The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality profiler based on the work of Carl G. Jung. It measures individual preferences on these four scales:

1. how people are energised: whether people are more energised by the external or internal world (Extroversion or Introversion).
2. how people prefer to take in or perceive information (Sensing or iNtuition).
3. how people prefer to make evaluations and decisions (Thinking or Feeling).
4. how people orient their lives; whether they are organised and seek closure or are spontaneous and open (Judging or Perceiving).

Created by an American mother-daughter team (Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers), the MBTI was developed over a period of 20 years. It was then researched for a further 20 years and finally released for public use in 1975. The MBTI is now the most widely used personality indicator in the world.

Each person can be typed by four-letters consisting of a combination of one preference from each of the above pairs of traits. A person who prefers Extroversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging is referred to as ESTJ. There are sixteen possible combinations or types.

Although we use all eight preferences, one in each pair tends to be more developed. It is believed that we are born with a preference for four of the above pairs. In the first half of life, we strengthen these preferred traits i order to build a strong personality. In the second half of lie, we strengthen the weaker traits and become more balanced and whole. For example, an introvert may develop more extroversion and an extrovert may develop more introversion.

The MBTI has been used successfully by several millions of people to:

• find new careers
• create productive and effective work teams
• develop efficient and competitive organisations
• build self confidence
• enrich interpersonal relationships
• develop teaching and learning styles

What are the benefits of knowing your type?

Team Building

Whether you're trying to build a dynamic work group, solve team problems or create a more effective and productive team, the MBTI is a powerful team building resource.

Using the MBTI tool with teams you can:

• improve communication while increasing productivity
• provide guidelines to deal with conflict
• promote diversity and the appreciation of differences
• identify weak spots and help members anticipate them
• show members how to value and capitalise on each others' strengths

Organizational Development

Using the MBTI in an organisation promotes the appreciation of diverse people and values. It also highlights individual contributions to the organisation.

Use the MBTI assessment tool in your organisation to:

• facilitate communication between employees at all levels
• provide reliable decision-making techniques
• reduce conflict and create a more effective organisation
• increase job satisfaction and morale to promote creativity

Career Development for Individuals

The MBTI personality tool helps clients set goals, gather information, network and make decisions with confidence. You can use the MBTI assessment in career development to:

• help clients understand them-selves for effective career decisions
• provide job satisfaction
• build career self-reliance
• motivate clients for success
• show clients their type's valuable contributions in their chosen career path for increased confidence

Personal Growth and Learning Styles

Today, the MBTI is the primary resource for personal development consultants dealing with interpersonal and individual development issues, whether in private practice or in the educational setting.

The MBTI's personal development and educational uses include:

• matching teaching styles to learning styles
• counselling
• conflict resolution
• individual personal development

Working out your Myers-Briggs Type