MYERS-BRIGGS^® PERSONALITY TYPE*

So What Is This Thing Called TYPE?

Type is our preferred method of mental processing - Our Basic Mental Habits.

We’ve all noticed it - people behave differently. Explanations have ranged from culture to genes to parenting. We now know that a major component of behavior stems from inborn differences in how human brains process information. Personality Type is a systematic way of describing these differing mental habits. It allows us to sort people by preferred cognitive styles. Whenever we interact with people or participate in a group, we can use this classification to improve the outcome. These innate patterns of mental habit explain the systematic variations observed in behavior.

Type is related to inborn, genetic differences in brain structure.

The Type system allows us to bridge the huge communications gaps caused by processing differences. People behave differently because they reason differently. They reason differently because of minor genetic differences in the structures of their brains. There is too much data available for anyone to absorb it all, so we each filter the information we receive. People naturally perceive and emphasize different aspects of reality. Different Types use different filters and consider different data sets. Each Type has a distinctive mind set, producing strengths, weaknesses, interests, talents, and interaction with the world. Other factors, basic intelligence, type development, education, early environment, health, self development etc. also impact mental processes. These may offset or enhance skills and weaknesses.

Different occupations attract distinct MBTI types.

Type theory predicts and researchers observe innumerable inherent differences between the Types in interpersonal skills, problem solving, work habits, career selection and leadership. If preferences are in line with skills needed for the job and the work environment, workers tend to be happier and more productive. Researchers find people tend to seek out life situations that are compatible with their natural tendencies. Innate nature strongly influences a person’s nurture and development. People generally do their best work and experience the most satisfaction when they can use their natural styles effectively.

Type differences often result in conflict.

Type offers suggestions for understanding and reducing the inevitable stress and conflicts caused by Type differences. We have trouble communicating with someone whose natural cognitive processing is different. It is difficult to follow each other’s reasoning style. If we know more about other approaches, we can adapt by translating our communication. In short, I explain my view by talking about aspects that are meaningful to you. I don’t just rattle on about what’s important to me, while you tune out to prepare your rebuttal.

The combinations are important:
Four Scales produce 16 Distinct Personality Types.

This is not astrology! Nor is it about mental abnormalities. The Myers-Briggs,Ò a questionnaire that indicates a person’s Type*, has been validated by extensive statistical research on normal, healthy people. Many of these statistics were gathered in business organizations. Other research has been done with students in major universities. Numerous factor analytical studies have identified a similar set of four primary pairs of personality factors. The 4 scales represent opposites or dichotomies. Most people have a distinct preference for one end of each scale. All healthy people can do both sides of a scale, generally not at the same time. In the 1920s, Carl Jung named the first three pairs. Fifty years ago, Myers and Briggs added a fourth pair.

·         Extraversion                  Introversion

·         Sensing                          iNtuition

·         Thinking                        Feeling

·         Judging                          Perceiving

Preferences are not evenly distributed.

Thinking/Feeling preferences differ between men and women. Extraversion and Sensing are more common than their opposites.

Attitude and Orientation develop early.
Functions develop in a distinct order of preference.

Preferences for Focus and Order are seen in toddlers; the less preferred styles develop with maturity. Models for type development and personal growth are useful from childhood through retirement. Least preferred functions may not start to develop until middle age.

All 8 preferences are valid, important and valuable.

Are some styles better? Absolutely not! Type looks at the normal range of differences in human behavior. Each cognitive skill is essential to the well being of the human race. We all have the ability to do "generalist" reasoning. In many circumstances, it improves survival chances if a highly developed specialist is available to cope with a crisis, so some humans evolved each cognitive specialty. A variety of strengths helped us survive. Contributions from each cognitive strength will continue to be needed for efficient, effective problem solving. For peak performance, each preference must be used appropriately.

Typing is not stereotyping! It promotes personal growth and encourages tolerance. We are all capable of moving beyond the limitations of our natural reasoning styles by purposeful self-development. We can use non-preferred styles, but it takes extra work. An important part of normal adult growth is recognizing situations where our natural strengths have become handicaps. We then observe how others handle such situations in a more effective manner and use them as models for improvement.