Wednesday, March 03, 2010

I am an ESFJ, a Provider

I found this very interesting...

Jane Anne over at Gravity of Motion took a personality test, the Jung Typology Test . Jane Anne discusses her outcome of the test here. Matt had taken many of these type tests while in school earning his MBA and I was always interested in what my outcome would be. Today I the same test and this is what my results were. I think it is pretty accurate. Those of you who know me well tell me what you think.

My result was ESFJ:

Providers take it upon themselves to insure the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the Guardians, and thus are the great nurturers of social institutions such as schools, churches, social clubs, and civic groups. Providers are very likely more than ten percent of the population, and this is fortunate for the rest of us, because friendly social service is a key to their nature. Wherever they go, Providers happily give their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, and that social functions are a success.

I guess this is why I always seem to be volunteering for things and always trying to help out. Even though there are times that I feel like I am doing too much. If someone needs help I try to help. I have to say it often drives Matt nuts.

Highly cooperative themselves, Providers are skilled in maintaining teamwork among their helpers, and are also tireless in their attention to the details of furnishing goods and services. They make excellent chairpersons in charge of dances, banquets, class reunions, charity fund-raisers, and the like. They are without peer as masters of ceremonies, able to speak publicly with ease and confidence. And they are outstanding hosts or hostesses, knowing everyone by name, and seemingly aware of what everyone's been doing. Providers love to entertain, and are always concerned about the needs of their guests, wanting to make sure that all are involved and provided for.

This is one area I am not sure is entirely accurate. I try to be cooperative but get frustrated when details are not coming together and then I tend to take over so that it gets done. Maybe this is in an attempt to keep the peace? I don't know. I love to hostess parties though and tend to find myself in charge of major events and groups. Though I am not as confident as I often appear when speaking publicly.

Friendly, outgoing, neighborly - in a word, Providers are gregarious, so much so that they can become restless when isolated from people. They love to talk with others, and will often strike up a conversation with strangers and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind. Friendships matter a great deal to Providers, and their conversations with friends often touch on good times from years past. Family traditions are also sacred to them, and they carefully observe birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with news of their friends and neighbors. If we wish to know what's been going on in the local community, school, or church, they're happy to fill us in on all the details.

I have to say this one also drives Matt nuts. When he gets home I want to talk and he wants to just relax. We have had to learn to compromise on this. I love family traditions and am really good at remembering family member birthdays. I also love hearing about how everyone is doing and helping if needed.

Providers are extremely sensitive to the feelings of others, which makes them perhaps the most sympathetic of all the types, but which also leaves them somewhat self-conscious, that is, highly sensitive to what others think of them. Loving and affectionate themselves, they need to be loved in return. In fact, Providers can be crushed by personal criticism, and are happiest when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the tireless service they give to others.

This one fits me to a T. I have always wondered why I come across so confident when I feel so self-conscious. I also took me a long time to realize that some people are not "huggers" when it just seems so natural to reach out and give someone a hug.

William Howard Taft, Barbara Walters, J C Penney, Ray Kroc, Louis B. Mayer, Sam Walton, Dolley Madison, Eleanor Roosevelt and Dave Thomas are examples of Provider Guardians.

Why don't you head over and take the test as well. See if it gives some light to the way you think and do things. I found this very informative. I guess this is why I became a teacher.


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