In learning about Appreciative Inquiry at this week's Partners' Conference and also hearing a new perspective on Ignatian decision-making, I began to do a self-evaluation about myself. Personally and professionally, I have some distinct characteristics. They come from being born in the sign of the Aquarius (for you horoscope lovers), as a combination ENFP/ENFJ (my Myers-Briggs personality rating), and as a contemplative in action (Ignatian spirituality - part of the Catholic faith).
Here are some highlights:
1) One of the most apparent Aquarius personality traits is that of a humanitarian, a giver. They have a strong desire to serve in philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Their societal beliefs are very idealistic in the sense that they believe that one of their main purposes in life is serving to benefit the greater good of mankind.
2) Emotional experiences and dealing with emotions themselves tends to be difficult for the Aquarius. This seemingly emotional detachment is what tends to make the Aquarian appear a bit cold and remote when it comes to deeply emotional experiences. It isn't that Aquarians are unemotional people in general, it just takes them awhile to really let people into their lives. Once they let their guard down, Aquarians are very passionate and loyal people. (The funny part about this is I also wear my heart on my sleeves, try to talk/communicate about feelings in an overly analytical way, and am not afraid to cry).
3) Aquarians do not like to be boxed-in. If an Aquarian feels like he or she is backed into a corner, the person committing this huge mistake will no doubt be on the receiving end of that Aquarian's temper, which can be explosive. (And yet the high expectations I tend to set also contribute to the holding-everything-in-until-I-explode style too).
4) The Aquarius personality is naturally a bit rebellious and non-conformist. People born under this sign are less than thrilled with the rigidity of typical "nine-to-five" work schedules so they often hold less conventional jobs in which the schedule varies. Better yet, they choose jobs that allow them the freedom to make their own schedules and march to their own drums. (One of the reasons I loved GVV so much - I had three different "jobs" that had a non-repetitive schedule).
5) Aquarians are extremely social people, but they also like their personal space. (DING DING DING) They are often at their best in social settings and work well with groups. Their need for personal time and space is a bit of a paradox for social butterfly Aquarians, but they find their balance between the two. However, finding that balance between the need to both be alone and be with people may be easier for Aquarians than it is for their partners, making it difficult to figure out if the water bearer is having a social or anti-social day. (Hm, definitely saw this in my previous relationship).
As for Myers-Briggs...
I’m an ENFP/ENFJ – extraverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiving/judging (tied) – person.
1) As an ENFP, career satisfaction means doing work that: lets me work on a variety of projects motivated by creative inspiration, lets me create new ideas or solutions to problems, is fun and challenging, rarely requires me to do handle the follow-through/routine details/maintenance of a system or project; lets me work at my own pace with a minimum of rules/structure and allows me to act spontaneously; lets me meet new people, learn new skills, and satisfy my curiosity; is consistent with my personal beliefs and lets me create opportunities that benefit others; is done in a friendly and relaxed environment with a minimum of interpersonal conflict; allows me the freedom to follow my inspirations and participate in exciting or intriguing adventures; is done in an environment that appreciates and rewards enthusiasm, integrity, and imagination.
As an ENFJ, career satisfaction means doing work that: lets me establish and maintain warm and supportive interpersonal relationships with coworkers, clients, customers, etc.; lets me develop and establish creative solutions to problems on projects that I believe in and where I can see the positive results of my efforts for other people; is done in an environment where expectations are clear and personal/professional growth and development are encouraged; lets me be part of a team of other creative people I trust as well as being busy and productive; allows me time to develop creative solutions to problems and then share them with other supportive and caring people; is done in an active and challenging environment where I am able to juggle several projects at once; lets me use my organizational decision-making skills and have control/responsibility of my own projects; gives me a variety of activities but allows me to work in a relatively orderly and well-planned manner; is done in an environment that is free from interpersonal conflicts and ongoing tension; exposes me to new ideas and lets me explore new approaches, especially those that will improve the lives of other people.
2) Strengths of ENFP: innovative thinkers and problem solvers, able to combine their talents with interests and abilities of others, can find success in whatever interests them, are good at putting the right people into the right positions/tasks, motivate others with infectious enthusiasm.
Strengths of ENFJ: promote harmony, build cooperation, respect a variety of opinions, can be good public speakers and facilitate group discussions, decisive and organized, natural leaders
3) Weakness of ENFP: may not be well organized or good at setting priorities, have trouble following through on details of a project, may become bored or easily sidetracked, don’t usually enjoy anything repetitive or routine, usually less effective working alone.
Weakness of ENFJ: tend to idealize people, can make decisions too quickly, may have trouble dealing with conflict and sweep problems under the rug, may take criticism too personally, may not be attentive to factual accuracy.
In the area of Appreciative Inquiry, the focus is not on solving problems but on building up the strengths in an effective and energizing manner. What we focus on becomes our reality, but there are multiple realities. Keeping a part of the past is a necessary part of moving forward, but it's not good to dwell there. "When you do more of what works, the stuff that doesn't work goes away."
So what does all this mean? That's what's being worked out inside of me during this 19th Annotation Retreat. I don't know what the end result will be, but I have ideas, and I have hopes. Both of those, with the sun, let me know that spring is coming again. :)
