Last week I attended a workshop on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Just as in past years, I was amazed at the accuracy in which it was able to provide insight into many facets of my personality and the personalities of those who are different from me.
The MBTI instrument was developed by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs as an application of Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. This theory suggests that we have opposite ways of gaining energy (Extroversion or Introversion), gathering or becoming aware of information (Sensing or Intuition), deciding or coming to a conclusion about information (Thinking or Feeling) and dealing with the world around us (Judging or Perceiving).
Corporations use the MBTI instrument to improve employee interpersonal communications; in team building, diversity and leadership training; and in organizational development. It is a self-reporting instrument that is non-judgmental, professionally interpreted and used all around the world.
Having an understanding of your MBTI type and the types of others can make you a more effective communicator and help eliminate misunderstandings. To help you see the reason for my passion, I’d like to spend a little time describing the information-gathering function to you – – because nothing else can take place unless we gain and gather information.
As I mentioned above, there are two ways in which we gather information: Sensing – S and Intuitive – N For those who believe that what they taste, see, feel, hear and/or touch to be real (things that they experience with their five senses) then they prefer Sensing – S. These people usually focus on facts and details.
On the other hand, those who prefer to gather information beyond their five senses and translate this information into possibilities, meanings and relationships between and among various things prefer Intuitive – N. These people usually look at the grand scheme and the holistic aspect of things.
Imagine the following Sensing-Intuitive conversation when a person who prefers Sensing asks a person who prefers Intuitive the simple question: “What time are we leaving for dinner?”
The person who prefers Intuitive – N might answer: “When everyone is hungry,” or “After everyone gets home from work,” or even “A little after 5ish.”
None of these answers will be a correct in the mind of the person who prefers Sensing – S because they don’t give a specific time. This can cause a breakdown in communication. Sensors can be literal. Intuitives, in contrast, may find a hundred ways to provide an answer – none of which may be the ones the Sensor is looking for. Imagine how a strategic planning session would look from the eyes of a Sensor (detail oriented) versus the eyes of an Intuitive (big picture)?
The above scenario describes the information gathering function of the MBTI. This function (along with the additional three dichotomies) provides a rich exploration of how we live in the world and interact with others.
The MBTI instrument brings a wealth of knowledge to the table for leaders and employees. Understanding MBTI preferences can help eliminate misunderstandings and communication breakdowns and move innovation and success forward!
