Why I Love MBTI
On November 30, 2020 I became a “Master Practitioner” for the Myers-Briggs/MBTI assessment.
It took 2+ years of advanced training and coaching, building on the 40+ hours I’d already invested for the basic certification. That’s a big commitment for someone with a time-consuming full-time job + a side hustle.
I did it because I believe in the MBTI.
The program has skeptics, and I understand their concerns. It isn’t a valid way to select or promote employees. The four letters that make up your MBTI type do not express your entire personality. In fact, because the letters represent preferences, they aren’t a robust predictor of behavior - most of us act differently across contexts and situations.
I still believe in the MBTI.
I’ll start with a quick description of the assessment for those who need it – feel free to skip to the next section if you’re fully familiar with the Myers-Briggs assessment.
What’s the MBTI?
The MBTI doesn’t assess skill or intelligence. Instead, it identifies preferences in four different categories:
1-Where you get your energy: Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E)
Extraverts get energy from other people. At the end of a long, exhausting day, an E heads to happy hour or a group exercise class to recharge through interaction.
Introverts recharge with alone time. It isn’t that they don’t like being around other people – that’s just not a source of energy. (As I tell my students all the time, “I love y’all – but you make me tired.”)
2-How you process information: Sensing (S) vs. iNtuition (N)
Do you prefer inductive or deductive reasoning? Deductive starts with the “big picture” and then fills in details. That’s the N way of thinking – start with the purpose/meaning of a project, and then consider the details.
People with the S preference prefer inductive thinking. Start with specific facts and observations, then build those into a larger picture. Ideas only make sense after the details are known.
3-How you prefer to make decisions: Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
Which of these seems more “fair” to you?
The rules apply to everyone equally. Fairness is enforcing the rules.
Everyone’s situation is unique. Fairness is making sure people aren’t harmed.
Ts want to be objective and consistent, while F’s emphasize empathy. Everyone is capable of using both decision rules, but preference determines how comfortable you are with a decision once it’s made.
4-How you organize your life: Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
My husband and I illustrate this difference well. Peter (the J) likes planning. When we consider a vacation, he wants to have restaurants picked out. He prefers a schedule so we can purchase tickets well ahead of time. For me (the P), the best part of travel is spontaneity. I’m at my best when making decisions in the moment, and happiest when we take an unplanned detour.
I could spend hours talking about these differences. (With MBTI Form II, I can break each letter pair into multiple dimensions and explore why people act against preferences.) #nerdalert
So why do I love the MBTI?
1-It’s a common language.
Whether they love it or hate it, most people know the Myers-Briggs. Even discussing why you disagree with it prompts dialogue and supports introspection. The MBTI provides a vehicle and vocabulary for us to learn about ourselves and one another. We discuss difference in a non-judgmental way.
2-It helps conserve energy.
As an N, I need the “big picture” before details. So when I read, I look for the “why” first. Then I to take in details more efficiently. I know a day filled with extraverting saps my energy, so I make time on my calendar to recharge. I’m more competent and helpful – and a lot less cranky.
3-It leads to better learning.
Understanding these differences changed my approach to training design. I give time to reflect before asking for discussion. I present both a big idea and an outline of details when introducing a new concept. My life’s calling is helping people learn, and the MBTI makes me a better educator.
4-It brings teams together
When a team debriefs the MBTI, their shared experience makes them more comfortable with one another. They collaborate better and can sidestep unnecessary conflict. For example: An N introduces a new idea by talking about its meaning and impact. An S starts asking detailed questions about resources, timing, etc. and the “N” replies, “Why are you picking on my idea?” Ironically, those S questions are more likely a sign of support – when an S likes an idea, they flesh it out with specifics.
I’ve invested time, energy, and money to become proficient with the MBTI. I’ll be the first to tell you it isn’t perfect. But on balance, I’m believe in its benefits.
If you’d like to explore the MBTI further, here’s some options from my web page: