You will need to take the free Meyers-Briggs Personality Test online to get your four letters:
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE
The Myers-Briggs model of personality is based on these four preferences:
Where, primarily, do you direct your energy?
How do you prefer to process information?
How do you prefer to make decisions?
How do you prefer to organize your life?
As with all personality questionnaires, the results of any of these can be wrong. All questionnaires recognized by any psychological establishment have reliability and validity research which shows, how wrong, on the average, they can be. The questionnaire can provide valuable information, but the real value of the Myers-Briggs model of personality is in deciding your type for yourself.
Where, primarily, do you direct your energy?
To the outer world of activity, and spoken words?
Or to the inner world of thoughts and emotions?
If it is toward the outer world of activity or words, it is called Extroversion, denoted by the letter E. If it is toward the inner world of ideas, information, or thoughts, it is called Introversion, denoted by the letter I. Extro is a prefix meaning without, and Intro is a prefix meaning within.
During each day you will undoubtedly spend time spontaneously doing or saying things, as well as retreating into the inner world of contemplation and thought. If your working day has involved much interaction with the world, even the clearest Extrovert may feel at the end of the day that he wants to be left alone with his thoughts. Conversely, if an Introvert has been working in isolation all day, he may feel that he needs to party in the evening to restore some balance.
You, like every other individual, need a particular balance of both introversion and extroversion. However, laying aside special circumstances like those in the previous paragraph, one of Extroversion or Introversion will normally increase your level of energy, while the other will decrease it.
Extroversion associated words are social, expressive, many, broad, interaction, outward, and action before thought.
Introversion associated words are private, quiet, few, deep, concentration, inward, and thought before action.
Which is your preference? What is your personality type? How are you actually behaving most of the time?
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell. Every individual exhibits all of the above characteristics at some time or other, and one source of difficulty can be in distinguishing which behaviors are learned, or a response to current demands, and which reflect true preference.
One feature differentiating ES from IS is whether action or thought comes first. In situations that demand action, such as the sounding of a fire alarm, both types will act. Most people are trained to evacuate the building immediately in an emergency, or to take other appropriate action. So the fire alarm results in most people doing something, and very few people decide to sit and think. They will adopt a role that is extroverted, but their underlying preference is still the same.
In situations that demand thought, such as solving a crossword puzzle, both types will think. Most crossword puzzles cannot be solved by taking action or by talking. Both extroverts and introverts need to spend time in thought first, to make some progress towards a solution. Their roles are introverted, but their underlying preference remains the same.
Team roles therefore reflect how we respond to particular circumstances. Finding your true, inner preferences is therefore more difficult, because everyone adapts to some degree to each situation. However, the difference between people who have a preference for extroversion and introversion becomes more apparent when there is a free choice. In these situations, the extrovert will tend to act, and the introvert tends to think. However, very few situations involve a truly free choice, as your behavior at work, for example, may be influenced by factors such as, the culture of the organization (some employers expect action-oriented behavior, others expect considered responses), your training or upbringing, a range of environmental factors, such as whether the situation is a new or familiar one, whether recognition or reward is given, and the effects of stress or illness. The need to restore balance may also be a factor, e.g., an extrovert may need some time alone after a busy week.
Nevertheless, your innate preferences will still influence the way that you behave, as well as those factors listed above. In a situation demanding action, an introvert may nevertheless bring a more thoughtful approach, or delay the taking of action. In a situation demanding thought, the extrovert may tend to talk the problem through, or move to action more quickly. The team role you perform depends on a combination of the demands being placed on you. Myers-Briggs believed your type is innate and stays the same throughout life.
Another indicator or your true preference may be the level of stress or enjoyment in a situation. Where your preferences coincide with the demands of the situation, you may find it quite enjoyable. An extrovert may find it frustrating or stressful if required to work in an introverted style, but enjoyable or energizing if required to work in an extroverted style, and vice versa for an introvert.
How do you prefer to process information?
In the form of known facts and familiar terms?
Or in the form of possibilities or new potential?
If it is in the form of facts or familiar terms, it is called Sensing, denoted by the letter S. If it is in the form of possibilities or new potential, it is called iNtuition, denoted by the letter N. (N is used rather than I, to avoid confusion with Introversion). The term Sensing is used because information is taken in primarily by way of the senses. The term iNtuition is used because information is perceived primarily in an intuitive fashion. Sensing tends to be interested in tangible reality, focusing on the present, and seeing what is, rather than what might be. At an extreme, Sensing can have its feet so well and truly on the ground that it misses out on possibilities for the future.
The preference for iNtuition gives a greater emphasis on insight and the future, focusing on what might be, rather than what is. At an extreme, iNtuition can focus so much on possibilities that it loses touch with current realities.
Sensing tends to communicate in direct ways, while iNtuition prefers to communicate in creative ways.
Sensing associated words are facts, experience, present, practicality, enjoyment, realism, and musing.
INtuition associated words are possibilities, novelty, future, aspiration, development, idealism, and changing.
How do you prefer to make decisions?
On the basis of logic and objective considerations?
Or on the basis of personal values?
