A computer judges Brady, Gronk, Baker and more by their writing
Can a computer program assess your personality with a quick scan of your online writing?
That’s the promise of Crystal, a new Nashville-based startup first conceived at the Harvard Innovation Lab. Enter a person’s name into the program, and it searches through their writing online — and Gmail messages, with their permission — to match them with one of 64 personality types. It also identifies several other qualities about them.
“This is based on things like sentence structure, phrases, and other specific aspects of a person’s writing style,’’ founder Drew D’Agostino told BetaBoston.
The program also offers tips for effectively crafting emails to them.
The app isn’t perfect: When I searched my own name, Crystal told me that I struggle to communicate “in writing’’—outrageous!—and loftily oversold me as a “visionary [who] can understand both ideas and details.’’ Not true.
However, some assessments—“It does not come naturally to Chris to speak in a tactful, reserved manner,’’ or “Don’t get frustrated if he is a few minutes late’’—seem about right.
With that in mind, here’s how Crystal judged some noteworthy Massachusetts personalities:
Tom Brady: “Tom is relationship-focused, friendly, supportive, and open, but may be stressed by unpredictable, high-pressure situations.’’
It comes naturally to Tom to: “Prefer to work in groups more often than alone.’’
It does not come naturally to Tom to: “Enjoy argument and debate.“
Sen. Elizabeth Warren: “Elizabeth is goal-oriented, loyal, and prefers working with people much more than ideas or process.’’
It comes naturally to Elizabeth to: “Immediately feel comfortable speaking to a new person.’’
It does not come naturally to Elizabeth to: “Read an instruction manual.’’
Rob Gronkowski: “Rob is a very quick learner with strong analytical, creative, and social skills, but may seem scatterbrained at times.’’
When emailing Rob: “Use an emoticon.’’
When working with Rob: “Don’t get frustrated if he is a few minutes late.’’
Bill Belichick: “Belichick is a gifted communicator, prioritizes relationships, and trusts their instincts – sometimes making gut decisions against logic.’’
When speaking to Belichick: “Don’t ask them something that will require a long, thoughtful response.’’
It comes naturally to Belichick to: “Feel sad if an accomplishment goes unrecognized’’
Gisele Bündchen: “We couldn’t find enough public information to analyze Giselle Bundchen’s personality.’’ Personally, I do not believe this for a second.
Pedro Martinez: “Pedro is ambitious and goal-driven but very logical, careful, and considerate when making decisions.’’
When speaking to Pedro: “Let him finish his sentences before talking.’’
It comes naturally to Pedro to: “Stay loyal to trusted companies and brands.’’
Former Gov. Deval Patrick: “Deval is enthusiastic, decisive, and strongly prefers results over process, but feels uncomfortable about giving up control.’’
When speaking to Deval: “Don’t expect to lead the conversation.’’
It comes naturally to Deval to: “Immediately project assertiveness and confidence.’’
Gov. Charlie Baker: “Charlie is pragmatic, independent, and needs logical reasons for everything – but able to take a calculated risk when necessary.’’
When working with Charlie: “Do your homework before a meeting’’ and “use logical appeals if you argue.’’
It does not come naturally to Charlie to: “Consider social events a high priority.’’
Mayor Marty Walsh: “Martin is very people-focused: supportive, friendly and naturally empathetic with a tendency to procrastinate.’’
It comes naturally to Marty to: “Comfort someone in a sad situation’’ and “easily perceive the emotions of others.’’
When working with Marty: “If you argue, be considerate of his feelings.’’
Larry Bird: “Larry is enthusiastic, decisive, and strongly prefers results over process, but feels uncomfortable about giving up control.’’
When speaking to Larry: “Use self-deprecating humor (don’t take act like you take yourself too seriously).’’
When working with Larry: “Don’t take time to work out logical conclusions.’’
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