In 1948, psychologist Bertram Forer gave his student’s a phony personality assessment. Then he told them that the results of their individual assessments were the thirteen statements contained in this poster. Little did they know that each student received the exact same thirteen statements.

Students were then asked to rate the accuracy of the statements and gave them an average 4.6 out of 5.0.

Knowing these thirteen statements – believing that they are true of everyone the leader meets enables him/her to see past social masks and lessens the chance of being intimidated.

The wise leader continues to expand this list that has become known as The Barnum Effect.

Categories: Empathy, Sociability