Over My Shoulder

I've been reading Naomi Reed's Over My Shoulder, which was recommended to me recently. Naomi explores different personality types using the Myer Briggs Type Indictator (MBTI) as her measure; specifically, how each type tends to deal differently with the challenges of cross-cultural communication on the mission field.

I highly recommend taking the MBTI test. (I took this one, because it was the first that came up in my Google search, but there's a lot out there). It's illuminating and fun and well regarded.

Basically, there are 16 MBTI personalities. As Naomi explains, the theory is that all people have innate preferences in the way that we direct our energy, receive information, make decisions and orient ourselves to the outer world. Our preferences in each of these categories becomes the four-letter name that describes our type. The dichotomies are as follows:

Extraversion/Introversion (E/I)

Sensing/Intuitive (S/N)

Thinking/Feeling (T/F)

Judging/Perceiving (J/P)

According to the test, I am an ISFP type; strongly Introverted (surprise surprise), slightly Sensing (borderline S/N), distinctively Feeling, and moderately Perceiving. The descriptors for this personality type resonate strongly with me - here's a couple.

ISFPs:

- are quickly frustrated if their strong people-oriented principles aren't upheld by those in leadership.

- are the first to 'hear a different drummer'.

- have a tendency not to express themselves verbally, but through an art form (such as writing).

- if they don't find a medium of non-verbal communication, their quietness leaves their character all but invisible and seeming aloof.

- are easily frustrated by rules for the sake of rules.

- are very adaptable and spontaneous

- have high ideals

- are sensitive to pain and suffering, and empathise freely with sufferers

This is what Naomi Reed says about ISFPs on the mission field:

In summary, ISFPs are most likely to thrive cross-culturally when they are using their gifts to serve people in practical ways. As well as meetings the needs of the community, they also enjoy their own space as well as a flexible, people-orientated approach to life. Over time, they value the ability to form close relationships in the new culture and participate in the community. Language learning occurs best when they are engaged in practical tasks with genuine friends and having real conversations. Many ISFPs talk about the growth that they have experienced as they have worked on the balance between their ideals, their time alone and their participation in the new culture.

Lots of good food for thinking through what my unique and particular challenges might be next year. I never thought I'd say this, but thank you, Herr Jung!

I think the Myer Briggs test is an authentic measure of personality and I encourage you to have a shot at it if you haven't already. You might learn something about yourself, or be validated in some of the things you've always suspected. It's a valuable tool for life, not just the mission field. So what type are you? How do you know?