Believe it or not, I actually have a couple of blog posts that I think may be more interesting. A step away from my boring, busy life! (yes, I realize that's an oxymoron...)
Everyone knows your typical "type-A" personality. Highly driven, fast paced, controlling, and competitive. I personally think this classification can be too harsh, but in reality there are some people that will always have to fit each end of this "personality spectrum".
Today I began thinking about the competitiveness seen starting at the college level. I will address science-related experiences, but I assume this could apply outside of my areas of experience.
For many science professions, I feel that the "type-A" personality is selected for. People with type-B personalities are more likely to get the impression that they are not doing what is necessary and will change majors, career paths... etc. Unfortunately, I don't think that's quite fair. They may not be working at that same pace, but perhaps moving slower allows a person to truly think about what they are doing and why. Wouldn't this allow for more creative solutions and approaches to science? That is one problem I see with this selection for type-A.
Problem #2 is related to a function of type-A personalities. These people tend to take on the "leadership role" when working in groups, or together in any way. So when you have greatly reduced the number of type-B people, you have a bunch of leaders working together. I first learned about the function of a group comprised of all leaders working with these 3 wonderful ladies in 2007. I don't think I spoke much about that group... one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me how I really function in a group. I digress...
When you have a group of type-A leaders a new dynamic arises. People can argue for lots of things, but someone has to give in. Someone must let go and realize that for anything to get done, you must let things that aren't critical go. These people are probably what I like to think of as "type a". I think I can classify myself as a type a personality, so here are some features I have recently been noticing. *note, I have NO outside basis for this type and could be a lone person that feels this way
-I tend to take charge in a group, but will take a step back if there is another stronger-willed leader.
-I still try to do lots of the group work, and check what other people do. Then I fight for my argument when I realize that I am actually correct.
-I typically don't win this fight... and it drives me crazy!
-In other situations, I find when I am sitting around with a bunch of type A's that I will attempt to join in conversation... only to find my voice glossed over. By the time I get a chance to jump in we have moved on to 3 other topics.
This last point makes me curious. Am I actually more of a type B, or has this selection for type A made me seem like a type B? Let me clarify. I used to fall in the middle, I was a blend of both type A and type B personalities. (and would argue that is still likely true). Yet, with fewer type B personalities it makes the difference between type A and type a seem much more different.
I just think it's a shame that we are so driven to be type A, and then fail to get done everything that we would like to. To succeed I shouldn't have to become a type A. Yet it sometimes feels like being a type a personality "won't cut-it".
Those are my thoughts on this issue for now. It's something I'll continue to think about. Let me know what you think, and if this applies to your situations. I'd love to know.
Next post: Either "Rules on creating good power point presentations", or... "study changes". If you list a preference, and it's consistent I will do whichever you would like to hear first. If you don't care... I suppose you won't be reading my blog!
2 comments:
I am a B+ personality :) There is no ambition in me...I just like to be told what to do and work hard at it. But I feel like a failure in life. There are no accolades for people who want to stay the assistant their whole lives...they are thought of as lazy and incompetant. Sadly, all leaders and companies can use us hard-working non-leader types...but we are often taken advantage of or made to feel like me...failures.
Interestingly...although I am mostly a type B, I am very loud and gregarious in group settings, often leading the conversations or moving us from topic to topic. Probably why I thought I would be a good teacher. I think very few people are all one thing or another...which is why it is hard to label ourselves. ;) I think you are definitely a hard headed type A personality...vivacious and tenacious, unwilling to give up and always willing to fight for what you think (even if it doesn't make any sense...). You just may swim with bigger A's that drown you out ;)
It's hard being Type A. Coming from someone who spent the first half of her life being a double A++ (also known as the perfectionist).
I chose to study the field I was good and competitive at (journalism). I was AWESOME at writing and deadlines and kicked A** in one of the most competitive schools in the country.
But I hated it. What I really wanted to do was Geography. I wasn't as good at it, but my passion for the subject...
I was scared to compete and find myself anywhere but at the top of my field. So I didn't.
And then there was the meltdown (which I believe you were vaguely aware of-- not a pretty time in my life).
Then I found libraries-- combining the best thing about journalism (the hunt-research) with a passion (children and learning).
No, it isn't rocket science. I still have more ambition than I probably should. But it doesn't stress me out anymore. I think I went from an AA++ to an a. And let me tell you, I'd give almost anything (but my ambition) to be a B!
Don't worry, Big A-- you're still an A as far as I'm concerned. The fact that you get up every day and do what you do...
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