The MBTI is widely used for self-understanding, personal development, career counselling, team building, and improving communication and relationships. It helps individuals understand their natural preferences, strengths, and potential areas for growth.
The MBTI is a personality assessment tool designed to categorise individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types based on their preferences in four dimensions:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I):
Extraversion: Focuses on the outer world, gains energy from interaction with others, and tends to be more action oriented.
Introversion: Focuses on the inner world, gains energy from solitary activities, and tends to be more reflective.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N):
Sensing: Prefers concrete, practical information and relies on experiences and facts.
Intuition: Prefers abstract concepts, looks at patterns and possibilities, and trusts imagination and future-oriented thinking.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F):
Thinking: Makes decisions based on logic, objectivity, and principles.
Feeling: Makes decisions based on personal values, empathy, and the impact on others.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P):
Judging: Prefers structure, organisation, and clear decision-making.
Perceiving: Prefers flexibility, spontaneity, and keeping options open.
Each individual receives a four-letter personality type (e.g. ISTJ, ENFP) based on their preferences in these areas. There are 16 possible types, each with its own typical behaviours and strengths (16 Personalities, 2011).
The 16 MBTI types are:
ISTJ - The Inspector, ISFJ - The Protector, INFJ - The Advocate, INTJ - The Architect, ISTP - The Virtuoso, ISFP - The Composer, INFP - The Mediator, INTP - The Thinker, ESTP - The Entrepreneur, ESFP - The Performer, ENFP - The Campaigner, ENTP - The Debater, ESTJ - The Executive, ESFJ - The Consul, ENFJ - The Protagonist, ENTJ - The Commander. Each MBTI Type has their own defining features, and each can be explored further. (16 Personalities, 2011).
Using the MBTI in the workplace can be highly beneficial for improving communication, teamwork, leadership, and overall workplace dynamics.
The MBTI helps team members understand that colleagues have different working styles and preferences. For example, an “ISTJ” (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) may prefer structured environments and clear, detailed instructions, while an “ENFP” (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) may thrive in creative, flexible environments with more open-ended tasks. Equally, different MBTI types prefer different communication styles. “Extraverts” might appreciate brainstorming sessions and group discussions, while “Introverts” may prefer written communication or time to think before responding. By understanding these preferences, managers and team members can adjust their communication methods to suit their audience.
Similarly, knowing each other’s MBTI types can reduce misunderstandings and conflict by fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives (Kroeger Rutledge, 2002). For instance, a team might learn to balance the detailed, task-oriented approach of “Sensing” types with the big-picture, innovative thinking of “Intuitive” types. Furthermore, knowing the MBTI types can help resolve conflicts more effectively by understanding the underlying motivations and preferences of the people involved. For example, a “Thinking” type might focus on logic and facts during a disagreement, while a “Feeling” type might focus on the emotional impact and relationships (Hirsh and Kise, 2011).
Understanding an employee’s MBTI type can help align their strengths with suitable roles and responsibilities. For instance, “ISTPs” (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) might excel in hands-on, problem-solving roles, while “ENFJs” (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) may thrive in roles that involve coaching, mentoring, or leading teams. In addition, the MBTI can be used in career coaching and development to help employees understand their strengths and areas for growth (Kroeger and Thuesen, 2012). For example, an “INFP” (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) might be guided to develop their decision-making skills and learn to navigate organisational politics more effectively.
Leadership and Management can be enhanced further through the MBTI as it can help leaders understand their own natural leadership style and how it might affect their team (Fleenor et al, 2020). For example, an “ENTJ” (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) leader might naturally focus on strategic planning and decision-making but could benefit from developing more empathy and emotional intelligence when dealing with “Feeling” types. Additionally, leaders can use MBTI insights to adapt their approach to better motivate and engage different team members. For example, a “Judging” leader who prefers a structured approach might learn to provide more flexibility and creative freedom to “Perceiving” team members.
Action Point
Can you determine where each team member fits within the 16 personality types? How well do you understand your team? Do you believe certain personality types are better suited to the roles/tasks within your department?