Saturday, July 20, 2013

My Personality... according to Keirsey

For grad school, I had to take the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.  I received a list of 70 questions, each with two choices.  Each choice was a gut decision, picking the response that was most like me.

I didn't think much of it, until I got the results.  Um... this test knows me.

I was labeled a Guardian temperament, type Supervisor (ESTJ).  The report I received gave me a great summary of how this applies to me work.  It was funny to read, since they basically said I do better in a hierarchical, structured work environment (like the military)... which is not what my current work is like at all.  And I'm okay with that.

The report says that Guardians are dependable, hard working, loyal, responsible, dutiful, humble, cautious.  It supposes that I am a Logistical leader, which I didn't understand... until they started throwing out words like schedule, routine, clarity, orderly.  Okay then.  They got me.  Yup.  Wow.  It felt strange to me that a "quiz" could seemingly know so much about me.

source

ESTJs in general, according to Wikipedia, are "practical, realistic, and matter-of-fact, with a natural head for business or mechanics. Though they are not interested in subjects they see no use for, they can apply themselves when necessary. They like to organize and run activities. ESTJs make good administrators, especially if they remember to consider others' feelings and points of view, which they often dismiss... According to Keirsey, ESTJs are civic-minded individuals who dedicate themselves to maintaining the institutions behind a smooth-running society. They are defenders of the status quo and strong believers in rules and procedures. ESTJs are outgoing and do not hesitate to communicate their opinions and expectations to others."

This personality test could have helped a lot in therapy.  I mean, seriously.  But it also makes me think about my weaknesses, things I need to make a bigger effort on because they aren't natural to me personality.   I find I have to work harder to maintain friendships and keep a flexible schedule.  I have to work harder to adapt to ambiguity.  Common ESTJ weaknesses include: often too inflexible and stubborn, judgmental, may have difficulties expressing their emotions, find it difficult to relax, may focus too much on their social status, and uncomfortable with unconventional solutions.  I'd say some of these apply to me more than others.

I don't know that there are that many people who absolutely love having an ESTJ in their lives...  I don't think we're the most easygoing people.  (One report said that Percy Weasley was an ESTJ, and I was all like, I AM A HERMIONE NOT A PERCY!")  But at the same time, I feel like I'm able to help my friends when they need my crazy organization skills, or want someone they know is dependable and loyal.

Have you ever done the Keirsey or Myers-Briggs test?  What did you think of the results?

6 comments:

  1. I did Myers-Briggs! I'm an ESFJ! My results were so on point.

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    1. Isn't it crazy how they can figure you out like that? I didn't want to believe it could be done, but it totally works.

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  2. ISTJ here. Basically you without the outgoing part :)

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  3. I had to do Myers-Briggs at Kelley in undergrad. I'm an INTJ and it's a little terrifying how spot on the descriptions are. I too love organization and systems, hate inefficiency, hold myself to a really high standard, don't show feelings very often, and am in my head so much I come off as standoffish and arrogant.

    I think every organization should make their employees take this test and let everyone else see the results, it makes so much sense and gives a lot of insight into the people around you. Richard did it at Kelley when he worked there and said it helped him understand some of his coworkers better (we're one letter off, ENTJ).

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    1. After seeing how terrifyingly accurate these descriptions are, I wish people had to wear necklaces with their results all the time. Not only would it help within an organization, but I think it would help with friendships. I struggle sometimes at maintaining friendships and communicating the same way others do, that whole "impersonal and logical" ESTJ getting in the way. And while I won't hide behind a label as an excuse, it would still help me understand other people.

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