If we're unsure about our preferences, what we like, and what we want, it seems we're more likely to be swept away by others' opinions and circumstances when making important choices.

Have you heard of ‘Self-Understanding Intelligence’? It's described as the ability to accurately perceive oneself, plan, and regulate one's life. Individuals with high levels of this intelligence tend to see themselves as independent entities, not easily swayed by their surroundings, and adept at solving their problems. Perhaps striving to understand ourselves better and making an effort daily is the key to making the best decisions and leading a happier life.

Thus, in my column, I aim to explore the journey of discovering ‘selfness.’ The first step on this journey is a discussion about ‘personality.’

1 The MBTI Craze: “Know Thyself...?”
“I had to take an MBTI test to join Company A.”

I was surprised when a recently joined colleague from a career position mentioned that her previous company included the MBTI test as an official part of their hiring process. Some companies explicitly required the submission of MBTI results or stated that certain types could not apply. The MBTI has significantly impacted corporate hiring practices. According to a 2023 Embrain Trend Monitor survey, the percentage of people aware of the ‘MBTI Personality Type Indicator’ increased from 53.9% in 2021 to 77.0% in 2023. Most respondents, predominantly from the Millennials and Gen Z, cited curiosity about their personality (50.4%) and what kind of person they are (41.3%) as reasons for taking the test. Why are the Millennials and Gen Z so keen on understanding themselves?

As a member of the Millennials and Gen Z, I find a substantial interest in MBTI and various personality assessments. It seems we are no longer in an era where one's job defines them; instead, it's an era where having a ‘unique personality’ is essential. Unlike our parent's generation, which had set paths like becoming a civil servant, teacher, or joining a large corporation, our generation faces many job options. Even after landing a job, it's common to change positions multiple times to find a better fit or to juggle various jobs, including YouTube. In this era, ‘self-branding’ has become crucial for survival, making MBTI a popular tool for self-exploration.


The ease of online access to these tests and the ability to share results has made exchanging MBTI types with friends an everyday activity. However, while the simplicity of sharing these limited types is advantageous, overreliance on the test can lead to oversimplification or generalization of individuals. For those seeking a deeper and more accurate understanding of their personality, I recommend exploring a variety of assessments. In this context, I'd like to introduce a few tests.

2 “One Type Doesn't Define Me!”
Discovering the Multifaceted ‘Me’ with the Birkman Method

The background to my first shared assessment involves the MBTI craze. At any gathering, the inevitable question would arise:

“What's your MBTI?” “I'm an ESTJ!” “...T..?! I knew it!”

I remember thinking, “I'm not defined by just one type...” “I want to know more about myself beyond the MBTI...” This curiosity led me to discover the ‘Birkman Method.’

The Birkman Method assumes people are multifaceted and diagnoses various aspects instead of judging based on one tendency alone. The Basic Birkman Assessment measures the following five items:

This image shows a part of the sample report, spanning roughly 20 pages, covering everything from interests to in-depth career exploration. Therefore, this assessment is particularly recommended for job seekers wanting to identify their preferred job functions and strengths; young professionals planning their careers; and employees seeking solutions to stress or burnout. It's also useful for team-building workshops to understand colleagues' diverse characteristics and work styles.

3 Will It Change or Not?
Discovering My Temperament and Personality with TCI

The second assessment I want to share came into my life when I felt confused about my personality. There was a time when I considered myself extroverted and enjoyed meeting people, but at some point, I found it increasingly challenging to interact with strangers, and it seemed my personality changed significantly depending on the situation. This led me to wonder about the immutable aspects of my personality versus those that could change, prompting me to take the TCI (Temperament and Character Inventory), an instrument for comprehensive personality assessment.

Parents sometimes exclaim, “Who did this child take after to behave like this?!”

This saying underscores that everyone has a ‘temperament’ — innate aspects that remain unchanged throughout life. In contrast, ‘personality’ is susceptible to postnatal influences and can vary with environmental changes. The TCI test, which assesses both temperament and personality, measures the following scales:

Consider a child who appears more distracted than others. This child may inherently have a high level of novelty seeking. Years later, the child might become less distracted and more composed. Even a child with a high novelty-seeking temperament can adapt their personality over time; as responsibility and self-directedness develop, they learn to regulate themselves better. he TCI test allows for a comprehensive understanding of one's innate temperament and the aspects of personality that have formed postnatally, identifying areas for further development.

4 How do you take the test?
Is there a free version available?

If you've read this far, you're likely interested in exploring your personality. The Birkman and TCI do not provide any standalone assessment program; I recommend utilizing company counseling systems or attending classes offered by experts on platforms like Kmong or Naver Expert.

I recommend the ‘Trost’ app for those looking for a quick, free personality test before investing in a formal assessment. While it offers paid programs for mental health counseling and classes, it also provides a variety of free tests, including comprehensive psychological/personality assessments, stress tests, and self-esteem tests. Additionally, the app features a range of content like meditation, ASMR, and emotion diaries, making it a convenient tool for maintaining mental well-being in daily life. However, remember that free tests are intended for casual self-exploration; those seeking accurate and reliable insights should consider taking a paid assessment.