Understanding each other is key to a healthy relationship.
It's easy enough to say "I know everyone is not like me." But can we REALLY appreciate that fact? I mean, really really?! I think that if there was some "logic"...an explanation if you will...of the attitudes, actions, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations of *other people* (i.e. people NOT you), it may be easier to actually begin to accept and truly understand our differences. So I've been thoroughly engrossed in Myers Brigss Personality categorization, and am attempted to utilize it to help me understand my family better (and hopefully have them understand ME better).
Grandma J: ISFJ
Grandma C: ISTJ
Grandpa B: ESFJ
Test can be taken here: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
I find these results fascinatingly accurate!! Understandably children are not quite "ready" for a full personality evaluation...but, if you pay attention, quite a bit of insight can be gained from even the youngest among us regarding personality.
Because the accuracy of the 4 letter increases markedly with age/maturity (both in ability to offer constructive feedback/participation, and in the realization of behavior/thought patterns as the child is experiences various life situations) I will limit my focus to Haley (for now). Afterall, how would Ian answer the question "Are you typically on time for functions?" when he hasn't been to many 'functions' alone...and any noticeable tardiness pattern would only serve to demonstrate the personality of the parent?
Haley (ENTJ)
I agree with her assessment and the results of this quiz: Haley is very bold, high-energy, take-charge, and assertive. Strategic and proactive are more difficult to assess at this age...so we'll see how that develops in time.
One thing that I find interesting is that she does tend to "think out loud." Now that I know this about her, I'm not so quick to respond (because I realize she's "just thinking.") I realize that she is actually "working hard" to listen and 'not interrupt' me because she is processing things verbally, and/or doesn't appreciate excessive details.
I have noticed that she is intellectually curious, and in so knowing, can provide layers of academic stimulation. AND if it's true that she will "respect others who can argue their position" and expects people to defend themselves...I will be sure to explain my position so we are communicating in the 'same language'.
Honestly I cannot vouch for her "big picture problem solving" or strategic vision at this time. And being at a school were "problem solving," "out-of-the-box thinking," and "being a visionary" is highly discouraged...I wonder if perhaps these attributes are "hidden" or have been "stifled" out of this natural-born leader?
If the assessment is accurate, Haley is driven more by logic than personal values. This is great insight because...knowing that she sees the world objectively > emotionally helps me HELP HER realize this, and maybe help her 'logically' realize that sometimes it 'makes sense' to tap into your (or others) emotions for inner-guidance. And that *sometimes* (going against her natural inclination) it's better to be "liked" than "right." Making her point doesn't always have to 'sting.'
It is noted that ENTJs minds are unconventional and unrestricted, which I have found to be true of Haley. This is probably why traditional school seems to be very suboptimal for her (although she continues to do well).
Knowing that her "perfectionistic, take-charge" characteristic is a fantastic attribute (being a fast decision maker with high standards is quite an accolade) we can engage her in projects requiring stamina and hard work with the expectation that she completes the task with excellence. She has not demonstrated this particular characteristic to the letter as of yet (and very may never) but it is apart of the "personality profile" that Haley completed for *herself* (making it more accurate, than say the one I completed on behalf of Ian and Hana). So I'll keep an eye on this area, and if buds of development erupt, I will be sure to nurture and help grow (and balance) this 'perfectionistic/take-charge' personality characteristic.
Top ten: ENTJs are the type MOST likely to . . .
1. Fight for the floor
2. Be a workaholic
3. Be seen as assertive, bold and/or confident
4. Have LOTS of energy
5. Move up the corporate ladder quickly
6. Make big decisions quickly
7. Finish others’ sentences
8. Become impatient with a lot of detail
9. Be a natural-born leader
10. Intimidate or overpower others
And now that I know....I can be ready!!
