Myers Briggs Test

So, my job has been ... a challenge since I got back from Mat Leave. And not because it's a difficult job, on the contrary. It's tough cause it's so easy. It's almost like a demotion: I am back doing the type of work I did when I was first hired. Very detailed... alone in my cubicle, very little creative thought or collaboration. 

I did my Myers Briggs Assement: It's a very well known personality profile. I am an ENFP: The Kiersey Temperment sorter would say I am an Idealist: (that's the NF in me) and specifically I am called a "Champion".  Here's what it says about me:

ENFPs are initiators of change, keenly perceptive of possibilities. They energize and stimulate others through their contagious enthusiasm. They prefer the start-up phase of a project or relationship, and are tireless in the pursuit of new-found interests. ENFPs are able to anticipate the needs of others and to offer them needed help and appreciation. They bring zest, joy, liveliness, and fun to all aspects of their lives. They are at their best in situations that are fluid and changing, and that allow them to express their creativity and use their charisma. They tend to idealize people, and can be disappointed when reality fails to fulfill their expectations. They are easily frustrated if a project requires a great deal of follow-up or attention to detail.

Champions delight in novelty. They are optimistic, enthusiastic, and vivacious, craving expressions of strong emotion. With a dramatic flair, they share their experiences with others, hoping to reveal some universal truth or win others over in support of a cause. Attuned to possibilities, Champions scan their environment, probing the emotions, needs, and motivations of others. This sensitivity sometimes conflicts with their intense drive for personal authenticity. Spontaneous and personable, they attract others to their company.

A buddy of mine sent me a presentation about the government of Canada and their management. It showed the types of personalities (Myers Briggs personality types) and what percentage of each personality type in the government. Then it showed the types at lower, middle upper and exectuive managemnt. Result? We lose the Perceiving/Intuitive types. Most of the management (like over 85%) are the judging/thinking types. Very results driven. So what do we lose? The nutjobs like me! Seriously, we lose the wide thinkers, the visionaries, the teachers and (sigh) the champions such as myself.  It takes all types to be effective, but the NF types such as myself are just not welcome in the current government workforce (at least the management part)

So, right now I am in a position that is the opposite of where I should be. I can't bring any value to the position, and I NEED to bring about change, to do big things.  I am an excellent worker: just not a great worker bee.

the odd thing? Sean is an ISTJ: the exact opposite to me in ecvery way. But I love that: he makes me a better person: forces me to think outside myself.  And yes, he is management.  And damn good at it too.