Just about six years ago, I started looking into personality theory. I was skeptical, curious and enthusiastic about finding a system that could help me understand the stranger aspects of human behavior. I hoped it would be the cornerstone of my success as I prepared to transition from one career into another. And it was, to a point.
ESTJs are take-charge, confident people who live in the concrete world of facts and rules. As traditionalists, they like to make sure that everything is running like clockwork and that standards, laws and values are upheld. As a result, they often move into leadership roles where their strongly held beliefs can be put into action.
These go-getters don’t usually have any difficulty expressing themselves, especially when they feel someone is out of line. Their honest and straightforward approach ensures their desires are communicated clearly so that the job gets done properly.
Do you feel like you easily pick up on the emotions of others? Are you the person in your family or friendship group who is always trying to maintain harmony? Would others describe you as warm, empathetic, or caring? If you answered yes to each of these questions, you might be an FJ personality type.
We often encounter a misleading stereotype about Extraverts: talkative, party-loving individuals who travel in herds. Such a description matches only a few Extravert profiles such as the ESFP (The Performer) or ESTP (The Dynamo). The truth is many Extraverts have jobs or home lives that are rather isolating, and it severely drains their energy levels. If you’re an Extravert, maybe you can relate to some of these situations.
Picture Mark. He goes to work every day, does what he’s told without asking questions, helps his co-workers when he’s asked, and generally, does his work behind the scenes never asking to be praised for it. Mark knows when everyone’s birthdays and other special occasions are, and he always remembers to congratulate them. Once, he helped John, who he shares his office with, avoid a serious argument with his wife. Mark remembered their anniversary and reminded John just in time for him to buy his lovely wife a present.
Let's be honest, I'm not a people pleaser. I don't try particularly hard to get people to like me, and I never take it personally when someone obviously doesn't. My tolerance for conflict is higher than most, and I'm not afraid to land a few home-truth punches when someone steps out of line. (No one is allowed to feed my insecurities but me). I want to be liked—who doesn't? But I won't kiss ass for a superficial seal of approval. So the phrase "people pleaser" never really entered my mind.
Isn’t it strange how the finest qualities of someone’s personality can become their biggest challenge in life? Consider the ISFJ personality type as an example.
If you’re an NF type, like I am, then you’ve probably seen all the articles that recommend we pursue careers in health care, counseling, or other selfless, “people-helping” fields. That advice works out just great for some people.
But what if you’re an NF who wants to excel in business. Is it possible?
As an INFJ with a marketing degree and about four years’ worth of business experience, I’ve struggled with this question a lot.
What is prayer? My dictionary defines it as a devout petition or “...spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving or adoration.” It is a many-faceted spiritual practice expressed in a diversity of ways such as asking, talking and listening.
If you are like most people, you spend most of your waking hours at work. Getting along with your co-workers is not only necessary for your professional success, but also for your sanity. Whatever your own personality type, it’s likely that you’ll encounter clashing personality types and traits that make existing in your office difficult. This is why knowing these traits and how to deal with them will make work more enjoyable.