Knowing and understanding our strengths and stretches improves self-esteem and self-understanding. The first of the five core competencies of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) movement is self-awareness. In this second article of the SEL series, Yvonne Nelson-Reid demonstrates how self-awareness through an understanding of type allows you to apply your strengths and reinforce your stretches.
When you are estimating a child's type preference don't just focus on the outer behavior but also look for the motivation for that behavior. An elementary school-aged child, who prefers FP (Feeling with Perceiving), can look and act as if they prefer J (Judging) if the child thinks that will please the parent or the teacher. For a child who prefers Introversion, their motivator is internal. We do not see it. So, a child who prefers INFP is motivated internally using F (Feeling), but we see N (iNtuition) which they use in their outer world through brainstorming with others, so they may appear to prefer Extraversion, even though their overall preference is for Introversion.
There is a difference between the energy of introversion and shyness. Shyness is a social trait which causes a person to hesitate in social encounters. People who prefer Introversion only hesitate when the thought or situation is new. There is no hesitation with familiar settings. Also, introversion gives us a cue about how a person regains their energy. Shyness is a behavioral reaction. A person who prefers Extraversion may also be shy, gaining energy through interaction but hesitating in social situations.
