4 TV programme here in the UK, which tests an individual’s psychopathic tendencies.

I scored 42%, marginally less psychopathic than the population at large. Apparently:

Though your conscience is in the right place you also have a pragmatic streak and generally aren’t afraid to do your own dirty work! You’re no shrinking violet – but no daredevil either. You generally have little trouble seeing things from another person’s perspective but, at the same time, are no pushover. ‘Everything in moderation – including moderation’ might sum up your approach to life.

I wonder what the typical score would be for a proposal manager? Thus far, readers of the Financial Times weigh in with a staggeringly high score of 62%. Does my score suggest that proposal managers are less ruthless than those around us in the business world? That we’re too nice, perhaps? Or just not likely to murder reluctant salespeople or tardy content contributors!

I’d be fascinated to know others’ results, if you get five minutes to take the test and share your score in the comments.

18 Comments

Steve T

3/25/2016 02:45:02 pm

30%!

You are warm and empathic with a heightened awareness of social responsibility and a strong sense of conscience. You like to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of a situation before you act and are generally averse to taking risks. You are very much a ‘people person’ and dislike conflict. ‘Do unto others…’ are your watchwords. But, although you avoid hurting others, those residing at the higher end of the psychopathic spectrum might not be as considerate, so stay vigilant to avoid being hurt unnecessarily.

Angela Brewer-Miller

3/25/2016 02:45:17 pm

45%

Paul

3/25/2016 02:45:29 pm

30%. Hmmm…does that put me at the end of the spectrum which makes me too ‘nice’ to be a bid manager??

Beth

3/25/2016 02:45:40 pm

30%

Same as Steve T.

Reema

3/25/2016 02:45:49 pm

35%

BJ Lownie

3/25/2016 02:46:01 pm

Given I think of myself as much less cold and calculating as my partner Jon and certainly as being a much nicer guy all around, I was quite surprised to receive an identical score to his – 42%. Me thinks perhaps this indicates that the two of us have been spending WAY too much time together over the years.

Chris Simmons

3/25/2016 02:46:12 pm

Score: 24% – Same score as 30% above.

You are warm and empathic with a heightened awareness of social responsibility and a strong sense of conscience. You like to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of a situation before you act and are generally averse to taking risks. You are very much a ‘people person’ and dislike conflict. ‘Do unto others…’ are your watchwords. But, although you avoid hurting others, those residing at the higher end of the psychopathic spectrum might not be as considerate, so stay vigilant to avoid being hurt unnecessarily.

Faith Ragan

3/25/2016 02:46:28 pm

I scored 27%. Maybe I’m not as well-sutied to proposal management as I thought? LOL!

Claudia

3/25/2016 02:46:38 pm

I often think that about myself too – but people don’t want to work with the type of personality that would get proposals done days in advance.

Kristin

3/25/2016 02:46:49 pm

I scored a 33. Not sure if I’m happy about being a nice person or disappointed at not being tougher :)

Charlotte C.

3/25/2016 02:47:04 pm

I scored exactly 42% too.

Alison

3/25/2016 02:47:19 pm

OMG! I am frightened to say that I scored a 61%! Not sure what that means but I wonder if I can say its an ‘on the job related injury’? Its gotta be good for a at least a week off of R&R, right? Or perhaps I’ve just been doing this way to long and they have pulled me over to the dark side!. So many possibilities….makes you go hummmmm.

Tessa

3/25/2016 02:47:36 pm

21% – EEK! I need to be tougher.

Sander

3/25/2016 02:47:45 pm

52%, I have a feeling this might vary depending on how close I am to the next deadline though

Lorraine

3/25/2016 02:47:53 pm

55% – kinda in the middle…..does that mean boring?!!

Though your conscience is in the right place you also have a pragmatic streak and generally aren’t afraid to do your own dirty work! You’re no shrinking violet – but no daredevil either. You generally have little trouble seeing things from another person’s perspective but, at the same time, are no pushover. ‘Everything in moderation – including moderation’ might sum up your approach to life.

Claudia

3/25/2016 02:48:04 pm

I scored 27% – and I have a proposal due today! ;-)

Lauren

3/25/2016 02:48:12 pm

Your score 33%

You are warm and empathic with a heightened awareness of social responsibility and a strong sense of conscience. You like to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of a situation before you act and are generally averse to taking risks. You are very much a ‘people person’ and dislike conflict. ‘Do unto others…’ are your watchwords. But, although you avoid hurting others, those residing at the higher end of the psychopathic spectrum might not be as considerate, so stay vigilant to avoid being hurt unnecessarily.

Susan

3/25/2016 02:48:25 pm

45%

Though your conscience is in the right place you also have a pragmatic streak and generally aren’t afraid to do your own dirty work! You’re no shrinking violet – but no daredevil either. You generally have little trouble seeing things from another person’s perspective but, at the same time, are no pushover. ‘Everything in moderation – including moderation’ might sum up your approach to life.

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BJ Lownie and Jon Williams are the co-founders of Strategic Proposals.

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