USING MYER BRIGGS
Understand your workers better than they understand themselves
MYER BRIGGS
We ask every member of our team to take a Myers Briggs test. All preferences are equally valuable and each type brings an important point of view when people interact. A mixture of types is best for a work group or team because many views are represented. The most important aspect of the Myers-Briggs type theory is that every type has value. Although each type approaches situations differently, and another persons approach may not be what you would choose, each way can be effective.
For example, lets say you have a friend named Mario. Marios type may lead him to like doing things at the last minute, while you are uncomfortable if everything isnt scheduled and planned in advance. Mario may feel constrained when he has to plan far in advance. You are not right and Mario wrong. Mario is not right and you wrong. Different ways, based on different personality types, work for one of you and not for the other.
Of course if you and Mario have to work on a project together, or live in the same family, your differences can be irritating to one another. This is when knowing about personality type can help. You can accept his way as valid and he can accept yours. You can accept that Mario has certain gifts and you have others. Then you can negotiate compromises to be able to live or work together in harmony.
WHICH MYER BRIGGS ARE YOU?
1. Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).
The first pair of psychoogical preferences is Extraversion and Introversion. Where do you put your attention and get your energy? Do you like to spend time in the outer world of people and things (Extraversion), or in your inner world of ideas and images (Introversion)? Everyone spends some time extraverting and some time introverting. Dont confuse Introversion with shyness or reclusiveness. They are not related.
Take a minute to ask yourself which of the following descriptions seems more natural, effortless, and comfortable for you?
Extraversion (E)I like getting my energy from active involvement in events and having a lot of different activities. Im excited when Im around people and I like to energize other people. I like moving into action and making things happen. I generally feel at home in the world. I often understand a problem better when I can talk out loud about it and hear what others have to say.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I am seen as outgoing or as a people person.
* I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.
* I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people.
* I sometimes jump too quickly into an activity and dont allow enough time to think it over.
* Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want to do and why.
Introversion (I)
I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what Ill be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I am seen as reflective or reserved.
* I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
* I prefer to know just a few people well.
* I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and dont move into action quickly enough.
* I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience.
2. Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N).
The second pair of psychological preferences is Sensing and Intuition. Do you pay more attention to information that comes in through your five senses (Sensing), or do you pay more attention to the patterns and possibilities that you see in the information you receive (Intuition)?
Everyone spends some time Sensing and some time using Intuition. Dont confuse Sensing with sensual. They arent related.
Take a minute to ask yourself which of the following descriptions seems more natural, effortless, and comfortable for you?
Sensing (S)
Paying attention to physical reality, what I see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Im concerned with what is actual, present, current, and real. I notice facts and I remember details that are important to me. I like to see the practical use of things and learn best when I see how to use what Im learning. Experience speaks to me louder than words.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I remember events as snapshots of what actually happened.
* I solve problems by working through facts until I understand the problem.
* I am pragmatic and look to the bottom line.
* I start with facts and then form a big picture.
* I trust experience first and trust words and symbols less.
* Sometimes I pay so much attention to facts, either present or past, that I miss new possibilities.
Intuition (N)
Paying the most attention to impressions or the meaning and patterns of the information I get. I would rather learn by thinking a problem through than by hands-on experience. Im interested in new things and what might be possible, so that I think more about the future than the past. I like to work with symbols or abstract theories, even if I dont know how I will use them. I remember events more as an impression of what it was like than as actual facts or details of what happened.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I remember events by what I read between the lines about their meaning.
* I solve problems by leaping between different ideas and possibilities.
* I am interested in doing things that are new and different.
* I like to see the big picture, then to find out the facts.
* I trust impressions, symbols, and metaphors more than what I actually experienced
* Sometimes I think so much about new possibilities that I never look at how to make them a reality.
3. When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).
This third preference pair describes how you like to make decisions. Do you like to put more weight on objective principles and impersonal facts (Thinking) or do you put more weight on personal concerns and the people involved (Feeling)?
Dont confuse Feeling with emotion. Everyone has emotions about the decisions they make. Also do not confuse Thinking with intelligence.
Everyone uses Thinking for some decisions and Feeling for others. In fact, a person can make a decision using his or her preference, then test the decision by using the other preference to see what might not have been taken into account.
Take a minute to ask yourself which of the following descriptions seems more natural, effortless, and comfortable for you?
