Personality type and work values
Goal: understand how your personality type and work values align with your career path to achieve satisfaction and success.
Understanding personality types
Personality types are frameworks used to describe individual preferences in behavior, thinking, and decision-making. These insights help match people with careers that align with their strengths and natural tendencies.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) categorizes personality into 16 types based on four dichotomies:
Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E): Where you gain energy.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): How you process information.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): How you make decisions.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Your approach to structure and planning.
For example, an ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) might thrive in structured, detail-oriented roles like accounting, while an ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) may excel in creative, people-centered careers like marketing or counseling.
Case Study
Anna, an ENFJ, found her true calling in HR after realizing her strength in guiding others and fostering connections. Knowing her personality type helped her leave a less fulfilling role in data analysis.
Exercise
Take a free MBTI test online. Reflect on your type’s strengths and potential career paths. Write down three professions that align with your personality type.
Exploring work values
Work values are the principles and goals that influence job satisfaction. Common examples include:
Intrinsic Values: Purpose, growth, and creativity.
Extrinsic Values: Salary, benefits, and job security.
Lifestyle Values: Work-life balance and flexibility.
Understanding your work values ensures your career aligns with your personal and professional priorities. For instance, someone who values autonomy might thrive in a freelance role, while another prioritizing teamwork may prefer collaborative environments.
Case Study
John, who values autonomy and creativity, transitioned from a rigid corporate job to freelancing in graphic design. This shift not only improved his productivity but also his overall happiness.
Exercise
List your top five work values. Rank them by importance. Compare this list to your current role—does it align? If not, write one step to address the mismatch, such as seeking more flexibility or collaboration.
Linking personality and work values to career success
Matching your personality type and work values with your job enhances job satisfaction and performance. This alignment reduces stress, boosts motivation, and fosters career longevity.
For example, someone with a strong preference for introversion and independent work values might find fulfillment in research or technical roles. Conversely, extraverts with people-centered values may excel in customer service or sales.
Case Study
Mark, an INTJ, valued strategic thinking and independence. He felt unfulfilled in a frontline sales role but thrived after transitioning into operations management, where his strengths were fully utilized.
Work-related suggestions
Seek roles that align with your natural tendencies and values. Use your strengths to address challenges, such as leveraging your preference for structure to improve team workflows.
Personal life related suggestions
When choosing a career path, ensure it aligns with your lifestyle needs. For example, if you value family time, prioritize roles with predictable hours or remote work options.
Exercise
Identify one mismatch between your personality or values and your current role. Brainstorm one actionable change, such as discussing flexible hours with your manager or seeking training for a more suitable position.
The Holland code (RIASEC) and career fit
The Holland Code (RIASEC) categorizes careers into six personality types:
Realistic (R): Practical, hands-on work (e.g., engineering, construction).
Investigative (I): Analytical, problem-solving roles (e.g., research, science).
Artistic (A): Creative, innovative careers (e.g., design, writing).
Social (S): Helping and teaching roles (e.g., healthcare, education).
Enterprising (E): Leadership and persuasion (e.g., sales, management).
Conventional (C): Structured, detail-oriented jobs (e.g., accounting, administration).
By matching your dominant RIASEC types with careers, you increase the likelihood of job satisfaction and success.
Case Study
Lucy, with strong Social and Artistic traits, pursued a career in art therapy, combining her creativity with her passion for helping others.
Exercise
Take a free Holland Code assessment. Identify your top three types and research three careers that align with your results.
Creating a career plan based on personality and values
A successful career plan integrates your personality type, work values, and long-term goals. This requires self-reflection, research, and actionable steps to align your career with your true self.
Steps to create your career plan:
Assess Yourself: Identify your personality type, work values, and strengths.
Explore Options: Research careers that align with your traits and values.
Set Goals: Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for career growth.
Seek Guidance: Consult mentors, career counselors, or industry professionals.
Take Action: Enroll in courses, apply for roles, or network in relevant fields.
Case Study
Tom, an ENFP with a strong Enterprising and Social RIASEC profile, planned a career in nonprofit management. He set a 3-year goal to gain experience in fundraising, aligned with his values of purpose and collaboration.
Exercise
Create a career plan. Write one long-term goal (e.g., “Become a team leader within 5 years”) and three short-term goals (e.g., “Complete a leadership course within 6 months”). Break these into actionable steps and schedule time to review your progress.