The CPP Education Blog has moved to http://www.cppblogcentral.com/category/education-blog/. You will be redirected to the new blog.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Get It Together!

Written by our guest blogger, Patrick L. Kerwin, MBTI® Master Practitioner

“This year, I’m going to get organized.” How many times have you said that, or heard others say it?

First, let’s take a look at that word, “organized.” Often being an “organized” person conjures up an image of someone who has a system in place where everything is put away, neatly arranged in order, with a minimum of clutter and a maximum of tidiness. With this as a standard, it’s no surprise that so many people feel disorganized!

But really, being “organized” means having a system in place that allows resources to be accessed easily when needed. Think about your own room or workspace. Whether you have things all over the place, or have them neatly put away, can you find what you need when you need it? If so, then you are “organized”!

If you answered “no,” then you do some things to come up with a better system. And the easiest way to get there is to remember your type! If you prefer P, go with your style, and adjust your expectations. Remember, it’s not about having it all put away, it’s about having a system that works. Your first step might be going through one pile of stuff and getting rid of what you don’t need. Or see if you can consolidate two piles. Take it in small bites, and keep it fluid. And if you prefer J, go with your style as well. Is there a stack of stuff driving you crazy? For J’s, the goal is often about putting things away – so go through the pile, trashing items or putting them away, until you’ve worked your way all the way through it. Getting that closure will make you happy.

Whatever your type, you can get it together!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Type Stereotype #3 – P preferences are happier in their careers than J preferences

Written by Catherine Rains

Ok admit it all you Perceiving preferences out there, you really think you are happier in your careers than Judging preferences. Why? Because Perceiving preferences constantly monitor the environment for the best possible career (major), and are willing to make a 180 degree change in their career to follow a new option that appeals to them more than what they are currently doing. Judging preferences also want to be happy in their careers, but they are much less likely to change course mid-stream after they have already gotten an education and experience in a particular field. For instance, if a Judging preference student decides the major they have chosen is "wrong”, they will either stick with their major and figure out a way to make it work, or change majors to something very related to the original major so they don’t lose any credits and can still graduate in four years.

In other words, once a decision is made on a major and later a career, Judging preferences are much less likely to change course, even if a more appealing option reveals itself. So this must mean that Perceiving preferences are more satisfied long term, right? Wrong! According to research, Judging preferences report higher career satisfaction because they aren’t always looking for more options, but rather look for ways to make where they are now work for them. Most Perceiving preferences I know live with a touch of dissatisfaction with where they are because they are always in search of something even better!