What 98 Questions Revealed About Me
Every now and then, a job application asks to go beyond a résumé and complete an assessment that digs into how I think, work, and interact with others.
I'm currently applying for a role here in the Charleston, SC area. Like many opportunities these days, part of the hiring process included a behavioral assessment—98 questions that took about 45 minutes to complete.
The results were interesting because they aligned closely with how I've approached my career in Learning & Development, leadership, and continuous improvement.
Here are the competencies the assessment highlighted:
📚 Learner (Thought Process)
Curious and inquisitive. I enjoy learning new things, asking questions, and finding ways to apply new knowledge to solve problems and improve performance.
🎯 Achiever (Drives & Values)
Determined to succeed. I set high standards for myself and stay focused on accomplishing meaningful goals while continuously growing.
🔄 Adaptability (Work Style)
Flexible and resourceful. Whether it's changing priorities, new technology, or unexpected challenges, I enjoy finding solutions and helping organizations navigate change.
🤝 Individualizer (People Acumen)
Building personalized relationships. One-size-fits-all leadership rarely works. I enjoy understanding what motivates each person and helping them succeed in ways that fit their strengths.
🚀 Execution (Influence)
Exceeding expectations. Planning, data, experience, and intuition all come together to deliver results. My goal has always been to leave projects, teams, and organizations better than I found them.
What I appreciated most wasn't receiving a "score." It was seeing characteristics that I've tried to demonstrate throughout my career.
I'm still looking for the right opportunity—one where I can contribute, make an impact, help people grow, and continue learning myself. Whether that's through Learning & Development, instructional design, leadership development, or organizational effectiveness, I'm excited about what comes next.
Sometimes a behavioral assessment is more than another step in the hiring process. It's an opportunity to reflect on who I am and how I create value for others.
What strengths have been most consistent throughout your career?
Join the discussion on NielFlamm.com.
Progressive Snapshot Turned Safe Driving Into a Game… Now Let’s Level It Up! 🚗🎮
About a month ago, I called Progressive because my auto insurance had gone up about $60 a month. The explanation? “Inflation.” I wasn’t exactly thrilled.
I asked if there was any way to lower my premium without reducing my coverage.
The answer from the general customer service line?
“You can take an instructor-led, state-approved, eight-hour defensive driving course for about $125… and maybe your insurance will go down.”
Maybe?
No thanks.
I’ve already sat through a driving class once in my younger years because I was… let’s just say “an enthusiastic driver.” Once was enough.
So I started shopping around.
Then something interesting happened.
Apparently, the AI gods heard my frustration because I received an email from Progressive asking me to call a special number to discuss my policy.
I spoke with a fantastic representative who asked a few smart questions and introduced me to Progressive Snapshot.
Without changing my coverage, he reduced my premium by almost $200 per month.
That’s not Monopoly money.
That’s real movie money.
That’s dinner-out money.
That’s “I don’t feel quite as offended opening my insurance bill” money.
Then the game began…
Snapshot tracks driving habits through my phone and gives you feedback after every trip.
Did I accelerate too aggressively?
Did I brake smoothly?
Did I leave enough following distance?
Was I distracted by my phone?
Every trip gets scored.
Naturally, my Learning & Development brain immediately recognized what Progressive had built.
This isn’t just telematics.
It’s gamification.
I check my score after almost every drive.
Last week I was sitting at 2 Stars during the introductory period.
Today?
3 Stars.
My new goal?
5 Stars.
Progress.
Feedback.
Small wins.
Visible performance metrics.
Those are many of the same ingredients that make great Learning & Development programs successful. When learners can see progress and understand how to improve, engagement increases.
Apparently, the same thing happens with drivers.
But I have one suggestion…
Progressive—and every other insurance company—should consider rewarding the use of turn signals.
Seriously.
I see people driving every make and model imaginable.
Every age.
Every gender.
Every demographic.
One thing they often seem to have in common?
Apparently, they believe turn signals are an optional factory upgrade.
They’re not.
Using a turn signal before changing lanes or making a turn communicates intent to everyone around. If more drivers consistently signaled, I suspect we’d see fewer avoidable crashes and near misses.
I’d genuinely love to read a large, well-designed epidemiological study examining whether consistent turn signal use correlates with reduced collision rates.
(I’m looking in your direction, Nextdoor. Publish the full study if you do one.)
Since Snapshot already uses a smartphone rather than an OBD-II device for many drivers, future technology could recognize turn signal activation alongside other safe driving behaviors.
Imagine earning points for:
Using your turn signal consistently
Smooth lane changes
Safe following distance
Gentle braking
Staying off your phone
Now that’s a leaderboard I’d happily compete on.
Progressive, if you’re looking for ideas on how to gamify turn signal use, I’d be happy to consult.
And finally…
A friendly reminder to everyone:
Don’t forget to check your vehicle’s turn signals.
And while you’re at it…
Top off your blinker fluid.