As Swifties are well aware, there exists an "invisible string" that connects people together. While that term has a more romantic context, the phrase Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) is very similar. PLNs act as an invisible string for a community of people who talk either in person or online to share professional insights with each other. We had an opportunity to select an activity that connects to PLNs this week, and I decided to do some self-reflection by taking the personality test route. Doing these relates to Personal Learning Networks because in these groups exist four different kinds of relationships: an encourager, a challenger, an advocate, and a technical advisor. Completing these tests helped me determine that I take on the role of the encourager in my PLN and provided valuable insights into how I hold myself in a professional space. In this blog post, I will share my insights on the results I received, make an action plan to improve one of the more unfavorable aspects of my personality as revealed by these tests, and then see how they can be applied in a Professional Learning Network.
5-Factor Test
Getting a 68% in the extraversion category was not a shock to me as my job is very public-facing and I enjoy talking with people.
Besides the part of the description that says I may regard arts and science with suspicion, I would say that I am 80% open to experiences because I like learning new things.
I honestly thought this category would have been a little higher as I have been described as a people pleaser many times, but I will take the 69% in this category.
I landed nearly in the middle of the Neuroticism category at 58%, which made sense to me. I can be emotional at times, but I try not to let it overcome my decision-making skills.
This category was the biggest shock to me. Though I work hard and give my best effort when required, I also am a big advocate of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I definitely would not describe myself as "stuffy or boring" either.
This test's results really threw me for a loop; similar Myers-Briggs tests that I have taken in the past typically placed me in the INFJ category, but this time around I was categorized as an ESFP. However, I haven't taken one of these tests in a few years and I know I have grown as a person during that time, so it makes sense that my personality type has adjusted over time as well. It is also reassuring to see that the category that stayed the same in both tests (feeling) remained my highest-rated aspect, as I think my empathy is a major facet of my personality.
The 16 Personalities test reinforced ideas discovered in the last personality test but with a bit of a twist by getting intuitive rather than sensing. These results also listed my strengths and weaknesses matter-of-factly which will help conduct my action plan.
The Action Plan
Of the weaknesses listed in this personality test, I felt that my trait of being "conflict avoidant" was the most accurate and requires the most work, so it will be my main area of focus for improvement in this action plan. Having the confidence to directly address issues is not something I can establish overnight, so I estimate that this plan will take roughly one year. For me to grow this confidence, I must complete the following steps:
- Reframe my thoughts toward conflict--look at it as an opportunity for growth instead of focusing on the negative aspects of it so I'm not scared of facing them altogether.
- Be more mindful of practicing anti-anxiety techniques--deep breathing or stretching will help me feel grounded in the moment and capable of addressing conflict.
- Practice conflict scenarios with coworkers--as I am not the most assertive person, doing this will help me feel more comfortable navigating tough conversations.
The Conclusion
While many personality tests can seem superficial or are just for fun, the ones I completed provided valuable insights into what I bring into any professional space I operate in. I settled on the encourager role for myself, as these tests highlighted my empathy and enthusiasm. This is a vital component of any PLN because a positive environment will lead to better work, and I am happy to provide this quality to any team I work with.
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