Myers-Briggs

[Lex]

Do you know your personality type? I do. I am an ESTJ. I have taken the test in business settings several times in the past decade and always come out the same.

More about the Myers-Briggs.

Take the Test.


What makes an ESTJ tick?

The Dominant function is the judging one of Thinking. Characteristics associated with this function include:

• Likes making decisions on the basis of logic, using objective considerations
• Is concerned with truth, principles and justice
• Is analytical and critical, tending to see the flaws in situations
• Takes an objective approach

The judging Thinking function is extraverted. That is, Thinking is used primarily to govern the outer world of actions and spoken words. The ESTJ will therefore:

• organise life in on a logical basis, classifying, ordering, and directing facts and situations
• be decisive, with the aim of being just and fair
• spontaneously criticise
• be comfortable with conflict as a way of resolving problems
• take an impersonal approach, focusing more on systems and organisational needs than each individuals' feelings

The Thinking function is primarily supported by introverted Sensing perception. That is, Sensing perception is used primarily to manage the inner world of thoughts and emotions. This will modify the way that the Thinking is directed, by:

• focusing the (outer world) Thinking on practical decisions that lead to tried and trusted ways of organising or solving problems
• focusing decisions on immediate considerations - e.g.: short term costs and benefits, and the next step

The classic temperament of an ESTJ is Epimethean, or Melancholic, for whom a basic driving force is duty, service and belonging.


Contributions to the team of an ESTJ

In a team environment, the ESTJ can contribute by:

• working hard and efficiently to complete tasks by the deadlines set
• contributing practical organisational skills
• applying relevant and realistic logical arguments
• calling a spade a spade
• ensuring the team follows through to completion

The potential ways in which an ESTJ can irritate others include:

• focusing too much on the current task at the expense of broader interpersonal issues
• being too blunt in giving criticism
• not seeing the wood for the trees
• not encouraging others to experiment or innovate
• not paying enough attention to others' feelings and values

Personal Growth

As with all types, the ESTJ can achieve personal growth by developing all functions that are not fully developed, through actions such as:

• pausing and thinking, and recognising that others will accept the ESTJ's direction if their own contributions are accepted and valued
• working within other people's limitations
• taking time to consider the impact of the ESTJ's approach and ideas on people's feelings
• expressing appreciation towards others
• consulting others more, to engender ownership of the solution
• learning to acknowledge and develop the ESTJ's own emotions and personal values
• spending time alone to develop personal long-term strategies
• spending time to develop personal relationships for their own sake

Recognising Stress

As stress increases, 'learned behaviour' tends to give way to the natural style, so the ESTJ will behave more according to type when under greater stress. For example, in a crisis, the ESTJ might:

• take command, decide what needs to be done, and tell everyone what to do
• use tried and trusted solutions to short-term problems
• make decisions too quickly, and without considering the impact on people
• criticise others efforts and ignore their feelings

Under extreme stress, fatigue or illness, the ESTJ's shadow may appear - a negative form of INFP. Example characteristics are:

• withdrawing and wanting to be alone
• having intense emotions, that may or may not be expressed
• being very sensitive to criticism
• attributing unrealistic negative meaning to others actions or statements

The shadow is part of the unconscious that is often visible to others, onto whom the shadow is projected. The ESTJ may therefore readily see these faults in others without recognising it in him/her self.

 

[NCbear]

I'm an INTJ. Have been all my life, but with varying strengths of the four components.

NCbear

P.S. SHIT! This is so "me":

[FONT='Arial Narrow', sans-serif]Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging[/font]
by Marina Margaret Heiss
Profile: INTJ
Revision: 3.0
Date of Revision: 27 Feb 2005
To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know.

INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake.

INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be "slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing opportunities which others might not even notice.

In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know". Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their inherent unconventionality.

Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations.

This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete', paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.

Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship. Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice, turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do become established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their robustness, stability, and good communications.

