Myers-Briggs Personality Testing - The Myths, Nuances and Value

Many people are aware of the Myers-Briggs tests at this point. This particular type of personality testing has grown fairly popular in corporate circles, with many companies requiring their employees, or prospective employees, to undergo this type of evaluation. For those less familiar, the Myers-Briggs personality testing differentiates our primary brain functions based on responses to a myriad of questions, revealing insights into what makes us tick. It is rooted in science, based on psychology and neurology, and is a valuable tool in having a better understanding of others.

I'm not going to explain it in depth here, there are many wonderful books and websites that delve into the Myers-Briggs in great detail, and I highly recommend a quick google search on "MBTI" or "Myers-Briggs" if you want to learn more about this fascinating area of study. Suffice to say, it is something I am glad I have learned about, and a useful asset in my interpersonal tool-kit. It truly does allow a greater insight into the different ways different people perceive and value the world, really aptly capturing my favorite adaptation to a classic phrase: "Treat others as THEY want to be treated"(Source Unknown).

As some may have guessed by now, I am an INTP. But, interestingly, I do not always test that way. Which is what prompted me to write this post. I think many folks with a more limited understanding of the MBTI may find it rather trivial. And, if you're only looking at a quick superficial rundown of your four letters, that's likely to be so. Especially if those four letters don't even truly line up with your overall sense of self, or they keep changing every other time you test.

You see, like any test, there are variables at play in how you respond that can dramatically effect your results, and no one test is perfect. There are many different MBTI tests that phrase similar questions completely differently, or use slightly different scales, or presentation. Truity.com and 16personalities.com are a couple good free ones I have used, but there are many others, including paid options. Regardless, do not take one test and assume you are "type-set" and that's that. Not only do the tests themselves vary, but we, as individuals, can evolve and shift types naturally as we grow, as well.

Back to my case in point. I have tested quite a few times in the past. Always either INTP or ENTP. Although I know my preference for introversion is inherently dominant. Recently, I figured I would test again. I went through the questions, and, lo and behold, I tested as an INFJ! Obviously not, because they operate with entirely different cognitive functions. I lead with Extraverted Intuition. All the descriptions of INTP are generally me to a tee. I didn't buy it. I went and did another test, through Truity.com, and came up with a much more typical and expected result - ENTP.

Why the E? Well, I test a slight preference for E on occasion, even though I am not one (which I know to be fact from my personal lifestyle choices). Regardless, my care for others can induce this result. So we must be willing to override those types that are miscast with our own intuitive (and logical) self-awareness. In this case, I have enough personal self-knowledge to be certain I am, indeed, introverted. Further, I know I am N. There is no doubt on that one; I ALWAYS test a strong preference for intuition. Nice when it lines up consistently!

However, the T/F and P/J axes are more variable. I almost always have tested T and P, but I noticed lately in my testing I am BARELY showing preference for thinking over feeling, and even less significantly showing preference for perceiving over judging. While this is likely in part due to gradual shifts in my personality over time (I typically tested more strongly preferent for T and P when I was younger), it is also reflective of different framing and test questions. I mean, I even had one test tell me I'm an INFJ, right?!

Does this mean these tests are useless? Inaccurate nonsense, trivial and unreliable? I would argue no, it just reflects the vast variability and the need for deeper understanding. As someone who has read books on the subject, I can assure you there is so much more to this typecasting than may initially meet the eye. It can truly be an invaluable asset in communication and interpersonal relations; at work, school, or in the home. Similarly, once you have firmly grasped this system and worked with it for a while, you can incorporate it somewhat intuitively, gleaning reasonably accurate assessments of other's types, and therefore how best to interact with them, without ever seeing their results or forcing them to perform the test. This can often occur within minutes of interacting!

Of course, that level of confidence takes years of experience working with this skill-set, and a good dose of analytical and intuitive abilities. Don't have the time or energy to take on learning all about this but could see how it may be a value add for you and your business? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or quote. It is our goal to incorporate Myers-Briggs along with many other high-performing intuitive and psychological tools to tackle any issue in a holistic, strategic, and comprehensive manner.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment your type and your thoughts below. All the best!

Brendan Leishman

Consultant and Owner

B+C Intuitive Services