Personality Test Analysis
My scores on the "Big Five" model personality test are Openness: 96%; Conscientiousness: 86%; Extraversion: 27%; Agreeableness: 69% and Neuroticism: 37%. (John, 2009) On the Jung Typology test, my type is INFJ: Introverted: 89%; Intuitive: 75%; Feeling: 25%; Judging: 44%. (Humanmetrics) This was very similar to the Keirsey Temperament Test, which also classifies me as an INFJ, also known as the "Counselor." (Butt, 2010)
According to the analyses that accompany the Keirsey and Jung tests online, I am highly introverted, preferring the company of a few close friends to a group of people; I am a champion of the downtrodden with a humanitarian streak, and also possess a knack for languages. I have very clear perception and, for better or worse, readily grasp other people's underlying motives. My thinking is directed inward, which can be perceived by others as being cold and distant; at times I may be so inwardly focused that I am oblivious to the external world. On the other hand, I also may possess an unusually broad and deep set of talents and a deep and insightful empathy for others. My abilities for self-expression are better suited to written than verbal format, but I also possess ability for all forms of communication, and a personal charisma that can be very inspiring. (Butt, 2010)
According to the Big Five results, I am extremely open to new experiences and new ways of understanding. I am well-organized and reliable, but I tend to shy away from social situations. I consider the feelings of others, but am not unabashedly good natured and supportive. I am generally relaxed, but am prone to occasionally being high strung. (John, 2009) The Jung results propose that I would be well suited to a career in literature or the humanities. (Humanmetrics, 2008)
In terms of my position within an organization, I will tend to take on a great deal of responsibility, which on the one hand is good, because I am organized and reliable, but on the other hand can be extremely challenging due to my tendency to transition sharply between total engagement and total withdrawal. Most of the rest...
In general, I ought to work well in organizations because I have a strong predilection for group harmony. (Keirsey, Keirsey Temperament Website - Portrait of the Idealist Counselor (INFJ))
I recognize many of the qualities highlighted in the test results within myself. Some of these qualities remain enigmatic to me even after years of reflection. On the one hand, I yearn to have deep personal connections with people and, whenever possible, to inspire. On the other hand, it is extremely taxing for me to be in large groups and to meet new people; I need a great deal of time to myself in order to feel balanced. In terms of an actual balance of daily commitments, there is a fine line to walk between engagement with others and engagement with myself and personal projects. Too much of either one can lead to severe burn-out. Organizations are built on relationships, however, and one cannot possibly expect to build deep personal relationships with as many people as are in any one organization. When I feel it is appropriate to be completely open and frank with people, I cultivate deep relationships readily and quickly, but again, not all work environments allow for or encourage deep and unique relationships.
Without the potential for this kind of personal connection, I shy away from social interaction in general. Further, I am often unaware (and occasionally do not care) about how I come across to others. This can be perceived as a chilly aloofness, and I have been told this on more than one occasion. As I have gotten older, I have learned how to interact on a more superficial level, but it has taken time and effort to recognize situations where this is called for, and focused consideration on how to go about doing it. That is to say, casual interaction is almost never actually "casual;" it always requires effort.
I am highly imaginative and highly intuitive. These traits, while having their advantages in certain kinds of work environments can also be burdensome in other situations. I am…
