8/12/2019 Barker, R. What is Graphology

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What is Graphology?

k n ow y o u r s el f

a nd you r bu s i n ess,t h r o u gh h a n dwr i t i n g . . .

What i s Grapho logy?Considered both an art and science, Graphology is moreusually known as handwriting analysis. It involves the study

of handwriting with the aim of revealing the character and

personality of the writer, including his or her strengths,

weaknesses and abilities.

As handwriting comes from the unconscious, it contains a

great deal of information, which can be useful for

interpreting ones character. Any time we write, we are under

the influence of emotions that dictate our mood at the time

of writing. The brain transmits its instruction via the motor

nervous systems for the hand to carry out. This expression

is a mixture of conscious thoughts and unconscious

automatic responses learnt as part of the stimulation.

Each individuals handwriting is unique to them and so can

reveal a lot about their nature and behavioural

characteristics, such as aggression and manner.

Handwriting reveals abilities, aptitudes, outer personality

attributes, and deeper features of the inner character. It

shows what people are like, but not what they have done. A

graphologist can discern which short-listed candidates arewell suited to an advertised post. Writing does not reveal

whether they have qualifications; that needs separate

checking. It cannot predict the future. Nor can it tell age or

sex; people and their writing mature at different rates, and

most of us have some masculine and some feminine traits.

Grapho logy and Ps y c ho l ogyGraphology has grown up as an alternative psychology. It

does not rely on sensational concepts such as Freudsconcept of sex as a measure of all things. Instead, it relies

on the actual evidence of handwriting.

It does not classify people into set personality types.

Handwriting shows that everyone is an individual.

Nevertheless, character portraits by graphologists have been

described as stunningly similar to those derived from

psychological tests.

You can t fake i t

People can read about psychological tests and learn how to

answer in ways that impress the tester. Handwriting is

impossible to fake effectively as the graphologist looks for

evidence that remains unchanged even when the script isheavily disguised. And attempts at disguise betray

themselves by many unnatural signs, especially under high

magnification. Natural handwriting shows people as they really

are.

His to ry on Grapho lo gy

As early as the 2ndCentury, the Roman historian Suetonius

Tranguillus stated that the handwriting of Augustus Caesar

was not separated sufficiently and that he was therefore mean.

Ancient Chinese philosophers also used the technique to makedeductions about certain calligraphers characters.

In Italy, the first know article appeared around the 17th

century under the title Ideographi which was followed in 1622

by a book explaining how to tell a persons nature by his or her

handwriting by Camillo Baldo, a physician in Capri. This was

followed by work in France, Germany, Czechoslovakia,

England and America.

The subject has captured the attention of writers such as

Balzac, Lavater, Goethe, Edgar Allen Poe, and Charles

Dickens. Others who also used handwriting analysis withaccuracy were George Sand, Chekhov and Albert Einstein.

OLM Resourcing take a holistic approach to

recruitment solutions and use a varied range of

methodologies to help find the best fit for candidates

and organisations. One of these approaches is the

use of Graphology and the benefits it can bring to

resourcing solutions.

OLM Resourcing, Cairns House, 10 Station Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9AA

t: 020 8973 1100 f: 020 8973 1101 e: info@olmgroup.com

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POTENTIAL - Handwriting analysis will help in determiningpromotional prospects, thus saving the embarrassment andinevitable problems caused when someone is promotedbeyond their capabilities.

MOTIVATION- Graphology can be useful in determining anemployees goals, and thus in helping to find the right slot inthe organisation for mutual benefit.

STRESS- Handwriting can help to determine peoples stresslevels and how they cope with various situations.

MONITORING - Changing behaviour patterns and attitudesoccur over time. When one sees the same people daily, thedifferences may not be apparent. Handwriting analysis isparticularly useful in monitoring individuals as it can chartprogress or decline. It can also track changing habits of aserious nature, e.g. stemming from alcohol or drug abuse.

PROBLEM SOLVING- Graphology can be used whenproblems occur (communication, ethics, disputes, etc). Italso introduces the advantage of impartial intervention. Thisis helpful when a client has problems and needs an objectivediscussion without fear of the outcome going around thecompany grapevine.

RETRAINING- Graphology can be practical whenredundancy is inevitable. It can detect new directions inwhich the employee could channel his energies.

The following is a list of some characteristics that companiesfind beneficial when looking for qualities in prospective

candidates. You may wish to add to, or subtract from the listdepending on the needs and requirements of your company.

AdaptabilityCommunication skillsCommitmentConfidentialityConsistencyDeterminationEnergyEnthusiasmJacqui uses her graphology skills to advise companies in all

areas of human relations. These range from the shortlistingprocess to matching the right person to the job and fitting inwith corporate culture.

To see how Graphology can help

your business, contact:

Roxanne BarkerResourcing Managert: 020 8973 1186e: roxanne.barker@olmgroup.com

Undertaking an AnalysisA sample of spontaneous handwriting is necessary which

should be not less than 12 long lines. It should include a

signature and be written on plain paper using ballpoint or

fountain pen. The sex and the age of the writer, and

preferably the nationality in which they were taught to write

must be know beforehand.

The instruments needed for graphology are good quality

magnifying glass, a plastic ruler showing millimetres and a

protractor for assessing the slant of the writing.

Important features used to determine the interpretation of a

handwriting analysis are script size, slant, letters, pen

strokes, pressure, and overall significance of the layout.

Other factors to consider include punctuation, signature, the

pronoun I, capitals and loops.

The Uses of GraphologyThe technique of graphology is mainly used professionally

today to help select personnel for key positions, marriage

compatibility, guidance for school leavers as to what sort of

career would suit them and for personal use.

Introducing Jacqui Tew - Business GraphologistJacqui uses her handwriting analysis skills to advise

companies in all areas of human relations. These range from

the shortlisting process to matching the right person to the job

and fitting in with the corporate culture. Companies also use

her graphological services for retraining and career guidance.

RECRUITMENT - Graphology is able to reveal strengths and

weaknesses that may not show up in the interview. A

candidates capabilities may be masked by interview nerves,

while another, who could be less suitable, may interview well.

SHORTLISTING - Graphology can save time, money and

effort in this area by seeing that the essential characteristics

required for the job are present.

FITTING INTO THE TEAM - If four candidates appear right

for the post, the handwriting can reveal the character that will

fit in best with the rest of the team.

COMPOSING A TEAM - When it is not desirable to recruit

new people, it may be helpful to reassess existing staff and

change their duties so that they can become more efficient

and productive. Analysing the writing will highlight strengths

and weaknesses and pinpoint the right person.

Friendly approachHonestyImitativeInquisitive mindLogicLoyaltyReliability

OLM Resourcing, Cairns House, 10 Station Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9AAt: 020 8973 1100 f: 020 8973 1101 e: info@olmgroup.com