Monday, February 23, 2015

Don't Just Stand There: Personality Type Is a Journey

SO MANY POSSIBILITIES
As I walked into the ISTJs Anonymous Group, I very strategically scanned the room for an empty seat away from the others. The problem was that everyone in the group had probably done the same because people were seated in every other seat or every two seats. As life would have it, I would have to sit right next to someone. . . I tossed and turned in my bed to awake myself from the nightmare.
Okay, so there’s no ISTJs Anonymous (at least that I’m aware of), but perhaps there should be. We ISTJs get a bum rap. With ISTJs making up about 13% of the population, it would be awesome to fellowship with fellow ISTJs, as long as we did not have to hug or touch each other, of course!
As a certified practitioner for one of the most widely used personality assessment tools in the world, I have developed a love for understanding type. I gained my certification to help others delve into type for career and professional development, but the reality is, it has helped me to realize that type truly is a journey. . . my journey.
The beautiful thing about our personality type is that once we understand the different dichotomies and the many beautiful combinations, it is (or should be) our goal to develop ways to navigate the possibilities in ourselves and others. What am I saying? Type does not box us in. . . although others may try to. Instead type opens up a world of possibilities!

ONE TO GROW ON

Let me give you an example: Based on my type, I have a preference for Sensing (I=Introversion, S=Sensing, T=Thinking, J=Judging). As an introverted sensing person, other people (those associated with the type community included) often assume that I cannot pick up on hidden meanings or interpret them (which is a characteristic of my inferior Jungian functional preference of Extraverted Intuition… in case you were wondering). As such, when people are attempting to be sly or clever, internally I am interpreting the behavior, then analyzing the behavior). This happened to me just the other day. I had someone asking me a number of questions about myself under the guise of genuine interest, when she very clearly had an ulterior motive. I played along, strategically responding with a forced smile, and quickly removed myself from the situation. By the way, the smile wasn’t phony; it was deliberate.
I was insulted. Yes, ISTJs do have Feelings, contrary to popular belief; however, like the stereotypical ISTJ, I put the experience in my “one to grow on” stack, tucked it in the corner of my mind for future use (when necessary), and moved on.

THE LANGUAGE OF TYPE

In my personality type classes, I teach type basics, focusing on the dichotomies. Then we focus on communication; speaking and delivering based on the preferences of others. I never encourage people to manipulate each other, but I do encourage folks to communicate with language that speaks to the other person’s preferences. Speak the language of type.

NAVIGATING TYPE

I have a clear preference for introversion; I draw my energy from within. However, when I am standing in front of a group for a speaking engagement or training class, extraversion grabs the wheel – and in that moment, I am energized.
The key to navigating type is to avoid adhering to one category and tap into its true power, which I am working on daily. My preference for introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging doesn't define me.
Type is about growth. It’s about extraversion and introversion; sensing and intuition; thinking and feeling; and judging and perceiving. It’s about replacing the 'OR' with an 'AND'; and being able to effectively use each side depending on the need.
About Kimberly A. Ferguson
Kimberly A. Ferguson is a professional development trainer, speaker, coach, and the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC". For more information about Kimberly,
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