Well, aren’t we all curious to know the mystery behind our personality types? In fact, I am fairly confident that you have taken a personality test in the past, perhaps more than once.
The Myers−Briggs Test (MBTI), first published in 1943, is all the rage right now. Whether you took it out of curiosity or for employment purposes, knowing your personality type has become indispensable in the complex world we live in.
If you haven’t done yet so and would like to take the assessment now, go to Take the MBTI for the official test or alternatively you can find a free, similar approach based Free Personality Test here.
Understanding your own personality type can help you achieve personal growth and success. But, how about the people in your life − your boss, your friends, your mentors, your family, your partner and so forth? How do their various personality types influence your life?
Which begs the question: how can you use different personality types to be more successful? In this article, I will walk you through several nifty tips, ideas and pointers on how to tap into each personality type (read: ESTJ, ESTP, ESFJ and ESFP) to your advantage, to succeed in your career, personal growth, business and whatnot. So, stay tuned for more to come in the coming weeks.
A little about Myers – Briggs personality inventory approach
The Myers−Briggs test has gained increasing traction over the years partly because of its simplicity and effectiveness. Of course, I won’t go into the nitty− gritty of MBTI, but here are simplified categories that can give you a glimpse into personality types.
The test classifies people into 16 types based on the following four scales: Extraversion-Introversion (E-I), Sensing-Intuition (S-N), Thinking-Feeling (T-F) and Judgement – Perception (J-P).
If you tend to focus on the outer world to get energy, you are extroverted (E), as opposed to introverted (I), which is a person who benefits from some alone time when it comes to getting more energised.
How do you make decisions? If you tend to focus on the necessary information you receive, then they say you’re sensing (S). If you prefer to use intuition, add meaning or interpret something, you are intuiting (N).
Besides, if you prefer to focus on consistency or logic before making a decision, you are a thinker (or thinking; T). But, if you tend to first look at special circumstances and people before reaching a decision, you have a feeling (F) character.
How do you deal with others or the outside world? Are you open to new ideas, options or information (Perceiving, P) or prefer your own decision (Judging, J)?
The Myers− Briggs test index encompasses 16 personality types which are, in essence, expressed as a 4− letter code and based on the combination of preferences in each category as mentioned above. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no definitive type, but it’s a decent way to appreciate the difference in people.
ESTJ – the “supervisor” you need in your life
Accounting for roughly 9% of the entire populace, ESTJ personalities are rational, down− to− earth and very pragmatic. Don’t be fooled by their well-meaning demeanour; these people are firm believers of their decision; that’s partly why they’ve been dubbed the “supervisors”. They are fast and determined decision− makers too.
If you are looking to make good of your association with an ESTJ, you probably have to look at your personality type first. If both of you are drinking from the same pot, it’s best if you don’t get into a partnership of any sort with the person. If you are completely different, then you’re in for a treat. For starters, ESTJs are firm believers in winning. So, partner with them, marry them, make them a CEO, and so forth.
If you find it hard to make a risky decision, for instance, an ESTJ will do the trick. They don’t ignore a conflict, but rather prefer to solve it right away. Well, if you are a little lazy or prone to making silly mistakes, this is someone worth keeping around; you will get straightened up in no time!
In short, find an ESTJ to mentor you if you’re looking to make your business, career or work pan out. If your friendship is failing because ESTJs can be a little judgmental, don’t worry, all will be good when you reap the fruits of your relationship.
ESTP – the playful entrepreneur
What do Helen Mirren, Anna Wintour, Eva Peron, Milla Jovovich and Mila Kunis have in common? You guessed it right – they are all ESTPs. Well, a few personality types can be as alluring, engaging and charming as ESTPs. They are spontaneous, live in the present and are known to be the life of the party. They usually find it sizzling to experience and explore new things. Besides, they are bold, practical, rational, direct, perceptive and, more so, sociable.
If you are looking for someone to cheer you up or make you feel at ease during low times, ESTPs are your go− to because they are non-judgmental. However, you should be careful not to fall prey to their defiant, risky and disorderly lifestyles. You want them in your business because they are the idea− people, the innovators and the very creative. With their entrepreneurial oomph, ESTPs can do wonders for your life and business.
ESFJ – The caring, loyal friend
Representing about 12% of the entire US population, ESFJs are perhaps the most popular personality type. In a conventional high school, you’ll notice most ESFJs to be football quarterbacks or cheerleaders. In adulthood, they are not that different. An ESFJ graduates from the popular kid on the block to a supportive and loving friend and parent. If there is someone who loves to see others happy, it most certainly would be an ESFJ.
When it comes to qualities, ESFJs are very loyal, great at listening, sensitive and warm, have a strong sense of duty and are good at connecting with us. That’s why they make for great friends. Their kindness and practical approach to life may come in very handy in your life. Besides, their dedication can be a great asset to your personal growth.
ESFP – The born entertainer
ESFPs are quite the “entertainers”. Well, they are known to be loud, funny and enthusiastic. These folks are extroverts who fancy talking all the time, mostly speaking even before they think. Remind you of someone?
ESFPs are great at socializing, networking and having fun. Of course, they are good at listening and forgiving, however, they get distracted easily and are known to be a bit disorganized. When not having fun, they are the go-to idea people and innovators. If you are looking for an observant friend or someone with people skills, an ESFP would do okay. They can also help you make short-term plans without much hassle.
If you are failing in your relationship, for instance, it would be best to have an ESFP friend by your side. The fact that they are good at listening affords them the luxury of understanding and cheering people up.
Check these 8 Careers at Which Extroverts Excel.
Follow the links for the other parts of the series and learn about how different personality types can help you be more successful:
Part 2: How different personality types can help you be more successful – The extroverts II.
Part 3: How different personality types can help you be more successful – The introverts I.
Part 4: How different personality types can help you be more successful – The introverts II.
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