ISFJ: Self Reflection

"When we put people in boxes where they can only be one or another, we miss the opportunity to see people as diverse as they are"
After taking the MBTI, I learned that my personality type is ISFJ or Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. While I feel my personality type describes me accurately, I think that I could have given slightly different answers on a different day, changing the results of my test. Preferences can change day to day. Though I do believe ISFJ is my personality type, I believe that people can act differently depending on the situation so boxing people into one personality type is not entirely accurate (see Situational Leadership blog).
On the other hand, I do not think that the Meyers-Briggs personality types box people in because each description of each personality type describes the weaknesses of that personality type and offers ways to improve upon them. None of the personality types are negative, they simply describe the inherent preferences of different people.
I think my personality type accurately represents my strengths. I am hard working and conscientious as other ISFJs are, but almost to a fault. I sometimes let work take over my life and forget to have fun. I am very loyal to my friends, and I like to make sure that others are happy.
While these strengths are true, my weaknesses reflect those of ISFJs as well. I often need excessive instruction to make sure I am doing a job exactly right. It's a bit ridiculous. I'm not a big fan of conflict so I just, you know, don't conflict with people... anything to keep the peace.
I think that there is a certain unwarranted stigma that goes along with the Introversion personality type, but I think it is a positive aspect of my personality. I am self-sufficient and self-aware. While I do enjoy spending time with others, I prefer one-on-one relationships and a close-knit group of friends to large social situations. It's not that I don't like other people, it's just that when there are too many people in a group I feel disconnected because I cannot get to know each person individually.
The only real issue I have with the MBTI is the fact that one of my career choices is to be a guard. Maybe they should have you put in your height and how intimidating you are because I don't think all five feet of me could handle that...

Situational Leadership Theory

The situational leadership theory strikes me because of its validity and adaptability. The way I see it, if a random kindergarten teacher and a Human Resources Employee and Labor Relations Specialist were to switch occupations, there would be chaos. It takes a very different style of leadership (and a lot of patience) to run a classroom of five-year-olds than it takes to decide who will be fired or deal with two upset workers. The situational leadership theory in a way encompasses all of the theories and models of leadership because in it there is no single way to lead, rather the way one should lead depends on the situation they are in.  This is true in my life which is why the situational leadership theory resonates with me. When I go to L.U.C.H.A. with SCCAP and work in a 5th grade classroom, my leadership style is different than when I am in a Community Council meeting with my peers. Because each of the other leadership models and theories offers some validity, and I find myself needing to lead in different ways, I believe the situational leadership theory describes my leadership style best. I think adaptability is extremely important in an ever-changing world. Situational leadership offers that adaptability.

Social Change Model Picture:

Copyright
http://dailygumboot.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/team-world.jpg

I think this picture appropriately explains the social change model because it depicts many individuals joining into a group to help change the world.

Elevator Speech

My name is Emily Fayram. I am from Los Olivos, California. I grew up with one brother, a golden retriever, and a love of dance and the Green Bay Packers. I enjoy reading, jogging, dancing, spending time with my family and friends, and volunteering with kids. I am an undeclared major and Spanish minor, and I hope to be a Speech Therapist, or something of the sort. I think it is important to do the things you love to do and celebrate life. Reflecting on my past year, I have so many wonderful memories of becoming closer with friends I've known for a long time and meeting new people. I believe that life is truly what you make of it, so as long as you have a positive attitude, no situation is too massive to overcome. I look forward to my next few years at SCU and using my education to make a difference in the world. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived: this is to have succeeded." I believe everyone should strive for Emerson's measure of success.