MBTI AT A GLANCE

1. MBTI Full Form:- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®

2. Developed By: - Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, to make C.G. Jung's theory of psychological type practical
and useful in people's lives.
3. Used in:-
a. understanding and developing yourself
b. understanding and developing others
c. understanding what motivates others
d. understanding others' strengths and weaknesses
e. working in teams - by ensuring that all relevant necessary capabilities are represented in the team
f. allocating and agreeing tasks and project responsibilities
g. agreeing roles and development with others and for oneself
4. Misconceptions:-
a. NOT a personality test
b. NOT an excuse for poor behavior
c. CANNOT put you in a box- You can WORK on your weaknesses
d. Does NOT change with time
5. DIMENSIONS:-
a. Extraversion–Introversion (E–I) :- The first dichotomy explores how we are energised. In this model these differences are
termed Extroversion (E) and Introversion (I). The E–I index is designed to reflect whether a person is an extravert or an
introvert in the sense intended by Jung. Jung regarded extraversion and introversion as "mutually complementary" attitudes
whose differences "generate the tension that both the individual and society need for the maintenance of life." Extraverts are
oriented primarily toward the outer world; thus they tend to focus their perception and judgment on people and objects.
Introverts are oriented primarily toward the inner world; thus they tend to focus their perception and judgment upon concepts
and ideas.

i. Extraversion (E)

People with a preference for Extraversion draw energy from an external world of interaction and doing.

They tend to act first, then reflect, then act further.

Tend to prefer to communicate by talking.

Often considered good talkers.

Inactivity, thought and reflection tends to lead to a decline in energy and motivation, requiring interaction with people and
things to recharge.

You might like to think of people who have a preference for Extraversion like solar panels, soaking up energy from the
outside world.

ii. Introversion (I)

People with a preference for Introversion draw energy from an internal world of thought and reflection.

They tend to reflect, then act, then reflect further.

Tend to prefer to communicate in writing.

Often considered good listeners.

 Activity in the outside world tends to lead to a decline in energy and motivation, requiring opportunity for inner thought and
reflection in a more quiet environment to recharge.

You might like to think of people who have a preference for Introversion like rechargeable batteries, plugging themselves in
when spent.

A mostly extrovert group will (almost) without fail start the process with a trial and error period of activity, while in contrast introvert groups
will start the process with a period of contemplation.

Often the ‘E’ group will begin with a brain storming session, where multiple ideas are thrown into the pot before any questions are
documented. While in contrast the ‘I’ group tends to spend the first few minutes in quiet thought before the first suggestion is put forward.

b. Sensing–Intuition (S–N):- The second dichotomy explores the type of information we prefer to pay attention to. In this model
these differences are termed Sensing (S) and iNtuition (N). The S–N index is designed to reflect a person's preference between
two opposite ways of perceiving; one may rely primarily upon the process of sensing (S), which reports observable facts or
happenings through one or more of the five senses; or one may rely upon the less obvious process of intuition (N), which
reports meanings, relationships and/or possibilities that have been worked out beyond the reach of the conscious mind.
Sensing (S) Intuition (N)

May prefer information that is in the present, tangible and concrete: information May prefer to pay attention to information
can be comprehended by the five senses. that is more abstract or theoretical, that can
be associated with other information.
They may prefer to to be interested in the small detail and facts. For them, the
meaning is in the data. They may be more interested in future
possibilities. The meaning is in how the data
Prefer to trust experience and what is real. relates to the pattern or theory.

Tend to focus on the small detail first. Prefer to trust gut feelings and hunches.

Often considered practical minded people, using common sense and tried and Tend to focus on the big picture first.
tested methods when approaching problems.
Often considered creative and inventive
people, using imagination and ingenuity when
approaching problems.
Rembrandt is a good example of someone who used a Sensing (S) preference in his
Picasso is a good example of someone who
work, painting factual and real detail.
used an intuitive (N) preference in his work,
painting abstract and contemporary images.
While the ‘S’ group build designs based on reality – something with walls, desks, computers, people etc. and language like “what does an office
need”, “what do we have we can use” the ‘N’ group build things that require imagination to actually envisage, and use language like “what
can we make this into”, “if you picture an upstairs, we haven’t built one but imagine it”…

The outcome here – a clear difference in information and detail usage – reality vs imagination and innovation.

c. Thinking–Feeling (T–F) :- The third dichotomy explores how we prefer to make decisions. In this model these differences are
termed Thinking (T) and Feeling (F).The T–F index is designed to reflect a person's preference between two contrasting ways of
judgment. A person may rely primarily through thinking (T) to decide impersonally on the basis of logical consequences, or a
person may rely primarily on feelings (F) to decide primarily on the basis of personal or social values.

Thinking (T)

Naturally search for principles and logic when making decisions.

Outcome/goal focussed.

Are often objective and can appear dispassionate in their decision making.

True or false.

Black or white.
Conflict is accepted as a natural and normal part of relationships

Enjoy being recognised for their results.

Decisions are made with the head.

Feeling (F)

Naturally use personal feelings and values when making decisions.

Process focussed.

Are often subjective in their decision making, striving to maintain harmony for all involved.

Good or bad.

Many grey areas - not that simple.

Conflict is unsettling and is avoided at all costs.

Enjoy being appreciated for their contribution.

