Personal Leadership Style

Abstract

Though there are many tests on today's market used to gauge a person's personality, one of the most accurate is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter Inventory. Using interpretive findings from the free Keirsey Temperament Sorter Inventory as well as the readings from the Kroeger and Thuesen textbook; yielded a vast understanding of personality types and the impact they have on human interaction and behavior. This reflection and review of personal leadership styles and varying personality type's indicate the immense possibilities and promise that type watching holds. Type watching supports the theory that based on an identified type; an individual will use specific attributes in problem-solving, resolving conflict, time management, and team building.

Identifying a Type

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter inventory II consists of 70 questions aimed at gauging an individual's personality preferences in a number of areas to include conflict resolution, dealing with the outside world, etc. Answers from this test are then tabulated and the output is akin with a blueprint of an individual's personality. After 30 minutes of answering as truthfully as possible, the results indicated that I am an ISTJ, Guardian, inspector. This label means little to the average type watching novice. However, it means that I am an introvert. Introverts are people who derive energy via reflection and solitude whereas they tend to whither with too much interaction. Introverts tend to be reserved and less outspoken in large groups. They often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, music, drawing, tinkering, playing video games, watching movies and plays, and using computers. Additionally, introverts dominate professions such as artists, writers, sculptor, and many of the computer technical fields. Alone time is treasured, while large crowds or groups activities may trigger irritability or a sense of uneasiness that can literally leave the introvert exhausted. Not to be mistaken for a recluse or as overly shy, introverts do enjoy interpersonal interact ions with significant others or close friends and choose solitary activities as a matter of choice. In addition to being an introvert, the Keirsey Sorter identified me as a Guardian, more specifically an instructor. Guardians have strong beliefs about setting and abiding by rules and procedures. They also like structure and are quick to establish a daily routine.

Problem-Solving for the ISTJ

As an ISTJ attempting to problem-solve, a clear idea of a given issue is required. Recently, it was brought to my attention that some veterans were neglecting to complete all necessary paperwork properly, to attain adequate compensation. This small detail led to a delay, which led to a back-log. I sought to ascertain whether this was because of in-comprehension of written instructions, illiteracy, or other issues. The (I) in my type, conducted fact-finding research that indicated it was a combination of all of these factors. A small minority could not read, while more than half did not understand the instructions. The (S) and (T) aspects of my type implemented a common sense hands-on