Are you exactly the same as your colleagues? Of course not. Differences are what makes people great. Everyone has different personalities in any workplace. Understanding people’s personalities will help you understand their needs, values, and preferences. Understanding your personality will also help you make career decisions and understand how you work best.
You can determine your personality type by taking the Myers-Briggs personality test. The test asks various questions to assess your personality, including how you perceive the world and make decisions. Your personality type is made up of four letters, one chosen from four categories:
Introverted (I) vs Extroverted (E): Do you enjoy the company of others or prefer solitude?
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (I): Do you look for patterns in information, or are you driven by your senses?
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Do you make decisions based on your feelings or your thoughts?
Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P): Are you ordered and decisive or spontaneous and relaxed?
16 Personalities and Indeed help explore each of the different personality types and common traits of each.
Analysts
Architect (INTJ)
Architects are imaginative and strategic thinkers and have a plan for everything. However, they may be uncomfortable in large groups or with people they don’t know very well.
Logician (INTP)
Logicians are innovative inventors who desire new knowledge. They are often highly attentive and good problem solvers.
Commander (ENTJ)
Bold and strong-willed, commanders will always find a way to achieve a goal. As a result, they may be seen as harsh by others.
Debater (ENTP)
Debaters are intelligent and curious and enjoy intellectual stimulation. They do not enjoy routine or repetitive tasks and like to focus on the big picture.
Diplomats
Advocate (INFJ)
Advocates are inspiring idealists with quiet, mystical personalities. Caring and gentle, they can find value in work that helps others.
Mediator (INFP)
Mediators are driven by a desire to help others.
Protagonist (ENFJ)
Protagonists are charismatic and inspiring and can easily capture an audience. They enjoy bringing people together to make a difference.
Campaigner (ENFP)
Creative and friendly, campaigners always find reason to be happy
Sentinels
Logistician (ISTJ)
Logisticians are always reliable. They are practical and can think quickly. They like a neat and tidy work spaces and sometimes struggle to be flexible.
Defender (ISFJ)
Defenders are always ready to protect those they love. They have a strong work ethic and will not stop until the job is done.
Executive (ESTJ)
Executives are skilled in managing things and people. They do not hesitate to make difficult decisions and value tradition and order.
Consul (ESFJ)
Caring, social and popular, consuls always want to help others. They like to stick to rules and maintain a regular schedule.
Explorers
Virtuoso (ISTP)
Virtuosos are bold and practical experimenters who can master all sorts of areas.
Adventurers (ISFP)
Adventurers enjoy trying new things.
Entrepreneur (ESTP)
Entrepreneurs are bright, energetic and wise. They strive for fast results and often take risks. They enjoy spending time with people and ‘living in the moment’.
Entertainer (ESFP)
Entertainers are spontaneous and enthusiastic and always make things interesting. They are flexible in their approach.
To take the Myers-Briggs personality test, visit www.16personalities.com
How to manage different personalities at work
Try to find out what motivates your colleagues. Identify their strengths and weaknesses as well as your own. Be aware of personality differences. Understanding and accepting personality differences makes for a more harmonious workplace. If you like to talk, let a quieter colleague have their say. If somebody is less outgoing, try inviting them for lunch or coffee or asking them questions about their personal life. If you are quiet yourself, make sure to share your ideas with others.
Do you want to develop your skills? Public Service Resumes offers various services, including career development coaching and interview skills coaching.