Decisions are made with the heart.

d. Judgment–Perception (J–P):- The final dichotomy,added by Myers & Briggs, describes the external lifestyle we prefer to lead.
The J–P index is designed to describe the process a person uses primarily in dealing with the outer world, that is, with the
extraverted part of life. A person who prefers judgment (J) has reported a preference for using a judgment process (either
 thinking or feeling) for dealing with the outer world. A person who prefers perception (P) has reported a preference for using a
perceptive process (either S or N) for dealing with the outer world.

Perceiving (P)
Judging (J)

Often appear to have no plan of action and act on spontaneity.

Often appear planned and organized in their daily routines.

Flexible and adaptable.

Planned and organized.

Enjoy freedom and variety. Resist or fight against structure,

Feel supported by structure, guidelines and standardized
rules, plans etc.
methods.

Enjoy surprises and last minute changes.

Dislike surprises and last minute changes.

May also use lists. Will probably add to, continually alter or lose
May gain satisfaction from ticking off completed tasks on a list.
the list altogether.

Often complete projects in a step-by-step, fashion, and in

Often leave projects until the very last minute, thriving on the
advance of the deadline.
frenetic activity that is needed.
6. Identifying the MBTI Preferences:- The main objective of the MBTI instrument is to identify four basic preferences. The indices E–I, S–N,
T–F, and J–P are designed to point in one direction or the other. They are not designed as scales for measurement of traits or
behaviors. The intent is to reflect a habitual choice between rival alternatives, analogous to right handedness or left-handedness. One
expects to use both the right and left hands, even though one reaches first with the hand one prefers. Similarly, every person is
assumed to use both poles of each of the four preferences, but to respond first or most often with the preferred functions or attitudes.
7. The 16 Types:- As located on the Type Table

ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ

ISTP ISFP INFP INTP

ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP

ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

8. Major Sources of Conflicts: - J & P Difference:- Imagine you are in a meeting discussing an imminent decision when someone suggests;
“Let’s wait and see what happens before we decide.” How you respond of course, depends on the situation and the decision you have
before you. However, there are general differences in how people might respond to this comment. Some may agree that it is good to
collect more data, while others would rather make the decision and move on to the next topic.

A similar situation may occur when discussing where to eat dinner, what to do next, which movie to watch, or other more important
life matters. Do you prefer to decide or keep your options open? How you approach the world around you can influence your
communications with others. In personality type language Judging (J) is not used as “being judgmental” in the traditional sense, rather
it is used to describe a preference for coming to a decision in order to move forward, accomplish tasks and reach goals. The alternative
preference, Perceiving (P), is associated with taking in more information and keeping options open. Often Js want to decide while Ps
want to explore more possibilities.

People who prefer Judging like to structure and organize their activities as well as the environment around them. They like to make
and follow plans. However, those who prefer Perceiving may not want to be confined by structure and planning. They prefer a more
open-ended approach. While we all have the ability to use both of these approaches, a person tends to prefer to operate in one mode
rather than the other.

When people share time together, this difference can create communication problems. For the upcoming weekend or vacation next
month, the Js may want to plan and organize when and where they are going. In contrast, the Ps often prefer to not make plans,
experiencing the day as it unfolds. Those with Judging preferences may argue that, without planning, you’ll miss interesting events
because flights are full, hotels are booked, and tickets are sold out. This is all true.

Those with Perceiving preferences may insist that if you make plans in advance, you might not be available when that wonderful last
minute experience arises, your plans may not fit with what you feel like doing in the moment, or the planning itself can cause stress
due to unexpected events. This is also true.

There are no good or bad ways to manage your time. As with all personality type differences, planning and being spontaneous have
both advantages and disadvantages. The challenge is to meet the needs of Js as well as Ps when spending time with others.

The completion of tasks is another area where Js and Ps differ. Ps often are stimulated by working in a last minute rush, close to the
deadline, while Js usually like to start early and accomplish tasks without the last minute time crunch. Js can find an impending
deadline more stressful than stimulating while Ps may not be motivated to work on a task if the deadline is too far in the future. In my
MBTI® certifying workshops I have heard many stories of Js telling Ps that the deadline for a product is sooner than it actually is,
because they don’t trust the “just in time” work style. This does little to improve J/P communications, since Ps are not happy when
they figure out this ruse.
 Which brings us to the topic of work style vs. competency. Some negative behavioral labels erroneously applied to Perceiving types are
lateness and disorganization. Being late for appointments or meetings, completing projects behind schedule, and not organizing
important documents are performance issues, not personality preferences. Please don’t label these behaviors as characteristics
associated with someone who prefers Perceiving. In a similar way, we can’t associate inflexibility or being overly concerned with
structure and protocol as behaviors associated with a Judging preference.

There are some people, both Js and Ps, that have performance issues or inappropriate behaviors, but this is not because of their
preferences. This also means that personal preferences are not excuses for problematic behaviors, although I’m sure you have heard
people use their type preferences to excuse some behavioral problems. Unfortunately, I have heard many J/P stories where people
were frustrated by their differences and described these differences as problematic behaviors rather than positive, alternative ways of
being oriented to the world. Perhaps thinking of the advantages rather than disadvantages of each approach might help people avoid
this negative mindset.

The positive synergy of a combined J/P approach highlights the best of these two personality preferences. Being decisive or flexible as
appropriate can help us interact more effectively and untangle the web of communication differences.

1. If you want to read about your type- then go to Google and type the FOUR letters of your type followed by the word profile and then
press enter. Example INFJ profile or you can read the snapshot in the attached .ppt also.
2. If you want to assess your TYPE then please go to the following link and take the test. http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-
win/JTypes2.asp (website address for MBTI)