If you’re a millennial or a gen-Z’er, you’ve probably taken the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. It’s so prevalent that the internet is littered with memes about MBTI counterparts in pop culture, among other things.
But just in case you haven’t and/or have never heard of it, here’s a brief background. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reporting questionnaire indicating different psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. Altogether, there are four categories: introversion vs. extraversion, intuition vs. sensing, thinking vs. feeling, and perceiving vs. judging. Your MBTI result typically has four letters: INTJ or ESFP, for instance.
Now, if you’re curious about your Myers-Briggs personality type, click here to find out. However, if you already know and would like to find out how you’d do in remote working (and what to watch out for), read on.
The Analysts
INTP’s – The Logicians
Your constant need to analyze your progress can be helpful, so long as you channel it correctly. A spreadsheet or a to-do list can aid you in staying on top of things, all while analyzing which tasks you spend the most time on. This data ought to show you how to structure your work day better, as well as which tasks you tend to postpone and/or which ones you struggle with the most.
INTJ’s – The Architects
Independent and analytical, you don’t really need an article telling you what to do. You probably already have your optimal working style figured out after much research and testing on your part.
If nothing else, it’s best to schedule your tasks beforehand, especially the ones you dread doing the most. Once you get them out of the way, you can focus on other things.
ENTJ’s – The Commanders
You are the consummate overachiever, so you’ve probably already got this whole remote working thing down pat. However, bear in mind that not everyone is as quick to adapt as you.
On the other hand, you could serve your team best by liaising with your members and providing them with advice when needed. Perhaps you could set up a one-on-one meeting with anyone struggling to discuss better schedule patterns, for one. Or you could send them a link to this article as well. *wink*wink*
ENTP’s – The Debaters
ENTP’s make great decision makers. Like any good debater, they also excel at sharing the reasons behind these decisions, often to the benefit of everyone involved.
So, don’t be shy. Make full use of your LinkedIn, Twitter, or your industry-specific Slack groups to voice your opinions and reach out to others. You’ll never know who might find them handy – and it’ll make you feel less isolated too.
The Diplomats
INFJ’s – The Advocates
They say overthinkers also tend to overshare, and that can be true for INFJ’s. You simply like to teach others. Whether it’s talking about what works for you or sharing the best advice you’ve ever heard, you thrive whenever you get others to open their minds to new possibilities.
Of course, don’t forget to ask your colleagues about their own thoughts on the matter, or even for their own tips.
INFP’s – The Mediators
You like to do your best. You often give things your all. That’s great, but never forget that progress is better than perfection.
Deeply-ingrained perfectionism like yours might never go away, but you can keep the best parts of it and cast away the rest. For instance, you can stop reading your emails several times before sending or needlessly comparing yourself to others. Instead, work on how you can improve your core skills a little at a time each day.
ENFJ’s – The Protagonists
Like INFJ’s, you thrive on training others and motivating them to better enjoy the benefits of remote work. Unfortunately, you can also be too hard on yourself.
So, don’t hesitate to admit if you occasionally have difficulties adjusting to remote work. Most people do, and it’s perfectly normal. You may also want to readjust your targets so that they’re more realistic and so that you don’t burn yourself out too soon.
ENFP’s – The Campaigners
New ideas and past success inspire and motivate you, and with good reason. Just don’t forget not to overload your team with work just because you’d like to finish a project ASAP, okay?
Also, achieving something worthwhile is also about consistency. Don’t let your love of new ideas and methodologies derail you from doing just that.
The Explorers
ISTP’s – The Virtuosos
Surprise, surprise! You might be an introvert, but you might actually dislike working from home. Why? ISTP’s are often very effective at using their analytical skills to come up with top collaboration procedures for the team. However, they do miss actually interacting with the said team because of their innate need to help others.
There is a relatively simple solution, though. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your colleagues to check in. Ask them about their day, and then see if there’s anything you can help them with.
ISFP’s – The Adventurers
Like ISTP’s, you’d think ISFP’s would thrive in remote work due to their love of flexibility. But they don’t.
The thing with remote work, though, is that while it does offer flexibility, you can’t always do what you want with your time. Setting up a dedicated workspace at home ought to ground you enough to get you into the right headspace when it’s time to buckle down.
ESTP’s – The Entrepreneurs
These personality types can work pretty well remotely, and are unlikely to head back to a traditional office afterwards. You’re great at making things happen and staying active at work, and that’s very much in your favor.
One thing to look out for is the team you would become part of. You might get frustrated if your colleagues aren’t as well-trained for remote work and thus, not as responsive as you are. So, choose your company and team wisely.
ESFP’s – The Entertainers
You are driven by results and are always eager to impress. Prevent burning yourself out by making time for activities that you do enjoy. They don’t even necessarily need to be productive, so long as they can take your mind off work.
Alternatively, you can ask your colleagues if they’d like to hang out virtually and play games so everyone can blow off steam. That is, after work, of course.
The Sentinels
ISTJ’s – The Logisticians
You’ve got the sort of analytical skills best suited towards finding the best tools and strategies for your team. In short, you help make things happen in the best way, and you’ve got a strong sense of responsibility to match.
Your team will definitely appreciate your efforts to find the best tools for them. Just make sure to bear their personalities in mind alongside your own when you do so.
ISFJ’s – The Defenders
Choosing the right remote job is critical for you. You’re also a natural manager that remote teams can rely on to keep its members bonded and happy.
Still, don’t make your colleagues’ happiness your only duty. All of them should still contribute to building a good team dynamic. Taking on all of that will only overload you and distract you from your other responsibilities.
ESTJ’s – The Executives
These people tend to act like managers and usually have a solution for everything. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – until they start to micromanage.
So, if you fall under this personality type and like to share your input a lot, remember to listen first. Pay attention to what your colleague actually needs, and whether or not they need (or want) your help. Actively listening to what your teammates have to say and explaining why you’re picking one idea over another is vital to keep the team cohesive.
ESFJ’s – The Consuls
True to your personality type, you tend to support other people, but can also try to do too much at the same time.
The trick is to prioritize your own work. Take each task one step at a time, and prioritize the hardest and most important ones first. And then use your small breaks to check in with colleagues.
As with any career, remote work requires a lot of important decisions. Should you freelance or work with an agency? What skill/s should you capitalize on? Should you go full-time or part-time?
Sure, you should always go with whatever takes you further, but it also helps to analyze which options would suit your personality as well. After all, isn’t a good work-life balance what we remote workers ultimately strive for?
For everything else, there’s Remote Staff. Sign up with us today and start your remote work journey off on the right foot.
