PL 101: Understanding Your Gifts and Strengths from the MBTI (Discussion 2)
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.
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.
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters, please
My personality type is INFP-T (Mediator).
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
The main things that I learned about myself are:
I am idealistic and optimistic. I try to look for the good in even the worst of the people and events. Although I appear calm, I have an inner flame and passion that help me shine.
I am guided by my principles, rather than by logic, excitement, or practicality. It's not the results or consequences but the purity of my intent that guides me.
I am expressive and have a penchant for learning multiple languages.
I like to express myself through metaphors and imaginary characters. I like to ponder upon philosophical questions. I like to listen to many people but I talk to a few. I prioritise mutual understanding between humans but I am reluctant to socialising.
I like to read and understand the feelings of others but reluctant to let others know or understand my feelings. I have a high risk of a feeling of being misunderstood.
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
My top 3 strengths are:
1) I am Idealistic. I strongly believe that people, at their heart, are good and often misunderstood. This belief allows me to have an incredibly resilient attitude in difficult times.
2) I seek and value Harmony. I don't like to dominate others. I have no interest in having power over anyone. I have strong faith in democracy and the democratic process. I like to ensure that every voice and perspective is heard.
3) I am open-minded and flexible. I have an attitude of a live-and-let-live. I don't like being constrained by rules and support others' right to be different and to do anything that they like until my principles and values are not challenged.
@shiningSound31
I've seen a lot of INFPs! I love how you described your traits in the first paragraph of the second question, so inspiring and sounds a bit like me (though I'm not an INFP). Are you fluent/do you know other languages? If so, what are they?
@rebecca947
Thank you for such a warm and kind appreciation 
This means a lot to me My native language (mother tongue) is Hindi. I have learned English as a second language. Although I am comfortable in writing in English, my ability to speak or have conversation in English needs a great improvement. The third language I tried to learn is French. Though I have tried to learn French from duolingo in the past, my proficiency in French is very very basic and preliminary. I only know the meanings of handful of french words.
@shiningSound31
Wow, you are exceptional! Yes I'm trying to learn French from duolingo as well. I got taught French for 4 years in high school but got nothing out of it due to a bad teacher xD
@rebecca947
Thanks, Rebecca
Usually learning a new language requires a lot of practice especially the practice of having a conversation in the language with another person. In my case, there are a few among my family members, acquaintances and friends who talk in English and non-existent when it comes to talking in French. So, with the lack of practice in a real-life like situation, the proficiency gained in the language isn't up to the mark. Maybe, that's the situation in your case too regarding French.
@shiningSound31
Pretty much! Had a native French teacher during my 4 years but she was a horrible teacher. Aside from that, nobody I know speaks French! The best I can do is watch French videos with subtitles!
@rebecca947
Yeah, watching French videos with subtitle should be effective. In fact, my own English improved significantly when I started watching English TV series and movies. I started with Prison Break Season 1. I realised that the pronunciation of English in the US and the UK is very different from the way we, here in India, speak English. After watching numerous TV series and content in English created especially in the US and the UK, my listening and writing (majorly because of my job { I was the subject matter expert- English in my last educational technology company) have improved significantly though I fumble a lot while speaking.
@shiningSound31
Oh wow, I didn't know how you speak English in India is also different! Don't watch Australian English unless you want to be confused xD though most love the accent.
@rebecca947
I think I haven't watched English content created in Australia yet 
@shiningSound31
I hope people from Australia don't get offended by our conversation. I apologise if they feel offended.
@shiningSound31
I'm an Aussie and I'm admitting that xD most Aussies laugh about it, it's fine. Can't speak for everyone though, for sure.
@rebecca947
Good sense of humour, Rebecca But sometime, as you said that you can't say for everyone, we should be careful. Being an Indian, I have this experience that people are really sensitive about their nation, religion, community and culture. I once read a newspaper article where around 10 years ago, a professor in Kerala created a question for an exam and in the question he used the name of the Prophet of Islam. Muslims didn't like that and one day some people stopped him on the road and cut out his hand. Reading that was really scary even for me. So, some people are really sensitive about somethings (nation, religion, culture, community etc.) and we should be careful.
