What is Personality Typing?

Personality typing provides an understanding of and insight into an individual's unique personality. It is independent of the 'nature versus nurture' debate - the typing process is not concerned with whether personality results from genetics and heredity; as a result of environment, culture, life experiences and learning; or a combination of all of the above.

It is important to note that personality is NOT equivalent to other human elements such as motivation, ability, aptitude, values, attitudes, beliefs, or intelligence. Personality typing will not tell a person what their individual values might be, what beliefs they may hold or how intelligent they are. However, personality does have the potential to influence all of these elements. By gaining an understanding of personality type, the door is opened to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for these important elements of lifelong living.

Why Should I Learn About My Personality Type?

Understanding your own individual personality type and the theory underlying it is a fundamental key to increasing your self-awareness. Self-awareness is a clear catalyst for personal learning and growth, helping you to uncover and realize your full potential. By learning about your personality type, you will gain insight and understanding of your unique behaviors and preferences - what makes you tick! A basic understanding of the theory behind your personality type will not only help you better understand yourself, but also how your personality influences interactions with others and the world around you.

Personality Typing versus Personality Testing

The process of personality typing appreciates that everyone is different and unique, yet each individual has value, special strengths, and qualities, and deserves to be treated with care, compassion, and respect. The process of personality typing offers a clear vision of personality preferences.

An assessment tool guides the process, but the ultimate determination of personality type is determined via a best-fit exercise. The best-fit exercise combines the information provided by an assessment tool with a person's current self-knowledge. It is VERY important to remember that there is no right or wrong answers associated with the process of personality typing. Everyone is unique with different types and combinations of characteristics. There is no 'righ' or 'wrong' personality type and no personality type is any 'better' or 'worse' than another type.

In contrast, personality testing DOES imply some measure of right or wrong, better or worse, have or have not. Similarities can be drawn between personality testing and other measures of ability or aptitude such as IQ testing or the SAT. Personality tests do have some very specific applications that are socially acceptable, such as screening during the hiring process for a job.