 

[naughty]

I just took the test for the 7th time and yet again I come out as a INTJ.
The Portrait of the Mastermind Rational (iNTj)

[SIZE=+2]RATIONAL[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]ARTISAN[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]IDEALIST[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]GUARDIAN[/SIZE]​

Copyrighted © 1996-2005 Prometheus Nemesis Book

Of the four aspects of strategic analysis and definition, it is the contingency planning or entailment organizing role that reaches the highest development in Masterminds. Entailing or contingency planning is not an informative activity, rather it is a directive one in which the planner tells others what to do and in what order to do it. As the organizing capabilities the Masterminds increase so does their inclination to take charge of whatever is going on.
It is in their abilities that Masterminds differ from the other Rationals, while in most of their attitudes they are just like the others. However there is one attitude that sets them apart from other Rationals: they tend to be much more self-confident than the rest, having, for obscure reasons, developed a very strong will. They are rather rare, comprising no more than, say, one percent of the population. Being very judicious, decisions come naturally to them; indeed, they can hardly rest until they have things settled, decided, and set. They are the people who are able to formulate coherent and comprehensive contingency plans, hence contingency organizers or "entailers."
Masterminds will adopt ideas only if they are useful, which is to say if they work efficiently toward accomplishing the Mastermind's well-defined goals. Natural leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command of projects or groups, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once in charge, however, Masterminds are the supreme pragmatists, seeing reality as a crucible for refining their strategies for goal-directed action. In a sense, Masterminds approach reality as they would a giant chess board, always seeking strategies that have a high payoff, and always devising contingency plans in case of error or adversity. To the Mastermind, organizational structure and operational procedures are never arbitrary, never set in concrete, but are quite malleable and can be changed, improved, streamlined. In their drive for efficient action, Masterminds are the most open-minded of all the types. No idea is too far-fetched to be entertained-if it is useful. Masterminds are natural brainstormers, always open to new concepts and, in fact, aggressively seeking them. They are also alert to the consequences of applying new ideas or positions. Theories which cannot be made to work are quickly discarded by the Masterminds. On the other hand, Masterminds can be quite ruthless in implementing effective ideas, seldom counting personal cost in terms of time and energy.
A full description of the Mastermind and Rational is in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II General Ulysses S. Grant is an example of Mastermind Rational

 

[B_Think_Kink]

[SIZE=+1]Your Type is [/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1][SIZE=+2]ISFJ[/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]56% 1% 38% 44%[/SIZE]
You are:

• moderately expressed introvert
• slightly expressed sensing personality
• moderately expressed feeling personality
• moderately expressed judging personality

Minus all the stuff Lex put.. I took this for a psycology class once.

 

[naughty]

Your Type is
[SIZE=+2]INFJ[/SIZE][SIZE=+1] IntrovertedIntuitiveFeelingJudging[/SIZE]

I swear that sounds nothing like I thought I was

The funny thing is that I have even tried to trip the test up on occassion and every time I come out the same thing! It can be very helpful.

 

[smoothrnb]

I am an INTJ...joining naughty and NCbear.

 

[dannymawg]

INTP here. I had taken the test in the late 80s as part of an assessment while attending community college to get my grades up to get into a state university (which never happened for financial reasons).

As part of my severance package during my layoff last year, 6 months of a career management service was provided as a benefit, and the MBTI was part of the process.

In both cases, the results of the test were the same. This correlates to just about everyone else's experience with the test with whom I have discussed it with.

I think its roots in Jungian theory speaks for itself. A very reliable and eye-opening assessment.

LOL - I took the test in the link Lex posted. Same result again!

 

[viking1]

INTJ for me.

 

[tallguypns]

This will come as a shock, but I'm Eyeore. ISTJ

 

[naughty]

This will come as a shock, but I'm Eyeore. ISTJ

and we love you for it...

 

[IntoxicatingToxin]

I guess I am the first ENFJ. I've taken this test numerous times in my live... I think I'm pretty much always been that.

Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:

* slightly expressed extrovert
* moderately expressed intuitive personality
* slightly expressed feeling personality
* distinctively expressed judging personality

The Portrait of the Teacher Idealist (eNFj)

The Idealists called Teachers are abstract in their thought and speech, cooperative in their style of achieving goals, and directive and extraverted in their interpersonal relations. Learning in the young has to be beckoned forth, teased out from its hiding place, or, as suggested by the word "education," it has to be "educed." by an individual with educative capabilities. Such a one is the eNFj, thus rightly called the educative mentor or Teacher for short. The Teacher is especially capable of educing or calling forth those inner potentials each learner possesses. Even as children the Teachers may attract a gathering of other children ready to follow their lead in play or work. And they lead without seeming to do so.

