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PL 101: Understanding Your Gifts and Strengths from the MBTI (Discussion 2)

GlenM June 29th, 2020

Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 1, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and follow the instructions given. Save your responses to a document that you can later refer to. You will need to copy/paste your response in the course evaluation form at the end of each course to show that you have done the work and to refresh your memory.
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Hello Leadership Crew!

I have just gone through the introduction thread and read about all of you. If you havent yet introduced yourself, then please stop by and share a little about yourself so we can get to know you. Im encouraged by all the great people that have joined. This should be a fun and enriching program!

Let me first zoom back and talk more broadly about your career and how we can help. When you become a leader on 7 Cups, we want you to find the work fulfilling. Fulfilling work means that it is:

a) work you are good at;
b) work that is interesting to you; and
c) work that solves an important problem or meets an important goal (Thiel, 2015).

The sweet spot is that blue area in the middle below.

Work Alignment Diagram

If you do work that you are good at, but not interested in, then you wont do a great job. If you do work that you are interested in, but not particularly good at, then it wont be great work. If you do work that you are good at and interested in, but it isnt helping to solve an important problem, then we wont be a good fit for you. We need alignment on all 3 things. We work very hard at the beginning of your work with us to match your inherent strengths and interests with needs we have so that we can work together to solve problems that we all care about.

You have strengths â things that you are just really good at when compared with others. Operating out of your strengths feels good, is personally fulfilling, and enables you to hit flow states. As a result, you are much more effective and productive. Operating out of weaknesses is a drain. If you have to do work that you are not good at, then you wont be as effective. Doubling down on your strengths enables you to level up much faster and it helps 7 Cups make much more progress. Â

The next step becomes helping you find ways to identify your strengths, gifts or natural talents. You can learn some of this through self-observation - what do you seem especially good at? Are there things that just come natural to you that are more challenging for others? My wife, for example, is really good at writing; it just comes natural to her. Im pretty good at public speaking, whereas others find it more challenging.

Another way is to ask people you trust. You can say: What do you think Im good at? Or: what do you think are my top 1-3 strengths? Things that stand out to you about me? Note: only ask people you trust because sometimes people can give you feedback in a harmful rather than helpful way especially if they are not trustworthy.

For the purposes of this course, we are going to use personality tests to help you identify your strengths. Some of these are better than others; they are more reliable and have more research behind them. Broadly, we are using them here to help you begin to map out your strengths and to help you find ways where you can naturally excel here on 7 Cups, in your personal life, and in whatever career your are in or choose further down the road.

To start:

Go to this site here and take the test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Next, in the thread below, answer the following questions:

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please Â

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

Last, when people interact with one another, it makes the course more enriching and it allows us to learn more about one another. In addition to posting in the thread, please also be sure to respond in a helpful and positive way to at least 3 other comments in this thread.

You can also ask any questions in this thread and well respond to them as well.

Very excited to kick this off with all of you!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here! You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these posts to successfully complete the program.


This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here.

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glisteningEyes July 11th, 2020

It's been really intresting to see all of your results and to hear your perspectives on them!

I feel like I've gotten to know you all a bit better and it's nice to see that some of you are the same personality type as me :p

SushiSunshine July 11th, 2020

@GlenM

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please

My personality type is INFJ-T (Advocate).

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

I have actually taken this personality test a couple years ago, and I am surprised to find that I got the exact same results. Something that I learned about are the career paths that are best suited for my personality type. I aim to be a psychologist in the future, and it was reassuring to see this career listed as a great option for my personality type! I also learned about some of weaknesses (can burn out easily and extremely private). While I don't want to dwell too much on my weaknesses, I do want to acknowledge them so I can actively work on improving them. I also learned about some of my strengths which I will discuss below.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

A. Creative. I used to think being creative just involved being artistically gifted, but you can be creative in many areas of your life. I find that I am most creative when trying to figure out ways to solve a problem or adapt to situations.

B. Insightful. I am able to make connections between people and events/actions. I can also usually tell when someone is being dishonest or not.

C. Inspiring and Convincing. When I talk or write about certain things, my passion and pride for the topic shines through which can inspire others.

This was a really fun exercise!

1 reply
glisteningEyes July 12th, 2020

@SushiSunshine

Glad to hear that you found some fun in doing this :)

QuietMagic July 13th, 2020

@SushiSunshine I really like what you've said about creativity being something more general that applies to a lot of different areas and has a lot of practical applications. And that sounds amazing that you're able to care about certain things, pour a lot of emotion/energy into them, and have those feelings reach others and create an impact.

LovetoGod May 11th, 2021

@SushiSunshine

I have same personality too 😃. In the test, it was written that it's rare personality but I guess still there are lots of people with this personality 🤩😄

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Asher July 11th, 2020

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters, please

The personality type I got was the INFJ-A which is the advocate personality.

