Recently, a good friend and professional colleague invited me to take the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI). I have always believed in taking advantage of self-assessment tools as a way to help triangulate my leadership strengths and opportunities for improvement. More specifically, being attuned to minimize blind spots, defined by Robert Bruce Shaw, author of Leadership Blindspots (2014) as unrecognized weaknesses or threats that can hinder a leader’s success. Shaw says weaknesses we know about are not likely to derail us, but that the weaknesses we don’t know can be dangerous.
The MBTI is a personality type indicator and as an introspective self-report questionnaire, can help us to understand differences in how we perceive the world, make decisions along with insights into our approach to work and life. The inventory asks a series of questions to determine individual differences in terms of four personality dichotomies. Each dichotomy consists of two distinct and opposing styles: Extraversion versus Introversion (focused attention), Sensing or Intuition (how we take in or interpret information), Thinking or Feeling (decision-making), and Judging or Perceiving (how we deal with the outside world and external input).
In MBTI, 16 personality types are characterized in terms of four-letter codes, like ESTJ or INFP. Each of the four letters signifies a key aspect of an individual’s personality. The results of the self-report identified my Personality Type as: ENFJ-A (Assertive Protagonist), Role: Diplomat, and Strategy: People Mastery.
Protagonists are described as warm and forthright people who have strong ideas and values and love helping others. Protagonists often feel they are meant to live for a higher purpose. They are romantic and creative, and they rarely, if ever, shy away from an opportunity to do the right thing. They find fulfillment in following their dreams, helping others, and paving the way for others to follow. Protagonists are natural-born leaders who are never happier than when they are inspiring people. Diplomats are known to be passionately idealistic, empathetic, and diplomatic.
Conversely, many protagonists unrealistically put pressure on themselves to right every wrong they encounter. If not careful, protagonists can spread themselves too thin. Protagonists are rarely short on energy or determination and at times may not recognize that not everyone shares similar qualities and as such, may push others to make changes they are not ready for (or willing to make). Protagonists also tend to take on other people’s problems as their own which is a habit that can leave them emotionally and physically exhausted.
MBTI is a starting point and not an end-all-be-all to understanding ourselves and others. Like any tool there is always the chance for misapplication. I would urge some caution in overgeneralizing its use as it cannot predict performance or happiness, and personalities are not static. Furthermore, all personality types have value and there is no best type. Regardless of our personality types, in light of today’s divisive challenges, the organizations we serve and the world, needs us to lead like never before.
“I have a dream this afternoon that the brotherhood of man will become a reality in this day. And with this faith, I will go out and carve a tunnel of hope through the mountain of despair. With this faith, I will go out with you and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wishing all educators who are returning to schools, organizations, and systems for the new school year best wishes for success, as you help to build the nation’s future through our students.