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Last Updated: 12.05.2000 |
James Plotz Myers-Briggs
Test Results
The members of our teams successfully completed the Myers-Briggs type
indicator test in mid-October to determine what �character type� each member
was, and if the resulting performances of each individual team member matched
their type�s definition. The
resulting behavior patterns were analyzed by identifying different roles assumed
by the group members, the differences in the way the group communicated, and the
response by different team members to interfaces between tasks and people.
This analysis was then used to determine if the MBTI profile made any
impact on the outcome of the project. The
results the group found, was that in most cases, each team member matched up
fairly well with their individual designation by the MBTI profile test.
Beginning first with the roles assumed by the team individuals in this
project, it was easy to see how the members conformed to their MBTI
designations. James Plotz, for
instance, took the test and was found to be eNTj or a �field marshal.�
The definition of a field marshal is, in part, one who has a strong
natural urge to give structure and direction wherever it is necessary and to
harness and direct people in the field. It
was these characteristics that allowed him to assume the role of project manage
within this project. James had to
make sure he communicated properly with the whole group, kept tasks on schedule,
and made sure the group kept its focuses on the project at hand. One of the
other main priorities of his was cutting through useless and trivial work.
If he knew that something was being done that held no true use, he would
question its motive immediately. This
also falls in line with eNTj�s definition of someone who likes to cut through
red tape and is frustrated by inefficiency.
James was one member of the team who accurately compared with his results
from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test.
Brad also matched his criteria fairly well.
When Brad took the MBTI test, the results put him in the exclusive
category of iNTj. Representing less
then 1 percent of the population, the �mastermind� is a natural leader who
is not eager to take command of a project but would rather stay in the
background. But while in the
background, his talents were well appreciated.
Matching the definition of iNTj, Brad was highly organized and very
efficient. In his work on the web,
he constantly was rethinking its design and construction to make the platform as
best as he could. Brad was also
quick to rule out far-fetched brainstorms that were discussed in our project
meetings, and he helped keep the group focused on the goals they needed to
accomplish.
Our group also had a �promoter� according to the MBTI test.
Sheridan Johnson�s results from the test had him as eStP.
People who are eStP are defined as having no problems talking to
strangers and persuading them to do a task.
This characteristic suited Sheridan well, for as he worked on the case
study for our project he was constantly either persuading people to give him
some piece of necessary information, or talking to others within his company as
he searched for comments relating to the results of the case study. Sheridan also fits the notion that eStP are witty, clever,
and funny. Sheridan was an
enjoyable addition to team meetings, and always kept the mood of discussions in
a comfortable atmosphere. It is
also noted, however, the eStP people are master manipulators.
In Sheridan�s case, the team did not feel this was a true assessment.
Sheridan was far from a manipulator; rather he was just a pleasant person
to work with.
The �provider� of our team was Rachel Johnson.
The Myers-Briggs test noted that a person who tested as eSfJ takes it
upon himself or herself to arrange for the health and welfare of those in their
care. One of the things that were
not included within the provider definition, however, was the possession of
great leadership skills. While
Rachel tested as an eSfJ, she portrayed many qualities of an eNtJ or an iNtJ. She
was a strong leader, with excellent organizational skills.
Yet she also did express many qualities of a provider in her demeanor. Rachel had excellent person-to-person skills and also was
quick to express her feelings on issues she felt were pertinent.
When the group initially assigned its team responsibilities, the MBTI
test had yet to be taken. Because
of this, the assignments were split up according to the idea of �who wanted to
do what.� For instance, Sheridan
was responsible for obtaining the case study because of his access to different
projects at his place of employment. Brad
and Rachel had web experience, so they took on the task of creating a web page.
James took a few of the other tasks that were encompassed by his project
manager duties. Items such as the project management articles were split up so
that every team member had a few other smaller jobs to do besides for their main
responsibility. In this way items
were divided according to which group member best could take on the various
roles. Each group member decided
which task he or she could perform best without the input from the MBTI test.
In retrospect, the MBTI test was a very interesting analysis of each
individual in our group, however, or team did not feel that knowing the results
of this test earlier would have had any true bearing on how roles and
responsibilities were determined. Our
project was split among the team members in such a way that each individual had
a task they enjoyed, and one they were comfortable in performing in the
allocated time. For the team
members, this method of dividing up the tasks lead to the most efficient use of
time by our group. Each member
simply maintain the time allocated by the Gantt chart, and made sure items were
ready by there scheduled due date.
The MBTI results were fairly accurate, but did show some inconsistencies.
In Brad and James's cases the similarities between a MBTI result and a
their actual responses to the environment were extremely accurate.
In Rachel and Sheridan�s results, however, the results were only
partially accurate. The group felt
the results did not give Rachel enough credit and felt from her actions she
could have easily passed as an NT rational.
It was also felt that some of the characteristics the MBTI noted Sheridan
�should� have were behavioral patterns he did not express and thankfully so.
Therefore, in the determination of the responsibilities of this
relatively small project, the results from the MBTI provided more entertainment
value then actual usefulness in determine who would be assigned to the given
tasks.
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