Myers-Briggs part 2
This is the 2nd part of my series on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Once you have taken the test, you now need to learn what it means for you and your relationships. Look at it as a part of your self-discovery journey, tool for personal growth, and skill-set for understanding family and friends and better navigating those relationships. Click here to read part 1.
If you haven’t yet taken Myers-Briggs test, please do so before reading the article. Click here to take a free online version (also known as the Jung Typology test). Once you’ve completed the test, mark down your score (letters and numbers). You score may look something like this: I-22, S-51, F-12, J-33.
(Myers-Briggs is owned by The Myers Briggs Foundation. Trained and certified professionals administer the test; these include counselors, consultants, and coaches. I recommend you have the test professionally administered at some point. In the meantime, take a free online test.)
Explanation: Your score can be any of 16 possible combinations, such as INFP or ESTJ.
What does it all mean?
Your score is a reflection of your preferences on four dimensions:
How you recharge: Introvert (I) / Extravert (E)
How you gather & process information: Sensing (S) / iNtuitive (N)
How you make decisions: Thinking (T) / Feeling (F)
How you communicate: Judging (J) / Perceiving (P)
Next to the letters are numbers. These indicate the degree of your preference. Think of these as being on a sliding scale with numbers climbing from 0 at the middle to 100 on the edge.
Generally, on a 1-100 scale, anything from 1-25 is slight, 25-50 is moderate, and more than 50 is a strong preference.
For example, I-5, N-72, T-10, P-30. This score reveals a slight preference for Introversion, a strong preference for iNutution, a slight preference for Thinking, and a moderate preference for Perception.
Here is an explanation of the various dimensions:
INTROVERTS are focused on the inner world of ideas and concepts. They largely live in their own head, tend to process internally (alone), take longer to process information (than extraverts), process THEN act (or speak), and are energized by being alone. Instead of being in crowds, they prefer to be alone, with one other person or very small groups. Being with people too much makes them feel drained. Being alone is where they recharge their batteries (get energy).
EXTRAVERTS are focused on the outer world (outside themselves), tend to process externally (talking things through with others), process very quickly (often while they speak or after), love social gatherings, and get energized by being with others. Being alone too much makes them drained. Spending time with others is energizing.
SENSING people are concrete thinkers who gather information from their five senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell). They are present-oriented and are good with details but do not always see the big picture (they tend to see the trees but not always the forest).
iNTUITIVE people are abstract thinkers who are future-oriented. They think in concepts and are always making connections between ideas. They often think and speak using analogies. They are better at seeing the big picture (forest) than the details (the trees). These are the visionaries of the world.
THINKING people tend to make decisions based on factual data and logic; they are often very good at being objective. They tend to be task-oriented, so may judge the success of their day on how much they accomplished. They sometimes view feeling people as hyper-sensitive.
FEELING people are concerned with feelings (both of themselves and others). They make decisions based on their gut, which include values and subjective evaluation; they are concerned about potential impact on others and themselves. They sometimes see thinking people as cold-hearted.
JUDGING people are not necessarily judgmental (though they can be). They prefer structure, systems, schedules, and routine; they are usually not big fans of change. They love to plan and see a project come to conclusion (because of their need for closure).
PERCEIVING people dislike structure, systems, schedules, and routine; they often thrive on change. They see life as an adventure, tend to be spontaneous and like to keep their options open before making a decision. Because they have little-felt need for closure, they sometimes leave projects unfinished.
The 16 Types
16 Types graphic source: http://www.centreforconfidence.co.uk/type-resources.php?pid=395
For more information, I suggest you consult some of the many websites and books out there on the subject. For a start, try these online resources:
http://www.16personalities.com/personality-types
http://www.truity.com/view/types
http://www.personalitypage.com/careers.html (Common careers for various personalities)
Photo by Timon Klauser on Unsplash
