"Angela Maffeo, Director of the Cambridge Institute of Psychological Types, conducted a Myers- Briggs Type Indicator ("MBTI") assessment for me in July 1996. In addition to the MBTI report, which was accompanied by excellent informational materials providing further detail, Angela met with me for an individual interpretation.
The combination of a scored report and Angela’s counsel were vital to a clear understanding of the MBTI as a tool, as well as its value to an individual or organization. Beyond explaining how she arrved at my score, Angela helped me to recognize dominant characteristics and encouraged me to use that knowledge to develop inferior functions to improve my overall quality of life. I began to understand how my preferences influenced my responses to other individuals and life situations. Over the intervening years, I have come to realize the extent to which this insight has proven to be essential in both my personal and professional life.
Recently, as a student at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, I encountered the use of the MBTI in my organizational behavior class. While its use was intended simply as an
introduction to the method, it demonstrated to me how the superficial employment of “preferences” i is of little value. After conducting the exercise, students were directed to self-interpret and use the results as a means of getting to “know” other members of an assigned work group. However, my experience as a member of this group was not enhanced by this exercise, as attributes were merely described, not analyzed. If this had been my sole experience with the MBTI, I would surely have missed its fundamental benefits.
I continue to reflect upon Angela’s interpretation of my MBTI results. Change is difficult, but, understanding my MBTI type has given me the ability to recognize internal obstacles to effecting change. That ability is motivational and important. I believe it is because of Angela’s keen i interpretative skill and guidance that I have been able to make the most of this knowledge. Angela is, indeed, a “change agent,” and I am delighted to endorse The Agency for Change and the Myers- Briggs Type Indicator as instruments for personal growth and development."
"I think there is a great need for your typology class. There are so many intelligent, driven people in this area. The question, of course, where are we driving to and why are we driving there so hard? One way people attempt are a student at a college or university, but a lot of people in Boston - including several of my friends - have no access to such a counselor.
In particular, I have known several people who have done a PhD and continued in academic research as a postdoc at one of the universities here, who have serious questions and doubts as to whether they really should be in science. And if they should not be in science, then what should they do... This is a very common phenomenon. The problem is that the academic research environment provides absolutely no support for these people. Within the academic system, there is no one who has enough perspective or even interest to help or guide postdocs with these questions. All the professors don't have time or interest or perspective or anything to help. They are within the system. The answer has to come from a place outside the system. All they do is tell the postdoc to continue to keep doing what they are doing. You can't even talk to them - seriously - about career decisions if these decisions involve making a path outside academic research.
The sad thing is that there are many options for people to get out of science and do something else - only it takes a lot of effort to try to figure everything out for yourself. Your typology class would provide an easier way to start addressing some of these questions. Thus, there is a great need for your kind of class and I think you would do very well with it. Additionally, the typology class is a doorway - and I think quite an accessible doorway for many people - into a more serious inquiry into self, identity, personal expectation and motivation, and the truth of one's own experience in life."
"I really enjoyed the class! Whoever described you as a catalyst was absolutely right. I haven't felt this motivated to make a meaningful change in my life in quite some time. I hope our paths cross again."
"Content was fascinating and manner in which it was delivered -- captivating."
EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
FOR
LONG DISTANCE LEARNING
FOUR-WEEK
SELF DISCOVERY PROGRAM USING
THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR®
Q. Did the four-week program meet your expectations ?
A. Absolutely. I came to a good understanding of MBTI , as well as my ISTJ results. Also, with the discussion regarding my inferior function Extraverted Intuition, I more clearly recognize the importance of achieving balance.
Q. What was the most positive or negative aspect about the program for you?
A. I felt it was well-tailored to my particular needs. It was conducted at a pace which was commensurate with my ability to comprehend the prescribed reading material.
The most negative aspect would be that my 3000 mile distance from the instructor required meetings by long distance telephone and via emails. Despite these limitations,
I felt the interaction with the instructor and learning experience was excellent.
Q. In a word, or phrase, the most important concept you took away from the course.
A. Fate is what we make: If we don’t see our patterns, we repeat them.
Q. May I publish your remarks on my website?
A. Positively. I would even be happy to recommend “distance learning” given my positive experience.
Q. Comments or suggestions to offer:
A. I genuinely appreciated the large amount of useful reference information. Specifically, I enjoyed reading the Cambridge Institute of Psychological Types Life Coaching Newsletter (February 2005). It discussed C.G. Jung’s concept of Individuation, and extended it with the expression, “To be the author of your own life is a powerful experience and eternally renewing.”
EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
FOR
DAY OF SELF DISCOVERY AT RADCLIFFE
NOVEMBER 5, 2006
Oh Angela, it was such a rich, rich day - I can hardly thank you enough. Yes, you gave us reams to read, but it is all so fascinating; I feel as though I am going to understand myself and past behaviours in an entirely new way through this. I look forward very much to going over ALL the information you gave us - and continue to send us.
And may I say again how very impressed I am with you personally? Your spirit of adventure, ability to build bridges very easily and quickly (again, that story of how l listening to the radio guest say "The answer is not in your thoughts" led you to Zen and points beyond is but one example) - you truly are a Seeker. One who can also i illuminate the way for some of the rest of us.
Octavia Randolph
Novemer 2006
EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
FOR
INTRODUCTION TO THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR
AND
SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY
During the fall of 2008 and Spring of 2009
The sessions on MBTI have opened my mind and answered my questions about myself. Earlier I had so many doubts and confusions in my mind about my preferences and my style of working. I was told by my family that I need to correct myself. Angela helped me see what my personality type is and that it is not right or wrong to be who I am. I need to know, understand and respect the person I am. I can easily say this was the beginning of a new life for me. Then Angela and I met for the Spiritual Autobiography classes. When I started the journey with Angela I had no clue what it is going to do to me. I was shaken, as if I woke up from a deep slumber and I could see my life, the connections, the stages and the experiences. For the first time it made so much sense to me. Above all I could see that life is full of opportunities and happiness and it all depends on how I want to see it. And also there’s no point in looking back. Angela has been my guiding star, a remarkable person, who has given me a new lease of life. Angela patiently listened to my stories, thrown questions at me which had stirred even the i innermost and strongly held ideas in my mind. At points where I was confused Angela helped me understand the situation. The materials and books referred by Angela have helped me a lot.
I will be indebted to Angela for helping me live again, for opening my mind and for helping me forget the traumatic life I have lived all these years.
Thank you Angela.