Teachers expect the very best of those around them, and this expectation, usually expressed as enthusiastic encouragement, motivates action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations. Teachers have the charming characteristic of taking for granted that their expectations will be met, their implicit commands obeyed, never doubting that people will want to do what they suggest. And, more often than not, people do, because this type has extraordinary charisma.

The Teachers are found in no more than 2 or 3 percent of the population. They like to have things settled and arranged. They prefer to plan both work and social engagements ahead of time and tend to be absolutely reliable in honoring these commitments. At the same time, Teachers are very much at home in complex situations which require the juggling of much data with little pre-planning. An experienced Teacher group leader can dream up, effortlessly, and almost endlessly, activities for groups to engage in, and stimulating roles for members of the group to play. In some Teachers, inspired by the responsiveness of their students or followers, this can amount to genius which other types find hard to emulate. Such ability to preside without planning reminds us somewhat of an Provider, but the latter acts more as a master of ceremonies than as a leader of groups. Providers are natural hosts and hostesses, making sure that each guest is well looked after at social gatherings, or that the right things are expressed on traditional occasions, such as weddings, funerals, graduations, and the like. In much the same way, Teachers value harmonious human relations about all else, can handle people with charm and concern, and are usually popular wherever they are. But Teachers are not so much social as educational leaders, interested primarily in the personal growth and development of others, and less in attending to their social needs.

Mikhail Gorbachev is an example of a Teacher Idealist.

 

[B_Hickboy]

ENFP. I keep company with Joseph Campbell and Joan Baez, among others...

• slightly expressed extrovert
• distinctively expressed intuitive personality
• moderately expressed feeling personality
• moderately expressed perceiving personality

The Champion Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and expressive when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. Champions are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.
Champions consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which Champions possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, Champions strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, Champions fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.

 

[B_big dirigible]

The funny thing is that I have even tried to trip the test up on occassion and every time I come out the same thing! It can be very helpful.

A test which gives the same result with different inputs? That sounds about as helpful as the Magic 8 Ball.

 

[naughty]

A test which gives the same result with different inputs? That sounds about as helpful as the Magic 8 Ball.

Well there was some variation in degrees but I still ended up in the same four categories...

 

[scanjock8]

My employer loves performance measurement and skillset assessment (probably at the expense of actually getting any work done). Our team recently took a test that plotted us within four personality profiles--controller, persuader, analyzer, stabilizer. A workshop followed to determine how we could work most effectively with each other and leverage our strengths (way too much role-playing, but it was helpful). I'm a persuader/analyzer--it fits.

I did Myers-Briggs a few years ago. My profile hasn't changed:

ENFJ Teacher/Idealist

 

[dannymawg]

All four of the indicators are on a continuum, so it is possible to answer differently and still stay within the same type.

Also, some MBTI are structured differently than others - the test in the link Lex posted is more of a casual test.

Interested in what your type would be, BD...

 

[mindseye]

I've taken the test before, and don't put a lot of stock in the idea of boiling down my personality to a four-letter code. In particular, I get a different personality type if I add "at work" to the ends of the question stems than if I add "outside of work". (And I bet I'm not the only one...)

 

[stretcher74]

says I'm ENTJ

although I'd have to say the extroverted thing is kind of a learned skill for me.

 

[dannymawg]

I've taken the test before, and don't put a lot of stock in the idea of boiling down my personality to a four-letter code. In particular, I get a different personality type if I add "at work" to the ends of the question stems than if I add "outside of work". (And I bet I'm not the only one...)

I hear you on this point, mindseye - when answering the questions last year, I was most definitely skewing my responses in light of my work environments, the most recent one in particular. It actually pushed my results towards ISTP rather than INTP, but my career "coach" (someone with 20+ years in the business) felt that it wasn't the right fit after discussing the results, and having a few conversations off-topic (but still within the career search realm). I took the test again (and again, a much lengthier version, as was my college oriented test, compared to the quickie in the link) and it jived more with my self-identification as an INTP.

Moreover, the MBTI was never meant to be construed to be a be-all/end-all of personality indentification - merely food for thought.

 

[Pecker]

INFJ

• slightly expressed introvert
• moderately expressed intuitive personality
• distinctively expressed feeling personality
• very expressed judging personality