What is your MBTI?
Is it ENFP? or ISTP? or INTJ? or any other personality type?
Want to learn more about this? Then you have landed on the right page.
Let’s together uncover the suspense! Through this blog you will discover the different types of personality types in MBTI and how they influence workplace dynamics.
What is MBTI?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool designed to categorize individuals into one of 16 distinct personality types. Carl Jung's idea of psychological types is the foundation for the MBTI, developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.
As estimated by Colossus Media Group, 3.5 million assessments are given annually, and almost 90% of Fortune 100 businesses use the MBTI test as a team-building activity or in the employment process.
It evaluates four fundamental dichotomies to better understand people's personal preferences and actions as well as those of others:
1. Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E):
Energy Source: while extroverts get energy from social contacts and outside activities, introverts get energy from solitary pursuits and introspective reflection.
Focus: extraverts emphasize the outside world and its people, whereas introverts prefer to concentrate on their inner lives and introspection.
Communication Style: while extroverts like energetic debates and verbal communication, introverts typically prefer written communication and serious dialogue.
Social Preferences: extraverts flourish in bigger groups and derive energy from socializing, whereas introverts prefer more private, intimate settings and require time alone to regain their energy.
2. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
Information Gathering: while intuitive search for possibilities, patterns, and abstract concepts, sensors prefer specific, factual information.
Focus: whereas intuitives concentrate on creative ideas and potential futures, sensors concentrate on the here and now and their practical implementations.
Details vs. Big Picture: while intuitive are big-picture thinkers who love delving into theoretical concepts, sensors focus more on the details and are rooted in the present.
Experience: whereas intuitive follow their gut feelings and search for deeper meanings, sensors rely on observed facts and past experiences.
3. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
Decision-Making: thinkers give priority to consistency, logic, and objectivity whereas feelers give priority to morality, empathy, and the impact on other people.
Method: while feelers take into account emotional and personal aspects, thinkers weigh advantages and disadvantages to arrive at unbiased conclusions.
Resolution of Conflicts: feelers seek peace and understanding, while thinkers concentrate on fairness and logical answers.
Motivation: relationships and assisting others are what drive thinkers, whereas achievement and competence drive feelers.
4. Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
Lifestyle: perceivers prefer flexibility, spontaneity, and having options available; judges prefer structure, order, and planning.
Decision-Making: judges are hasty decision-makers who look for closure, while perceivers take their time, absorb additional information, and keep an open mind.
Approach to Tasks: perceivers work in bursts of energy and adapt, whereas judges prefer well-defined goals and deadlines.
Adaptability: perceivers are at ease with change and enjoy adjusting to novel circumstances, whereas judges emphasize consistency and order.
16 Personality Types in MBTI
10 MBTI-based Conflict Resolution Strategies
1. Encourage Open Communication (Extraverts vs. Introverts)
Extraverts (E): Make time for brainstorming sessions and open talks where extraverts can openly share their ideas and opinions.
Introverts (I): To allow introverts time to gather their thoughts before reacting, provide spaces that are calm and reflective, and utilize textual forms of communication.
2. Balance Facts and Feelings (Sensors vs. Intuitive)
Sensors (S): Pay attention to real facts and workable solutions. Provide facts in an understandable, thorough manner.
Intuitive (N): Promote innovative approaches to problem-solving and strategic thinking. Make room for creative thoughts and future developments.
3. Address Logical and Emotional Needs (Thinkers vs. Feelers)
Thinkers (T): Make use of evidence-based reasoning and logical arguments. Stress fairness and objective standards.
Feelers (F): Acknowledge and give meaning to feelings. Create a welcoming atmosphere and place a strong emphasis on values and harmony.
4. Structured vs. Flexible Approaches (Judgers vs. Perceivers)
Judges (J): Establish precise objectives, due dates, and organized plans. Establish a steady and predictable workplace.
Perceivers (P): Allow adaptation and flexibility. Encourage experimentation and spontaneous decision-making.
