Typology Insight

A slightly expressed introvert - What does that mean? This was the first question to go flying through my mind upon reading the results from my Jung Typology test. Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) defines the introvert as a person who: “prefers reflection over action, are attuned to inner world, prefer to communicate in writing, learn best through mental practice and reflection, are private and contained, [and] enjoy working alone or in pairs.”

Critically thinking through my actions and other people’s behaviors is a habit I frequently practice, although the preference to communicate in writing does not apply at present.  

A friend once told me she had analyzed my behavior in a group setting.  From her observation, my mannerism was relaxed and expressive when with familiar acquaintances.  However, when an unknown participant came into the setting, my behavior was quickly transformed into that of a poker player. Very little information came from me until I had gained a sense of the basic personality traits the new individual possessed. One key reason writing challenges me is the void of visual evaluation of my audience. This has a major influence on how I express myself.

My second typology indicator from the test was: distinctly expressed intuition.

The MBTI definition of intuitive is a person who prefers general concepts/ high-level plans, is oriented to future possibilities, value imagination, see trends and patterns in specific data, move quickly to conclusions, follow hunches, and trust inspiration.

Knowledge is often gained, for me, through the connection of observed behaviors to those of previously formed thoughts or ideas.  Sometimes this logic occurs on “my feet”, but a high percentage of the time, new information is connected to the old in a logical process. Moving quickly to conclusions is possible because there are patterns in many different aspects of life.

Next was the result of “moderately expressed thinking”. Who wouldn’t be pleased to have this personality type indicator?  Likely, this resulted from me over-thinking the Jung type test-questions. Every time an inquiry or statement is before me, thoughts of “what is the hidden concept?” start running through my mind.  Rarely do I take statements or questions at face value, which has pros and cons.   For example, I am often able to identify hidden motivators behind actions, behaviors, or statements.  On the other hand, I routinely form views about situations when secondary opinions are not needed.  In my writing, I organize thoughts by writing controlling questions and statements in the format of an outline. After answering the prompts, I am able to compose a paper with a more cohesive flow. This structure matches what the Jung typology-indicator definition states about INTJ personality type. I prefer to have the big picture in mind and the building blocks in place.  Focus can then be given to details and supporting ideas, with the result of a consistent message.

Lastly, is my indicator type of “distinctively expressed judging.”

My first reaction was: “I’m not sure anyone would want to be acquainted with a distinctively expressed judger”. But, personal opinion should be formed only after consideration. Being able to make sound judgments is a very useful tool. In the process of training horses, I have practiced the habit of responding quickly based on judgments of the horse’s actions. Here, judgments are formed by physical observation. Forming judgments through written word, however, differs greatly from in-person communication.

Type indicators all play a major roll in shaping the voice on paper that Peter Elbow wrote of in his article “Freewriting” ~“In your natural way of producing words there is a sound, a texture, a rhythm--a voice--which is the main source of power in your writing.” To develop this voice, I will practice, via written word, what I find so natural when face-to-face with a friend.