An Introduction to Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator
Posted by Jay Suthers on Jul 20th, 2023
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report personality test that is based on the work of Carl Jung. The MBTI assesses four dimensions of personality:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): How a person gets their energy. Extraverts are energized by being around people and engaging in activities. Introverts are energized by spending time alone and reflecting on their thoughts and feelings.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): How a person takes in information. Sensors prefer to focus on the present moment and use concrete information to make decisions. Intuitives prefer to focus on the future and use abstract information to make decisions.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): How a person makes decisions. Thinkers prefer to make decisions based on logic and reason. Feelers prefer to make decisions based on their emotions and values.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): How a person deals with the outside world. Judgers prefer to have a plan and like things to be organized. Perceivers prefer to be spontaneous and flexible.
The MBTI results in one of 16 personality types, each with its own unique set of characteristics. The 16 personality types are:
ISTJ – The Logistician: ISTJs are practical, organized, and efficient. They are detail-oriented and have a strong sense of duty. They are often found in careers in business, law, and accounting.
ISFJ – The Defender: ISFJs are kind, caring, and helpful. They are loyal and devoted to their loved ones. They are often found in careers in healthcare, education, and social work.
INFJ – The Advocate: INFJs are compassionate, idealistic, and creative. They have a deep understanding of human nature and are often drawn to helping others. They are often found in careers in counseling, social justice, and the arts.
INTJ – The Architect: INTJs are intelligent, logical, and independent. They are creative problem-solvers and have a strong vision for the future. They are often found in careers in engineering, science, and technology.
ISTP – The Crafter: ISTPs are hands-on, practical, and mechanical. They are good at solving problems and making things work. They are often found in careers in engineering, mechanics, and construction.
ISFP – The Artist: ISFPs are creative, expressive, and individualistic. They are passionate about their interests and have a strong sense of personal style. They are often found in careers in art, music, and fashion.
INFP – The Mediator: INFPs are compassionate, idealistic, and sensitive. They are deeply concerned with the well-being of others and have a strong sense of justice. They are often found in careers in counseling, social work, and the arts.
INTP – The Thinker: INTPs are intelligent, logical, and independent. They are curious and enjoy exploring new ideas. They are often found in careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
ESTP – The Persuader: ESTPs are outgoing, adventurous, and spontaneous. They are good at making decisions and taking action. They are often found in careers in sales, marketing, and business.
ESFP – The Entertainer: ESFPs are outgoing, enthusiastic, and fun-loving. They enjoy being around people and living in the moment. They are often found in careers in entertainment, hospitality, and sales.
ENFP – The Champion: ENFPs are outgoing, enthusiastic, and idealistic. They are passionate about their beliefs and enjoy inspiring others. They are often found in careers in counseling, social work, and the arts.
ENTP – The Debater: ENTPs are outgoing, clever, and curious. They enjoy exploring new ideas and challenging the status quo. They are often found in careers in law, business, and academia.
ESTJ – The Director: ESTJs are organized, efficient, and results-oriented. They are good at getting things done and setting clear expectations. They are often found in careers in business, management, and law enforcement.
ESFJ – The Caregiver: ESFJs are warm, caring, and supportive. They enjoy helping others and making them feel comfortable. They are often found in careers in healthcare, education, and hospitality.
Each of the 16 personality types has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to understand your own personality type and the personality types of others in order to better communicate and collaborate with them. The MBTI can be a helpful tool for personal and career development. But it is also a great tool for understanding yourself, learning what your super powers are, and how to improve your life.
The best resource for learning more about your personality type is the Myers & Briggs Foundation. You can take the test to find your type or, if you already know your type, learn what your type means.
Another useful resource is 16personalities.com. Here you can also take the test and/or review the personality types.
You can search for other helpful resources such as personality types and relationship compatibility.
The important thing about taking the test is to be honest with yourself. Answer each statement in terms of who you are and not who you would like to be. For example, one statement might be, "I like to talk to people on the telephone". Respond to this statement based on what you really feel and not that you wish you liked to talk to people on the phone if you don't actually like to do that.
There are no right or wrong responses and there are many positive aspects to every personality type. There is no negative personality type. At the very least, have fun learning more about yourself.
Thank you for reading,
Jay
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