"To Thine Own Self Be True"
As
if from a scene from one of Shakespeare’s many plays, technology not only
brings us one step closer that proverbial caution, “to thine own self be true”;
it helps us learn more about who we are. According to the Myers & Briggs Foundation
(2016), Jung’s theory about specific psychological types is “quite orderly and
consistent” as opposed to randomly varied; and, when preference interactions
are probed through questioning, sixteen distinct personality types can be
identified. Brown’s (2011) closing arguments for organizational development warn
of an “An awareness of the complex environment in which organizations exist”;
the same could easily said of leaders and self-awareness (p. 427). Yukl (2013
observes the numerous definitions of leadership are almost as expansive as the
many who study the same. Given the many distinctive nature of personalities, it
stands to reason a more in-depth understanding of one’s personality would have
a direct impact on one’s leadership style.
Humanmetrics
(2016) provides the ability to take the Myers-Briggs test in order to one’s
self, reduced to a simple four letter code. INJF, which is my personality
indicator, defines me as Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging. In a broad
sense, “INJFs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the
unusual range and depth of their talents” (Humanmetrics, 2016). They appear to
the world as extroverts; yet, are “emotionally intimate… with a chosen few”
(Humanmetrics, 2016). “Closure and completion” are driving forces and are dreamers
and doers, a “rare combination” (Humanmetrics, 2016). Personal and professional
strains deplete inner resources such that personal down time, often
exclusionary of those most close, is required as a method to escape and reboot.
The ability to become quickly detached and yet stay involved is the most
perplexing; yet, allows INJFs to see others, “for good and evil” (Humanmetrics,
2016). The combination of both I and J allows others like me the ability to
express our feelings in writing; but, we stumble with verbal articulation of
the same. Whereas those with an INTJ type build systems, INFJs build systems
based on people and their values. Their “knack for fluency in language” facilitates
their ability to communicate; however, nonverbal skills allow intimacy with
others (Humanmetrics, 2016).
This
typing is not a surprise for me. I’ve always needed my own down time, even if
it is nothing more than an hour watching a favorite show, uninterrupted, a
practice that has been a part of my family for more than twenty-two years. The
show, regardless of the content, allows me to escape; and, with that escape the
ability to see issues and concerns with greater clarity. Often, I do take more
responsibility than others, a trait I am definitely trying to improve. Of the
percentages listed for the test, judging accounts for 66% of my overall score
(Humanmetrics, 2016). It is the Judging that drives my need for “closure and
completion” and also provides for less patience with those who are not so
driven (Humanmetrics, 2016). While I am quite certain there is a lesson to be
learned, in almost forty years of both professional and educational
experiences, I have yet to understand the benefits of procrastination. So, how
should I use this information?
Leadership,
for me, begins with self-awareness what I can and cannot do, along with others
can and cannot do. I recognized early on, with each of my children, they had
limits with scholastic achievement. They were not grade weenies. Yet, each was
capable of reaching certain levels, and I did hold each of them to those
levels, not lower levels set by the schools. I applied the same in professional
situations. I recognize not all can process work as quickly as I can; yet, when
challenged, they can process more. I do care about people; and, at times, it is
a double-edged sword as some take advantage of that caring. I think that
explains why INJFs project extroversion and remain introverts with a small circle
of friends. We are less likely to get hurt. I think INJFs like me are the epitome
of “never let them see you sweat”, a trait seen in most leaders, one which this
leader treasures. As Yukl (2013) questions whether or not leadership “as a scientific
construct” provides usefulness to a field with so many meanings to so many
people, it is fair to consider if an understanding of so many personality types
is helpful (p. 3). For me, the answer returns to Shakespeare. In order to
remain true to “thine own self”, we need to know who we are and Myers-Briggs is
just one more tool from which to gleam a better understanding as a person and a
leader.
References
Brown,
Donald R. An Experiential Approach to
Organization Development. (8th ed.). Upper
Saddle River: Pearson, 2011.
Humanmetrics, Inc. (2016). Humanmetrics
Jung Topology Test. Retrieved from
http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx?EI=-16&SN=-19&TF=-19&JP=66
The Myers & Briggs
Foundation. (2016). MBTI Basics. Myersbriggs.org.
Retrieved from
http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. (8th
ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
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