Here is the article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3074623/Islamists-chopped-Christian-professor-s-hand-set-grammar-exam-question-character-called-Mohammed.html
@shiningSound31
Oh my gosh what?! That odd absolutely terrifying!
@rebecca947
Yeah, so, it's better to be careful!
@shiningSound31
I also got the mediator, however unlike you I am not very good with metaphors
@fireyseastar97
I wish you the best in your journey ahead
@shiningSound31
Thanks and you too!
@fireyseastar97
@shiningSound31
We have got almost same results! So glad to know you.. :)
@pro21
Same here, Pro
@shiningSound31
Explained so well! Such a great set of strengths and qualities. All the best!
@generousDiamond35
Thank you :)
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please : Consul ESFJ-A
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?:
Strengths:
Strong Practical Skills, Strong Sense of Duty, Very Loyal, Sensitive and Warm, Good at Connecting with Others
Weaknesses:
Worried about Their Social Status, Inflexible, Reluctant to Innovate or Improvise, Vulnerable to Criticism, Often Too Needy, Too Selfless
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them:
Good at Connecting with Others – These qualities come together to make Consuls social, comfortable and well-liked. Consul personalities have a strong need to belong, and have no problem with small talk or following social cues in order to help them take an active role in their communities.
Very Loyal – Valuing stability and security very highly, Consuls are eager to preserve the status quo, which makes them extremely loyal and trustworthy partners and employees. Consuls are true pillars of any groups they belong to – whether it is their family or a community club, people with this personality type can always be relied upon.
Strong Practical Skills – Consuls are excellent managers of day-to-day tasks and routine maintenance, enjoying making sure that those who are close to them are well cared for.
@Ruchira
It is so cool that you are able to mingle with anyone!
@GlenM
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please : Consul ESFJ-A
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?:
I learned about my strength and weaknesses and I have listed them below. (totally agree )
Strengths:
Strong Practical Skills, Strong Sense of Duty, Very Loyal, Sensitive and Warm, Good at Connecting with Others
Weaknesses:
Worried about Their Social Status, Inflexible, Reluctant to Innovate or Improvise, Vulnerable to Criticism, Often Too Needy, Too Selfless
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them:
Good at Connecting with Others – These qualities come together to make Consuls social, comfortable and well-liked. Consul personalities have a strong need to belong, and have no problem with small talk or following social cues in order to help them take an active role in their communities.
Very Loyal – Valuing stability and security very highly, Consuls are eager to preserve the status quo, which makes them extremely loyal and trustworthy partners and employees. Consuls are true pillars of any groups they belong to – whether it is their family or a community club, people with this personality type can always be relied upon.
Strong Practical Skills – Consuls are excellent managers of day-to-day tasks and routine maintenance, enjoying making sure that those who are close to them are well cared for.
@Ruchira
Hey, Ruchira! Your strengths all seem to point toward helping others! :)
@GlenM
1. What is your personality type?
INTJ - T
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
My personality type is apparently the rarest, and it can be contradictory to itself at times. We are imaginative but realistc, and we strive to be at the top but at the same time, values privacy.
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test?
INTJs are logistic and knowledgeable and come up with inoovative ideas.
@SophieWX
Hey, Sophie! You are a special being ;)
@rebecca947
Haha, I guess there aren't many INTJs around then?
@GlenM
Mediator
INFP-T
I found myself retaking this personality test because I didnt believe that I suited this personality even if it's the one I always wanted. I never realized that I was an open minded person or that I saw the best in people or situations but I have been told these things I just never believed until I took this test and kept getting Mediator and I'm grateful that I got the opportunity to take this test cause ei can finally see myself for who I am.
The top three traits were: 1. Idealistic 2. Seek and Value Harmony and 3. Open minded and flexible
@frostyIris5554
Ooh, you've always wanted it. A lot of the time, we don't see our strengths and/or we are our own worst critic. I'm so happy that through this test, you can start to acknowledge who others see you as and hopefully, you start to see yourself as that as well. :)
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please
ENTJ-T
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
I learned that I am very methodical and I am more realistic than I am imaginative. I also learned that I am a natural leader
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
I am strong-willed, energetic, and I think strategically.
I am very persistent and focused on being able to get things done.
I am energetic and usually have a lot of energy and I am always up to the task.
