What's a PLN and Who Am I?

What is a PLN:

A Personal Learning Network, or PLN, is a network that one uses to learn. This network can consist of people, including friends, family and professionals, devices and services. Just like one’s own learning style, a PLN is unique to each person. PLNs can also be used in different contexts, such as at work, in school, or at home. Watch this video to learn how to develop your personal learning network:

Video Source: NRC CILT form YouTube

I recently took 3 online personality tests. After looking at my results, I have a few notes for myself about my strengths, what I contribute to a PLN, and also a few things I can work on.

My Personality Tests Results: Personality Test #1: 16 Personalities

Image source: 16personalities.com

My thoughts: I 100% agree with this. I have taken this kind of test before, and I get the same results. I am definitely an organized person, and I flourish in structured environments. I would not do well in spaces that are open to “work as you wish or do whatever.” I need a schedule; summers are often really hard for me because I don’t have one. The results also said I “have an uncanny ability to sense others’ needs and a strong drive to meet them, often putting the welfare of those around you above your own.” Sometimes this is a weakness. I will put off my own work to assist others or double my work to do theirs as well. I love helping others but sometimes It’s too hard for me to turn away an overwhelmed friend in need.

Personality Test #2: Five-Factor Test

• Extraversion: 92%
• Openness to Experience: 77%
• Conscientiousness: 76%
• Agreeableness: 95%
• Neuroticism: 51%

My thoughts: Extravert, 92%, absolutely. I definitely get energized by social gathering and being with people. I’m surprised I didn't get 100%. As for my 77% on Openness to Experience, I am surprised. I would think I would be lower because I prefer familiarity, simplicity, and conventionality. I also agree with my Conscientiousness score at 76%. I am organized and reliable, and a lot of the time I can be a perfectionist. This is a strength and weakness. I love a job well done but at times it could take me too long because I keep redoing it. My Agreeableness score at 95% makes sense as well. Social harmony is my goal in life. I would fail miserably in the military. I love that I’m straight down the center of Neuroticism. I'm pretty stable in my emotions however I was diagnosed in high school with generalized anxiety disorder, so I do experience negative emotions from time to time.

Personality Test #3: Personality Type Indicator 
My thoughts: ESFJs like me make up about 9% of the population. This test says I am friendly,

Image source: my-personality-test.com

outgoing, easily form strong connections with others and enjoy time with friends and family. While practical and observant, I seek others' opinions but struggle with criticism. My desire to help can lead to frustration in relationships. It's important to balance my sense of responsibility with my own needs, avoiding over-focus on social status and others' expectations. Oy! This is so true! Very similar to the first “16 Personalities” test I took. It states how I put others before myself and sometimes that causes problems.

What I Can Bring to a PLN: 

The organization Let's Grow Leaders states you need four different types of people in your PLN:

• An Encourager
• A Challenger
• An Advocate
• A Technical Advisor (Hurt, 2021)

I am for sure an Encourager. This is the peer you can trust to pick you up when you’re feeling down. You can vent about setbacks, and they’ll remind you how wonderful you are. They’re your “You’ve got this” go-to. That’s me! While I also can be a Challenger, I’m more an Encourager that reminds you of how smart you are, your challenger asks tough and courageous questions that really make you think. I am also an Advocate, but maybe not in the way that would serve a PLN. I advocate for my students, my kids and people, and pets, who may not have a voice or a strong one. As far as being a Technical Advisor, I feel I am the go-to person for tech questions at my school. Not necessarily to fix a broken tool but more helping with spreadsheets, documents and creating flyers.

What I Want to Work On & a Timeline: 

As an ESFJ, I bring warmth and enthusiasm to my relationships, but like everyone, I have areas for growth. Here are some common weaknesses and tips for improvement:

Overcommitment: My desire to help others can lead to taking on too much and becoming overwhelmed.

• How I can improve: I can set clear boundaries with myself and learn to say no. Ensure I’m giving as much as I’m receiving.
• Hold myself accountable: Every month, starting the first week of October, I will make a list/ calendar of my commitments and evaluate what truly matters.

Need for Approval: I seek validation from others.

• How I can improve: I need to work on self-acceptance.
• Hold myself accountable: I can reflect on my strengths and achievements without external validation starting to journal monthly starting October 1 to help solidify my self-worth.

Overly Sensitive to Criticism: I often take feedback personally.

• How I can improve: I can practice viewing criticism as a tool for growth.
• Hold myself accountable:  On my upcoming evaluation (sometime) in November, I will remind myself it’s about the work, not my worth. I will ask direct questions about my work. 

By focusing on these areas, I can start to enhance my strengths and create a more balanced approach to relationships.

Sources: 

• “ESFJ Personality (Consul) | 16Personalities.” 16Personalities, 2024, www.16personalities.com/esfj-personality. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
• “Five Factor Test - Psychologist World.” Psychologistworld.com, Psychologist World, 2024, www.psychologistworld.com/influence-personality/five-factor-test/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
• Hurt, Karin. “How to Build a Better Network of Peer Relationships.” Let’s Grow Leaders, 6 Sept. 2021, letsgrowleaders.com/2021/09/06/how-to-build-a-better-network-of-peer-relationships/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-build-a-better-network-of-peer-relationships. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
• My Personality Test. “Personality Type Indicator.” My Personality Test, My Personality Test , 3 Aug. 2020, my-personality-test.com/personality-type-indicator. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.