The Hubby often refers to the compatibility of personality types and I haven’t given it much thought until Noo, my oldest son, did the 16 Personalities Test yesterday and they started discussing his strengths and weaknesses. It got me thinking, what is my personality type and what does it actually tell me about myself?

What are the different personality types?

According to Carl G. Jung’s theory of psychological types [Jung, 1971], people can be characterized by their preference of general attitude:
Extraverted (E) vs. Introverted (I),

their preference of one of the two functions of perception:
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N),

and their preference of one of the two functions of judging:
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

The three areas of preferences introduced by Jung are dichotomies (i.e. bipolar dimensions where each pole represents a different preference). Jung also proposed that in a person one of the four functions above is dominant – either a function of perception or a function of judging. Isabel Briggs Myers, a researcher and practitioner of Jung’s theory, proposed to see the judging-perceiving relationship as a fourth dichotomy influencing personality type [Briggs Myers, 1980]:
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

[SOURCE]

My Personality Profile

So according to the website, I fall into the Sentinel category. My profile is the Defender Personality (ISFJ-t).

Often the very first question people ask after completing the personality test is “What do these letters mean?” Referring, of course, to those mysterious acronyms like INTJ-A, ENFP-T, or ESTJ-A. As you may have already learned from the Type Descriptions or articles on the website, the five letters of these acronyms each refer to a specific trait, with certain trait combinations forming various types and type groups.

[SOURCE]

So what does all this actually mean?

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is vital to everything we do. Knowing your weaknesses will work in your advantage.

According to the 16 Personality website, my personality is, very accurately, defined as follows:

The Defender personality type is quite unique, as many of their qualities defy the definition of their individual traits. Though sensitive, Defenders have excellent analytical abilities; though reserved, they have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships; and though they are generally a conservative type, Defenders are often receptive to change and new ideas. As with so many things, people with the Defender personality type are more than the sum of their parts, and it is the way they use these strengths that defines who they are.

Combining the best of tradition and the desire to do good, Defenders are found in lines of work with a sense of history behind them, such as medicine, academics and charitable social work.

Naturally social, an odd quality for Introverts, Defenders utilize excellent memories not to retain data and trivia, but to remember people, and details about their lives. When it comes to gift-giving, Defenders have no equal, using their imagination and natural sensitivity to express their generosity in ways that touch the hearts of their recipients.

Defender Strengths

* Supportive
* Reliable and Patient
* Imaginative and Observant
* Enthusiastic – When the goal is right
* Loyal and Hard-Working – Given a little time
* Good Practical Skills

Defender Weaknesses

* Humble and Shy
* Take Things Too Personally
* Repress Their Feelings
* Overload Themselves
* Reluctant to Change
* Too Altruistic

Defender Careers

In many ways, Defenders are the backbone of the modern workforce. Altruistic and well-rounded, no other personality type is so well-suited to be of service of others. It is no surprise that many Defenders are not just good at supporting their coworkers and customers in human resources and support positions, they genuinely enjoy it, as it gives them the chance to calm frustrations, see things through to a practical solution, and to be thanked, appreciated, at the close of each ordeal.

Defender Personality – Conclusion

Few personality types are as practical and dedicated as Defenders. Known for their reliability and hard work, Defenders are good at creating and maintaining a secure and stable environment for themselves and their loved ones. Defenders’ dedication is invaluable in many areas, including their own personal growth.

Yet Defenders can be easily tripped up in areas where their kind and practical attitude is more of a liability than an asset. Whether it is navigating interpersonal conflicts, confronting unpleasant facts, pursuing self-realization, or managing your workload, you need to put in a conscious effort to develop your weaker traits and additional skills.

When I was reading through the Defender traits, I was shocked at how accurate it was. This explains so much, on so many levels and has given me so much to think about and it also explains so much of my struggle with depression and anxiety.

You can read more on the different personality traits HERE. What’s your personality type?