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
That I make most of my decisions on feelings than logic which is true but most of the time when supporting people I support well on autopilot as thinking just slows me down unless I get a tough texter.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
That am insightful that I can see through dishonesty and disingenuous motives that people have.
That am Altruistic that I won't do an action just to benefit myself.
And that am decisive as I plan to do medicine so I want to impact the world as I can before my life book comes to a end.

2 replies
SushiSunshine July 11th, 2020

@Asherwolfice

I am also an INFJ and we share some of the same strengths!

glisteningEyes July 12th, 2020

@Asherwolfice

Knowing that you work well on auto-pilot is good to recognise!

being decisive is a good trait :)

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KindnessMatters2020 July 11th, 2020

@GlenM

ENFJ-A

The main thing I learned is that I am more extroverted that I really consider myself to be!

Top 3 strengths: Reliable, charismtic and natural leader

1 reply
glisteningEyes July 12th, 2020

@KindnessMatters2020

Seems like you really did learn something from doing this test :D

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LexIris July 11th, 2020

@GlenM

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please - I am a Mediator (INFP-T)

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself? - I am led by my values and principles. I am pretty skilled at expressing myself in a number of ways, one of them being poetry. I am also pretty skilled at learning languages (no surprise xD). I'm not someone who is out there and wants to do everything and interact with everyone. I just focus my attention on one cause. I pretty much already know all this stuff because I've been into the MBTI for about 2 years now and I've read a lot about my personality type xD

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them. - I am very creative in the sense that I can find multiple ways to see something or that I can come up with ideas that don't cross the mind of others. I seek peace and harmony. I'm not into the idea of lording over others or exerting my power or whatever. I just want everyone to be heard and things to be done fairly. It also upsets me if I'm in a situation or environment where there's someone at the top with a domineering and bossy attitude. And lastly, I am dedicated and hardworking. Looking at my life, this trait only seems to show in areas I actually have interest in. Like I only put in a lot of effort into learning languages, learning guitar and studying some specific subjects at school. If I seem to be lazy in doing something or I grudgingly do it or I don't want to put the effort, I most likely don't care much for the project or task.

~ Lex ☀️ | Take careo and eat oreos 👋🏿❤️🍪

8 replies
glisteningEyes July 12th, 2020

@LexIris

I'm also an INFP-T :)

Reading your description was lovely!

1 reply
LexIris July 12th, 2020

@glisteningEyes Thank you 😁

~ Lex ☀️ | Take careo and eat oreos 👋🏿❤️🍪

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July 12th, 2020

@LexIris

This was well-written!! It's good to be able to understand ourselves better. And now I know you better too 😈 *noms you*

1 reply
LexIris July 12th, 2020

@anonymouslistener23 *noms you back* I'm glad 😁

~ Lex ☀️ | Take careo and eat oreos 👋🏿❤️🍪

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AstronomySkies July 12th, 2020

@LexIris

Hey!! I love your personality type, and the way you described your strengths. They suit you very well. heart

1 reply
LexIris July 12th, 2020

@AstronomySkies Awwwwww thank you Skiesy 😊

~ Lex ☀️ | Take careo and eat oreos 👋🏿❤️🍪

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July 12th, 2020

@LexIris
Rolex! As a fellow Turbulent Mediator, I relate to a lot of what you wrote—especially putting all my dedication and hard work into specific areas where I am passionate about, haha

Ivy 🐑

1 reply
LexIris July 13th, 2020

@IvyL Turbulent Mediators unite!! 😎

~ Lex ☀️ | Take careo and eat oreos 👋🏿❤️🍪

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chloe678 July 12th, 2020

Really enjoyed taking this test and learning more about myself. I found it very accurate!

My Personality Type : INFP (Mediator)

Mediators tend to be quiet, open-minded, imaginative, and apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do.

What I learned about myself:

I have learned more about my strengths as well as my weaknesses, allowing me to focus on my strengths and be more aware of my weaknesses. This will allow me to turn my strengths into towering stregnths and know which weaknesses to watch out for. I also learned that mediators are quite rare, making up just 4% of the population.

Top 3 Strengths:

Very Creative – Mediators combine their visionary nature with their open-mindedness to allow them to see things from unconventional perspectives. Being able to connect many far-flung dots into a single theme, its no wonder that many Mediators are celebrated poets and authors.

Dedicated and Hard-Working – While others focusing on the challenges of the moment may give up when the going gets tough, Mediators (especially Assertive ones) have the benefit of their far-reaching vision to help them through. Knowing that what they are doing is meaningful gives people with this personality type a sense of purpose and even courage when it comes to accomplishing something they believe in.

Passionate and Energetic – When something captures Mediators imagination and speaks to their beliefs, they go all in, dedicating their time, energy, thoughts and emotions to the project. Their shyness keeps them from the podium, but they are the first to lend a helping hand where its needed.

4 replies
glisteningEyes July 12th, 2020

@chloe678

Passionate & energetic are awesome traits to have!