Thinking (T)
When I make a decision, I like to find the basic truth or principle to be applied, regardless of the specific situation involved. I like to analyze pros and cons, and then be consistent and logical in deciding. I try to be impersonal, so I wont let my personal wishes-or other peoples wishes-influence me.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I enjoy technical and scientific fields where logic is important.
* I notice inconsistencies.
* I look for logical explanations or solutions to most everything.
* I make decisions with my head and want to be fair.
* I believe telling the truth is more important than being tactful.
* Sometimes I miss or dont value the people part of a situation.
* I can be seen as too task-oriented, uncaring, or indifferent.
Feeling (F)
I believe I can make the best decisions by weighing what people care about and the points-of-view of persons involved in a situation. I am concerned with values and what is the best for the people involved. I like to do whatever will establish or maintain harmony. In my relationships, I appear caring, warm, and tactful.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I have a people or communications orientation.
* I am concerned with harmony and nervous when it is missing.
* I look for what is important to others and express concern for others.
* I make decisions with my heart and want to be compassionate.
* I believe being tactful is more important than telling the cold truth.
* Sometimes I miss seeing or communicating the hard truth of situations.
* I am sometimes experienced by others as too idealistic, mushy, or indirect.
4. In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).
This fourth preference pair describes how you like to live your outer life-what are the behaviors others tend to see? Do you prefer a more structured and decided lifestyle (Judging) or a more flexible and adaptable lifestyle (Perceiving)? This preference may also be thought of as your orientation to the outer world.
Everyone extraverts some of the time. This pair describes whether you extravert (act in the outer world) when you are making decisions or when you are taking in information.
Some people interact with the outside world when they are taking in information. Whether they use the Sensing preference or the Intuitive preference, they are still interacting in the outside world.
Other people do their interacting when they are making decisions. It doesnt matter whether they are using a Thinking preference or a Feeling preference; they are still interacting in the outside world.
Everyone takes in information some of the time. Everyone makes decisions some of the time. However, when it comes to dealing with the outer world, people who tend to focus on making decisions have a preference for Judging because they tend to like things decided. People who tend to focus on taking in information prefer Perceiving because they stay open to a final decision in order to get more information.
Sometimes people feel they have both. That is true. The J or P preference only tells which preference the personextraverts. One person may feel very orderly/structured (J)
on the inside, yet their outer life looks spontaneous and adaptable (P). Another person may feel very curious and open-ended (P) in their inner world, yet their outer life looks more structured or decided (J).
Dont confuse Judging and Perceiving with a persons level of organization. Either preference can be organized.
Take a minute to ask yourself which of the following descriptions seems more natural, effortless, and comfortable for you?
Judging (J)
I use my decision-making (Judging) preference (whether it is Thinking or Feeling) in my outer life. To others, I seem to prefer a planned or orderly way of life, like to have things settled and organized, feel more comfortable when decisions are made, and like to bring life under control as much as possible.
Since this pair only describes what I prefer in the outer world, I may, inside, feel flexible and open to new information (which I am). Do not confuse Judging with judgmental, in its negative sense about people and events. They are not related.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I like to have things decided.
* I appear to be task oriented.
* I like to make lists of things to do.
* I like to get my work done before playing.
* I plan work to avoid rushing just before a deadline.
* Sometimes I focus so much on the goal that I miss new information.
Perceiving (P)
I use my perceiving function (whether it is Sensing or Intuition) in my outer life. To others, I seem to prefer a flexible and spontaneous way of life, and I like to understand and adapt to the world rather than organize it. Others see me staying open to new experiences and information.
Since this pair only describes what I prefer in the outer world, inside I may feel very planful or decisive (which I am).
Remember, in type language perceiving means preferring to take in information. It does not mean being perceptive in the sense of having quick and accurate perceptions about people and events.
The following statements generally apply to me:
* I like to stay open to respond to whatever happens.
* I appear to be loose and casual. I like to keep plans to a minimum.
* I like to approach work as play or mix work and play.
* I work in bursts of energy.
* I am stimulated by an approaching deadline.
* Sometimes I stay open to new information so long I miss making decisions when they are needed.
