Audacious Jews and Myers Briggs

Whilst researching Audacious Jews, I was struck by the similarities of the personalities.  They were so often single-minded, stubborn and visionary.  

My favourite tool for analysing personality is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.  You can find more information on the Myers Briggs by clicking here

In Myers-Briggs language, the Audacious Jew is closest to the INTJ type - the independent and individualistic thinker.  The traits of the INTJ (Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging ) are:

Key Characteristics	Creates inspiring visions that leave others breathless Will re-organise everything Independent, not sharing responsibilities, isolated Driving, single-minded, courageous and forceful Tough-minded with others Intellectual; a deep thinker
Preferred work environment	Decisive, intellectually challenging projects with a long-range vision Privacy for reflection Efficient Freedom to act creatively without bureaucracy, status or scepticism Task-focused, but not with masses of trivial detail
At their best when	Challenging tradition Strategic insight; providing solutions to complex problems Asking probing questions Organising ideas Completing tasks
Potential pitfalls	Unyielding; others are afraid to challenge; demands unthinking loyalty and encourages dependency in others.  Often unreasonable and too demanding of others and self - and can’t see this Critical of others’ ideas without providing solid evidence; doesn’t nurture others, lacks empathy Prone to angry outbursts when feeling unfairly thwarted; emotionally thin-skinned, especially when criticised by others Unappreciative of others, especially if they are slow to catch on, are irresponsible or emotional Judgemental and undemocratic, valuing others predominantly for their competence and loyalty Impractical, too ambitious, trying to change too much too quickly, leading to feeling frustrated and disappointed Unaware of the impact of own ideas on others; doesn’t explain sufficiently, leaving others unsure; poor at delegation

These people are:

• Characterised at their best by a fine insight into the deeper meaning of things with huge drive, which can create a clear vision they pursue with passion, and which they can sometimes communicate to others.  They are willing to concede that the impossible takes a little longer - but not much.
• Motivated by difficulties and ingenious in solving them; they need continual challenges as once something has been done, it loses its appeal.  They are always keen to learn and to improve everything, even if it’s already fine.  Often disappointed, as perfection can’t easily be reached.
• Sceptical, critical, independent, uncompromising, often stubborn - trying to win the argument over every point; reluctant to admit own errors or accept ideas that don’t fit with theirs, unless there is a clear, objective reason.  They cannot be coerced or told anything without their permission.
• Possessing a rich inner imagination that can lead to distrust and defensiveness, especially when these suspicious feelings are projected onto others.
• Aloof; it’s often lonely at the top.  They underestimate the views and feelings of others and can unwittingly make others feel inadequate. 

They are the most visionary and courageous thinkers but are often left frustrated by the conservatism and slowness of others.  Knowing they are nearly always right, they are stiff-necked, and irritate others by arguing / wrestling all their points.