I think strategically and I like to plan things out so I have an idea of what to expect.
@lovelyNight9853
Hey, Night! A natural leader, that's awesome!
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please
Mediator, INFP-T
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
When I got the results for this test I was amazed at how accurate it was. They described my personality exactly how I, as well as others, would depict me as. One thing that really stood out to me was being open-minded, which I hadn't noticed until then, and I realize I have been closing myself off from different opinions and things, when this is not who I really am. Another thing was that I'm stuck in what they called "hermit-mode" and I can see how my friends and family were trying to drag me out of it, but it's just something that will take time.
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
Idealistic – People admire and depend on my optimism. I have this unshaken belief that all people are inherently good, perhaps simply misunderstood, and this results in a resilient attitude in the face of hardship
Passionate and Energetic – When there is something that I have a stong belief in, or a point that I need to get across, I go all in, dedicating my time, energy, thoughts and emotions to the project.
Dedicated and Hard-Working – with my optimism and idealism comes in handy when I am trying to get through something. Knowing that what I am doing is meaningful, purposeful, and will have a positive impact on either myself or someone else, makes me confident in knowing that I got this!
@BeautifulMasterpiece
Sometimes, we do go against our nature. For me, this personality test shows who I am MOST of the time, but sometimes, I may stray away from it, knowing that I'll eventually return to who I actually am. As for passion and energetic- go all in or go home ;)
Hi
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please
I haven't got a consistent personality type - I've done this test dozens of times over a number of years and got a different result every time: about the only consistent thing about this test is that my results keep changing. I guess my mind just refuses to believe that there are only 16 types of people in the world. (I don't believe in horoscopes or numerology either. )
Sometimes I am exhausted and other times energised by social interaction, so my letters are both I and E; Sometimes I am practical, pragmatic & down-to-earth, other times imaginative, open-minded and curious, so my letters are both S and N; Sometimes I am objective and rational, other times more sensitive and emotionally expressive, so my letters are both T and F, and whilst being decisive, thorough and highly organized, due to years of Army leadership training I am also very good at improvising and spotting opportunities, so my letters are also both J and P. Fortunately you have lots of results from other participants, so the fact that I cannot get a result from this test should not have any effect on the statistics that you are gathering.
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
Nothing - as I said I've done this test before over a number of years
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
Creativity, Dedication, Improvisation
@CintaBali
Hey! Lol "The only consistent thing is that my results keep changing" xD I don't think there are solely 16, and I've read this isn't scientific. However, it's just a potential guide for some people. For me, I do it for fun and to see where I could have potential. Seems like you bounce between everything, and that's cool too!
1. What is your personality type? Include your four letters, please
My personality type is: INFJ
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
The test stated that I had a Advocate personality type is very rare, making up less than one percent of the population. I was quite surprised about this. Well I am UniqueDaisy!
3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
a. I see helping others as my purpose in life
b. I have very strong opinions and fight tirelessly for an idea I believe in. e.g. The rights of disabled people.
c. I find it easy to make connections with others.
@uniqueDaisy
Heya, Daisy! Your username indeed matches your personality :o I love that! Subconsciously you knew ;) All your strengths seem to align to 7 Cups too :D Glad you found us and happy to have you here!
@GlenM
1. What is your personality type? Include your 4 letters please
The Advocate (INFJ-T)
2. What were the main things you learned about yourself?
The main thing that I learned about myself is that it is easy to burn out easily due to sensitivity so it is very important to practice self-care regularly. Another thing that I learned is that Advocate personalities are good at combining a vivid imagination with a strong sense of compassion to find the right solution and this is why positions such as a counselor or social worker are a good fit for them.
3. 3. What are your top 3 strengths or gifts according to this test? Please describe them.
1. Altruistic – I like helping others because I believe that everyone deserves to receive warmth and support
2. Determined and Passionate – When I believe that something is important I try to achieve that goal and I do not give up easily
3. Insightful - Ability to see through dishonesty and disingenuous motives
@MoonlightHelper1
Welcome, Advocate! If you need reminders to self-care, I'm your person xD Seems like you found your calling on 7 Cups!
@rebecca947
Thank you for your encouraging words! :) I am really happy to be part of 7 cups community