I just took one of these and was amazed at how accurate it was. HOWEVER, the first time I took it I had a different result and the description didn't fit at all so I think the test questions can be pretty subjective. This time it did fit. My mother works for a large nuclear facility and she said they give them this test before hiring. Anyway, I don't put a lot of stock in these, but they are great fun! And they do tell you if you are a good fit with your mate, mine is supposed to be the ideal fit.

take the test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

The best descriptions: http://www.personalitypage.com/portraits.html

I would love to see how everyone else shakes out!

Here is mine and it fits me pretty close:

Profile: ENTP

"Clever" is the word that perhaps describes ENTPs best. The professor who juggles half a dozen ideas for research papers and grant proposals in his mind while giving a highly entertaining lecture on an abstruse subject is a classic example of the type. So is the stand-up comedian whose lampoons are not only funny, but incisively accurate.

ENTPs are usually verbally as well as cerebrally quick, and generally love to argue--both for its own sake, and to show off their often-impressive skills. They tend to have a perverse sense of humor as well, and enjoy playing devil's advocate. They sometimes confuse, even inadvertently hurt, those who don't understand or accept the concept of argument as a sport.

ENTPs are as innovative and ingenious at problem-solving as they are at verbal gymnastics; on occasion, however, they manage to outsmart themselves. This can take the form of getting found out at "sharp practice"--ENTPs have been known to cut corners without regard to the rules if it's expedient -- or simply in the collapse of an over-ambitious juggling act. Both at work and at home, ENTPs are very fond of "toys"--physical or intellectual, the more sophisticated the better. They tend to tire of these quickly, however, and move on to new ones.

ENTPs are basically optimists, but in spite of this (perhaps because of it?), they tend to become extremely petulant about small setbacks and inconveniences. (Major setbacks they tend to regard as challenges, and tackle with determin- ation.) ENTPs have little patience with those they consider wrongheaded or unintelligent, and show little restraint in demonstrating this. However, they do tend to be extremely genial, if not charming, when not being harassed by life in general.

In terms of their relationships with others, ENTPs are capable of bonding very closely and, initially, suddenly, with their loved ones. Some appear to be deceptively offhand with their nearest and dearest; others are so demonstrative that they succeed in shocking co-workers who've only seen their professional side. ENTPs are also good at acquiring friends who are as clever and entertaining as they are. Aside from those two areas, ENTPs tend to be oblivious of the rest of humanity, except as an audience -- good, bad, or potential.

Thanks for posting this MelodyLane, very interesting.

Mine is very descriptive of me too! I'm an ESFJ. Some of the key descriptors that jump out at me (and really seem to relate to my marital problems) are:

*"ESFJs are warm and energetic. They need approval from others to feel good about themselves. They are hurt by indifference and don't understand unkindness. They are very giving people, who get a lot of their personal satisfaction from the happiness of others. They want to be appreciated for who they are, and what they give. They're very sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. ESFJs are such caring individuals, that they sometimes have a hard time seeing or accepting a difficult truth about someone they care about."

*"They have a strong need to be liked, and to be in control. They are extremely good at reading others, and often change their own manner to be more pleasing to whoever they're with at the moment."

*Extraverted Feeling drives them to control and manipulate, and their lack of Intuition prevents them from seeing the big picture. They're usually quite popular and good with people, and good at manipulating them."

*All ESFJs have a natural tendency to want to control their environment. Their dominant function demands structure and organization, and seeks closure."

*"ESFJs at their best are warm, sympathetic, helpful, cooperative, tactful, down-to-earth, practical, thorough, consistent, organized, enthusiastic, and energetic. They enjoy tradition and security, and will seek stable lives that are rich in contact with friends and family."

Eerie stuff. Seems very accurate to me.

Jen

lol, Jen, we are complete opposites:

Jen: They're very sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. ESFJs are such caring individuals, that they sometimes have a hard time seeing or accepting a difficult truth about someone they care about."

MelodyLane: Aside from those two areas, ENTPs tend to be oblivious of the rest of humanity, except as an audience -- good, bad, or potential.

