Type A, Type B, or Somewhere in the Alphabet Soup?
It seems like a common theme that something happens in my life and it sparks the inspiration for an episode…but here we are. My partner and I were in bed one night and I mentioned that I’m a Type A personality. He laughed and told me: No, you are a Type B personality. I definitely fought back at first and felt called out that he labeled me as such, but after doing some Googling, I ended up agreeing with him.
Haven’t listened yet? Check it out now and text us with your thoughts - see our results and the tests we used below!
1:08 Type A vs Type B Personality Revelation
18:49 ADHD Medication & Personality Types
23:55 Breaking Down 16 Personalities (Myers-Briggs) Results
25:59 Brandi - ENTJ - The Commander
28:41 Sarah - ENFP - The Campaigner
32:27 Rachael - ENFJ - The Protagonist
39:50 Do personality tests become out of date as time goes on?
Type A vs. Type B
A quick Google search gave us this information on Type A and Type B personalities:
Type A and Type B personalities represent contrasting approaches to life and work. Type A individuals are typically driven, competitive, and impatient, often seeking to achieve success and control. In contrast, Type B individuals are generally more relaxed, flexible, and patient, prioritizing a balanced lifestyle and enjoying the process of achieving goals rather than solely focusing on outcomes.
Type A Personality:
Characteristics:
Competitive, ambitious, time-conscious, impatient, hard-driving, and often prone to stress.
Motivation:
Driven by a strong desire to achieve and succeed, often in a competitive environment.
Work Style:
May excel in high-pressure, deadline-driven roles, but can also struggle with flexibility and may prioritize work over personal life.
Potential Challenges:
Can be prone to stress, hostility, and may experience difficulties in maintaining work-life balance.
Type B Personality:
Characteristics:
Relaxed, easygoing, flexible, patient, and less driven by competition or deadlines.
Motivation:
Enjoy collaboration, tend to prioritize personal well-being and relationships, and may find joy in the process of work rather than just the outcome.
Work Style:
May thrive in team-oriented roles, enjoy problem-solving, and may have a more flexible approach to work and life.
Potential Challenges:
Can be prone to procrastination, may struggle with strong deadlines, and can be less assertive in demanding what they need.
So where did the Girl Gang land on their results?
Where we took our tests: Psych Central
What were our results:
Brandi: Type A
Sarah: In the middle
Rachael: Mostly Type B
We were not shocked about Brandi’s results. Sarah and I were both slightly thrown off by our results. What emerged from our discussion was that these personality types exist on a spectrum rather than rigid categories. Many people demonstrate a blend of both Type A and Type B characteristics, adapting their approach based on different life situations. This understanding can be particularly valuable when examining how personality influences career choices and satisfaction. For instance, Brandi and I both feel like we are happy in our careers at the moment, so we tend to prioritize work-life balance more compared to a few years ago —a shift from Type A tendencies toward Type B values.
16 Personalities
The conversation expanded to include the renowned 16 Personalities test (based on Myers-Briggs typology), which categorizes individuals using combinations of traits: Extroverted (E) or Introverted (I); Sensing (S) or Intuitive (N); Thinking (T) or Feeling (F); and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P). The 16 Personalities version also adds a fifth dimension: Assertive (A) or Turbulent (T). All three of us had taken this quiz before and we all got the same results as we had back in our college days - but the 5th letter was new for all of us!
So where did the Girl Gang land on their results?
Where we took our tests: 16 Personalities
What were our results:
Brandi: ENTJ-A - The Commander
Sarah: ENFP-T - The Campaigner
Rachael: ENFJ-A - The Protagonist
The Commander:
People with the ENTJ personality type (Commanders) are natural-born leaders. Embodying the gifts of charisma and confidence, ENTJs project authority in a way that draws crowds together behind a common goal. However, these personalities are also characterized by an often ruthless level of rationality, using their drive, determination, and sharp mind to achieve whatever objectives they’ve set for themselves. Their intensity might sometimes rub people the wrong way, but ultimately, ENTJs take pride in both their work ethic and their impressive level of self-discipline.
The Campaigner
People with the ENFP personality type (Campaigners) are true free spirits – outgoing, openhearted, and open-minded. With their lively, upbeat approach to life, ENFPs stand out in any crowd. But even though they can be the life of the party, they don’t just care about having a good time. These personalities have profound depths that are fueled by their intense desire for meaningful, emotional connections with others.
The Protagonist
People with the ENFJ personality type (Protagonists) feel called to serve a greater purpose in life. Thoughtful and idealistic, ENFJs strive to have a positive impact on other people and the world around them. These personalities rarely shy away from an opportunity to do the right thing, even when doing so is far from easy.
What made this exploration particularly meaningful was recognizing how understanding personality types can help explain why we struggle with certain aspects of life. Taking this personality test also helped me realize I’m not as crazy as I think I am!
