What is the MBTI?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report questionnaire designed to make Carl Jung's theory of psychological types understandable and useful in everyday life. MBTI results describe valuable differences between people - differences that can be the cause of misunderstandings and communication difficulties. The MBTI will help you identify your strengths and unique gifts. You can use the information to understand your motivations and potential areas for growth. It will also help you to understand and appreciate those who differ from you. Understanding MBTI type promotes self-awareness and enhances co-operation and productivity. The authors, Katherine Briggs (1875-1968) and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers (1897-1980), were keen and disciplined observers of human personality differences. They studied and elaborated the ideas of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, and applied them to human interaction. Prompted by the waste of human potential in World War II, Myers began developing the Indicator to give a wide range of individuals access to the benefits of knowing their psychological type. After more than 50 years of research and development, the current MBTI is the most widely used instrument for understanding normal personality differences. The MBTI is used in :

  • self-development
  • organisation development
  • team building
  • problem solving
  • management and leadership training
  • education and course development
  • training in diversity and multicultural awareness
  • career development and exploration
  • relationship counselling
  • academic counselling

More than 3.5 million Indicators are administered annually worldwide. The Indicator has been translated into many languages including Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, German, Danish, Swedish.

There are a number of websites devoted to the MBTI. Some which we recommend for information and/or fun are:
www.discoveryourpersonality.com
www.taketime.com
www.mikejs.com/words/th_personality