This test is also known as the Meyers-Briggs. I've taken it 3 times and have be typed an INFP all 3 times. When I first read the description of INFP I felt so understood! It was so accurate! Only about 1.5% of the population is INFP, so I guess I'm a little different. Have you tried the enneagram personality test? Someone on the Recovery forum has a link to it, I think it's Stillwed. It's similar but the enneagram has more information about strong vs. weak points in each type.

INFP profile - the Healer
- Quiet, sensitive, perceptive
- Seem cool and reserved to others
- Have a rare capacity for deep caring and commitment to people and causes they idealize
- Behavior is guided by a strong inner sense of values
- Strongly religious, spiritual or philosophical
- See the purpose of their lives as an inner journey, quest, or personal unfolding
- Idealists, perfectionists
- Do not take criticism well

INFPs live their lives focusing on their values. They know what is important to them and protect this at all costs. Their values focus on the optimistic vs. the pessimistic, although they are often conscience of the negative. To understand the INFP is to understand their cause. They can work tirelessly toward a cause they deem worthy. They will quietly let others know what is important to them, and rarely will they give up on their purpose. They will go along with the crowd, sometimes even letting decisions be made for them, until someone violates their values system. Then they will dig their heels into the ground and will speak up for their feelings, insisting their values be followed.

<small>[ June 28, 2003, 01:32 PM: Message edited by: lablady ]</small>

Here are the definitions of each letter:

According to Jung's typology all people can be classified using three criteria.
These criteria are:
Extroversion - Introversion
Sensing - Intuition
Thinking - Feeling

Isabel Briggs-Myers added fourth criterion:
Judging - Perceiving
The first criterion defines the source and direction of energy expression for a person. The extrovert has a source and direction of energy expression mainly in the external world while the introvert has a source of energy mainly in the internal world.

The second criterion defines the method of information perception by a person. Sensing means that a person believes mainly information he receives directly from the external world. Intuition means that a person believes mainly information he receives from the internal or imaginative world.

The third criterion defines how the person processes information. Thinking means that a person makes a decision mainly through logic. Feeling means that, as a rule, he makes a decision based on emotion.

The fourth criterion defines how a person implements the information he has processed. Judging means that a person organizes all his life events and acts strictly according to his plans. Perceiving means that he is inclined to improvise and seek alternatives.

This is very interesting stuff. We discussed it extensively on one of my threads about a year ago.
In case y'all are interested, there's a series of articles and more info on these tests, what they mean, etc. that we compiled here:
Jung Personality Types - MBTI

Thanks Space! Which one are you?

I took this test back in High School and then again a few years ago and I was an ENFP both times. I have to say it clued me in to some things that went WAY back! It's supposed to be a pretty accurate test.

I'm going to take it again and see if it still comes out the same.

It did! I'm still an idealist (and a challenge to live with <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> )

<small>[ June 28, 2003, 02:49 PM: Message edited by: hope4future ]</small>

I'm an ESTJ, my W, close as I can call it, is an ISFP.

Whoever's interested in finding out, there are several free on-line "tests" linked to the series of articles I posted about above.

This is more than just speculation, these tests have been in use and perfected over a long period, and are very useful for hiring, matching people up in teams, etc. I used them extensively in a professional capacity to help determine "Learning Styles" when designing training programs and materials. In this regard, they were invaluable!

Space, I see that you are a thinker like me. I wonder if there are studies that indicate a political preference amongst the categories? Have you noticed any trends? Because my family is on my email list and we all took this test. Strangely, all the Republicans are "T"s and the Democrats are "F"s as far as their third criterion.

I guess I am surprised to discover how widely used these are hiring. I have worked for 2 different Fortune 500 companies in the past 15 years and we don't use them in our recruiting, however, i have since learned of several top companies who do! So, you are right, they are a valid tool in assessing people. I am amazed at the accuracy and now TERRIFIED my employer will ever see it! hahaa

here I am..

As an ENFJ, you're primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

ENFJs are people-focused individuals. They live in the world of people possibilities. More so than any other type, they have excellent people skills. They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people. They are focused on understanding, supporting, and encouraging others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this.

