Myers Briggs Personality Types and Change

The Myers Briggs Personality test

I’m sure you all know about the 16 Myers Briggs personality types. The internet permeates every aspect of our lives so it’s impossible to not know about this. But perhaps you have not done the test yet. If not, get thee to a site and do the test. You will be amazed, confounded and stupefied at how accurately the results will describe you. Yes, stupefied! Today, the test is one of the most widely used psychological instruments in the world. See below for the links.

Why find out your personality type?

While it’s very comforting to learn that those off-beat personality traits you have struggled against all your life are actually hardwired into your very being, the illuminating advantage is knowing your partner’s, your mother’s, your son’s, your boss’s personality types and being able to work with them and not against them because you think your way is the right and only way. The results of the test will lead you to find lists of  jobs you should do, learning styles, ideal marriage partners and much more.

Case study a.k.a personal story

I once worked for a brilliant man who was impetuous and in need of instant gratification. This meant some bad decisions were made but he also achieved a lot because he made smart choices when it really mattered. We clashed in several ways and had long, involved arguments about how things should be done. He was the boss so he always won but I found it difficult to accept his thought processes. So, one day I decided to do his test as closely as I was able to. And the revelation of his personality type and what it meant completely changed how I dealt with him. I needed to get straight to the point with him and not give long explanations of why I thought my idea would work with all the advantages and disadvantages. My need to analyse, instruct and persuade didn’t work with him. So, from then on, when I had to approach him about an issue, an idea, a plan, I got to the point and laid it on the line – take it or leave it. And he started to take it.  Thank you, Myers Briggs.

How do you deal with change?

I am going to proceed as if you know all about Myers Briggs. If you don’t, go do the test and then come back. You will have to pay to do the authentic test but there are other sites which have created something pretty similar. This is one of them and is a multiple-choice test like the original test. Or this one if you need more explanation about it in video form and dislike long multiple -choice tests.

INFJ
This is my type and I know I love change and get bored easily but the change has to be rational. I enjoy a certain amount of routine in everyday life but need lots of variety to keep me happy. However, INFJs hate relationship changes and will stay married. I have been married for a long time and that is one change I don’t want.

ISTJ
ISTJs are organised and like everything to have a plan and go according to that plan. They are resistant to change unless there is a very good reason to make it.

ISTP
ISTPs love change. They are easy-going and love new experiences, even if it involves risk. They could even be thrill-seekers.

ISFJ
ISFJs are very resistant to change and love routines. It’s difficult to get them to change their minds or try new things. If they are forced to change, they become stressed and will quickly try to establish a routine within that change.

ISFP
ISFPs are the direct opposite of ISFJs where change is concerned. They love change and seek it out. They act spontaneously and seek out new experiences and ideas.

INFP
INFPs are resistant to having changes imposed on them but can manage to make changes themselves as long as they initiate them. They are not so good with big changes.

INTJ
INTJs are not so good with change and will be somewhat resistant to it, especially if it is a change in their intellectual climate.

INTP
INTPs prefer routines and will resist a change which seems irrational or goes against their strong beliefs. They are not so good with suddenly being confronted with a learning curve.

ESTP
ESTPs like constant stimulation and experiences to avoid getting bored but don’t like changes for the sake of it and are not innovative.

ESTJ
ESTJs are pragmatic and if they see a good reason for the change they will be on board.

ESFP
ESFPs are like ESTPs where change is concerned. They need stimulation and new situations or they get bored but they don’t actually like change just in order to shake things up.

ESFJ
ESFJs love routine and are comforted by knowing where they are and what is happening around them. They are conservative and traditional. However, they can cope with change but would never initiate it.

ENFP
ENFPs are very sensitive to what others think of them and so lack in a little of the confidence which is necessary to make bigger changes which require them to use new skills. But they are not scared to change.

ENFJ
ENFJs are extroverts and work off intuition. They love new things and are innovators so seek out change.

ENTP
ENTPs are, in contrast to ENFPs, self-confident, ambitious and innovative. They like big changes and are not happy with small ones to get to their goal.

ENTJ
ENTJs are strongly innovative and thrive on change. They are right out front with any change that happens at home or at work. They are often entrepreneurs.

If you are sitting in your offices right now feeling like you want to be anywhere else but there, just how much change and risk could you take before you retreated back to the safety of the detested job? Do the test to find out your personality type. Then see above to learn how you would cope if you decided to leave your job and the associated routine. It could dictate how you plan to do this.

Sources:

http://www.centreforconfidence.co.uk/type-resources.php?pid=377

http://personalitycafe.com/intj-articles/13345-solitarywalkers-intj-profile.html

http://www.myersbriggs.org/

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologicaltesting/a/myers-briggs-type-indicator.htm

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes1.htm

https://type-coach.com/