Which Of These Sixteen Personality Types Are You?
Which of these sixteen personality types fits you best?
Isabel Briggs Myers created the sixteen personality types with the help of her mother, Katharine Briggs, and the theories of psychologist Carl Jung. Since then, much research has been done into how each type functions at work, at home, and in relationships.
A recent post in the Harvard Business Review pours salt on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (or MBTI for short), saying:
“Myers Briggs—and I would argue any personality assessment—is neither valid nor reliable. These tests identify a black and white version of people, a reduction of who they really are. They offer us the illusion of understanding at the cost of truth and freedom. Sure, they may make people more comfortable (‘Oh, I understand you now’). But it’s a trick.
It continues: “Self-assessments, by definition, reinforce a person’s self-image. You tell the assessment what you think you are like and then the assessment tells you what you are like. Which, of course, would incline you to think they’re valid. But they’re just telling you what you told them… Personality tests reinforce our blind spots.”
Not to be downhearted back in July we asked the Procurious community whether they thought there was a ‘typical’ Myers Briggs profile for procurement pros. There’s been 33 answers to-date, so it’s clearly a talking-point among members.
We’ve helpfully wrapped-up the results thus far (25/08)
ENTP 9, ENTJ 6, INTJ 5, ENFP 2, ISTP 2, ENFJ 1, ESTJ 1, INFP 2, INFJ 2, INTP 1, ISFJ 1, ISTJ 1
It appears the most common trait is ENTP and from 33 responders E is included in 19 out of 33 profiles.
Things to consider
Mike is just one of many who has asked an interesting question on the findings. He wants to know:
“Do you think you have a different profile depending on the role your fulfilling in the company? I run a consulting business and recently created a new commercial model for procurement, so maybe its no surprise I am currently a ENTP but I haven’t always been one.”
A few of you have picked-up on the changing classification too. Monica Palacios said: “I agree with the idea that we evolve with our roles. I took it at the beginning of my career ENTJ; some years before I found it was ENTP.”
Glen Lovett: “I’m an INTJ but given the changing face of procurement I would suggest that ‘E’ is becoming more valuable.”
Chris Roe notes: “We seem well represented for a type that makes up 3 per cent of the population in this sample…
I guess making decisions based on logic and facts rather than emotion is a desired trait!”
Judging by your individual test results there just may be some common traits among procurement professionals after all. Matt Cockfield exclaims: “Wow, what a great question. I’m not sure I ever thought of connecting the two — MBTI with the procurement discipline. Apparently, there is a correlation here!”
Do you see value in such tests, or are you like Iain Wicking who claims they’re just “a superficial way of assigning traits… I would not take it too seriously.”
