Lifetypes

Sandra Krebs Hirsh and Jean Kummerow have written an excellent introduction to personality type which not only helps the reader identify his or her own personality type, but provides detailed descriptions of each type including organizing style, preferred occupations and work settings.

In "LifeTypes," Hirsh & Kummerow provide a well laid-out and thoroughly readable introduction to psychological temperaments and personality types, based on the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The book is divided into two main sections. The first part teaches the reader about the basic Jungian preferences-- extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling and judging/perceiving. Each is explained in terms of general characteristics as well as specifics on how they influence communication, work, relationships, careers and more. The explanations are straightforward, but more than adequate to help readers determine their preferences, and thus their four-letter personality type. Part two offers detailed descriptions of the 16 different personality types. Each is described in terms of their typical directions in life, followed by learning styles, work choices (including settings, organizing style and typical occupations), leadership style, leisure time choices, relationship style and finally a section outlining some potential "trouble spots" and places each type might get "stuck." Final thoughts: Recommended (9 out of 10 possible bookmarks). Whereas it lacks the depth of research and insight offered by experts like David Keirsey ("Please Understand Me"), it is also far easier to read, and thus makes an excellent beginning book for those interested in personality types. Thanks for reading! --Peter

I loved this book. It was one of the first I ever read on typology and Myers-Briggs. The writing style is easy without being condescending. The descriptions of the different types were really useful. I totally recognized myself. Best of all, there was no judgement of readers for being who they are. The book showed me how to embrace my weaknesses as well as my strengths. Highly reccommended.

This book describes the ways in which people most naturally relate to each other and the world. It is based on the Myers-Briggs dimensions and is the most useful, easiest to read, and clearest description of these preferences I've ever seen. Even if you are not at all familiar with the Myers-Briggs, you will learn an enourmous amount about yourself and everyone you come into contact with in this very readable book. It will also be simple to figure out how to use this information to make it easier to relate effectively at home and at work. I'm a psychologist and this may be the most useful book I've ever found.

I found this book an eye-opener - it helped me understand the results of the Myers Briggs assessment and to understand how differently different people approach life. I have been reassessing my interactions with family, friends and colleagues ever since. It is written in an easy style, positive and helpful. I soon went looking for more on type theory and I am very glad I read this first, rather than Keirsey's more arrogant work.