Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)


As pointed out in the section dealing with team building, an essential factor in building successful teams, both in a work environment and outside, is developing the self-awareness of the individuals in the team. An important starting point in that process of self-awareness is understanding our inbuilt motivations and preferences, and how those are likely to interact with the motivations and preferences of others.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, often referred to simply as MBTI, is a psychometric tool that allows individuals to explore and better understand their own personality type, and to relate it to the personality types of other people with whom they interact. MBTI uses a simple but powerful model of personality, based on Jung's theory of types, which analyses personality in terms of:

MBTI can be used in a one-to-one format as a vehicle for personal development, or with groups of people. In the latter format, there are opportunities for exploring the MBTI "language" and understanding how this translates into personal interactions within the group.

In the work environment, MBTI can be used as part of a team building programme. The process of exploring and understanding the personality "mix" within the team can lead the team members to a better understanding of the roles that each individual plays (or could play) within the team, and also to a better understanding of what personality bias might exist in the team and how it might be overcome.


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