Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

YOU are the only one who can decide what type you truly are. Your results on the MBTI suggest your probable type. Type does not explain everything. Personality is far too complex for that.


Things to Keep in Mind about Type

You cannot use type as an excuse for doing or not doing anything. Become aware of your type biases to avoid negative stereotyping. Your type should NOT keep you from considering any career, activity or relationship.
Extraverts & Introverts
Where is your energy naturally directed?
Es often: Have high energy Talk more than listen Think out loud Act, then think Like to be around people a lot Prefer a public role Can sometimes be easily distracted Prefer to do lots of things at once Are outgoing & enthusiastic Is often: Have quiet energy Listen more than talk Think quietly inside my head Think, then act Feel comfortable being alone Prefer to work "behind-thescenes" Have good powers of concentration Prefer to focus on one thing at a time Are self-contained and reserved
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Haley Sims Assistant Director University Career Center Virginia Commonwealth University hgsims@
History

Developed by Isabel Briggs Myers (daughter) & Katharine Briggs (mother) to sort people by personality type. Based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality. Originally designed in 1942 to match women to jobs during WWII. Has more than 50 years of research behind it, with millions of subjects in over 40 countries.

There are no “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong” types, just different types. Do not use type to pigeon-hole people. Each person is unique. An ENFP is like every other ENFP, like some other ENFPs, and like no other ENFP.
Therefore… Ss tend to be practical and literal people, who trust past experience and often have good common sense.
Therefore… Ns tend to be imaginative, theoretical people who trust their hunches and pride themselves on their creativity.


E ________________________________ S ________________________________ T ________________________________ J ________________________________
I N F P
Extraverts & Introverts
Therefore… Fs tend to be sensitive, empathetic, and are compelled by extenuating circumstances and a constant search for harmony.
Thinkers & Feelers
How do you decide or come to conclusions?

Ss notice the facts, details, and realities of the world around them

Ns are more interested in connections and relationships between facts as well as the meaning, or possibilities of the information.
Where is your energy naturally directed?

Es energy is directed primarily outward, towards people and things outside of themselves.

Is energy is primarily directed inward, towards their own thoughts, perceptions, and reactions.
THEREFORE … Es tend to be more naturally active, expressive, social, and interested in many things.
THEREFORE … Is tend to be more reserved, private, cautious, and interested in fewer interactions, but with greater depth and focus.



Offers a logical model of human behavior.
Correlates with “Temperament” as described by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates.
ACTIVITY!
Things to Keep in Mind about Type



Make decisions objectively Appear cool and reserved Are most convinced by rational arguments Are honest and direct Value honesty and fairness Take few things personally Tend to see flaws Are motivated by achievement Argue or debate issues for fun
Sensors and Intuitives
What kind of information do you naturally notice and remember?





Ss often: Focus on details & specifics Admire practical solutions Notice details & remember facts Are pragmatic - see what is Live in the here-and-now Trust actual experience Like to use established skills Like step-by-step instructions Work at a steady pace
Real Life Examples

Describe this dollar. What time is it?


When did that get here?
Easy Button

Preference Scale
Males/Females Extraversion

Males/Females Introversion

Ns often: Focus on the big picture & possibilities Admire creative ideas Notice anything new or different Are inventive - see what could be Think about future implications Trust their gut instincts Prefer to learn new skills Like to figure things out for themselves Work in bursts of energy