Smith tested either above or below average. These factors deserve a more detailed discussion as to the results applicability to his suitability as a counselor.
Mr. Smith's low average in tough mindedness is of some initial concern but when put in context of his other test results this low is really inconsequential. Mr. Smith tested a high average in extroversion, meaning that he definitely is willing to rise above his own personal concerns to deal with the problems of others. He is not only outgoing, he is also independent, an important quality since much of the counseling environment is based on independence. The test concluded that Mr. Smith was likely to present himself well in most social situations, however. This too is a critical element in the counseling environment. A counselor must not only be able to listen to their client's problems they must provide a direction for rectification of those problems. Probably the most important personality factor in this equation is communication. Luckily, Mr. Smith's test results indicated that his communication is forceful. As will be seen below, communication could be contended to be one of the most important skills in the counseling environment.
The contention presented above regarding the importance of communication can be better understood when we realize that the counseling environment can encompass a number of professional arenas. These include psychological counseling, the health care environment, and even the education environment. There are several commonalties, however, which are found in each which determine effective verses ineffective counseling. These commonalties are particularly interesting in the multicultural world of today. Indeed, there are a number of cultural variables, which affect the counseling environment. Many aspects of counseling which are taken for granted with the mainstream predominantly white population become more complex when multicultural issues are introduced.