What Is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?

If you’ve ever heard someone describe themselves as an INFJ, they’re likely referring to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). While some scientists question the test’s accuracy, plenty of people find it useful for learning more about themselves and how they relate to others.

[Read more: Entrepreneurs Reveal the 6 Personality Traits That Make Them Successful]

How does the test work?

The MBTI is a personality test that asks you questions about your preferences, habits, and how you interact with others. Based on your answers, you’re placed into one of 16 personality types made up of four key traits.

Extroversion (E) - Introversion (I)

The MBTI measures introversion and extroversion differently than what you might expect. According to the assessment, extroverts are “outward-turning,” they tend to enjoy socializing with others, and they are wired for taking action.

In comparison, introverts are “inward-turning” and tend to prefer spending time alone. They spend more time thinking and enjoy more profound relationships with fewer people.

Sensing (S) - Intuition (N)

This category focuses on how people gather information and make judgments about the world around them. Individuals who process information using their senses tend to focus on tangible information. They enjoy hands-on experiences and focus more on the facts of a situation.

In comparison, individuals who process information using their intuition like to look at the big picture. They look for existing patterns between the facts and enjoy considering various possibilities. 

Thinking (T) - Feeling (F)

Thinkers tend to make decisions based on objective data and logical analysis. They tend to be more practical when making a decision and rarely make decisions based on their emotions. In contrast, feelers think about the values or issues that are important to them and how a decision could impact those around them. 

Judging (J) - Perceiving (P)

This final category examines how an individual conducts themselves and interacts with others. If you lead with judging, you likely prefer rules and structure. Those who lean toward perceiving can be more flexible and may enjoy more spontaneity in their lives.

[Read more: 5 Personality Traits Employees Love in Their Managers]

Using MBTI to improve team collaboration

Knowing your personality type — and your team’s — can help everyone work better together. It can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support different work preferences.

For example, someone with a judging (J) personality type might prefer clear deadlines, while someone with a perceiving (P) type might thrive with a more flexible schedule. Introverts may need time to think before sharing ideas, while extroverts often enjoy brainstorming in groups.

When used the right way, the MBTI can help teams understand and appreciate each other’s differences, which can lead to stronger collaboration and a more inclusive workplace.

[Read more: Personality Traits You’ll Need to Run Your Business During a Recession]

MBTI limitations and criticisms in the workplace

Even though the MBTI is widely used, it’s not perfect. Experts have pointed out that it’s not always reliable, and many people get differing results if they take the test several times.

Another common criticism is that it puts people into fixed categories rather than recognizing that personality traits often exist on a spectrum. In a work setting, relying too much on MBTI results can lead to labels or stereotypes. It can be a helpful starting point, but it shouldn’t be the only tool you use to understand your co-workers.

[Read more: 6 Essential Personality Traits of Successful Entrepreneurspreneurs]

MBTI alternatives 

If you're looking for other personality assessments, there are several alternatives to the MBTI to consider. Each of the following tools offers unique insights, and organizations may benefit from combining multiple assessments to better understand their teams:

• DISC: The DISC personality test focuses on behavior and communication styles, with four main types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. It’s often used in leadership training and team-building.
• OCEAN (also called the Big Five): This test measures five traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Many researchers consider this model more scientifically accurate than the MBTI.
• CliftonStrengths: The CliftonStrengths test helps people identify their natural talents and is often used for personal and professional development.

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