Madison’s Question to Matthew: How do you see Personality Assessments such as Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram beneficial in your life? In your walk with God?

I became interested in personality assessments in the early 2000’s, so much so that I took two separate weeks of training to become certified to administer the Myers-Briggs assessment. As a family, we have had a lot of fun talking about this at home and I believe it has helped us to honour each other in deeper ways. Interestingly, I married the complete 4-letter Myers-Briggs opposite of me so many discussions have ensued over this. (I have ENTJ tendencies and Jan has ISFP tendencies)

Recently I have been introduced to the Enneagram personality process. This has further enhanced my desire to continue to embrace the insights that these theories provide.

In reality, I engaged it on a deeper level not only for myself but because of the dynamics of teams. I wanted to understand how I could more effectively allow each person’s personality distinctives to benefit the entire group and not allow certain personalities to dominate the discourse.

In the context in which I lead, we use personality language all the time and I believe it is being used to respect and honour each other which is amazing to watch. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle to help a team do the best work possible – we ignore the pieces to our peril.

It has given me insight into how to respect other peoples’ work preferences. A great example is how I connect with those who have introverted tendencies. In working alongside introverts, I have recognized their preference to be given an agenda for a meeting as well as pre-reading. This allows them to reflect prior to meeting and add greater value. As an extrovert, I can engage in a meeting on the fly, however it is never as efficient since I typically talk things out to come to a conclusion while an introvert reflects internally and speaks once they can articulate their conclusions.

Additionally, big picture thinking personalities versus detailed thinking personalities has led me to lean into certain people’s natural tendencies at specific times depending on the need – I believe that I am a better leader as a result of this understanding.

Personally I have become much more self-aware of my tendencies and how I react in different circumstances. For example, my personality has a specific way of responding to stress – at its extreme it never looks good. Once I became aware of this, I reflected back on my life and was enlightened on why I reacted in a certain way in stress induced situations. This has made me aware of my inclinations when being in stressful conditions and I believe that I am able to respond in a better way knowing where I could go if I don’t counteract my natural response.

Spiritually, I have recognized that my personality will naturally engage with God in a certain way. I am a group person. I like to talk things out, I enjoy praying in groups. However, I have recognized the need for me to embrace the spiritual discipline of solitude from time to time. In doing this, I know that it will be tough and even tiring (something that would not be part of by wife’s experience), and yet I believe that it is good for me to embrace solitude. Knowing that my natural tendency will be to fight it and perhaps give up and make the excuse that it just isn’t for me, I can enter into these moments of solitude fully aware of how I may feel yet still lean into these moments – and God has shown up in beautiful ways that I would never have enjoyed.

It has been interesting in speaking with people about personality assessments over the years. I have often had people respond in a negative way. They reject any assessment as someone trying to “peg” them. They believe that they can be whoever they need to or want to be in any circumstance.

I really don’t know how to respond when these conversations come up. All I can say is that it has been life-giving for me. In many ways it has been a spiritual experience. Knowing that we are all created uniquely and have been given gifts for the sake of the church is amazing. Knowing some of the intricacies of my natural tendencies has freed me to enter into aspects of ministry that I am more naturally inclined to. I have seen too many people live life in frustration. They take on tasks that they know need to get accomplished yet you watch at how much it drains them, it just doesn’t fit how God has made them.

I know that I will continue to lean into this learning. I want to live in my sweet spot more and more. And I want to allow others the same privilege. I believe that we will all be better off as a result.

Matthew’s Question to Madison: You’ve recently embraced podcasts as a way of learning. Talk about what intrigues you about this structure. What types do you listen to and why? List some examples of podcasts you currently listen to.

This past year I discovered podcasts and it’s become a new favourite way of learning for me. I wonder if it’s like the gateway to adulthood – and if so, then I’ve officially made it! (Cue teasing from my dad and brother)

I find listening to podcasts stimulates my brain during times where I would normally just listen to music – for example, in the car, working out, or even cooking in the kitchen. And I’d say I have two categories of podcasts I listen to – the fun, easy-listening types, and the thought provoking, focus-filled types. Later on I’ll give examples of both.

As I’ve discovered new podcasts, I’ve found it intriguing to listen to the ways in which each are structured and how they choose to engage the audience. For example, there are types where a group of people just have a conversation and it’s often hilarious as to where the it all leads. There are also types that involve a group of people with a structured flow to the conversation. Then there are types with a main person interviewing others on a particular theme or personal experience. There are others that are more storytelling, and others that are more advice giving.

They all bring their own unique flare and personality, and I wonder if their audience shares a similar unique trend and personality?

I know for me I tend to listen to a certain genre of podcasts that fits my personality and, recognizing that, I will sometimes search for random podcasts that aren’t in my current subscribed list just to put myself into a world other than my own. The other day I listened to a podcast of a guy just reading other people’s blogs – needless to say, I wasn’t overly intrigued with the way in which it was presented, but I like the strategy.

Let me take a small bunny trail to explain a point.

I’ve been to a handful of Christian conferences over the last few years. It’s always a jam packed couple of days with an overload of information and inspiration, and meeting new people who share similar passions or goals. When I go to leave those conferences and head home, I’m full of renewed energy and connection and vision that I can feed off of for a while once I get back on the ground.

Podcasts bring a similar renewal of energy and connection and vision but in smaller doses and on the daily.

I hear inspiring stories, thought provoking ideas, challenging words, and encouragement on the journey. These things keep me focused and engaged in the daily work of doing life with people, as well as striving to become more and more like Jesus along the way.

Many of the Christian podcasters I subscribe to are great leaders and I can learn a lot from them – so I want to learn as much as I can as often as I can.

So here are a few that I listen to that may also peak your interest as well:

• Relevant Podcast – a fun-loving, and often very random, conversation between a consistent group of team members. They approach news (not all the serious stuff, fyi), talk about relevant ideas and concepts, and interview authors/speakers/musicians. A great workout podcast.
• Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast – An exemplary leader who interviews big names in the Christian circles to equip church and business leaders around the world. He has great conversations about the next generation, struggles leaders face, technology, and faith.
• The Liturgist Podcast – This one’s a more edgy Christian podcast, and I like it for that exact reason. The strategically arranged team approaches almost every controversial topic you could think of, and they chat about it with a lot of grace and a broad perspective.
• Hidden Brain – I’m a psychology fan, so this one appeals to my ‘psycho’ side. The host, Shankar Vedantam, shares evidence based stories that explain human behaviour, and bring to light patterns in our thinking and choices.

Those are four of my more regularly listened to podcasts but my subscription list goes beyond those. I’m always interested in hearing about other people’s favourite podcasts and why they enjoy them, so if you have one that you play often and enjoy, I’d love to hear about it.

(We also don’t even know who reads these blogs, so hearing from you in general would be awesome).