In today’s episode, James and Phoebe continue the conversation on the topic of the Myers Briggs Personality Test, and how it relates to building your business. This tool can allow you to become more comfortable with who you really are, help you ensure you are aligned with your true passions, and help you see that what you have considered weaknesses, could be your greatest strengths.
Here are some traits of the different personality types that you should be aware of:
Introvert (I):
The Introverts are inwardly focused and don’t inherently grasp the value of networking and relationships as much as extroverted people. James has increasingly come to realize the power of having a team involved in his business.
“The more I’ve discovered the power of a team, the power of having others support you and help you, it’s changed my whole belief”
Being this type of person doesn’t mean you should limit yourself and not speak on stage, do webinars or other actions that may be out of your comfort zone.
Introverts are detailed-oriented, figure things out and have the patience to dive deep.
Extrovert (E):
Extroverts form connections and relationships with others more quickly than introverts, which can be a strength that they have in business. They are faster with taking action and putting themselves out there.
“You’ve got to look at where your strengths are and where your potential pitfalls, blind spots and weaknesses are”
Sensor (S):
Sensors make sure everything is working and they are detailed-oriented. They believe in structure, stability, processes and systems, which are all vital to the success of a business.
They have to be careful, as they often can’t connect all the pieces, which is also necessary. They also need to consider if they really have a vision for where they are heading.
“Growing usually takes a bigger vision”
Intuitive (N):
Intuitives are visionaries that can see the “forest through the trees.” They also can sometimes get into trouble, as they tend to look too far into the future. Intuitives don’t like details, which is why they work well together with sensing types.
“(Sensors) are going to be able to ground your vision and help you with getting it done”
Phoebe notes that in tech startups, the marketing person typically has the vision, and the tech co-founder is the person who looks after all the steps to execute.
Thinker (T):
Thinkers are left-brained and logical people, like Tim Ferriss, who enjoy hacking things and figuring out how to do more with less. They discover efficiencies in processes, and are always looking for a new way to do something.
Their downfall involves marketing and selling, in most cases.
Feeler (F):
Feelers are right-brained and emotional, with Gary Vaynerchuk being one example of this personality type. They are able to use emotion to bring people on a journey.
Feelers don’t enjoy anything that has to do with numbers or technology and aligning themselves with people who enjoy doing these things is a great business strategy.
Perceiver (P):
Perceivers aren’t structured in how they plan out their day. In entrepreneurship, this can be considered a disadvantage as results are based off of actions. They also can struggle with following through on things.
However, they are project starters and creative, which is important for business success.
Judger (J)
Judgers are in high demand in the business world, as James notes.
“I know so many people, their business is successful, simply because they know how to follow through”
Their downfall can be a lack of flexibility, which is needed to allow creativity. They also can be overly stressed when they have deadlines approaching.
Myers Briggs Personality Types can be used to determine the best employee for a particular position. For example, an ESTJ can make an excellent project manager as they are extroverted (E), detail-oriented (S) and structured (J). As Thinkers (T), they are also able to make the tough decisions needed to be made in the best interest of the project.
You are still able to understand others, even if you only know a few of their letters.
NTs are “scientists” able to solve problems, NFs are “world huggers” that put humanity first, SJs are “traditionalists” who work well with routine and structure and SPs are performers who want to feel the rush of being alive and present, always knowing how to present themselves.
It’s important to note that you’ll never get where you want to go following the instruction manual of someone who has a different personality type than you do.
“You need to look at who you really are. (Myers Briggs) is just one tool for discovering it.”
For James, Myers Briggs was a gift, and he credits it for allowing him to accept who he was, and still is. It can help you be comfortable with yourself, in the process learning to see what you thought were your weaknesses are really your true strengths, and “secret weapons.”
