In a world where understanding oneself and others can lead to greater personal and professional success, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test has become a popular tool. Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, the MBTI helps individuals uncover their personality type out of 16 distinct types. This understanding can enhance self-awareness, improve relationships, and guide career choices.
What is the MBTI?
The MBTI is based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. It categorizes people into 16 different personality types based on four dichotomies:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dichotomy describes how individuals gain energy. Extraverts are energized by interacting with others, while introverts recharge by spending time alone.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension focuses on how people perceive information. Sensors rely on concrete, factual information, whereas intuitives look at patterns and possibilities.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This pair explains how people make decisions. Thinkers base decisions on logic and objective criteria, while feelers consider personal values and how decisions will affect others.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dichotomy highlights one’s approach to structure and planning. Judgers prefer a planned and organized lifestyle, while perceivers are more flexible and spontaneous.
By answering a series of questions, the MBTI identifies which side of each dichotomy a person prefers, resulting in a four-letter personality type (e.g., INFP, ESTJ).
The 16 Personality Types
Each of the 16 MBTI personality types offers a unique blend of characteristics. Here is a brief overview:
ISTJ (The Inspector): Practical, fact-minded individuals who value tradition and order.
ISFJ (The Protector): Warm, dedicated people who are always ready to defend their loved ones.
INFJ (The Advocate): Idealistic and principled individuals with a strong sense of integrity.
INTJ (The Architect): Strategic thinkers with a plan for everything.
ISTP (The Virtuoso): Bold and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds of tools.
ISFP (The Adventurer): Flexible and charming artists, always ready to explore and experience something new.
INFP (The Mediator): Poetic, kind, and altruistic people, always eager to help a good cause.
INTP (The Logician): Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
ESTP (The Entrepreneur): Smart, energetic, and perceptive people who truly enjoy living on the edge.
ESFP (The Entertainer): Spontaneous, energetic, and enthusiastic performers—life is never boring around them.
ENFP (The Campaigner): Enthusiastic, creative, and sociable free spirits who can always find a reason to smile.
ENTP (The Debater): Smart and curious thinkers who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.
ESTJ (The Executive): Excellent administrators, unsurpassed at managing things or people.
ESFJ (The Consul): Extraordinarily caring, social, and popular people, always eager to help.
ENFJ (The Protagonist): Charismatic and inspiring leaders, able to mesmerize their listeners.
ENTJ (The Commander): Bold, imaginative, and strong-willed leaders, always finding a way—or making one.
Why Take the MBTI?
