Do you have a hard time relating to certain personalities?
Are you confused by the response of others?
Is your response to others misunderstood?
Having a rich understanding of personality types can help you have patience when dealing with others.
We each have our own unique personality which often includes many strengths and weaknesses. How we process things, how we learn, our social interactions, how we deal with family, friends and others, and even how we react to stress or lead are all heavily influenced by our personalities. And if this is so, then understanding personality traits will help encourage us to accept those differences, help us in raising children, dealing with relationships, both personal and business, young and old.
Taking a reputable personality test, such as the Myers-Briggs test can be a valuable means to understanding yourself and others much better. I do caution you not to let personality tests define you. They are only a means of understanding. Even the same-type personality will not all behave the same. Value systems differ, fears, hopes and life experiences all play an important role as well.
The Myers-Briggs test narrow personalities to approximately 16 types. My daughter and I took the test and it was interesting to find how accurate the personality traits fit us both. Knowledge of personality types can help avoid misunderstandings and allows one to see more clearly the correct approach to any given situation.
For example, some people need more solitude (such as myself, an INFJ) to be able to focus and gather their thoughts. If family members understand this need then they will not be offended when the person wishes to be alone for a time. Some people have a tendency to be more sensitive to others feelings but keep their own feelings inside (such as my daughter, an ISFJ). So if I know this is the personality trait of my child, it helps me to recognize the need to set aside quality time for conversation so that she is comfortable expressing herself.
Even if you never take a personality test, make an effort to understand that their are differences and it is not fair to expect every person to think and act the same way we do. That would certainly be boring!
Want more information? Click here to learn more about the Myers-Briggs personality types.
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