Appendix Resources1: Myers–Briggs Type Indicator ®(MBTI ®).
This resource relates to Chapter 9: Personal Development.
It is intended to be a brief overview.
The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory is to:
- Apply the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung.
- Make it understandable and useful in people's lives.
It is based on the concept that apparent random variations in behaviour are actually quite orderly and consistent. The reason is explained by the differences in the ways individuals prefer to see the world, they way the process information, the basis for their decisions and how they deal with the world.
The approach identifies four basic preferences. It describes 16 distinctive personality types that flow from the interactions among the basic preferences.
Source: “From the MBTI® Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® …
- Favourite world: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).
- Information: 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).
- Decisions: 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).
- Structure: 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).
Your Personality Type: When you decide on your preference in each category, you have your own personality type, which can be expressed as a code with four letters. There are 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®; each personality type is described by a combination of the four basic preferences, for example ESFP or INTJ.
All types are equal: The goal of knowing about personality type is to understand and appreciate differences between people. As all types are equal, there is no best type.
The assessment provides an insight onto our personalities. From this understanding it allows people to understand how they like to communicate and interact with others.
A MBTI ® report provides your preference for each of four pairs:
- Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
The assessment aims to assist you in understanding yourself as well as others.
See Reference 12:
MBTI ®Tests are offered widely in many countries. They can also be undertaken online.
“Although popular in the business sector, the MBTI ® can exhibit significant psychometric deficiencies, notably including poor validity and reliability. “
See Reference 13:
Some organisations have established links between MBTI ® and characteristics of different jobs and careers. These can be used as a broad guide to help establish your fit to various careers. Each person is unique, so it cannot be definitive.
Some include Strong Interest Inventory ® (SII) tests to help assist you to identify your interests & preferences. It is all about using tools that can help us understand ourselves. This can assist us to make good choices that fit our personalities and interests.
Use the web to find organisations that may provide this on-line service.
See Reference: 14 CPP. Strong Interest Inventory. On-line Career Assessment Example:
MBTI ® and SII ® are two surveys or inventories. They may assist you to understand yourself and how you interact with others.
References:
Reference 12: MBTI® Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
Or via the short cut:
Reference 13: MBTI®
Or via the short cut:
Reference: 14 CPP: Strong Interest Inventory. On-line Career Assessment Example:
Or via the short cut:
Reference 15: MTD Training: (2013): “Personal Confidence & Motivation” (Bookboon.com, ISBN: 978-87-7681-655-0 1st Edition, 55 pp.)