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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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bubblyJulie September 10th, 2020

@GlenM

1. My personality type is Entertainer ESFP - A.

2. - I tend to make decisions using my heart rather than my head.

- Being around people will give me energy.

- Entertainers make brilliant medical professionals.

3. I'm bold, original, and observant.

1 reply
hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020

@heyitsjuliana

Hi! I find it super interesting that entertainers make brilliant medical professionals, I never knew that before. Being bold, originality, and observant are fantastic traits, and sound like they can be really helpful!

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PinkPizzaz September 10th, 2020

I actually took this test a couple weeks ago lol.

I am INFP-T otherwise known as The Mediator type

The main thing I learned about myself is that I really am a creative -type idealist. I realized that I don't think I'd myself this way because that's not how I want to think of myself, but when it comes down to it that is who I am. It's so weird that this stuff can be there from day 1 and we just don't fully recognize it.

My top 3 strengths/gifts (according to the site) are

#1 Seek value and harmony

Mediators strive for a solution that works for everyone and want everyone to be happy. Basically they like it when everyone gets along. They aren't interested in power.

#2 Passionate and Energetic

When mediators find something that interests them and sparks their creativity they go all in. They dedicate their time and fully commit to their cause.

#3 Dedicated and Hard-working

Because of their ability to see the big picture, mediators are able to continue when the going gets rough, especially when They know their work is meaningful. They push through.

2 replies
helpfuldipper September 10th, 2020

@PinkPizzaz Creative type idealist is one of the best combinations. It's so awesome

1 reply
PinkPizzaz September 11th, 2020

@helpfuldipper

Thank you!

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Liru0417 September 10th, 2020

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

Advocate INFJ

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

There's no denying that I am introverted however I'm able to move past that by involving my self in causes that matter most to me. I am able to speak for what I believe in but also I allow for constructive input from peers and mentors whom I know are there to help me become a better person each day. I seek to find the good in everyone as I know we all have our strengths and I ought to see each one's potential not their weakness.

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

Creative – Combining a vivid imagination with a strong sense of compassion, Advocates use their creativity to resolve not technical challenges, but human ones.

Insightful – Seeing through dishonesty and disingenuous motives, Advocates step past manipulation and sales tactics and into a more honest discussion.

Determined and Passionate – When Advocates come to believe that something is important, they pursue that goal with a conviction and energy that can catch others off-guard.

2 replies
helpfuldipper September 10th, 2020

@Liru0417 You seem like an awesome person. It is nice to know a little bit about you :)

PinkPizzaz September 11th, 2020

@Liru0417

That's really cool! The whole insight thing has always been really interesting to me. Nice to meet you!

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helpfuldipper September 10th, 2020

My personality type is ENFJ-A / ENFJ-T

3 Things I have learned form the test:

I can be too selfless, sometimes. That can have an impact on me later on.

I can have fluctuating self esteem with some highs and lows.

I tend to be indecisive sometimes.

My Qualities : Tolerant, Reliable, Charismatic, Altruistic, Natural Leaders.

1 reply
PinkPizzaz September 11th, 2020

@helpfuldipper

Interesting! Selflessness is a very admirable trait. Just make sure to take of yourself as well! Nice to meet you!

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CompassionateDreamer8522 September 10th, 2020

@GlenM I was really suprised that I was a mix of two! (INFJ-A)/(INFJ-T)

My personality strengths, looking at the two types that I ended up being, would be:
1. I am able to feel in control, even when things don't seem to be in control.
2. I am also very altruistic. I never knew this was the word for this personality trait, but it really resonates with me.
3. I am very determined and passionate about causes I resonate with. I guess I didn't realize other personalities didn't have this in them, as odd as it sounds.

Three things I learned:
1. I can be sensitive. This is true. Even if I don't show it, I can be very sensitive to certain topics/reactions.
2. I also definitely always look for approval. This is a weakness to a point, as I can sacrifice too much of myself or feel overwhelmed when I fail at something.
3. I also do not like the feeling of rejection - whether professionaly or personally. It effects me very deeply.

1 reply
lovelyNight9853 September 14th, 2020

@CompassionateDreamer8522

Altruism is a wonderful trait! I am glad to have learned a little about you.

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September 10th, 2020

1 My personality type is protagonist ENFJ

2 this kind of suprise me since if I did it a few things I would get something Different.
The last trait suprise me the most since it hard for Me to open up to new people.

3. Tolerant. I accept people for they are.
, reliable I am always on time and will be there if I commit to something.

, natural leader , It easy for people to look up to me.

altruistic

And charismatic

1 reply
hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020

@Goldenbutterflyofhope

Being tolerant is an incredible strength to have, and so is being reliable! I definitely admire people like you who are natural leaders!

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InvaderStitch September 11th, 2020

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

INFJ (Advocate)

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

I found it very interesting how shockingly accurate it is. I really liked the quote it gave Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of. The reading talked a lot about how people with the advocate type are very big on making a difference in the world using kindness rather than harshness. Helping others is our purpose in life which is why I think I do so well on a platform like 7cups. I think one of the things that I need to be most aware of is how the advocate type is really good at burning ourselves out because we fight endlessly for what we believe in.


Nothing lights up advocates slike creating a solution changes peoples lives.

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

Creative: Have a vivid imagination that we use to help find solutions to human problems.

Insightful: We can see through the surface of things to get to the meat of things to get to the heart of the matter.

Inspiring and Convincing: Great at communicating in a written and spoken way that speaks to the idealist in our audience that gets people wanting to take action.

1 reply
hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020

@InvaderStitch

I really like that quote as well, thank you for sharing it! It is really admirable how passionate you are about making a difference and helping others. Creativity, insightfulness, and being inspiring and convincing are wonderful strengths to have!

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hopedreamlove September 11th, 2020

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?

I learned that I am an idealist, which I didn't realize before, although it makes a lot of sense. I always did believe that I do my best to find the good in people and events, and I felt good after this test confirmed that! I learned that I am guided by my principles rather than logic, excitement, or practicality. That definitely does fit for me, it's something I have struggled with at times because it can be difficult when logic tells you one thing but your emotions and beliefs say something else, but I can see how that would be helpful at times! I am also introverted, which does make sense.

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

Passionate and energetic- Even though mediators may be introverted, when we strongly believe in something, we go all in, and dedicate a lot to the project.

Open-minded and flexible- Mediators have "A live-and-let-live attitude," and don't like to be held back by rules. We also do give the benefit of doubt to others, and respect their principles and beliefs.

Dedicated and hard working- Since mediators are so idealistic, in the time of challenges, they have a higher chance of continuing because of their far-reaching visions and hopes. Mediators believe what they do are meaningful, so it gives us a sense of purpose and courage.

1 reply
InvaderStitch September 11th, 2020

@hopedreamlove

It's awesome that you feel like this was validating of things that you already knew and gave you some insight! Mediators definitely have a lot of strengths to make them great leaders!

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peacefulWarrior10 September 11th, 2020

Hello Everyone!

Here's my findings :

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

ENFP-T (Campaigner) Anyone from the same personality group, please raise your hand 😀

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

▪︎ That whatever I am or have been or was experiencing about some parts of my life, are because of these personality traits that shape me.

▪︎ About some other parts, I'm yet to believe how it is described. Will re-take the test to confirm.

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

1. Curious - I'm curious and open to new experiences. I like to be stretch outside my comfort zone.

2. Observant - I feel everything happens for a reason and that everything is part of something much bigger. I pay attention and connect the dots mindfully.

3. Energetic & Enthusiastic - I'm open to connect with the world and share my ideas and learnings and in return learn theirs too. I'm high on energy when I'm able to make human connection and it excites me to be part of something bigger.

1 reply
rebecca947 September 19th, 2020

@peacefulWarrior10

Warrior! *puts hand down* :p You have some amazing strengths! <3

1 reply
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ahealingEndoftherainbow22 September 29th, 2020

@peacefulWarrior10

Those are some really wonderful strengths to have!

1 reply
peacefulWarrior10 October 2nd, 2020

@ahealingEndoftherainbow22

Thanks a bunch 😁

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Asher October 26th, 2020

@peacefulWarrior10

It sounds that you have a strong interest in helping people and that shows from your traits.

1 reply
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considerateParadise6717 January 27th, 2021

@peacefulWarrior10

They are really great results, well done.

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StarlitSky4762 September 12th, 2020

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

Logician (INTP)

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

I relate to this quote a lot "The Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living".

INTPs are considered the most logically precise of all the personality types. That's cool!

"People who share the Logician personality type arent interested in practical, day-to-day activities and maintenance, but when they find an environment where their creative genius and potential can be expressed, there is no limit to the time and energy Logicians will expend in developing an insightful and unbiased solution." - this is SO TRUE about me!

It is really difficult for me to understand what other people mean when they talk in terms of subjectivity and feeling! I also find it really frustrating to listen to people explain something without logic involved, which is common for INTPs. This is exactly why I joined 7Cups - to develop those empathy skills. Empathy is not my natural trait, but after a lot of training, I have improved my skills a lot!

People with the Logician personality type would much rather make a series of logical suggestions for how to resolve the underlying issue, a perspective that is not always welcomed by their more sensitive companions. - very accurate!

The one thing that really holds Logicians back is their restless and pervasive fear of failure. - I feel like someone literally wrote this article about me.

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

Great Analysts and Abstract Thinkers – People with the Logician personality type view the world as a big, complex machine, and recognize that as with any machine, all parts are interrelated. Logicians excel in analyzing these connections, seeing how seemingly unrelated factors tie in with each other in ways that bewilder most other personality types.

Enthusiastic – When a new idea piques their interest, Logicians can be very enthusiastic – they are a reserved personality type, but if another person shares an interest, they can be downright excited about discussing it. More likely though, the only outward evidence of this enthusiasm will be Logicians silent pacing or their staring into the distance.

Objective – Logicians analysis, creativity and open-mindedness arent the tools of some quest for ideology or emotional validation. Rather, its as though people with the Logician personality type are a conduit for the truths around them, so far as they can be expressed, and they are proud of this role as theoretical mediator.

2 replies
rebecca947 September 19th, 2020

@StarlitSky4762

Hey, Sky! You and I are the complete opposite- I struggle to connect with my logical mind oftentimes! Good on you for seeking out places and resources where you can build on your weaknesses, and I'm glad you've developed good empathy from here! It's all about having a good balance of empathy and logic, especially when it pertains to our own personal life. :)

wonderfulRainbow817 June 28th, 2021

@StarlitSky4762

Hi, Sky! I see that you are able to look at the big picture and figure things out. That's awesome! I am the opposite, I am very good at looking at little details instead of the big picture

1 reply
StarlitSky4762 June 29th, 2021

@wonderfulRainbow817 That's ok! we all have different strengths!

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