What IS Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, anyway?

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI, was developed by Isabel Briggs-Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs. It is a personality typing system determined by a four letter code.

(I)ntrovert or (E)xtrovert: Where you get your energy

Introverts get more energy from their inner world and often need to take time alone to ‘recharge’. They also enjoy more solitary interests and like to observe activities before participating. Introvert does not mean shy. There are many outgoing or people-oriented introverts. Introverts also generally like to put most of their focus on one activity at a time and analyze things before speaking.

Extroverts like to direct their energy at things outside of themselves. They get energy from groups of people and often get bored when alone. Extrovert does not mean outgoing. There are many shy or antisocial extroverts. They generally work well in groups of people and find less reward when spending time alone. However, extroverts still occasionally need time to recharge.


(S)ensing or i(N)tuition: How you process data

Sensors use details given by their five senses and from direct experiences to create meaning. They tend to be more practical and use their proven skills. Sensors often notice little details. They live in the present moment.

Intuitives prefer to solve problems by thinking through patterns instead of using experience. They like to see big pictures/patterns quickly and then figure out the little details and are often focused on the future. Intuitives are abstract and idealistic, trying to figure out possibilities. When remembering past experiences, they see the ‘big picture’ and not the little facts.


(F)eeling or (T)hinking: How you decide

Feelers make choices based upon other people and their points of view. They are interested in what other people are feeling. They often decide based upon the people around them and the feelings of others. Feeler does not mean weak. They often focus on the meaning of things and try to do meaningful actions.

Thinkers like to find a basic truth when making a decision and are generally fair when making a choice. Thinkers often are driven by thought. Thinker does not mean smart. They focus on the use and try to figure out a more useful or logical action.


(J)udging or (P)erceiving: How you outwardly display your preference[/span]

Judgers like order. Judging does not mean judgmental. They are decisive and structured, liking to plan ahead and finish things. Judgers are often more structured and scheduled. They get a sense of control by deciding quickly and taking charge of the world around them. However, this describes their reaction to the outside world, and so inside they may be more flexible.

Perceivers like to allow time for things to progress. They prefer not to make a quick choice. They also like to keep an open and flexible approach to things. They work in bursts of energy and appear as fairly loose. Perceivers feel in control when they only have to make choices when really necessary. They also are generally very curious.

Any questions, ask away!