ENTP
According to a recent test, I am an ENTP, which basically means I am outgoing, see the big picture rather than little details, emphasize thinking over feelings, and am more disorganized than organized. I used to score as an ENFP. I think, as I have been out in “the real world” (outside of being a student in some capacity), I have become less inclined to base my responses to others based on feelings. Maybe this results from dealing with high school students, many who take advantage of teachers who operate based on “feelings.” It also may result from my experiences in seminary and the Episcopal church, where feelings tend to be seen as the only “objective” truth, and everyone takes absurd steps to make sure nobody’s feelings get hurt. Even as a self-identified “feeler” back in grad school, nothing annoyed me more than when a fellow student “went pastoral” on me, trying to get me to “process my feelings” just because I may have reacted less than polite at times.
Despite the fact that I have scored as a pretty strong “thinker” now, I still often tend toward a “feeler” response, evidenced by the breaks I give students with grades (I don’t want them to look back and “hate” Jesus just because they weren’t that great in religion class). I have also become less extroverted than in the past I think. I now prefer more “alone time” than in the past, to recharge and gather my thoughts. Every time I have taken the test, I have scored as extroverted and intuitive. Related to the latter, I simply do not to details well. I love the big picture (N), and explaining this to others (E), in a way that is not too planned out (P), and based on good reason, even if it may offend you (T). This tendency to see the big picture (and the lack of organization, the “P”) may explain why I shudder at the thought of being in a traditional PhD program and writing a dissertation based on a narrow topic. I absolutely LOVE the classroom, but have never been interested in traditional research. The more I think of it, the more I think my personality is the reason.
I also learned that I am primarily a verbal learner, which is no surprise, given how much I love to read and write. I try to incorporate visual and auditory elements into my classroom often, to reach those who may learn in other ways.
The chart below details my information:
Thanks to Anastasia for the idea.
July 27th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
i always score as an F, I think because I answer the questions about individuals in terms of feelings. I think individual people deserve compassion and mercy but i think decisions (including or maybe especially theological ones) should be predicated on solid thinking.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Anastasia,
I agree with you there. Even when I have to say things I know are controversial, I try to do so in a way that takes the person’s feelings into account. Out of curiosity, do you find your “N” tendencies make research difficult?
August 5th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
I always test INTJ. Don’t get me on a committee unless you intend to accomplish something. And be prepared to be peppered with questions about why things are done the way they’re done and have you considered this angle. Committees that are deadly for me….”Visions Committee” or “Mission Statement Committee”.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
(I am late to your blog party, but thought I would leave some comments anyway.)
I am an “off-the-chart” E.N.T.J. In the past, I was a pretty solid ENTP, but a wise co-worker explained to me that the “P” becomes a “J” for many people after they have children. (Something to do with constantly making decisions that affect whether someone lives or dies…)
Also, I am finishing up my dissertation (PhD in Strategic Management), and I can relate to your concerns about traditional “narrow” research. Much like Ny-Quil, you get over the terrible taste and learn to love it, but the classroom is quite the playground for the ENT(X) folks. Teaching is great, but I find that I am better at it as I stay active in research.
One last thing, I heard a great preacher say one time that Jesus would have scored a 0 on all four type indicators… He’s right down the middle, knows how to respond in all situations without sin, etc. That got me to thinking that we need “all types” in community if we are to balance each other out and form something closer to the Ideal.
Providentially, I married an ISFP (my complete opposite according to the “experts”), and boy, is that fun! She completes me, as they say. She’s taught me to listen, and I’ve taught her to speak up. Good times!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog(s). Keep up the good work.