What's Your Type?

Why do we feel a need to classify ourselves? Every team building class I've ever taken had started with a Myers-Briggs or a Disc assessment. The intent makes sense. People are wired differently, and as a result, act differently, and the class is focused on how to build a stronger team. But the tools have always seemed flawed to me. Is there a right answer? Meg says she's looking for one. What happens if the result from the test doesn't fit with your personal perception? In what context do you take the assessment? For example, my Myers-Briggs type ends in J when I take the assessment in a work situation, but if I take the test at home, or in a social context, that J always turns to a P. What does that say about me?

My favorite class on types was one I took in the early 90s called Human Dynamics. What worked about this process was that it was a week-long self identification class. We watched videos of people who were of certain dynamics, and thought about which we identified with. We heard speakers talk about how they approached groups, how they thought, where they carried their stress, what challenges they felt when interacting with others, and based on their comments, self-identified our dynamic. In this class, there wasn't so much a focus on the "right" answer, but on what group felt most like you. As a result, each dynamic was perceived as valuable. The learning process was focused on how your dynamic could best interact with people from other dynamics, by asking for what you need to be effective. 10+ years later, I still have the book and materials in my office, and pull them out when I'm having interaction challenges with someone.

In the end, the goal is learning how to interact effectively with the people around you - at work, or in society in general. But please don't put labels on me or on yourself...talk to me about what makes you tick. When are you most energized? What turns you off? How can we work together to be most effective? Whether you're a Driver, INFP, Influencer, Analyst, Physical-Mental, or any other label you choose, you are a valuable human being. Let's find a way to interact that makes us all happy and successful (insert sunshine and rainbows here!).

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Ok, now that I've explained why I don't like these tests, I will say that the PICTURE part of this quiz result is exactly me. Almost all the pictures I've have up at home and at work are of nature, and very colorful. However I think a key part of the description below is wrong. Solitude is good for me to recharge, but I wouldn't say that I'm comforted in subdued settings....have you seen where I work? Take the test for yourself, and let me know how it fits for you. Good for fun, or in 10 years will we be describing ourselves as Daydreamers, Viisioinaries, Humanitarians, etc?

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NBPC - The Daydreamer

Nature, Background, Big Picture, and Color

You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the colors around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You are a down-to-earth person who enjoys going with the flow.

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