An Interesting Quiz

When you read a person's blog, it is easy to think that you "know" the person behind the blog. Of course, we all know that the writer of each blog undoubtedly censors what appears on the blog, either to keep in the theme of the blog or just for privacy. I was intrigued when I saw that At a Hen's Pace had a link to this site that analyzes your personality type based on the writing style of your blog. I wondered how I came across in my writing to those who don't personally know me. While this is not exactly scientific, the site identifies my personality on my blog as an ESTP - The Doers. The description of this personality :

The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

I had taken the Myers-Briggs test in college, so I knew this wasn't my "real" personality type. Just as a refresher, I re-took the test, which showed my personality hasn't changed. I am still an ISTJ. According to the test:

ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.

As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.

ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.

ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.

His SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. Threats to time-honored traditions or established organizations (e.g., a "run" on the bank) are the undoing of SJs, and are to be fought at all costs.

For those of you who know me in real life, I think you'll agree that the second description is far more like the real me. Let me know if you take this "test" based on your blog. For the more scientific version of the Myers-Briggs, click here.