I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You: The Real Meaning of the Sixteen Personality Types [Paperback]

Roger R. Pearman (Author), Sarah Albritton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 1997

Answers the eternal question, what is normal? A treasure chest of insights for those who seek a greater self-understanding.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Building on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Inventory (MBTI), Pearman and Albritton, executives at Leadership Innovations, an international consulting and training firm, present an in-depth study of the dynamics of type. Through charts and explanatory text, the authors present a wide array of information, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type, and explore type-dynamic behaviors and interactions, all to help us better understand our motivation and those of others. Individuals and managers who have taken the MBTI or use it for staff training will find this book a useful source for putting their knowledge of differing types to work toward communication with colleagues. For public libraries serving business professionals.?Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L., Md.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Differences matter. From the crib to the boardroom, from the golf course to the bedroom, differences matter. In this second edition of I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You, Pearman and Albritton bring up-to-date research to push our understanding of those differences to a new level. Their thinking challenges us to be proactive in our relationships and they give us the tools to be successful. (William W. Sternbergh, senior fellow, leadership education (ret), Center for Creative Leadership )

I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You is invaluable in my role as leader of a multinational, multicultural team. Being able to understand my colleagues' type preferences-and explain my own-increased the levels of trust and support in the team. This book is essential reading for any leader attempting something new and challenging. (Malcolm Barnett, managing director (ret), Corning Cable Systems )

The acceptance of difference-a commitment to tolerance and listening to others without assumptions-is a theme for our times. This book is a guide for greater understanding in the next decade of rapid change across generations and different global cultures. (Dr. Sally Campbell, partner of S.A. Campbell Associates and former president of the British Association for Psychological Type )

This second edition of I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You advocates sincerely and intelligently for greater tolerance and for valuing differences. This book is of huge relevance to those working in the talent management space. (Helen Goldson, vice president, talent management, Goodrich )

Individuals and managers who have taken the MBTIr or use it for staff training will find this book a useful source for putting their knowledge of differing types to work toward communication with colleagues. (Library Journal ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing; 1 edition (March 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891060960
• ISBN-13: 978-0891060963
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Mixed Bag for MBTI-philes, March 8, 2001

By 

Aranion (Dayton, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You: The Real Meaning of the Sixteen Personality Types (Paperback)

As a layman fascinated with all things MBTI, I picked up this book with eagerness, hoping it might give deeper insights into what other books and Websites discussed, or tread new ground. I was somewhat disappointed.

The authors DO start with some fairly clear, insightful examples and definitions of the MBTI categories, including a wonderful story about an E father and an I son. However, they soon veer from clarity and insight into what I can only call high-level "mush" -- paragraph upon paragraph of needless exposition and feel-good truisms. As noted in another review, Pearman and Albritton's prose is an inconsistent mix of clear, focused text and fluffy, platitude-filled philosophy on having appreciation and understanding for those different from you. While I do appreciate their emphasis -- not stereotyping others and working hard not to just understand them in an academic way, the writing is simply too "lite" and jarring with the text that is specifically MBTI-centered. When they remain on-topic about MBTI and how types interact, the book is good (though not anything drastically different/deeper than other books in the marketplace).

They do offer some very good insights into what the different types value, especially in regards to communications. This is where the book is most valuable -- as a beginning point for understanding HOW and WHY you communicate the way do, and ways to bridge differences with others. However, their many charts tend to get a bit numbing after a while, and some don't do a very good job of show clearer delineation between the 16 types. And for whatever reason, the authors completely ignore Keirsey's distinction between character and temperament; using it could have helped them carry their thesis farther and with more punch.

Worth reading -- or at least skimming -- if you really enjoy MBTI-related material, but for those new to MBTI or looking for more practical, user-friendly texts, I recommend looking into Keirsey's or Kroeger's works.

55 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for understanding business relationships, April 5, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You: The Real Meaning of the Sixteen Personality Types (Paperback)

I've known my MBTI for many years, so what? It wasn't until I read this book that I understood all the implications. The book goes beyond just explaining your personality type, but actually provides useful information regarding how to deal with each. Information is displayed in great succinct charts covering such aspects as: expression of attitudes, motivators, inner tensions, development recommendations, how the type gathers/absorbs information, valued relationship qualities, as well as hot buttons, prejudices, and other issues. I purchased two copies, one to keep and one to distribute among my team.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book explains everything, August 14, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Not Crazy, I'm Just Not You: The Real Meaning of the Sixteen Personality Types (Paperback)

Instead of just telling you that the MBTI exists and providing unsubstantiated examples, this book explains the theories behind type classification, giving you the background necessary to make justifications about the role it should play in your life. Rather than encouraging the use of type theory to put people in categories, "I'm Not Crazy..." provides the opporunity for you to broaden your understanding of the motivations behind the thoughts and actions of those that are close to you.