Baby, I Was Born This Way

Yesterday marked the culmination of this semester’s PRIDE A-La-Carte series.  I was so impressed with all of the students’ reflections on the program and what they have learned over the semester.  They spoke a lot about self-growth, service to others, and leadership.  My colleague Lorraine and I were honored to be the last presenters to an eager group of students earning their certificate of leadership.  We presented on none other than the illustrious Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality assessment. 

What does knowing your personality type have to do with the P.R.I.D.E. Principles and leadership, you might ask?   Self-knowledge is power, and with great power comes great responsibility.  The more you know about yourself, the more effectively you can communicate and work with others.  You can see things from a well-rounded perspective, react more soundly and make productive decisions.  Besides, learning about yourself is always fun and eye opening! 

Without going into depth about what the MBTI is and what personality preferences mean, the MBTI teaches you about the natural inborn way you prefer to see and do things.  There are no right or wrong, better or worse preferences.  The preferences you are born with are the ones you will always have, so how can your way of seeing and doing things be wrong?  But, others have different preferred ways of seeing and doing things, and they were born that way, so how can they be wrong?  Therein lies the point:  it’s about knowing your strengths, being open-minded with others, and knowing when and how to compromise.  Good leaders, no, great leaders, know how to listen and take in different perspectives before reaching decisions; everyone has something to offer.  The MBTI teaches you how to have patience and respect for others.  It is extremely empowering! 

So, what does the MBTI have to do with the P.R.I.D.E. Principles?  Everything.  If you want to schedule an MBTI presentation for your campus group or if you want to take the assessment individually, call our office to schedule an appointment.  

Deanna Rodin, Associate Director