LAC

1.

'Myers-Briggs' normally refers to a classification of psychological types.

It works with our broad 'personality preferences':

• Where we focus our attention;
• The way we take in information;
• How we make decisions; and
• How we deal with the external world.

The first step of Myers-Briggs work is to identify our preferences in each of these four dimensions:

• Attention: extroversion (E) or introversion (I);
• Information route: sensing (S) or intuition (N);
• Decision-making: thinking (T) or feeling (F); and
• Dealing with the world: judging (J) or perceiving (P).

This leads in turn to a classification as one of 16 types, for example 'ESTJ' or 'INFP'.

These psychological types are known as 'MBTI' (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).

The identification of preferences is usually made by a questionnaire.

The idea is to provide insight into our own personalities and those of other people, to help us work more effectively together.

2.

'Myers-Briggs' can also refer to:

• More detailed analysis and consultancy, building on and developing from an initial MBTI questionnaire.
• The originators of the first questionnaire in 1943, Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers.
• More broadly, the recognition of the importance of the systematic identification of personality types, and its application in organisations.

See also

• 16PF
• ACT Competency Framework
• Agile
• Behavioural skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Gravitas
• Working effectively with others