Jung/Myers-Briggs Personality Analysis

The Humanmetrics Jung Typology Test certainly brought to light many unseen aspects towards my personal character traits and leadership style at work and at home (2015). Whether I am interacting with members from my personal or professional life, my INTJ personality type dominates my perception for good or ill. Strengths and weaknesses abound in any of the sixteen personalities designated by the Jung/Myers-Briggs Personality Test. My self-confidence and perfectionist attitude can be attributed to my identified type. As Marina Heiss explains, a degree of mental independence from authority, convention, and sentiment can also be reached (2015). Throughout this assignment I have grasped a few of the reasons on why I have tendency/preference to

behave in certain ways. Hopefully, I will be able to use this to my advantage in my relationships at home and at work.

I. The Jung Typology/Myers-Briggs Personality Test
Overview of INTJ
Introvert.

Certainly, the “introverted” versus “extroverted” label is an accurate description of my personality. I prefer peace and quiet as opposed to the hustle and bustle of typical work day. Moments of solitude are also cherished and in this setting I am the most productive. I typically stay at work a few hours past my normal shift to complete the tasks I could not beforehand. This is typically due to the constant interruptions (whether superiors or subordinates) in my office. At times, I may send my personnel home a bit early, so I can begin my tasks and not stay later into the evening. As Kroeger, et al. describes, this “alone time” is essential to “sift” through the information and make “good, clear decisions” (2002, p.

30).
At home, my introvert/extrovert personality alters a tad. I am comfortable in the company of my family and charged by God to be their leader. Therefore, I am a bit more outgoing and “in the thick” of the happenings. That being said, I still prefer the house to be quiet and controlled. Trying to raise four children (from ages three to thirteen) can be a daunting task, however. I spend my day fluctuating from being involved, to wanting five minutes of quietness (that I may enjoy a cup of coffee with the wife). I find myself more attracted to calmness versus fairness. As Bill Cosby joked in one of his shows, “…Parents are not interested in justice, they want quiet” (1983). I could not agree more.
iNtuitive. Being part of the “N” class is surprising. I am a more visual and tactile learner and desire specific information. For example, if I ask someone for the time, I would expect a precise answer. Kroeger, et al. provide this as an example of a Sensor (2002, p. 35). On the other hand, I am inclined to look at the larger picture and have a tendency to focus more on the future and less on the here-and-now. Whether one could call this “delusions of grandeur” or “fantasy” is debatable. Nevertheless, I have to remind myself from time-to-time, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19, NIV). In other words, I have to tell myself to “snap out if it and get back to work.”
Thinking. I would agree to the overall “Thinking” assessment. I prefer having a well thought out plan, or to think things through before acting or speaking. I often engage in reflective thinking and look for ways to improve future outcomes. However, as noted in the overall test results, I have a “slight preference of Thinking over Feeling” (2015). I would therefore, strongly argue against the generalization that, “INTJs are not likely to be “touchy-feely” and overly affirming with their mates or children, and may at times be somewhat insensitive to their emotional needs” (INTJ Relationships, 2014). I do not consider myself void of emotion or affection towards my wife or children. In my opinion, I have been ingrained with a healthy mix of both worlds.
At the workplace and outside the home, I do have a predisposition to hold back from others. It usually takes me awhile to “warm up” to new people. Therefore, I would agree with that INTJs are difficult to get close to (INTJ Relationships, 2014).
Judging. I have a marginal-to-slight preference to Judging over Perceiving. I do prefer life (and my desk) to be planned an organized. I feel more self-confident when I am more orderly and prepared. However, in reality I am tardy everywhere I go, and have a desk filled to the brim with random/old papers. I would like life to be a bit more flexible and find myself adapting and responding more often than scheduling or controlling (Kroeger, et al., 2002, p.42).

INTJ Personality.

Overall, the INTJ type is an accurate description of my personality. I concur with the assessments that INTJ’s do not “take criticism personally” and they are not “afraid of hard work, and will put forth a great deal of effort towards something that they are interested in” (INTJ Personal Growth, 2014). I am confident in my own abilities and take no offense at work if others are able to show me a better/easier way of performing a task (as long I am approached professionally). Additionally, I am usually whole-heartedly committed toward efforts when I see the importance or benefit from such actions. For example, if I need to put in a few 15-16 hours days to ensure the job is done on-time and correctly I will do so without much thought. My temperament of “NT” also known as the “Rationals” is consistent with what I see in myself (The Four Temperaments, 2014). As stated in the Thinking section however, I do have a tendency to show empathy towards others when faced with an emotional

situation.

II: Type Talk Learning
Overview of Learning
General Learning. While partially aware of organizational behavior through previous undergraduate management or military leadership courses, I have gained a deeper understanding of the different natural tendencies and temperaments of my fellow workers (supervisor and subordinates alike). This also includes a greater knowledge of my Introverted, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging character. I can use this information to properly motivate myself or my subordinates and understand why we all behave in certain ways. As Kroeger, et al. suggest, certain conduct can be “viewed as a typological characteristic rather than a personal affront or character defect” (2002, p. 7).
Particular Learning. In particular, I have learned and confirmed my own outlook of the world through the lens of this personality test. I have a better understanding of why I typically stay late (when it is quiet) and can perhaps adjust my behavior slightly to ensure I come home at a more suitable time for dinner. Additionally, I have learned why at work I typically schedule around my ineffectiveness and placate to a portion of my Perceiving trait. For instance, I attempt to schedule for unplanned events to allow for flexibility; clearly indicative of a war within myself between the Judging and the Perceiving. As Kroeger, et al. state, For Perceivers the whole notion of managing time flies in the face of their need to be flexible and adaptive” (2002, p. 181).
Moreover, as a department boss, I can now be more aware of my subordinate’s personalities and adjust how I act accordingly. For example, if I delegate a task to one of my workers, he/she may or may not require step-by-step instructions to effectively complete the assignment. Bottom line, I need to be cognizant of this possible scenario and ensure I lead appropriately for the person and situation. Kroeger, et al. put it simply, a leader’s effectiveness is contingent upon both personality types and how the information is perceived (2002, p. 66).

Summary
Overall, I consider myself a better leader than manager. As mentioned in the week 1 presentation, effective managers have mastered three important roles: interpersonal, informational and decisional (Stretch, 2009). While, I feel quite confident in my interpersonal managerial proficiency, I find my informational and decisional skills could use some work. I put in great personal effort to ensure the mission is accomplished. Nonetheless, I care more about the people involved, than in ensuring all personnel are effectively utilized. This personality test and assignment has brought to light a few of the areas and reasons behind my managerial/leadership style (both personally and professionally). Perhaps, with this knowledge I can tweak my character traits to be more efficient or at least more aware of my potential weaknesses.