Myers-Briggs (MBTI)

What is MBTI?
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is about type preferences.  These are psychological preferences that represent consistent and enduring patterns of how we use our minds to:
• Re-energize ourselves (focusing internally--the introvert or, focusing externally-- the extravert)
• Gather information (using our five senses--the sensor or, using our ‘6th sense’-- the intuitive)
• Make decisions (deciding objectively--the thinker, or deciding subjectively--the feeler)
• Live our lives (preferring structure--the judger or preferring freedom--the perceiver)

The tool has ‘history’, solid research backing, and is easily understood.  MBTI provides a framework for understanding why people act in certain ways.  The Spear Group uses the Q version which includes sub-traits of the four preferences.  This is helpful because you can see how ‘pure’ your preferences are.  This version also includes a section on how an individual makes decisions, communicates, manages change and handles conflict.  The tool is extremely helpful for people in a supervisory role.

How can understanding MBTI be useful?
MBTI has multiple applications for:
✓      Communication. (especially between sensors and intuitives)
✓      Career planning. (what careers does my type prefer?)
✓      Management and leadership training. (how do I blend the structure of a J with the creativity of a P?)
✓      Teambuilding/understanding differences. (how do I get these diverse preferences to blend together for successful results?)

What is involved in doing MBTI?
MBTI is administered as an electronic questionnaire with 93 questions and a pair of choices for each question.  It takes approximately 20 minutes to do.