Tertius

Getting to know myself through various personality tests is kind of exciting. Will the results be so accurate to the point that it's scary? Or will the results be so different from how I see myself that I'd question the test's credibility? It would be really interesting to know if these tests are really capable of understanding one's very complex personality.

To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to take two of these tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and R-I-A-S-E-C Profile, after some well-placed prompting from our professor.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test

I first took this test two years ago, and have been taking it once in a while. However, I learned that, contrary to what I usually hear from my friends, whom had their personality types change every time they take the test, I remain an INFP-T all throughout my college years.

Personally, I don't think I've changed much since so I'm not surprised. I think this is because, even though I put in more effort to get out of my shell, I've never really changed my introverted-ness. This is apparent because I can never stand being in a large crowd for too long. If I do, I get all anxious. The same goes for talking in front of a lot of people, I get all clammy and would just start ranting nonsense. I'd rather much engage in one-on-one talks with someone of my choice.

Furthermore, I've always been an idealist--I always have this ideal situation or story in my mind that gets all messed up when reality comes in--which is very stressful, thank you very much. And I don't see myself changing that certain trait of mine anytime soon. However, I also tend to avoid heading into conflicts as much as possible. Now that I think about it, that's probably why I've become very open-minded and never one to judge. And I think that these traits can be used to become a better leader.

My idealism can also serve as a stepping stone for me to strive to get as close as I can to that ideal state that I have in mind. And if I can encourage other people by serving as a good example and actively pushing them, there is a high chance that the people will be able to do better. This is all based on my belief that a leader has to be able to inspire others through words and actions.

R-I-A-S-E-C Profile Test

For this type of test, I got 26, 24, and 17 for Artistic, Social, and Enterprising, respectively. It is somewhat consistent to how I see myself as I feel that I'm more of a social worker than an artist. I don't believe I have the creativity. But, I have a high appreciation for art and music. As for enterprising, I'm not as surprised since I've always dreamed of having a bakeshop or cafe of my own.

With regard to the jobs recommended, however, I don't think I'm fit for them. Most of them are in the line of education. Sure, I love kids. But, I don't think I'm teacher material with my existing stage fright that keeps me stuttering in front of people. The only times that I can get on stage without making a fool of myself is when I'm singing. And, even then, I would need to have my guitar with me to somehow act as my buffer from the audience's attention.

On the other hand, I would LOVE to become a recreation worker, specifically in the field of sports. I've loved playing sports ever since I was a kid. And I know for a fact that having a career that is connected to sports will give me the motivation and drive to do my best in that job. So, if ever I get into any sports-related career, I would really feel fulfilled.


After comparing the results of the two tests, I found out that my MBTI is contradicting with my R-I-A-S-E-C Profile. According to MBTI, my level of introversion is very high, having gotten 69% over my 31% level of extroversion. While, in the R-I-A-S-E-C Profile, "Artistic" is placed at the middle of introverted-ness and extroverted-ness, so I have no qualms with that. But "Social" and "Enterprising", on the other hand, is found on the extrovert side of the scale. This finding has convinced my that tests aren't enough to fully understand the complexity of a person. Nevertheless, even with their contradicting results, they have helped me better understand myself.

Secondus

With the change in generation, comes the need to change in how you interact with them. This statement especially applies to the Millennials, who have now taken control over the workforce. Managing this particular generation can be quite challenging as people would need to be more engaging and sensitive to their needs. To make things simpler, I will identify three issues one may face when dealing with Millennials at work.

First off, "What's in it for me?" People of this generation would want to know what benefits they would get if they get employed in the company.

I first noticed this when my mother kept pushing to get me on a path that would land me on a good paying job, which is for me to undertake a business course. Never mind that I wanted to keep drawing or play my favorite sport for a living. It was risky and just wasn't practical. However, my mother managed to convince me when she told me that I would be able to do whatever I want when I earn enough money to do it.

Simple, right? Take the business course (even if you don't like it) and strive to be successful in that field. After which, you'll be able to get what you want. In the end, you'll be able to benefit from your hard-earned work. In other words, to get Millennials to work, you have to offer them benefits that would spark their interest.

Another trait of these Millennials, rather than being goal-oriented, is their being purpose-oriented or purpose driven. They constantly need to feel that what they are doing will have an impact in the organization or, on a much larger scale, the world. Otherwise, they see no point in staying or even getting into the organization.

One of the things that I like with my work as an on-call assistant teacher is that I know that I have helped make a kid's day, most especially when they look up to you with their wide eyes as they say "thank you". Not to mention, I know that I have helped my aunt in her business as I fill in for their absent assistant teacher.

And the last trait that serves to be a challenge to managers, which is somewhat related to the previous one, is the Millennials' constant need for growth. 

As an example, my sister had just left her previous job because she felt the she could not learn anything more if she stayed. She is now currently employed for a lower position in a newly opened company here in the Philippines, which is in a way different industry than her last job. Though she technically got demoted in the rankings, she feels that it is worthwhile because she is learning something new.

Being a member of the Millennial generation, I can vouch for this as I have experienced them myself.

Primus

The business code of ethics defines and describes what an ideal business leader should be, reminding them of their purpose as crucial decision-makers. By doing this, they can further improve themselves and get as close as they can to being the ideal business leader, making them great assets not just in the company they work in, but also in the business world.

Business leaders serve as role models for the members of the organization he/she is a part of. They will be looked up to and their practices will be followed by those under. If they practice good ethics, chances are the organization members will be compelled to do the same.

Though this is the ideal outcome, reality proves to be different. A number of those who are in high positions don't adhere to these code of ethics, encouraging malpractices in the office. This is why business leaders should possess a great deal integrity.

As a future business leader, I will have to make sure that I respect the person as I respect myself and adhere to the code of ethics.