An introduction to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

As leaders of change, transformation and personal development, it is only fitting that a significant portion of our programming is focused around self-awareness and behaviour. We know that personality and preferences do not define character or behaviour, but they do impact actions, mind sets, and how people view the world.

One tool that OLE uses to enhance individual and team awareness and to support inclusive team processes and communication is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The indicator was developed by Katharine Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, and based on theory originally proposed by Carl Jung.

This Type Indicator tool relies on a series of questions designed to provide insight into individual personality preferences by categorizing and theming people’s choices into four areas of behaviour:

• E/I = Focus and direction of attention and energy, (where one prefers to focus to re-energize – from outside their person, or from within), 
• S/N = Ways people understand and take in information, 
• T/F = Preferences used in decision making, and 
• J/P = Ways of organizing and structuring priorities and use of time. 

The process we use in OLE is experiential. Rather than simply providing a report upfront, we first walk individuals and teams through a series of fun and interactive exercises, enabling people to become familiar with all of the preference options, instead of just their own. Participants soon learn that within these four preference areas or dichotomies, they will have a tendency to select one element over another, several times in order to come to a four letter result.

For example; if you were to select more answers for extroversion than introversion, the Indicator will report that you are an individual with an extroverted preference and the report will suggest a slight, moderate, or strong preference for “E”.

The four dichotomies and eight preferences

The MBTI assessment provides a framework for determining individual behaviours and differences of preference. It can act as a tool in the workplace for managers and employees to form a better understanding of how individuals approach differing situations, make decisions, manage stressful situations, and solve problems.

From an OLE perspective, we continue to utilize the MBTI assessment tool throughout our programing as a means of helping people to identify and grow into their developmental opportunities and areas of strength.

We hope that you will join us in exploring this tool as a window to knowing yourself, your leadership approach, sharing a new understanding of others and realizing our collective potential!