Since the last blog more than two weeks have passed. So, it is time for new information and learning stuff. Unfortunately I could not attend the last lesson but nevertheless I will try to write this blog as detailed as all the others. The big theme of last session was personality and the testing of latter.
This year at my home university I had a module called “Organisation”. There I have learned many things about personality and the possibility of testing latter.
The first question is: What is personality? What is so special about it?
The Business Dictionary defined as a relatively stable, consistent, and distinctive set of mental and emotional characteristics a person exhibits when alone, or when interacting with people and his or her external environment.
The definition I have learned so far is:
Personality can be thought of as a sum total of ways in which an individual reacts to and interacts with others. It is most often described in terms of measurable traits that a person exhibits. Characteristics like shy, aggressive, lazy or ambitious are called personality traits (when they are exhibited in a large number of situations). (According to Robbins)
Well, what is so special about personality? It is like perception unique and it could also be influenced. During the session 4 aspects were defined as a possible impact on personality:
Nature, nurture, peers and birth order
Nature refers to our genes, whereas nurture refers to the way we are brought up. There have been endless discussions about what has a stronger influence on personality. Many people are convinced that there is something that influences your personality even before you take your first breath. This is your birth order. Research shows that a person's birth order has a direct link with his or her personality.
Regarding birth order people distinguish between first born child, middle born child, last born child, twins and only child. I am a last born child, well, let us have a look what this tells us about me…
Last Born Traits
- Risk takers
- Idealists
- Good sense of humor
- Hard working
- Immature
- Attention seeking
- Secretive
- Sensitive
Last born children are often considered the baby of the family, and live up to this role. At times it is difficult for the last born child to find his/her place in the family, as the first and middle child have already left huge footprints to follow in, and carved their own niche into the family.
Strengths V.S. Weaknesses
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That is funny and interesting, although it is not 100% true.
If you like to find out something about you, try this link
Another topic are personality tests. If you search in the internet, you will find many, many different types of tests. Over the past twenty years two approaches become dominant: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Big Five Model.
The MBTI is a 100-question personality test that asks people how they feel or act in particular situations. On the basis of the answers individuals give to the test questions, they are classified as extroverted or introverted (E or I, sensing or intuitive(S or N), thinking or feeling (T or F), and judging and perceiving (J or P). These terms are defined as follows:
· Extroverted vs. Introverted: extroverted individuals are outgoing, sociable and assertive. Introverts are shy and quiet
· Sensing vs. Intuitive: Sensing types are practical and prefer routine and order. They focus on details. Intuitive persons rely on unconscious processes and look at the big picture
· Thinking vs. Feeling: Thinking types use reason and logic to handle problems. Feeling types rely on their personal values and emotions
· Judging vs. Perceiving: Judging types want to control and prefer their world to be ordered and structured. Perceiving types are flexible and spontaneous.
These classifications are then combined into 16 personality types. (Source: Robbins)
I have finished the test with an interesting result. I am the chief, ENTJ…according to Ruth figure I am Krusty the Clown 
According to that my strength are :
Enjoys lively intellectual conversations - welcoming such interactions as a learning opportunity
Weaknesses:
Can be direct & confrontational
Well…I think the result is not really wrong, but my impression is that I am more feeling than thinking… Good ability to sell things (last born child…have a look above) and Krusty…
In contrast to the MBTI, the five-factor model of personality-more typically called the Big Five- has received strong supporting evidence. The following are the Big Five:
- Extroversion
- Agreeableness
- Conscientiousness
- Emotional stability / Neuroticism
- Openness to experience
You can try that test on Facebook if you like!Although this topic was not part of the lesson, I would like to mention also the possibility of personality trainings. Two semesters ago I took part in a module called “Group Psychology” and we have learned that many people have problems to value their own personality. It is not easy to realize own weaknesses and strength. We took part in such personality training and we were asked to compare our character with animals. I characterized myself as a giraffe…I am not going to tell you more about that but perhaps you can try to think about your own personality, too. It sounds easy…
Finally the topic “Self-Concept” has been discussed. The self-concept is the accumulation of knowledge about the self, such as beliefs regarding personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities, values, goals, and roles.Self-concept does not necessarily reflect reality - a person who is regarded by others as very successful may perceive themselves to be a failure. We are influenced by friends, family or colleagues. Everybody has a different picture of my personality and this is recognized by me.
Charles Horton Cooley describes this in his theory “Looking glass self”. Cooley's term "looking glass self" means that people see themselves as others see them, as if reflected in a mirror. According to this concept, in order to develop and shape behavior, interactions with others must exist. People gain their identity and form their habits by looking at themselves through the perception of society and other people they interact with. This concept of self, created by others, is unique to human beings. It begins at an early age and continues throughout the entirety of a person's lifespan. A person will never stop modifying their "self" unless they become removed from society and cease social interactions.
According to that it is important to mention three aspects which are on the spot in everyone’s life:
- Self image - the kind of person we think we are
- Ideal Self - is the kind of person we would like to be
- Self esteem - is the extent to which we like ourselves, whether we accept or approve of our self image
It is not needed to say anything about the video…just have a look and think about it…
That’s it for this blog, hopefully you enjoyed reading! Just three more blogs, so keep on going
Greetings
Krusty!
