I recently took (re-took) the Myers-Briggs personality test. I used the test provided by 16 Personalities since it’s one of the more positively-reviewed tests. Apparently I’m an INFJ aka “the Advocate”. They describe this personality as quiet, reserved, intuitive, and a tireless idealist.  I fall under the “Diplomat” personalities which means I try to communicate in such a way that everybody will get along and understand each other. I’m constantly looking to improve myself in all aspects.

People tell me that I have a natural knack for teaching and guiding because I can understand all aspects, logical,ethical,emotional,etc, of an issue regardless of whether or not I agree with it. I work hard and am a ‘big ideas’ person. This lends itself well to entrepreneurial endeavors. I’m very independent and will push myself to meet every expectation I perceive to be placed upon me. The perception part is important because I tend to let my unreasonable expectations of myself be assigned to mentors and people around me. It’s important to remember that I’m the one with the high expectations, everyone else is usually just happy that someone showed up.

I’m impatient. Like, really impatient. BUT because of my personality type (and I totally agree with the quiz thing) you’d never know it. Sure, there’s the daily inconveniences of traffic, slow walkers, etc and I’m not shy about displaying my frustration in those situations. What I’m mostly referring to is patience when working with other people. Sometimes this gets me into trouble when people have too much leeway and nothing gets done, but I find that the result I’m looking for from others will come when I need it. I’m happiest when I am able to help others by sharing knowledge. There is a caveat though. I get incredibly frustrated when those I’m trying to teach don’t show the same initiation and independence I expect from myself. <- This is why I’m not a teacher. I like to help, but I spend a lot of time researching and teaching myself and I think it’s important that others read a manual or google something before giving up and expecting me to do the work for them.

I’ve been told I have good leadership qualities. I guess so?  I don’t exactly jump at the opportunity to delegate a group project or run for club president. I’m willing to take the lead when no one else volunteers and I don’t back down when I’m assigned to a leadership position.

I’m an idealist. Seriously though. Can’t we all just agree that people deserve basic rights and worldwide peace!? Anyways, in the sense of my career, I like to think of impossible things. I have a detailed vision of something and how it works and what techniques we can use to make it. Doesn’t always work out, but I see the big picture. Getting a PhD has taught me to look at the details and understand the big picture.

That’s a quick overview of how my personality plays into my work habits. Personality tests are fun and interesting! It’s really cool to see what accurately describes you and what doesn’t.