Tough Decisions? You Have To Know Who You Are

Last year I took one of those "personality profile" tests. If you’ve ever taken the Myers-Briggs test, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, the short explanation of the test is that through a series of questions and statements, the answers I provide or the options I choose paint a picture of my personality. In this test, I was measuring four distinct areas: where I like to focus my energy, how I like to gather information, how I make decisions, and how I approach life.

I have to say, I was a little surprised at the results of my test, until I read the explanations. According to this test, I am "Introverting, Intuiting, Feeling, and Organizing."

Introverting? Me? But then I read the explanation of that term and it’s actually spot-on: Introverting in this sense means I focus my attention inward on my thoughts and ideas; I like to reflect on my ideas before sharing them; and I need quiet time away from action and noise. That is precisely what I was saying before the holiday break: "I need time away from the noise to just be still, be quiet, and think...and maybe not even think, just ‘be’."

Luckily, I was able to have some of that quiet time over the holiday. I read a book, I took a walk on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, I enjoyed the beauty of the Christmas tree in my family room late at night. And I re-read my personality test results and their explanations. As I did so, I realized that while the results painted an accurate picture of the various dimensions of my personality, they didn’t answer one critical question, the answer to which fuels my need to get out of bed every morning: What inspires me?

Reflecting on this question, I pulled out the results of a "values" test I took late last year. Simply stated, the values test indicated certain ways of behaving or certain life goals that are preferable to me. The values were categorized in two areas: "operational values," which define the means by which I achieve my goals, and "life values," which define what those goals are. Consciously or unconsciously, these values set my life priorities and govern my actions. When operational and life values are consistent with and supported by life and career goals – or looked at from the other perspective, when you live your life in accord with your value system – your life can be straightforward and relatively free of complications and you can operate in the "inspired" zone.

For example, first on my list of operational values is "Honesty," or being moral, ethical, and truthful in how I achieve my goals. First on my life values list is "spirituality," or being at one with God and my religious beliefs in defining my goals.

Knowing and understanding those values helped me immensely over the past several months, as I faced the task of realigning the NAFA Headquarters staff. One staff position was eliminated in the realignment, and three new positions were created. Being a "feeling" person, I struggled a long time with the idea of letting go a long-time employee. However, when I was able to sit quietly and think (my "introverting" trait) I realized that my gut feelings (my "intuitive" trait) were accurate. So I prayed about my decision and asked for direction (my "spirituality" trait). Then I developed detailed, comprehensive plans (my "organizing" trait), and focused on being honest (my core value) with everyone when I made the announcements to the individual, to the staff, and to you last week.

I was not stressed or conflicted when I told the staff about the realignment. In fact, I was inspired and energized. It was exhilarating and tremendously freeing knowing that not only were the decisions in accord with my personal beliefs and traits, but they were also right for NAFA.

If you have never taken a personality or values assessment, I encourage you to do so. Knowing who you are and what makes you tick will help you when you are faced with difficult (and everyday) decisions. In the next few weeks, I will be putting the entire NAFA staff through the same tests I took so we can all understand each other better and recognize our different motivators.

I have never been so excited about coming to work, and never so excited about NAFA’s future. I look forward to working with you – and for you – to bring NAFA’s vision to reality.

Sincerely,

Phil

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