No Neat Little Boxes for Moi

In the comments to a previous post, Relentless, there's been quite a lot of talk about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MCTI) for assessing personality type. As I've written before, I'm not enthralled with this tool, not because I don't think it doesn't has some merit or value for some people, but because I don't seem to fit well in ANY of the neat little boxes or categories. I seem to draw equally from both sides of the two-sided sets in most instances.

For this post, I'll be quoting from one of the many websites that help to explain these personality preferences. Listed items will be followed by their tag within the set.

1. Where is your energy naturally directed?
Extraverts' energy is directed primarily outward, towards people and things outside of themselves. Introverts' energy is primarily directed inward, towards their own thoughts, perceptions, and reactions. Therefore, Extraverts tend to be more naturally active, expressive, social, and interested in many things, whereas Introverts tend to be more reserved, private, cautious, and interested in fewer interactions, but with greater depth and focus.

My analysis of me.

• Have high energy (Extravert)
• Talk more than listen (Extravert)
• Think out loud (Extravert)
• Think, then act (Introvert)
• Feel comfortable being alone (Introvert)
• Prefer to work "behind-the-scenes" (Introvert)
• Can sometimes be easily distracted & Have good powers of concentration (both)
• Prefer to focus on one thing at a time (Introvert)
• Are outgoing & enthusiastic (Extravert)

Scorecard: 4 - Extravert, 4 - Introvert, 1 - Both

2. What kind of information do you naturally notice and remember?
Sensors notice the facts, details, and realities of the world around them whereas Intuitives are more interested in connections and relationships between facts as well as the meaning, or possibilities of the information. Sensors tend to be practical and literal people, who trust past experience and often have good common sense. Intuitives tend to be imaginative, theoretical people who trust their hunches and pride themselves on their creativity.

My analysis of me.

• Focus on details & specifics & Focus on the big picture & possibilities (both)
• Admire practical solutions & Admire creative ideas (both)
• Notice details & remember facts & Notice anything new or different (both)
• Are pragmatic - see what is & Are inventive - see what could be (both)
• Think about future implications (Intuitive)
• Trust actual experience (Sensor)
• Like to use established skills (Sensor)
• Like to figure things out for themselves (Intuitive)
• Work at a steady pace & Work in bursts of energy (both)

Scorecard: 2 - Sensor, 2 - Intuitive, 5 - Both

3. How do you decide or come to conclusions?
Thinkers make decisions based primarily on objective and impersonal criteria--what makes the most sense and what is logical. Feelers make decisions based primarily on their personal values and how they feel about the choices. So, Thinkers tend to be cool, analytical, and are convinced by logical reasoning. Feelers tend to be sensitive, empathetic, and are compelled by extenuating circumstances and a constant search for harmony.

My analysis of me.

• Make decisions objectively (Thinker)
• Appear warm and friendly (Feeler)
• Are most convinced by rational arguments (Thinker)
• Are honest and direct (Thinker)
• Value honesty and fairness & Value harmony and compassion (both)
• Take few things personally (Thinker)
• Tend to see flaws (Thinker)
• Are motivated by achievement (Thinker)
• Argue or debate issues for fun (Thinker)

Scorecard: 7 - Thinker, 1 - Feeler, 1 - Both

4. What kind of environment makes you the most comfortable?
Judgers prefer a structured, ordered, and fairly predictable environment, where they can make decisions and have things settled. Perceivers prefer to experience as much of the world as possible, so they like to keep their options open and are most comfortable adapting. So, Judgers tend to be organized and productive while Perceivers tend to be flexible, curious, and nonconforming.

My analysis of me.

• May have difficulty making decisions (Perceiver)
• Are serious & conventional & Are playful & unconventional (both)
• Pay attention to time & are prompt (Judger)
• Prefer to start projects (Perceiver)
• Work first, play later (Judger)
• Want things decided & Want to keep their options open (both)
• Question the need for many rules (Perceiver)
• Like to make & stick with plans (Judger)
• Find comfort in schedules (Judger)

Scorecard: 4 - Judger, 3 - Perceiver, 2 - Both

Of course, my analysis is based on my own subjective view of myself. Each of you might come to different conclusions. Since I tend to be a moody person, the answers are often influenced by my current mood.

With the exception of the Thinker designation, I don't appear to fit into any of the other categories. So, I've come up with my own code. I'm a WSTP (Wacky, Strange, Thinking, Person). :>)