Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Myers-Briggs type indicator is a test that helps to understand ourselves and others
better. It is a personality test that was actually started as a way to get women into
the workforce. Now, it is taken by more than two million people every year
worldwide.
History
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and
her mother, Katherine Cook Briggs, during World War II. They were a huge fan of
a Swiss psychiatrist named Carl Jung and his theory on Personality. They
recognized that the theory can have real world applications. When US entered the
World War II, many women entered the workforce for the first time. Myers saw a
very specific need in the market for a personality test. One that would help women
figure out what sort of jobs they'd be well suited for. Thus, Myers Briggs test was
born.
Attributes
The MBTI system begins with a test in which participants respond to questions
that provide clues about their basic outlook or personal preferences. These
responses are scored to see where participants' preferences lie within four sets of
attributes:
1. Extroversion(E) / Introversion(I)
The attributes extroversion (E) and introversion (I) are designed to indicate
whether a participant derives his or her mental energy primarily from other people
or from within. Example Suppose that a person is tired after studying or doing
some other work. In order to relax or re-energize, one may go out with friends or
one may read a fictional novel. Those who prefer the first option of going out come
under extroverts. Whereas, those who prefer to read a book, come under
introverts.
So, extroverts feel more energized after spending time with other people. They
enjoy crowd, noise and stimulation. Whereas, introverts feel recharged after
spending time alone. We all exhibit extroversion and introversion to some degree,
but most of us tend have an overall preference for one or the other.
2. Sensing(S) / Intuiting(N)
The attributes sensing (S) and intuiting (N) explain whether a participant absorbs
information best through data and details or through general patterns.

Example If you give a cup to a person and ask him to describe it. A sensor would
tell the height of the cup, what color or design is there on the cup, what is its
thickness and other small details. Whereas, an intuitor might say that it reminds
him of the night before the exams when he used to drink coffee in that cup.
So, sensors basically use their 5 senses to look for facts, concrete details and
data. They are interested in minute details. Whereas, intuitors use their intuition or
6th sense to look for connection between ideas rather than nailing down facts. They
are more interested in the big picture rather than minute details.
3. Thinking(T) / Feeling(F)
The attributes thinking (T) and feeling (F) show whether a participant tends to
make decisions based on logic and objective criteria or based on emotional
intelligence.
So, those who prefer thinking, tend to be consistent, logical and impersonal when
weighing a decision. Whereas, those to prefer feeling are more likely to consider
people and emotions when arriving at a conclusion.
4. Judging(J) / Perceiving(P)
The final attribute judging(J) and perceiving(P) shows how a person prefers to
organize his/her life. Example This can be understood by seeing how a person
responds to deadlines. Judger would make small goals everyday and organize
himself/herself to achieve the task before the deadline. Whereas, Perceiver would
delay it till the last moment and then they will start working on it.
So, if a person prefers his life to be planned, stable and organized, then his/her
preference is for judging. Whereas if one prefers to go with the flow, to maintain
flexibility and respond to things as they arise, then the preference is for perception.
Based on these four sets of attributes, there are 16 different personality types.
Each type is indicated by a four-letter code. Example, ESTJ would designate a
person whose primary attributes were extroversion, sensing, thinking, and judging.
For each personality type, the MBTI system includes a profile which describes the
characteristics common to people who fit into that category.
Benefits
MBTI is a popular evaluative tool. Many colleges and universities use it in career
counseling to help guide students into appropriate fields for their personality types.
In the business world, companies use it to make hiring decisions, identify
leadership potential among employees, design training for specific employee

needs, facilitate team building, and help resolve conflicts between employees. By
giving people an increased understanding of their behavior and preferences, MBTI
is said to help them increase their productivity, build relationships, and make life
choices.