INFP - Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving.
I have done the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) several times over the last fifteen years, and I've always come out INFP. My type is representative of a small percentage of the general population - about 2% - and is sometimes called the Dreamer or Idealist.
It was strange to have an INN632 workshop on MBTI so early in the semester, before we all knew each other, because the test's results are quite personal. Because I had done the test many times before, and because I knew most of the cohort present, it didn't bother me - but I know it bothered others. (And now I have exhibited a typical sign of an INFP - worry over others' feelings.) In a professional setting, MBTI testing may not always be appropriate. Employees who are uncomfortable with sharing personal details may find it confronting, or out of place in a work setting. However, it can be useful as a way of learning a team's collective and individual skills, strengths, and weaknesses, and using that knowledge to manage the team's interactions. Of course, the manager would need to be sensitive to the individual, and take care not to immediately put a person into a box based on their personality type.
Some of the suggested careers for INFPs are ones I considered for myself - social worker, writer, teacher. I feel confident that my personality is suited to becoming a librarian, as well, and a career test I did with Centrelink in 2010 put 'librarian' in my top results.
In the MBTI workshop, we had a demonstration by different types that showed how they would deal with firing someone, and the results were quite amusing because it was obvious which type each person was. Next, we got into groups and were asked to lead a discussion on a topic of our choice, and had a finite number of paperclips each, which we surrendered whenever we contributed to the conversation. I was the one to suggest travel, knowing that most of the people in my group would have something to add. I used most of my paperclips to prompt other, more shy, members of our group into speaking. Even though I am classed as Introverted, I'm not automatically shy in a group of people I know.
It was an interesting workshop, and I can see the merits of MBTI in a professional setting. However, I think it may alienate some people, particularly new employees. The results could be used inappropriately by management or manipulative coworkers who read up on the types and misuse the knowledge of a colleague's personality. On the positive side, it could be used to reach someone on their level, not unlike teaching a new skill to a person according to their preferred mode of learning - auditory, visual or tactile. I do not believe there is a clear argument for or against the use of MBTI testing in the workplace - it should be considered on a case-by-case basis. It has helped me understand who I am and why I see the world the way I do, and I will likely continue to test myself every few years out of curiosity.
Workshop 4 - August 8, 2011