I think the entire 4% of the INFP-T are in our Cohort :D

1 reply
chloe678 July 12th, 2020

@glisteningEyes

Yes, it seems so haha.

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healingWhisper July 12th, 2020

@chloe678

Welcome among us 4% laugh

1 reply
chloe678 July 12th, 2020

@healingWhisper

Thank you :)

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PeaceLoveandPaws July 12th, 2020

@GlenM

1. What is your personality type? I am an ENFJ

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself? I learned that people with my personality type tend to put the needs of others before the needs of self. I am (as the test indicates) drawn towards careers that involve helping others which is why I found social work to be the most fulfilling career choice. As a leader, people with my personality type tend to lead a team in an way that makes everyone feel satisfied and involved in achieving a goal.

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test?

Tolerant – Protagonists are true team players, and they recognize that that means listening to other peoples opinions, even when they contradict their own. They admit they dont have all the answers, and are often receptive to dissent, so long as it remains constructive.

Reliable – The one thing that galls Protagonists the most is the idea of letting down a person or cause they believe in. If its possible, Protagonists can always be counted on to see it through.

Charismatic – Charm and popularity are qualities Protagonists have in spades. They instinctively know how to capture an audience, and pick up on mood and motivation in ways that allow them to communicate with reason, emotion, passion, restraint – whatever the situation calls for. Talented imitators, Protagonists are able to shift their tone and manner to reflect the needs of the audience, while still maintaining their own voice.

1 reply
rebecca947 September 19th, 2020

@PeaceLoveandPaws

I love that you're tolerant and charismatic- the traits I'd love to personally develop as I'm not naturally gifted at those things (especially charisma). Good on you- how are you finding social work so far?

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QuietMagic July 13th, 2020

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please

INFJ
93% Introverted
62% iNtuitive
75% Feeling
63% Judging
[58% Assertive]

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?

The INFJ description highlighted morality as something that explains many tendencies and behaviors. I haven't usually thought of myself in these terms, but it makes sense. Things I recognize in myself like perfectionism, diligence, seriousness, intensity, and meticulousness could all plausibly arise from a feeling of, "These things are right/wrong and it is important to act in a way that respects that."

The reason I don't think of myself as being especially morally driven may just be because one of my moral values tends to be, "Don't impose your beliefs on other people since that can hurt them."

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.

Sensitivity is something sort of central for me:

  • Creativity: sensitively connecting to one's own personal feelings/reactions and harnessing/leveraging the energy of those experiences to generate action/expression
  • Insightful: noticing subtle connections/patterns based on sensitivity to nuances/details, identifying and articulating what feels most meaningful/interesting
  • Inspiring and convincing: being sensitive to others' values/motivations/feelings and expressing things in a way that harmonizes with their perspectives/experiences

The first bullet point feels like another way of expressing "The problem is the path".

1 reply
rebecca947 September 19th, 2020

@QuietMagic

"The problem is the path"- I love that way of phrasing things and putting things into a different perspective.

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magicallyPrince888 July 13th, 2020

I am altruistic, empathetic , audacious , sincere hardworking and trustworthy.thats few of my personality traits

Listeningsarinn July 13th, 2020

@GlenM

heyaaa ^^

1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please i'm an enfp type ^^

2. What were the main things you learned about yourself? that i'm a person who prefers to keep the options wide and use creativity rather than being part of the routines, that i'm an outgoing type of personality who cares for others and willing to help and the fact that i need to try focusing on a task rather than starting multiple activities because i can be really disorgnized and get distracted easily

3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them

according to the test:

highly creative: well i agree to this cause i have many ideas for projects no matter if it's just for fun or something serious and always planning for the start-up job i want to have in future and people mostly laugh at them and say this is too big and can't be done. which i consider is good, if they're not laughing at your ideas, you're not thinking big enough!!

warm, emphatic and caring i do deeply care about people and i can feel what they feel when i try to, which i almost always do, but about warm?? and about that am i showing how much i care and love people?? i dunno, i hope i'm doing so...

strong people/communication skills normally, this is true, i can get along with almost any kind of person and have many friends where ever i go to, though trough the last year i guess this was changed a little bit... i've found it really hard making friends after my come out and a few things that made my life a bit harder... anyways, i really think that "i am" a communicative person so i think i'll be the one i was before as soon as i feel safe trusting people again...

1 reply
Yourstruly2000 July 13th, 2020

@Listeningsarinn hello its great to find a fellow enfp!!!🥳🥳

1 reply
Listeningsarinn July 13th, 2020

@Yourstruly2000

yaaaay

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Petrichor2000 July 14th, 2020

@Listeningsarinn

I know a few enfp type.

They are warm and cool personalities.

1 reply
Listeningsarinn July 14th, 2020

@Petrichor2000

oh thanks *-* did you also do the test?? (ig you did ^^ if so what is your type??)

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victoriousVoice21 April 24th, 2022

Your strengths combination is so nice ❤️❤️

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