If it is on the basis of logic and objective considerations, it is called Thinking, denoted by the letter T. If it is on the basis of personal values, it is called Feeling, denoted by the letter F.
Thinking associated words are analyzing, objective, logical, personal criticism, decides on principles, long term view, and partaker.
Feelings associated words are sympathy, subjective, appreciation, decides using values, onlooker, and immediate view.
How do you prefer to organize your life?
In a structured way, making decisions and knowing where you stand?
Or in a flexible way, discovering life as you go along?
If it is in a structured way, making decisions and knowing where you stand, then it is called Judgement. If it is in a flexible way, discovering life as you go along, this is called Perception.
Someone whose preference is Judgement prefers, in their lifestyle, to make decisions. This means that they prefer to make decisions about what to do, where to go, what to say, and so on. As a result of these decisions, their lifestyle appears organized. That is, someone whose preference is Judgement, prefers to make decisions in the world of actions and spoken words, and therefore appears organized.
Someone whose preference is Perception prefers, in their lifestyle, to learn or experience new things. This means that they prefer to find out more, rather than making decisions, and are more comfortable when they keep their options open. As a result of this openness, they can appear flexible. That is, someone whose preference is Perception, prefers to perceive new things in the world of actions and spoken words, and therefore appears flexible.
Some words often associated with Judgement are close, decide, structure, organize, firmness, and control.
Some words often associated with Perception are open, explore, meander, inquire, flexibility, and spontaneity.
Everyone's personality reflects all aspects of the Myers-Briggs model. You use Extroversion as well as Introversion, Sensing as well as iNtuition, Thinking as well as Feeling, and Judgement as well as Perception. You can perform any of the team roles.
However, your type is a permanent influence in your personality, that influences your choice, where the opportunity allows, of which preference or team role to perform. The letters that represent your preferences are combined to produced your Myers-Briggs Type, such as ENTJ. An ENTJ prefers Extroversion, iNtuition, Thinking and Judgement. The ENTJ is likely to feel energized by having lots of things going on (E). He will tend to interpret events by seeing patterns or overviews (N). He will tend to make decisions on the basis of logic (T). And he organizes life on a logical basis (J).
Look at the lists of words for each preference above, and think about your preference, not just the way you behave in your work or social roles. List the letters in the four letter form outlined above. If you are unclear about any of them, simply insert a question mark, e.g. IS?P. If you have managed to put down four letters with no question marks, regard this as a provisional estimate of your type. You may find it useful to think about it again when you have finished reading this page.
What is your Myers Briggs type? You have probably narrowed down your choice to a few types, but perhaps have not yet settled on one. The final section on this page consists of some brief descriptions of the sixteen types. Read the ones that you think may apply to you, and see if you can narrow your choice down further. about many of the applications and uses of Type. There are two free tests you can take online whose click-on links are listed at the end of this page with results given immediately.
Introvert-Intuitive-Feelings-Perception
INFP
The INFP takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and emotions. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, especially for people, and prefers to make decisions on the basis of personal values. His/her life is flexible, following new insights and possibilities as they arise. He/she is quiet and adaptable, up to a point, when his/her values are violated, the normally adaptable INFP can surprise people with his/her stance. He/she will seem to be very interested in ideas, and he/she may sometimes make very creative contributions. He/she has a hidden warmth for people and a desire to see self and others grow and develop. He/she prefers to undertake work that has a meaningful purpose.
Introvert-Intuitive-Feelings-Judgement
INFJ
The INFJ takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and emotions. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, particularly for people, and makes decisions using personal values. His/her life is organized on a personal basis. He/she often has a private sense of purpose in life, and works steadily to fulfill that goal. He/she demonstrates a quiet concern for people, being interested in helping them to develop and grow. He/she is good at developing insight into people, though it can often remain unexpressed.
Introvert-Intuitive-Thinking-Perception
INTP
The INTP takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and, maybe, emotions. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, and making decisions on a logical basis. His/her life is flexible, following new insights and possibilities as they arise. He/she is quiet and detached, and adaptable, up to a point, sometimes he/she may stop adapting, insisting that there is a clear principle at stake. He/she is not interested in routine, and will often experiment or change things to see if they can be improved. He/she operates at best when solving complex problems that require the application of intellect.
Introvert-Intuitive-Thinking-Judgement
INTJ
The INTJ takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and, maybe, emotions. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities for the future, and making decisions using impersonal analysis. His/her life is organized on a logical basis. He/she is a strategist, identifying long-term goals and organizing life to meet them. He/she tends to be sceptical and critical, both of self and others, with a keen sense of deficiencies in quality and competence. He/she often has a strong intellect, yet is able to attend to details that are relevant to the strategy.
Introvert-Sensing-Feelings-Perception
ISFP
The ISFP takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and emotions. He/she prefers dealing with facts and people, and making decisions on the basis of personal values. He/she is adaptable up to a point, quiet and friendly. He/she is interested in people, enjoying their company preferably on an individual basis or in small numbers. He/she takes a caring and sensitive approach to helping others. He/she enjoys the present, and tends to dislike confrontation and conflict. He/she usually acts as a very supportive member of a team.
