As spices are in a chef’s pantry, so too are http://personality-type.com. Each individual is unique, bringing a flavor or essence of their own. Studying personality is not about putting everyone into a box, but rather understanding the various ways people interact with the environment around them.
It is important to note that personality typing involves categorizing a person based upon their emotional patterns. This includes interpersonal, experiential, mental, motivational and attitude-based behaviors. Many models and theory provide us with frameworks that help us understand these patterns. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – MBTI – is a popular tool that sorts personality into 16 different types based primarily on four dichotomies.
Each letter within a Myers-Briggs personality type plays a role in determining a person’s perception of challenges and how they interact with others. As an example, a person who identifies himself as INTJ may be viewed as a planner and strategist — always up for the challenge to solve complex and new problems.
Another interesting framework is that of the Big Five personality trait model. It measures five dimensions: openness for experience, conscientiousness extraversion agreeableness neuroticism. (This model can also be remembered using the acronym OCEAN). This model can be used to predict different life outcomes including job performance, interpersonal relationships and adaptability.
Talking about personality types is sometimes like reading a horoscope. It’s vaguely accurate and curiously fascinating. But unlike horoscopes and other astrological predictions, these personality tests are backed up by scientific studies. These studies help us understand how some people enjoy being in the spotlight while others do better alone.
Extraversion and introversion are two examples. Not only is it important to be outgoing, but also how individuals recharge their minds.
There are no two people who are completely alike, whether they’re extraverts of introverts. Imagine an extravert as a spectrum that has many different shades, from the brightest colors of extroversion to softer hues indicating warmth.
If you look deeper at each person, there are nuances which make them complex and fascinating. Take a look at judging versus perceiving. People who are inclined towards perceiving don’t necessarily lack indecisiveness, but may prefer to live spontaneously. They often keep their calendars free because freedom is refreshing. On the opposite side, people who tend to judge might enjoy structure. These are the people with lists for their list!
What about conflict? Relationship dynamics can be transformed by knowing someone’s preference for thinking or feelings! Thinkers can approach conflicts using logic-heavy arguments whereas feelers place more emphasis on how their decisions will affect others.
To use an idiom, navigating through different personality types may not be “a walk on the park.” It’s sometimes more like “herding the cats” – complex, but indescribably rewarding!
Think about this anecdote. I once had two close friends planning an event. One was ESTJ (Extraverted Sense Thinking Judging) while the other INFP (Introverted intuitive feeling judging). Understatement to call them a clash! They both saw different things. While one saw a rigid schedule, the other saw a missed opportunity for creativity by not being flexible! Understanding the differences between them helped them use their strengths to create a wonderful balanced event.
If you ever find yourself confused about someone’s behavior, or their preferences, it is probably due to a personality type. Learning about personality types allows us to not just accept differences, but celebrate them. It turns everyday interactions into rich tapestries that are woven with unique threads of human experience.
Remember that every individual carries a unique universe in them shaped from a combination of complex genetic factors, cultural factors and historical elements. This is what makes the study of personalities an endlessly captivating journey towards discovery of empathy!