11. Personality Types

According to personality type theory, each person can be assigned to one of 16 different personality types. These 16 types represent all possible combinations of the following characteristics:

• Introversion (I)--Introverts direct their energy to the inner world of ideas, information, and thoughts.
• Extroversion (E)--Extroverts direct their energy to the outer world of activity and words.
• Sensing (S)--Sensing people process information in the form of known facts and familiar terms
• Intuition (N)--Intuitive people process information or in the form of possibilities and new potential
• Thinking (T)--Thinkers make decisions on the basis of logic and objective considerations.
• Feeling (F)--Feelers make decisions on the basis of personal values.
• Perceiving (P)—Perceivers prefer to organize their life in a flexible way, discovering life as they go along.
• Judging (J)--Judgers prefer to organize their life in a structured way, knowing where they stand at all times.

A person’s type is expressed as a four-letter sequence of letters. For example, someone who is an INFJ (introversion-intuition-feeling-judging) is introverted and intuitive, makes decisions based on feeling, and prefers to live life in a structured way.

Why is it helpful to know your personality type? People who choose activities and environments that harmonize with their personality type tend to thrive, while people who go against type tend to face high levels of stress and unhappiness. People can also use their personality type as a tool to become more self-aware and improve their relationships with people who have different ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.

Take a brief look at your personality type. Print this page and put a check mark next to each statement that you feel describes you well.

Extroversion (E)

• I have a lot of energy.
• I talk a lot.
• I think out loud.
• I like to be around people a lot.
• I feel at ease in crowds.
• I'm easily distracted.
• I love meeting new people.
• I like to have many friends.

Introversion (I)

• I have quiet energy.
• I don't talk all that much.
• I think before I speak or act.
• I'm comfortable spending time alone.
• I feel uncomfortable in crowds.
• I am good at concentrating.
• I love encountering new ideas.
• I like to have a few close friends.

sing (S)

• I like people and things that are practical.
• I like to focus on facts and specifics.
• When I talk, I am usually direct and to the point.
• I am more interested in what is than in what might be.
• I'm more interested in the present than in the future.
• For success, perspiration is more important than inspiration.
• I would rather read nonfiction than fiction.

Intuition (N)

• I like people and things that are creative.
• I like to focus on ideas and the big picture.
• When I talk, I usually get to the point in a roundabout way.
• I'm more interested in what might be than in what is.
• I'm more interested in the future than in the present.
• For success, inspiration is more important than perspiration.
• I would rather read fiction than nonfiction.

Thinking (T)

• I tend to be cool and reserved.
• I'm usually objective in my judgments.
• I make decisions based on logic.
• I'm honest and direct.
• I'm naturally critical.
• I'm motivated by the need to achieve.
• I notice when people's reasoning is flawed.

Feeling (F)

• I tend to be warm and friendly.
• My feelings are easily hurt.
• I make decisions based on emotion.
• I'm sensitive and tactful.
• I try hard to please others.
• I'm motivated by the need to be appreciated.
• I notice when people need emotional support.

Judging (J)

• I'm serious and formal.
• I'm time-conscious and usually punctual.
• I like to plan ahead.
• I would rather work first and play later.
• I like to finish what I start.
• I don't like surprises.
• I would rather have a settled life.

Perceiving (P)

• I'm playful and casual.
• I'm often unaware of time and am often late.
• I like to play things by ear.
• I would rather play first and work later.
• I like starting new projects, even if I don't always finish them.
• I enjoy surprises.
• I would rather have a spontaneous life.

12. Interest Survey

O*NET Interest Profiler

http://www.onetcenter.org/IP.html (select download)

Allows you to download a tool that can help you match your interests to careers