Introvert-Sensing-Feelings-Judgement
ISFJ
The ISFJ takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts and emotions. He/she prefers dealing with facts and people, and making decisions on the basis of personal values. His/her life is organized on a personal basis, seeking to enjoy relationships with people he/she likes. He/she is a quiet, serious observer of people, and is both conscientious and loyal. He/she prefers work that involves being of practical service to people. He/she is often concerned for and perceptive of how other people feel and dislikes confrontation and conflict.
Introvert-Sensing-Thinking-Perception
ISTP
The ISTP takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts (and, maybe, emotions). He/she prefers dealing with facts and making decisions on a logical basis. His/her life is flexible, demonstrating an interest in acquiring new information that leads to a practical understanding of the way the world works. He/she is quiet and detached, and adaptable up to a point. He/she is often good at solving organizational problems that need to be thought through. He/she is curious about how and why things work, and can seem impulsive, sometimes producing surprising ideas or doing something unpredictable.
Introvert-Sensing-Thinking-Judgement
ISTJ
The ISTJ takes his/her energy from the inner world of thoughts (and, maybe, emotions). He/she prefers dealing with facts, and making decisions after considering the various options. He/she organizes his/her life on a logical basis. He/she is quiet, serious and well prepared for most eventualities. He/she is a keen observer of life, developing a good understanding of situations, which is often not expressed. He/she has a strong sense of practical objectives, and works efficiently to meet them.
Extrovert-Intuitive-Feelings-Perception
ENFP
The ENFP takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, particularly for people, and makes decisions on the basis of personal values. His/her life is flexible, following new insights and possibilities as they arise. He/she is creative and insightful, often seeking to try new ideas that can be of benefit to people. He/she may sometimes neglect details and planning, but he/she enjoys work that involves experimentation and variety, working towards a general goal.
Extrovert-Intuitive-Feelings-Judgement
ENFJ
The ENFJ takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, particularly for people, and makes decisions using personal values. His/her life is organized on a personal basis, seeking to develop and maintain stable relationships with those people he/she likes. He/she is actively concerned with promoting personal growth in others. He/she is also highly sociable, and expressive of feelings towards others, but can find conflict and criticism difficult, particularly if it might damage long-term relationships. He/she works best in situations involving people.
Extrovert-Intuitive-Thinking-Perception
ENTP
The ENTP takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, and making decisions on a logical basis. He/she is adaptable, tending to focus on new ideas and interests when they arise, particularly if they involve increasing his/her competence or skill. He/she is an ingenious problem solver, constantly trying new ideas out, and can seem to enjoy a good argument. He/she is interested in instigating change, and operates best in overcoming new difficulties where the solution requires the application of creative effort.
Extrovert-Intuitive-Thinking-Judgement
ENTJ
The ENTJ takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with patterns and possibilities, and making decisions after considering the consequences of the various courses of action. His/her life is organized on a logical basis. He/she tends to control life, organizing systems and people to meet task-oriented goals. He/she often takes the role of executive or director, using a business-like and impersonal approach. He/she may appear intolerant of people who do not set high standards for themselves or don't seem to be good at what they do.
Extrovert-Sensing-Feelings-Perception
ESFP
The ESFP takes his/her energy from the outside world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with facts, which he/she usually takes at face value. He/she also prefers dealing with the present and with people, and probably derives much enjoyment out of friendships. His/her life is flexible, living it very much in the present, and responding to things as they arise. He/she is impulsive and friendly, seeking enjoyment out of life, and makes new friends easily. He/she likes taking part in solving urgent problems, such as fire-fighting or trouble shooting. He/she operates best in practical situations involving people.
Extrovert-Sensing-Feelings-Judgement
ESFJ
The ESFJ takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with facts, and making decisions on the basis of personal values. He/she likes dealing with people, and organizes life on a personal basis. He/she is a very warm person, seeking to maintain harmonious relationships with colleagues and friends, who are a very important part of his/her life. He/she can find conflict and criticism very difficult to handle. He/she has a strong sense of duty and loyalty, and is driven by a need to belong and be of service to people.
Extrovert-Sensing-Thinking-Perception
ESTP
The ESTP takes his/her energy from the outer world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with facts, which he/she usually views objectively, and he/she makes decisions on a logical basis. His/her life is flexible, consisting of a series of activities that interest him/her. He/she is an action-oriented problem solver, and prefers to work with practical organizational issues. He/she can be impulsive, and likes taking part in trouble-shooting type work. He/she can sometimes neglect follow-through, but will work best when there is a lot going on that needs organizing and solving.
Extrovert-Sensing-Thinking-Judgment
ESTJ
The ESTJ takes his/her energy from the outside world of actions and spoken words. He/she prefers dealing with facts and the present, and makes decisions using logic. His/her life is organized on a logical basis. He/she is therefore practical, and likely to implement tried and trusted solutions to practical problems in a businesslike and impersonal manner. He/she prefers to ensure that the details have been taken care of rather than spending time considering concepts and strategies.
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