Going back to the MBTI (again!)

posted at 05:00:08
By Flipping Heck!

Posted In
Quizzes/Tests

Every few months or so (for reasons of vanity I guess!) I retake an online Myers Briggs Test.

The past year has seen quite a drastic change in terms of my personality. I've finally started to come out of my shell, have realised that I, as a person, can offer something of value to others and (perhaps most importantly), I can talk to anyone - and I mean anyone!

And do you know what? It's great!

I no longer feel self-concious and act the wallflower when I'm out, I can walk into a room and know that I can get chatting with anyone about anything (although I'm sure my friends would tell you I talk a load of rubbish!) When I was on holiday, I would quite happily go out on my own and meet up with people. Even just a year ago I wouldn't have even gone away, let alone considered talking to a complete stranger!

Before The last time I took the Myers Briggs test , I was classed as ISFJ, part of the definition of which states:

ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed."

And a further explanation:

ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

As I'd been classed as "Introverted" the last couple of times I took the test, I didn't expect it to change too much so I was very surprised when I came out as ENTJ! Usually people don't swap groups that much - or so I understood. So, what the heck am I now?

The single word to describe your type is fieldmarshal or commandant. You also belong to the larger group called rationals. You love to organize others in matters of logic. Even as a child, you likely naturally assumed the role of leader in groups.

I Googled the results and found an explanation here:

ENTJs are decisive. They see what needs to be done, and frequently assign roles to their fellows. Few other types can equal their ability to remain resolute in conflict, sending the valiant (and often leading the charge) into the mouth of hell. When challenged, the ENTJ may by reflex become argumentative. Alternatively (s)he may unleash an icy gaze that serves notice: the ENTJ is not one to be trifled with.

And another source states:

ENTJs take charge quickly and deal directly with problems, especially in situations that involve confusion and inefficiency. They provide structure to the organizations to which they belong and design strategies to accomplish their personal and organizational goals. They are 'take charge' people who organise their own and others' external environments. They use their resources to find a way to meet the challenge. They are at their best in using their analytical and strategic thinking.

As an aside, the above is quite relevant considering the processes I'm developing at work at the moment - more on that another time.

So, am I happy with the change?

You bet I am!

The only thing I have to make sure of is that, as a "Fieldmarshall", I don't ride roughshod over those around me as stated in one piece:

There is not much room for error in the world of the ENTJ. They dislike to see mistakes repeated, and have no patience with inefficiency. They may become quite harsh when their patience is tried in these respects, because they are not naturally tuned in to people's feelings, and more than likely don't believe that they should tailor their judgments in consideration for people's feelings....

Personally, I don't agree with the above statement and think I am very aware of others feelings and emotional states - perhaps that's a hangup from my ISFJ days?

It also looks like that, as I'm now an "Extrovert", I have to make sure I don't start acting like Loud Howard!

Out of interest, does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is it better to be ISFJ, ENTJ or doesn't it matter at all what you are and the tests are a waste of time? Anyone else changed from Introverted to Extroverted (or vice versa)?