MBTI - The Big Picture
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment is a tool that helps people increase their self-awareness, understand and appreciate differences in others, and apply personality insights to improve their personal and professional effectiveness.
The tool was first created in 1943 based on Carl Jung's theory of human development which postulates that people come to the world with certain innate preferences that they develop and compliment through the course of their lives. The inventory has been continuously revised and improved, is now taken by over two million people annually and is translated in 30 languages.
The reason we use the tool is that it holds a core belief in the potential of human beings. While we come to the world with certain hard-wired preferences, we have the capacity to develop into more fully balanced and actualized people. In that way, the MBTI is very humanistic and thus can be understood within developmental, professional and spiritual contexts.
What the MBTI Examines
Within the ever-growing field of psychometric tools, the MBTI remains distinctly grounded in its analysis of two core human functions:
- How we take in information from the world
- How we respond to that information and make decisions
Along with these two core functions are two attitudes that give disposition to these two core functions:
- How we manage our energy flow
- How we structure the outside world
There are two preference options for each of the functions and attitudes, which means that there are 16 different possible combinations or personality types.
Each of those types have innate strengths and growth areas, which evolve as people mature. Identifying those preferences can help people develop more fully, improve communication with others, manage stress better and strengthen their personal relationships.
The Goal
Self Awareness. Strong Relationships. Confidence.
Engaging in the MBTI process is akin to using a personal trainer to improve your physical fitness. While it is possible to take the MBTI assessment via third-party channels, the instrument is designed by The Myers & Briggs Foundation to be administered by a certified professional.
The goal of the process is to understand one's true type. In order to do so, an established three-step process is followed:
- Predicated type - a participant is introduced to descriptions for each of the different preferences and formulates a prediction of her/his type.
- Assessed type - a participant takes the online inventory and then reviews the type preferences indicated by their responses.
- Best-fit type - a participant then discusses the results of their assessed type in comparison with their predicted type, sharpening the clarity of their true preferences.
Ultimately, the goal is the deepen one's self awareness, strengthen relationships and build confidence.
Misconceptions of the MBTI
As with any tool or field of inquiry within human development, the MBTI is subject to misunderstanding and misuse. The following are some common misconceptions of it.
Misdirection
Because the MBTI helps people understand their fundamental preferences for engaging in the world, the tool has been misdirected when used as an indicator of:
- mental health
- intelligence
- aptitude
- employability
The MBTI is not intended to indicate any of these.
Misinformation
Because of its popularity, the MBTI has been challenged with misinformation through online channels. The instrument is intended to be used in coordination with a certified practitioner, and the availability of do-it-yourself options has led to the drift and dilution of its effectiveness.