What Each Preference Can Offer
Extraversion
Outwardly directed energy needed to move into action
Responsiveness to what is going on in the environment
A natural inclination to converse and to network
Introversion
Inwardly directed energy needed for focused reflection
Stability from attending to enduring ideas
A natural tendency to think and work alone
Sensing
A mastery of the facts
Knowledge of what materials and resources are available
Appreciation of knowing and doing what works
Intuition
Insight and attention to meanings
A grasp of what is possible and what the trends are
Appreciation of doing what hasnt been tried before
Thinking
Analysis of the pros and cons of situations, even when they have a personal stake
An ability to analyze and solve problems
Want to discover the truth and naturally notice logical inconsistencies
Feeling
Knowledge of what is important to people and adhere to that in the face of opposition
The ability to build relationships and to be persuasive
Desire to uncover the greatest good in a situation and notice when people may be harmed
Judging
Organization, planning, and follow through on projects
Push to get things settled and decided
Appreciation of well-organized efficiency
Perceiving
Quickly and flexibly responding to the needs of the moment
Strive to keep things open so new information may be gathered
Appreciation of the need for spontaneity and exploration
The 16 MBTI Types
ISTJ
Quiet, serious, earn success by thoroughness and dependability. Practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible. Decide logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions. Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized their work, their home, their life. Value traditions and loyalty.
ISFJ
Quiet, friendly, responsible, and conscientious. Committed and steady in meeting their obligations. Thorough, painstaking, and accurate. Loyal, considerate, notice and remember specifics about people who are important to them, concerned with how others feel. Strive to create an orderly and harmonious environment at work and at home.
INFJ
Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision.
INTJ
Have original minds and great drive for implementing their ideas and achieving their goals. Quickly see patterns in external events and develop long-range explanatory perspectives. When committed, organize a job and carry it through. Skeptical and independent, have high standards of competence and performance for themselves and others.
ISTP
Tolerant and flexible, quiet observers until a problem appears, then act quickly to find workable solutions. Analyze what makes things work and readily get through large amounts of data to isolate the core of practical problems. Interested in cause and effect, organize facts using logical principles, value efficiency.
ISFP
Quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. Enjoy the present moment, whats going on around them. Like to have their own space and to work within their own time frame. Loyal and committed to their values and to people who are important to them. Dislike disagreements and conflicts, do not force their opinions or values on others.
INFP
Idealistic, loyal to their values and to people who are important to them. Want an external life that is congruent with their values. Curious, quick to see possibilities, can be catalysts for implementing ideas. Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless a value is threatened.
INTP
Seek to develop logical explanations for everything that interests them. Theoretical and abstract, interested more in ideas than in social interaction. Quiet, contained, flexible, and adaptable. Have unusual ability to focus in depth to solve problems in their area of interest. Skeptical, sometimes critical, always analytical.
ESTP
Flexible and tolerant, they take a pragmatic approach focused on immediate results. Theories and conceptual explanations bore them they want to act energetically to solve the problem. Focus on the here-and-now, spontaneous, enjoy each moment that they can be active with others. Enjoy material comforts and style. Learn best through doing.
ESFP
Outgoing, friendly, and accepting. Exuberant lovers of life, people, and material comforts. Enjoy working with others to make things happen. Bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work, and make work fun. Flexible and spontaneous, adapt readily to new people and environments. Learn best by trying a new skill with other people.
ENFP
Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. See life as full of possibilities. Make connections between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceed based on the patterns they see. Want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. Spontaneous and flexible, often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.
ENTP
Quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems. Adept at generating conceptual possibilities and then analyzing them strategically. Good at reading other people. Bored by routine, will seldom do the same thing the same way, apt to turn to one new interest after another.
ESTJ
Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact. Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions. Organize projects and people to get things done, focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible. Take care of routine details. Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also. Forceful in implementing their plans.
ESFJ
Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute.
ENFJ
Warm, empathetic, responsive, and responsible. Highly attuned to the emotions, needs, and motivations of others. Find potential in everyone, want to help others fulfill their potential. May act as catalysts for individual and group growth. Loyal, responsive to praise and criticism. Sociable, facilitate others in a group, and provide inspiring leadership.
ENTJ
Frank, decisive, assume leadership readily. Quickly see illogical and inefficient procedures and policies, develop and implement comprehensive systems to solve organizational problems. Enjoy long-term planning and goal setting. Usually well informed, well read, enjoy expanding their knowledge and passing it on to others. Forceful in presenting their ideas.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
See a list of celebrities and their Myer Briggs Type - Click Here