5. Establish All-Type Collaborative Environments
Team Mix: Assemble diverse teams comprising various MBTI types. This diversity can result in a more multifaceted, balanced approach to dispute resolution.
6. Tailored Feedback (All Categories)
Personal Preferences: Adjust feedback based on the MBTI type of the recipient. While introverts might prefer written or one-on-one interactions, extraverts could value direct and immediate responses.
7. Training in Conflict Resolution (All Types)
Employees should receive type awareness training to understand their MBTI type better as it affects how they resolve conflicts. This self-awareness can enhance communication with others.
8. Mediation Techniques (Thinkers vs. Feelers)
Use mediators who can strike a balance between rational analysis and emotional comprehension for balanced mediation. This serves to meet the needs of Thinkers in terms of reasoning and Feelers in terms of emotion.
9. Decision-Making Processes (Judges vs Perceivers)
Hybrid Method: Combine adaptable, flexible techniques with well-structured decision-making procedures. This strategy fosters a more inclusive atmosphere by meeting the demands of judges and Perceivers.
10. Stress Management (All Forms)
Stress Awareness: Understand how MBTI types react to stress and offer the right kind of assistance. Provide calm areas for introverts to unwind in or group activities for extraverts to get back into the business flow.
Benefits and Limitations of MBTI
7 MBTI Team-Building Games
1. Four Corners
You can put one of the four MBTI dichotomies (E/I, S/N, T/F, J/P) on the corner of the room.
Team members should go to the corner that best represents their choice while working with a single dichotomy, such as extraversion against introversion.
Talk about how these preferences influence their work styles. Continue with other dichotomies.
2. Personality Bingo
Make bingo cards featuring various MBTI characteristics and tendencies, such as "Enjoys brainstorming" for Intuitives and "Prefers detailed plans" for Judgers.
As they socialize, team members identify coworkers who share each quality and enter their names in the appropriate squares. The first person to finish a row exclaims "Bingo!" and shares their results.
3. MBTI Escape Room
Create an escape room scenario where the puzzles must be solved using a combination of MBTI abilities.
For instance, logical problems for Thinkers, imaginative riddles for Intuitives, cooperative activities for Feelers, and detail-oriented puzzles for Sensors. The group solves each task in the allotted time to "escape."
4. Type Talks
Organize the team into groups according to their MBTI types (for example, all ENFPs in one group). Every group talks about and makes a list of advantages, disadvantages, and preferred working styles.
Groups then share their insights with the entire team, encouraging respect and understanding among everyone.
5. Role Reversal Challenge
Employees should be paired with opposite MBTI preferences (e.g., Extravert with Introvert). Assign them a task or project where they must adopt the other’s typical working style. Once the assignment is over, talk about the challenges and insights that came from stepping into each other's shoes.
6. Storytelling Circle
Ask team members to sit in a circle and tell a short story about an instance in which their MBTI type affected their actions or choices at work. Team members learn empathy and perspective-sharing from each other through this exercise.
7. Decision-Making Relay
Make a list of decisions to be made, such as organizing an event or resolving a hypothetical issue. Using a combination of MBTI types, divide the team into smaller groups. Every group approaches the task with the decision-making methods that they find most comfortable. Groups share their strategy and talk about the different techniques they employed after finishing the work.
Here are a few links that you can utilize to know your MBTI and conduct activities accordingly.
Key Insights
Understanding MBTI types facilitates tailored communication, reducing misunderstandings and fostering clearer, more effective interactions.
MBTI insights help you identify and address underlying personality differences, leading to more effective conflict-resolution strategies.
MBTI ensures individuals are assigned roles that align with their natural preferences, boosting productivity.
MBTI promotes empathy by fostering awareness of diverse perspectives and enhancing collaboration and mutual respect among team members.
In the comments, let me know if you have ever tried any MBTI team-building activities. Also, what’s your MBTI?
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