We also dove in our ADHD diagnosis and medications which can intersect with our personality types and help us be more productive with those items in life we struggle with on the daily, or if it even stifles our need for spontaneity. A big question that also came out of these results was if these tests need to be changed as the generations progress?
Enneagram
We didn’t have a chance to discuss this one in our episode, but we also took this test on our own to learn more about each other. Again, another quick Google search shows us that:
The Enneagram is a personality typing system that categorizes individuals into nine distinct types based on their core motivations, fears, and unconscious patterns. Each type is characterized by unique strengths, weaknesses, and behavioral tendencies. The Enneagram can be used for self-understanding, relationship dynamics, and personal growth.
Elaboration:
Nine Types:
The Enneagram consists of nine interconnected types, each with its own set of core beliefs, fears, and motivations.
Core Motivations:
Each type is driven by a specific core motivation, such as the desire for security (Type 1), love and acceptance (Type 2), success and recognition (Type 3), and so on.
Core Fears:
Each type also has a core fear that motivates their behavior, such as the fear of being wrong (Type 1), the fear of being unloved (Type 2), and the fear of being worthless (Type 3).
Unconscious Patterns:
The Enneagram helps individuals understand their unconscious patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, which can lead to self-awareness and growth.
Self-Understanding:
By understanding their Enneagram type, individuals can gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and how they interact with others.
Relationship Dynamics:
The Enneagram can also provide a framework for understanding relationship dynamics and improving communication and empathy.
Personal Growth:
The Enneagram can be a tool for personal growth and self-improvement by identifying areas for self-awareness and conscious choice.
So where did the Girl Gang land on their results?
Where we took our tests: Enneagram Universe
What were our results:
Brandi: Type 3 - The Achiever
Sarah: Type 4 - The Individualist
Rachael: Type 7 - The Enthusiast
Type 3 - The Achiever
Energetic and purposeful, Enneagram type 3 are one of those people that encourage others to do great and big things. They know it’s possible because they’ve done it themselves. They can achieve what other people have a hard time trying to achieve. A lot of people feel inspired by the Achiever and the Achiever’s self-esteem.
Let’s talk about the Enneagram Type 3. They’re The Model, The Communicator, The Status Seeker. When they meet their purpose, nothing can hold them back. That determination is crucial to keep Enneagram Type 3s in tune with their main interest: success. They can always go higher, do things better, and stand out. That’s The Achiever style and it works well for them until they feel under pressure. When faced with this, Type Threes can’t rest, but they also can’t quit. People, put your sunglasses on because the 3s are ready to shine!
Type 4 - The Individualist
The Inward Explorer. The one who sees more in the inner world than the outer world. Enneagram Type 4s are fascinated by the world but don’t truly understand it, which makes them feel that they’re not from here. Who are Enneagram type 4s and what are they doing here? These are the recurrent questions they ask themselves and the world around them.
If every type had its own song, Enneagram 4’s would be the song “Creep” from Radiohead, which includes the lyrics, “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here.” This song somehow represents the way The Individualist feels without the excessive drama or the sadness of its melody. It’s amazing how big their personal museum is. They spend so much time there—exploring, taking notes, trying to decipher their true original self. Type 4s watch as everything they think comes to life and becomes part of their script. Enneagram type 4 have tons of potential and the energy of a volcano, but they are limited to using it only in their imagination. However, they believe that nobody would understand why and how they think, anyway. Hey, weirdo Type 4, do your thing! Show your skills to the world.
Type 7 - The Enthusiast
Enneagram type 7 is the restless explorer. Type 7s always go after whatever makes them feel alive. They are like Pandora’s Box: no one knows what’s coming next. Spontaneous, versatile, and highly stimulated Sevens are up to new intense things.
Imagine one of those typical quiet Sundays when nothing happens and everything seems as deserted as ghost towns in western movies. Well, Type 7s’ lives are the complete opposite. Even in a desert they can find something to do or goals to achieve. But sometimes the emotion involved in finding the oasis can make other water sources go unnoticed. Despite this, Sevens know it’s worth it. Like a butterfly, they flutter around chasing beauty and joy. Life is a plethora of experiences and the Enthusiast wants them all. They’ve got a thirst for life, but unbalanced as they are, Sevens end up never getting satisfied.
Understanding your personality type isn't about boxing yourself in or excusing behaviors that need improvement. Rather, it provides a framework for self-acceptance and targeted personal development. Knowing your natural tendencies allows you to leverage strengths while developing strategies for areas where you might struggle.
As we concluded our discussion, we invited listeners to share their own personality types and experiences. Whether you're a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, an analytical thinker or an empathetic feeler, embracing your authentic personality while remaining open to growth creates the foundation for a fulfilling life aligned with your true self.
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
