Friday, October 14, 2005

Ohmmm....Ohmmm...

In the spirit of navel-gazing brought on by the-always-good-for-a-laugh Quizilla, I was inspired to retake the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test.

I've tested on various occasions over the last 3 years, in different circumstances/moods. Consistently, I've gotten the same results. Of all the personality testings I've taken (and boy, have I run the gamut), this one's been the most accurate for personality type.

The test at the link I provided is a bit lengthy, with 72 questions, but Snowie and I both think it's worth the time . Actually, I don't know if the 72 questions comprise the full test, since you'd have to pay to take it from the official Myers-Briggs Foundation.

Anyways. I'm an ISTP. These are some exerpts of the profile found here (own emphasis):-

ISTPs... are interested in how and why things work and are likely to be good at applied science, mechanics, or engineering. ISTPs who do not have technical or mechanical interests often use their talents to bring order out of unorganized facts. This ability can find expression in law, economics, marketing, sales, securities, or statistics.

ISTPs may rely so much on the logical approach of thinking that they overlook what other people care about and what they themselves care about. They may decide that something is not important, just because it isn't logical to care about it. If ISTPs always let their thinking suppress their feeling values, their feelings may build up pressure and find expression in inappropriate ways. Although good at analyzing what is wrong, ISTPs sometimes find it hard to express appreciation. But if they try, they will find it helpful on the job as well as in personal relationships.

ISTP people are in some danger of putting off decisions or of failing to follow through. One of their outstanding traits is economy of effort. This trait is an asset if they judge accurately how much effort is needed; then they do what the situation requires without fuss or lost motion.

When something--as opposed to someone--needs attention, the ISTP's powers of observation ... make it possible for them to plunge into the task at hand without feeling it necessary to follow procedures or read directions. This is how the ISTP prefers to work...If, midway into a project, the need for directions becomes apparent, the ISTP will refer only to sections that are directly relevant, so that no time or energy is wasted--a matter of great consequence to ISTPs.

The ISTPs' area of interest will take precedence over assigned tasks that are perceived as dull, boring, or not practical. They can become so engrossed with their own projects (e.g. blog) that other obligations (e.g. something I'm paid to do), if not abandoned outright or forgotten, take second place.

ISTPs' nature is to be quietly observing, collecting data on all things at all times. They do not think of themselves as watching in order to do something with the information; they are merely scanning the universe because it is part of their nature to want to take in all that is occurring (i.e. I am very kpoh inquisitive). The often dramatic outcome, however, is that when an emergency occurs, they can move swiftly to the core of the problem and correct it. (see, so useful!)

ISTPs ... do not believe in planning. They tend to wait and see what each day brings, and then do what is needed at the time. ISTPs, in their general living ... know that the best-laid plans go awry. Given that, the plan is not to have a plan...

So strongly does this seemingly hands-off, laissez-faire style characterize the ISTP that the price can be isolation. ISTPs think each person should be afforded his or her own space (whatever it may be) and should enjoy or use that space according to individual tastes and desires. This emphasis on individual rights is much more important than neatness, orderliness, or routine --and that makes living with an ISTP quite challenging and varied, to say the least. Poor Snowie, the neat freak.

When not involved in an enterprise or adventure of the kind that compels all their attention, ISTPs relax. They do not unwind by engaging in the kind of routine chores that other types may find both relaxing and worthwhile. As a result, life is one long relaxation to the ISTP, frequently interrupted by various exciting hands-on challenges to repair, understand, improve, or experience whatever comes along.

Family events are a mixed bag for the ISTP. The ISTP child and adult both may eagerly anticipate a special family event--Christmas, birthday, a reunion--although the activity of preparing for the event (baking a special cake or making and wrapping gifts) often holds more interest than the social demands and pressures of the event itself.
And there we have it. Snowdrop is an ISTJ. Oh boy, is she ever. :)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I did not do the quiz. I do not do quizzes. But I am writing now to find out what happened to your Chinese pear - and because I am dying to know wtf 'siap' means. Hokkien word issit?

Anonymous said...

test

Anonymous said...

gee.. must put in url only can comment ah?

Anonymous said...

Hi! Have to say that I like your new layout :)

Yes, I've heard much about this MBTI test. Have never taken it. May try soon. As a time-filler. Will take note that you're ISTP and snowie is ISTJ. Wonder what will I be?

Anonymous said...

jay - Er..already said in the comments. Damn pear was eaten with much savagery and juice-shed. Yes, siap is hokkien, and I still can't explain it better than as the feeling on your teeth when gnawing a balloon. Try it. On codom also can, I'd think.

biow - No wat. No URL also can comment. Thanks for the suggestion for removing the gobbledegook from the comments field...will try later.

ame - Some employers require prospective candidates to take similar tests. I'm convinced that's why StanChart rejected me after a very promising interview. They were specifically looking for a team player with attention to detail. Heh.

Anonymous said...

Yipes. Just realised that Amelia is of Sonobeus, not of Lavidademia. :)

Anonymous said...

To avoid confusion :)

Anonymous said...

Apparently, I'm an INFJ :) The description is quite uncanny actually.

Anonymous said...

test

Anonymous said...

ohh.. cos at first the website was prefilled with "http://".. so, my comments tak keluar keluar..

yay.. u'r back to blogging!

do u need to make ur Date in bigger font?

Anonymous said...

Amelia - Yeah, the descriptions for us both were pretty accurate too, hence my recommendation. Not your average pop psych test. :) Now I'm off to check out what an INFJ is! ;)

biow - Thanks for the tip on the "recent comment". Earlier I tried deleting that bit, but had also deleted the "", so it went all wierd. No need to make date bigger lah. Would like to have the dash dash lines as dividers between posts though.