So, the new VP would like each of us to provide him with our Myers-Briggs type, so he can have an idea of who we are and what makes us tick.

I think most people out there are somewhat familiar with Myers-Briggs - the science of personality type - but in case you're not, the categories go like this: Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P). Combined, these letters form 16 different personality types.

As a psychology major, Bro tells me that Myers-Briggs doesn't mean sh*t, but I really don't care what he says... I think it certainly offers quite a bit of valuable insight. 

The other day I took the test and to my surprise, in the Extroversion vs. Introversion category, my results were closely matched... but obviously leaning a little heavier on the Introversion side. I've always considered myself pretty introverted since I'm generally quiet in large groups and keep to a small circle of close friends. But in answering the questions, I think my extroverted side shines through in my love for going out and being social, and the fact that I can talk to pretty much anyone whether I have anything in common with them or not. (As a former pub waitress, I had a lot of practice at making conversation with strangers.)

The other area that was closely matched was in the Judging vs. Perceiving category. So close in fact, that I had to take the test twice. The second time I tried to be as brutally honest with myself as possible to see what my results would be. For instance, I really like to think of myself as a carefree, spur of the moment person... but when I really think about it... I'm not always that way. I do like to have a plan beforehand. Not a stringent schedule per say, but definitely a general outline.

Upon taking the assessment a second time, I discovered that my Myers-Briggs type is INFJ. Apparently, (although I have no idea how they could possibly prove it), they say INFJ is the rarest of personality types found in only 1% of the population. I found this especially interesting because I asked J to take the assessment, and as it turns out he is an INFJ too. So I don't know if I really believe that 1% theory -- because really, what are the odds? Of course, J scored much higher than I did on the introverted and judging sides of things, whereas he was almost tied in the Thinking vs. Feeling category... so our results weren't exactly the same, even though we ended up with the same personality type.

I just did a quick Google search to see what INFJ means, and it was quite interesting. I'll include the definition below, and then I'll do another blog post where I'll copy the Myers-Briggs type test for any of you out in blogland who'd like to try it yourself.

One of my favourite sayings has always been "Still waters run deep", and I noticed that one of the sites I visited used that quote to sum up INFJs. I thought that was kind of cool. But now here is a more comprehensive definition:

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

INFJs enjoy investigating the possibilities and meanings beyond the actual facts and realities. Reading holds a particular fascination for them because it allows them to have quiet reflection time and engages their imagination. They also like the written word, and rely on it more than the spoken word, since it is usually better structured and more coherent with a ready-made framework. INFJs write and communicate well because they want to formulate their ideas clearly. They place high regard on their reader and audience. They seek to communicate their ideals to others. When their ideals need to be championed, they speak up in an enthusiastic and impassioned way.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They are masters of the metaphor, and both their verbal and written communications tend to be elegant and complex. This unfettered imagination often will enable this person to compose complex and often aesthetic works of art such as music, mathematical systems, poems, plays, and novels. In a sense, the INFJ is the most poetic of all the types.

INFJs lead through their quiet yet persistent and determined effort toward long-range goals for themselves, others and their organizations. In working toward their vision, they win cooperation rather than demand it. INFJs work to make their insights real and are able to inspire others with their ideals. They use a low-key, soft, yet intense and determined course of action. When they do not directly lead others, they may still act as facilitators between people. In meetings, they focus on both people and new ideas.

Leisure-time pursuits for INFJs are often solitary or involve the company of others who are particularly important to them. Sitting around with dear friends discussing feelings can be very special to INFJs. INFJs are likely to have friends of long standing rather than make many new acquaintances. They may meet with their friends fairly consistently to share what is happening in their lives. It is sometimes difficult for others to break into this circle. These deep friendships are important, even though INFJs may not share much directly about themselves.

INFJs generally have the following traits:

• Intuitively understand people and situations


• Idealistic


• Highly principled


• Complex and deep


• Natural leaders


• Sensitive and compassionate towards people


• Service-oriented


• Future-oriented


• Value deep, authentic relationships


• Reserved about expressing their true selves


• Dislike dealing with details unless they enhance or promote their vision


• Constantly seeking meaning and purpose in everything


• Creative and visionary


• Intense and tightly-wound


• Can work logically and rationally - use their intuition to understand the goal and work backwards towards it