Who are you? – 16 Different Personality Types
If you’ve ever been on a workplace enrichment course, then you may have heard of the Myers Briggs test. It’s basically a big multiple-choice quiz to show you which one of 16 personality types you fall into. It sounds insane that everyone can be categorised so easily, but you’d be surprised at how accurate it is! Myers Briggs is all about understanding yourself better, whether that be in a work environment or just finding the best way to deal with that friend you always clash with. The test can be pretty illuminating and while the personality types (which are actually based on stereotypes described by the psychologist Carl Jung) can’t describe you exactly, they are a useful tool for structuring your life more efficiently.
Each personality type is described by a four letter acronym; each letter denotes a style with which you live your life. The first letter establishes whether your style is more Introverted (I), interested in ideas and information, or Extroverted (E), more focused on people and things. Next, the test asks if you’re style is more Sensing (S), concentrating on solid truth and reality, or Intuitive (N), thinking more loosely about possibility and the potential of things. Thirdly, you’re categorised into either Thinking (T), you make decisions based on logic and fact, or Feeling (F), influenced by your emotions, morals, and relationships. Finally, it’s a toss-up between whether you’re the kind of person who likes structure and order, you act with Judging (J), or if you prefer to just go with the flow, you rely on Perceiving (P). Generally, people will prefer one style or the other for each of these four choices but the test does allow for people to sit on the fence and prefer an equal balance of the two styles; for example, some people prefer a traditional French Manicure to some more abstracted and modern nail art – and some people like both; Reverse French Manicures are pretty in Vogue these days!
So, each of these four choices makes up your personality type code; having four pairs to choose from gives you sixteen possible codes and these are the sixteen personalities. All of the stereotypes interact differently with each other so learning about your unique personality can inform your professional and personal relationships – as well as providing opportunity for personal growth. There is a tonne of different free online versions of the test, however some are much better than others and really, to get an accurate result, it’s best to use the official test. You have to pay for it but the website has a load of extra content that is super useful – it has advice for interaction across the personality types (for instance, how should an INFJ “Counsellor” type works with an INTP “Mastermind” type?) and career and leadership position suggestions.
So, finally, here are the sixteen types, which one do you think you are?
The Inspector or ISTJ
Introverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging
ISTJs can come across as quite intense and they are often misunderstood. Their strengths are the ability to stay patient and calm with a strong sense of moral responsibility. They can come across as too serious, judgemental, and old fashioned but they are an extremely honourable and valuable personality type. ISTJs wear their French Manicures with the classic soft pink and white, no distracting colours for them!
The Counsellor or INFJ
Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Judging
INFJs are super creative and ‘outside the box’ thinkers. They are capable of amazing problem solving. You definitely want one of these guys on your team though they can be easily distracted and pretty weird sometimes. That girl in the office with the crazy 3D acrylics? Yeah, you bet she’s an INFJ type.
The Mastermind or INTJ
Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Judging
If you do your best work when you’re totally alone you’re probably an INTJ. Wonderful planners and strategists, extremely self-sufficient, but drained by too much socialising. INTJs are deep thinkers, they need quiet and isolation to excel.
The Giver or ENFJ
Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Judging
You guessed it, “Giver” types are very generous, idealistic, charismatic and fair. ENFJs are good at predicting outcomes because they spend a lot of time thinking carefully about the future, though, sometimes they struggle to focus on the now.
The Craftsman or ISTP
Introverted, Sensing, Thinking and Perceiving
A slightly less common personality type, ISTPs are often confused with other types because their whole deal is that they are secretly very impulsive and spontaneous but try to live in an orderly and rational way. They are unpredictable; sky blue Shellac one day, glitter French Manicure the next!
The Provider or ESFJ
Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging
The classic extrovert, ESFJs are popular and charming, a friend to all, centre of attention and love the spotlight. They don’t do well working alone but are great at getting everybody motivated. ESFJ is my girl with the bright orange, extra-long, tombstone nails.
The Champion or ENFP
Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Perceiving
ENFPs are really individual, they do things their own way and don’t like to follow trends or instructions. Sometimes frustrating to others as they are such solo workers. They are super inventive and empathetic, ENFPs tend to follow their gut.
The Doer or ESTP
Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking and Perceiving
ESTPs get bored easily, they aren’t good at planning and leap before they look. They tend to have a yearning for excitement and freedom and need to be surrounded by people – if you think you know an ESTP then why not take them to get their nails done with you, they’d really value the time spent with their friend.
The Supervisor or ESTJ
Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging
Hopefully your boss is one of these, or maybe you’re the boss and you can see these traits in yourself. ESTJs have a strong sense of right and wrong, they are honourable citizens of the world and great leaders. They love to help, and they’re good at it too, so ask them if you need advice.
The Commander or ENTJ
Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Judging
Similar to ESTJs but with a little more strength and rationality, and a little less empathy. ENTJs are powerful natural born leaders, they make decisions quickly and easily, and find it difficult to stop sometimes. If you’re an ENTJ you need to make sure you get some relaxation time in; have a massage, get a pedicure – treat yourself.
The Thinker or INTP
Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Perceiving
Logical and precise, look for the perfect acrylics and you can guarantee she’s an INTP type. They don’t like spending time on the mundane and prefer to put their energy into creative ideas, INTPs are insightful but perfectionists, sometimes to their detriment.
The Nurturer or ISFJ
Introverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging
One of the more selfless personality types, ISFJs are warm and welcoming, often too sensitive, but always the peace-maker. They have considerable skill in bringing out the best in other people.
The Visionary or ENTP
Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Perceiving
ENTPs are few and far between, a complicated mixture of extroversion and impatience. Easily bored with conversation that doesn’t give them pause to think, very intelligent but in need of constant mental stimulation. They like to argue but don’t mistake this for an attitude problem, ENTPs just love to debate.
The Composer or ISFP
Introverted, Sensing, Feeling and Perceiving
Possibly the wisest of the personality types, ISFPs are fun to be around, warm and approachable but also crave solitude for meditative reflection. They like to experience new things and despite being introverts they see the importance of meeting new people to get the most out of life.
The Idealist or INFP
Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling and Perceiving
The Idealist is calm and thoughtful, they spend a lot of time thinking about their friends and those in need. They’re generally pretty chilled unless you threaten their moral code, on this they are willing to budge. They’re creative and quick but sometimes introverted to a fault.
The Performer or ESFP
Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling and Perceiving
This personality type just emanates fun. Being around them can make anyone smile, their laugh is infectious. They love attention and are definite trend-setters, this is your girlfriend who comes to the party with her sunflower yellow squoval acrylics and next week all the girls at the office have them too! While they are excitable and sometimes a little flakey, Performer personality types also have a very practical side to them.
And that’s all sixteen – do you know which type you are? I love this test not just because it can really help you refine your working style, but also because the test was designed by two powerful women, and I bet they had brilliant nails.
Test yourself here: What is my personality?