Because ENFJ's people skills are so extraordinary, they have the ability to make people do exactly what they want them to do. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> They get under people's skins and get the reactions that they are seeking. ENFJ's motives are usually unselfish, but ENFJs who have developed less than ideally have been known to use their power over people to manipulate them.

so that's how I got Mr. ARK to empty the dishwasher!!!!!

ark

fascinating discussion guys

I did the test twice. First time I came up as an iNTJ, and the second time (there were about 15 questions where it was either or for me) I was ENTP.

I kinda liked the Mastermind bit for the iNTJ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

LOL

Salerio, which one do you think suits you most? My DH is also a MasterMind and he just LOVES that! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> When I took it the first time I came out as ESTP but it didn't suit me at all. When I took it the 2nd time, I was an ENTP - now that DID FIT like a glove! I was quite surprised.

I think probably the iNTJ is slightly closer, but there are aspects of the ENTP that match too. On the 4 scores, when I got the ENTP, it was very cut and dried with 89% (I think) in one of the categories). With the iNTJ, there was a greater spread across all the categories. Must have a go and see what I think WW is <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Do you guys think this sounds like me? I do in some areas, I just took this quickly, but I know usually first impressions are right on these tests.... I was impressed Elizabeth Montgomery, bewitched was like me if this applies... I always liked her! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I have taken several different flavors of these tests, but not this one, thanks for posting ML, I will have to study more... right now I have to dry my hair! Nice to see what you guys are too! I will have to go back and take a closer look again later! Hugs, H

Portrait of the Champion (eNFp)
Copyrighted © 1996 Prometheus Nemesis Book Company.


The Champion Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and extraverted when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. Champions are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.

Champions consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which eNFps possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, eNFps strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, eNFps fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.

Many of the "tests" emplyers use are actually MBTI in disguise...in other words, they don;t tell you what it is when they give it to you. But when used properly, it's very useful!
I worked for a company that posted everyone's type outside the cubicles, so that way everyone knew how they should approach you for things...it's not like it's your DNA, it's a very useful thing to know what type your co-workers are. There are no "bad" types, just different ways of seeing the world and different ways to deal with issues, etc. so it's a good thing!

I know that knowing my kids' types has been very, very useful to me in dealing with them more effectively. (Wish I could say the same for my W! LOL!!!)

Oh, and interesting that they'd try to determine political views with it. Never heard of that being done with it. But if you're counting, I fit the pattern of your initial findings!

<small>[ June 28, 2003, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: Spacecase ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by ark^^:
<strong> but ENFJs who have developed less than ideally have been known to use their power over people to manipulate them.

so that's how I got Mr. ARK to empty the dishwasher!!!!!

ark</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">You little devil, you, ark! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> Did the man know where your dishes go? That is why I don't let DH unload the dishwasher, I can't ever find anything again!

Well Ofcourse...

I manipulated him in to putting them away correctly...he never does know what hit him...
that's the beauty if being an ENFJ...

(although in our last bad arguement)....now that I think of it...I think he called me an ENFJ
as in you #E@N&FJ^!! or something that sounded like that!!!! And here I thought he was saying something else.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Warning...Ark's spin zone!!!... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

ARK

INTJ.....and for the other INTJ here are the descriptions.

Of the four aspects of strategic analysis and definition it is the contingency planning or entailment organizing role that reaches the highest development in Masterminds. Entailing or contingency planning is not an informative activity, rather it is a directive one in which the planner tells others what to do and in what order to do it. As the organizing capabilities the Masterminds increase so does their inclination to take charge of whatever is going on.

It is in their abilities that Masterminds differ from the other Rationals, while in most of their attitudes they are just like the others. However there is one attitude that sets them apart from other Rationals: they tend to be much more self-confident than the rest, having, for obscure reasons, developed a very strong will. They are rather rare, comprising no more than, say, one percent of the population. Being very judicious, decisions come naturally to them; indeed, they can hardly rest until they have things settled, decided, and set. They are the people who are able to formulate coherent and comprehensive contingency plans, hence contingency organizers or "entailers."

