Natural And Adapted Personality Style

Someone asked me if I really like and enjoy all the “facts” that I post on Twitter and Facebook every day. In my mind, I thought, “This person doesn’t really know me at all.”

To answer his question, let me show you the answer. The other day I sent my niece and daughter the following message:

“The 1st glass of alcohol makes u 10% more likely for breast cancer. With every glass of alcohol the risk increases 10%”

I thought that this tidbit of information was important to share with the two young women that I love with all my heart. For all I know, some piece of information I convey might actually improve or save their life some day.

So who is this person behind all the factual tidbits posted in the social media arena and this blog?

Several years ago I took a personality test that was administered and analyzed by a professional. It was the first time that I was able to read what I really already knew about myself. The bottom line…I am an analyzer and my natural personality style (at home) is almost exactly like my adapted personality style (at work, church, group settings).

What Are My Basic Characteristics?

The test gave a narrative of my basic characteristics that I thought I would share.

“Sherry (That’s really The Redhead Riter’s name in case you forgot) can be professional and disciplined in her approach as it relates to her area of endeavor or expertise. She wants to make certain that detailed reports are accurately completed. Following procedures is her way of ensuring quality and orderly work. Sherry can be depended upon to follow set procedures of work activity. She doesn’t appreciate a dirty or messy work station, since she equates dirt and disorganization with lower quality work. She strives forward constantly to improve in everything she does. She shows that she can be quite versatile and at the same time quite adaptable to the situation. She can be competitive and tenacious when under pressure.”

I have to tell you when I read about the “dirt” comment the first time, I really laughed my head off even though it is completely true!

“Sherry can be seen as a thinker whose intuitive talents can bring divergent ideas to the forefront. She is capable of making daily decisions routinely, usually becomes cautious about the bigger decisions; she wants to be absolutely certain her decision is correct. Sherry prefers to study and analyze a problem before responding. She is the type of person who will accept challenges, and accept them seriously.”

I think things to death, so the “analyze” statement really hit home.

“Sherry enjoys analyzing the motives of others. This allows her to develop her intuitive skills. When Sherry is deeply involved in thinking through a project, she may appear to be cool and distant. Sherry’s work represents her true self. People may often see Sherry as formal and reserved. She may be assessing the situation before “letting her guard down” and may do so only when she feels comfortable with circumstances.”

Yeah, that is entirely true. When I was a teenager, it wasn’t such a positive trait because I never felt comfortable enough to let down my guard!

Value To The Team And Organization

Another section of the analysis of my personality style listed the things that I bring to the table. In other words, my value to the team and organization.

• Proficient and skilled in her technical specialty.
• Tough-minded.
• Suspicious of people with shallow ideas.
• Conscientious and steady.
• Objective–“The anchor of reality.”
• Presents the facts without emotion.
• Always concerned about quality of work.
• Excellent troubleshooter.
• Comprehensive in problem solving.
• Defines, clarifies, gets information, criticizes and tests.
• Always looking for logical solutions.

When I read the last one, I knew that this test was accurate. I can not ever find peace in my own mind until I have a logical explanation of the WHY in everything. Obviously, this is also a negative trait because sometimes things in every day life just don’t make logical sense.

Effective Communication

Most people know the ways with which they prefer to be communicated. Here are a few “Do’s” when communicating with me:

• Make an organized contribution to her efforts, present specifics and do what you say you can do.
• Use expert testimonials.
• Keep at least three feet away from her. Don’t invade her private space.
• Have the facts in logical order. (See that logical theme again?)
• Prepare your “case” in advance.
• Provide solid, tangible, practical evidence.
• Follow through, if you agree.
• Provide details in writing.
• Make an organized presentation of your position, if you disagree.

Of course, I have to also list all the things not to do while communicating with me, so “Don’t” do the following:

• Be vague about what’s expected of either of you; don’t fail to follow through.
• Leave things to luck. (AMEN!)
• Be redundant.
• Push too hard or be unrealistic with deadlines.
• Use testimonies of unreliable sources; don’t be haphazard.
• Leave things open to interpretation.
• Be superficial.
• Dillydally or waste time.
• Threaten, cajole, wheedle, coax or whimper.
• Use gimmicks or clever, quick manipulations.

The lists really did peg me. The really great thing about this analysis of me, is that it shows my ingrained, subconscious personality – the real me. It doesn’t make me right or wrong, it just makes me Sherry.

The Overall Analysis

When the analysis of my personality was all
said and done, I scored the highest as an analyzer/implementor. To quote the report, “These people place great value on quality and doing it right the first time. They have tremendous respect for precise rules and regulations, are meticulous with details, and tend to be orderly and well disciplined.”

Some of the adjectives used to describe this personality type are:

• Serene
• Patient
• Conventional
• Methodical
• Unwavering, steady
• Detail oriented
• Meticulous, high standards
• Thorough, comprehensive
• Assertive
• Competitive
• Adventurous
• Accountable
• Guarded, careful
• Reserved
• Observant
• Logical

Since my personality style is almost exactly the same when I am at work or at home, it proves my point that I am the same person everywhere. If you see me at work, the hospital, grocery store, church, a concert, convention or at home, I am the same me.

I really enjoyed having the analysis done on my personality style. I guess that just proves the fact that my personality prefers that whenever possible, I appreciate others to “Provide details in writing.”

It rather hits the nail on the head as the reason I love blogging…

“Provide details in writing.”

Yep. Music to my ears.

With all that said, what is your cell phone number? I’m sure you want to get all those great factual text messages too.