Myers-Briggs Test Results

I found the results of my Myers-Briggs personality test very interesting but slightly inaccurate. I was given the acronym ESFJ. However, I am only 1% Extrovert, 12% Sensing, 25% Feeling, and 56% judging. I was kind of surprised that I am classified as an extrovert (even if it is only 1%) especially when I read the description of an ESFJ. I don’t agree with a lot of what the description says. One paragraph in particular I thought did not describe me at all! It says “Strong, contradictory forces consume the ESFJ. Their sense of right and wrong wrestles with an overwhelming rescuing, 'mothering' drive. This sometimes results in swift, immediate action taken upon a transgressor, followed by stern reprimand; ultimately, however, the prodigal is wrested from the gallows of their folly, just as the noose tightens and all hope is lost, by the very executioner!” I really can’t see that being characteristic of me! I do not have a strong, contradictory personality and I do not at all sternly reprimand people. Honestly, none of the description really suites me.

However, at the bottom of that description, it says “Because you appear to have marginal or no preference of Extroversion over Introversion, characteristics of more than one personality type may apply to you: ESFJ and ISFJ” and I actually found that to be completely true. When reading the ISFJ description, I could see myself all over it! It starts out with a sentence that I think all-encompasses me: “ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed’”. I love to feel needed in all areas of life.

Another part which I thought very much described me was when it says that ISFJs “are notoriously bad at delegating”. That is very true. If I am working on a group project, I would gladly take the whole thing upon myself in order to ensure that it is “all done right” according to how I think it should be done. The description also lists an ISFJ as a more one-on-one type of person and who likes to work in smaller groups. They also tend to make very “pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles”.  I have always enjoyed working in smaller groups over large groups and I most definitely like being the “runner up” not the person in charge.

To conclude, I think that the test gathered that I was slightly more extroverted than introverted because I do really enjoy being around people, but I am not what you would call your social butterfly. I was published as an ESFJ but I really think that I am much more an ISFJ.