Masterminds will adopt ideas only if they are useful, which is to say if they work efficiently toward accomplishing the Mastermind's well-defined goals. Natural leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command of projects or groups, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once in charge, however, Masterminds are the supreme pragmatists, seeing reality as a crucible for refining their strategies for goal-directed action. In a sense, Masterminds approach reality as they would a giant chess board, always seeking strategies that have a high payoff, and always devising contingency plans in case of error or adversity. To the Mastermind, organizational structure and operational procedures are never arbitrary, never set in concrete, but are quite malleable and can be changed, improved, streamlined. In their drive for efficient action, Masterminds are the most open-minded of all the types. No idea is too far-fetched to be entertained-if it is useful. Masterminds are natural brainstormers, always open to new concepts and, in fact, aggressively seeking them. They are also alert to the consequences of applying new ideas or positions. Theories which cannot be made to work are quickly discarded by the Masterminds. On the other hand, Masterminds can be quite ruthless in implementing effective ideas, seldom counting personal cost in terms of time and energy.

fits pretty close...and I am a republican melody

hmm, some more from the 2nd explanation for intj offered after the test...it fits too, I wonder though if we (people) can see ourselves in any explanation? Anyways, for the most part, this is spot on as well. I suspect these temperament profiles somewhat explain the rather heated arguments that happen here over principles, behaviour etc. as different "realities" clash. And likewise in marital conflicts as well...a fit issue. The further in inherent conflict two people are by temperament, the greater the difficulty in crafting a successful relationship, whether it is marriage, the workplace, or mutual respect on a discussion board.

To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know.
INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake.

INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be "slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing opportunities which others might not even notice.

In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know". Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their inherent unconventionality.

Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations.

This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete', paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.

Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship. Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice, turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do become established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their robustness, stability, and good communications.

Introverted iNtuition
INTJs are idea people. Anything is possible; everything is negotiable. Whatever the outer circumstances, INTJs are ever perceiving inner pattern-forms and using real-world materials to operationalize them. Others may see what is and wonder why; INTJs see what might be and say "Why not?!" Paradoxes, antinomies, and other contradictory phenomena aptly express these intuitors' amusement at those whom they feel may be taking a particular view of reality too seriously. INTJs enjoy developing unique solutions to complex problems.

Extraverted Thinking
Thinking in this auxiliary role is a workhorse. Closure is the payoff for efforts expended. Evaluation begs diagnosis; product drives process. As they come to light, Thinking tends, protects, affirms and directs iNtuition's offspring, fully equipping them for fulfilling and useful lives. A faithful pedagogue, Thinking argues not so much on its own behalf, but in defense of its charges. And through this process these impressionable ideas take on the likeness of their master.

Introverted Feeling
Feeling has a modest inner room, two doors down from the Most Imminent iNtuition. It doesn't get out much, but lends its influence on behalf of causes which are Good and Worthy and Humane. We may catch a glimpse of it in the unspoken attitude of good will, or the gracious smile or nod. Some question the existence of Feeling in this type, yet its unseen balance to Thinking is a cardinal dimension in the full measure of the INTJ's soul.

Extraverted Sensing
Sensing serves with a good will, or not at all. As other inferior functions, it has only a rudimentary awareness of context, amount or degree. Thus INTJs sweat the details or, at times, omit them. "I've made up my mind, don't confuse me with the facts" could well have been said by an INTJ on a mission. Sensing's extraverted attitude is evident in this type's bent to savor sensations rather than to merely categorize them. Indiscretions of indulgence are likely an expression of the unconscious vengeance of the inferior.

<small>[ June 29, 2003, 07:30 AM: Message edited by: sufdb ]</small>

sufdb,

Thanks for the excellent overview of the MasterMind. That is what my husband is and I found myself nodding my head at several comments. Especially the part about "Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play,....."

My DH is an engineer who has "mastered" a certain software system that monitors driver's performance at his company. He is such a pro at it that they fly him around the country to give classes to other divisions and do audits. But the thing that has always amused me is that compliance with his system is a moral issue with him. He respects authority in his company only to the degree of recognition they give to his system. I have learned to NEVER TEASE him about the seriousness he takes in his work. [I am in sales so we have little patience with this kind of stuff]

And I know you are new to this board, but I once completely - and wrongly - dismissed this test as no better than reading tea leaves. Shame on me for rendering a judgement without first investigating it.