On the first axis, which measures Extraverts vs. Introverts, I fall squarely as an extrovert. Not surprising, really. I think you can see the distinction when you see the types of things that I typically blog about -- its pretty interesting actually. Wikipedia provides a description of this axis as:
The terms Introvert and Extravert (normally spelled 'extrovert' outside of the Myers-Briggs context) are referred to as attitudes and show how a person orients and receives their energy. In the extraverted attitude the energy flow is outward, and the preferred focus is on other people and things, whereas in the introverted attitude the energy flow is inward, and the preferred focus is on one's own thoughts, ideas and impressions.
On the second axis measuring Sensing vs. Intuition, I'm strongly along the Intuition axis (denoted by the 'N'). This mostly makes sense, as I tend to have a reasonable ability to come up with rational hypotheses and tend to look toward the future when I build plans and actions. Wikipedia:
Sensing and Intuition are the perceiving functions. These are the nonrational functions, as a person does not necessarily have control over receiving data, but only how to process it once they have it. Sensing people tend to focus on the present and on concrete information gained from their senses. Sensing prefers to receive data primarily from the five senses. Intuitives tend to focus on the future, with a view toward patterns and possibilities. These people prefer to receive data from the subconscious, or seeing relationships via insights.
The third axis, I clearly fall along the thinking dimension. According to the Wikipedia entry:
Thinking people tend to base their decisions on logic "true or false, if-then" connections and on objective analysis of cause and effect. Feeling people tend to base their decisions primarily on values and on subjective evaluation of person centered concerns.
No question that its the right dimension for me -- I would tender a bet that most programmers fall along this dimension at some level. Knowing this about myself is important in group settings for a number of reasons. First, I focus on results rather than feelings. For better or worse, I think this allows me to evaluate people based on actual actions rather than on emotional responses. Second, it exposes something that I need to focus on when I start my new job managing people. It will be important for me to put some extra thought into the "subjective people-centric" aspects of decisions before I make them.
The last axis is that between Judging and Perceiving. On this dimension I fall on the Judging side, which means that I really prefer an organized life. In other words, I'm anal -- no shock there. Wikipedia again:
Judging and Perceiving reveals the specific attitudes of the functions. J or P records which of the strongest of the judging functions or perceiving functions is outwardly displayed. People who prefer judging tend to like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled. People who prefer Perceiving tend to like a flexible and spontaneous approach to life and prefer to keep their options open. (The terminology may be misleading for some—the term "Judging" does not imply "judgmental", and "Perceiving" does not imply "perceptive".)
In J-types, the preferred judging function (T or F) is extraverted (displayed in the outer world). J-types tend to prefer a step-by-step (left brain: parts to whole) approach to life, relying on external rules and procedures, and preferring quick closure. The preferred perceiving function (S or N) is introverted.
The combination is where it starts to get really interesting, because apparently I'm a pretty rare bird. Of the sixteen possible combinations of types, ENTJ is the least common showing up in merely 1.8% of the population. The type is often referred to as "Entrepreneur" in Socionics circles because it is a combination of traits highly corellated to those found in successful entrepreneurs. Also "ENTJ is sometimes considered to be the ideal type in business - for example MBA students who take the MBTI are expected to test as ENTJ," which I think is cool.
The official descriptive summary of an ENTJ, and I suppose a basic warning about who I apparently am, is:
Frank, decisive, leaders in activities. Usually good in anything that requires reasoning and intelligent talk, such as public speaking. Are usually well-informed and enjoy adding to their fund of knowledge. May sometimes appear more positive and confident than their experience in an area warrants.
Check out the Jung Personality Test at Similar Minds to see what you are.
