Personality Tests

I've never taken these personality tests, although I remember taking some kind of career aptitude test in high school. I really enjoy taking tests and surveys so I happily clicked away on these quizzes.

On the Myers-Briggs test I am a ISFJ. I was not too surprised as these results seem to fit me to a tee. However, while I know I'm practical and orderly, I hadn't thought about the fact that I am very experiential in the way I gather and process information. If I can't do it myself I don't understand things and if I haven't had the specific experience I can't relate to descriptions of it. I generally think I don't like something until I try it out. Realizing this is important because it helps me understand my reluctance to volunteer for things or try new approaches to various problems.

Being cognizant of my need to experience may help me overcome some of the difficulties associated with being a type 6 (loyalist or skeptic) on the Enneagram test. This test was particularly illuminating because it explained what I always felt was negative about my personality - overly critical, demanding, avid rule-follower, perfectionist. These are things that actually help me in my job but are not so great when it comes to interpersonal relationships. I liked the section on the website that listed "ways to get along with me" because it addressed some of the pitfalls I have in getting along with people. Knowing that I need people to be direct and clear with me, for example, may make it easier for me to ask for direction and clarity.

I made my husband take the Enneagram test also and both of us were surprised at how it nailed our parenting techniques and deficiencies. Knowing how the other person was inclined to parent really helped us to be able to get on the same page and understand our frustrations.

I also took a left brain/right brain test just because I'd always heard about it but never done it. I am 75% left brain oriented which means I take things very literal and am no-nonsense and to the point. At the same time, not surprisingly, I can be narrow-minded and have trouble grasping abstract concepts. This explains why I had so many problems applying theory in my history work, but why my research was clear and organized. Wish I would have figured that out sooner!

In a general sense, I do see how these tests can help you understand people better. But at the same time, just listening to and honestly trying to get to know someone can bring about the same results and is probably more rewarding - it just takes longer and you have to care.

The fact that I liked taking the tests and demanded that other people try it and like it just reinforces the fact that I'm a sensor and judger, that I like affirmation, that I enjoy structure and that I don't understand people who don't like following rules.