The most successful teams across different sports have had diverse personalities. This has not stopped them from winning numerous trophies. Why do such teams with different personalities work? Well, it is all about examining team members' personalities and managing them effectively. This diversity is what has enabled them to reach the pinnacle of success. However, it could be the reason for their failures if left unchecked. Similarly, examining employees' personalities is an essential aspect of organizational psychology. In this explanation, we cover the importance of Myers-Briggs personality indicators and their role in organizational behavior.
Myers-Briggs Personality Test Definition
In an organization, there are numerous employees with different personality types. This difference is evident in their perspectives and their decision-making. It is essential to know the personality types of employees. Before jumping on the Myers-Briggs personality test, let's define the term personality.
Personality is a combination of a person's characteristics and behaviors that makes them distinct from others.
Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers were two American writers who conceived the idea of the Myers-Briggs personality test. The test was inspired by the theory of "psychological types" by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. They recognized the real-world application of Jung's theory and decided to work on personality indicators that we now know as the Myers-Briggs personality test.
Myers-Briggs is a personality test based on an introspective self-report questionnaire. It shows how people perceive real-world situations and make decisions.
The purpose of the Myers-Briggs personality test is to help individuals understand themselves. Once people know themselves, they can handle real-life situations and make informed decisions.
In organizational behavior, the Myers-Briggs personality test is used to study employees' personalities. It could help the organization manage the employees effectively and build a collaborative work environment. People can also use this test to select suitable career options based on their personality types. In short, the Myers-Briggs personality test can help us make decisions that align with our personalities, resulting in fulfilling lives.
A team lead could use the results of the Myers-Briggs personality test to manage the team. They can assess the personality types and assign tasks based on those results.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicators
In the Myers-Briggs test, people are asked questions based on real-life scenarios. Their answers determine their personality types. Before discussing the types, let's go through the Myers-Briggs type indicators. These indicators are the foundation of personality types. Four categories help form sixteen personality types in the Myers-Briggs personality test. Each of these categories has a dichotomy.
Extraversion (E)/ Introversion (I) – This dichotomy explains how people interact with the outer world. Extraverts like to be around people as this gives them energy. They are action-oriented people who like to socialize. Introverts turn inwards. They like to spend time alone and do not usually feel the need to socialize with others. They value meaningful conversations and have a thought-oriented approach to life. They tend to have a few but trusted group of friends.
Sensing (S)/ Intuition (N) – This dichotomy explains how people collect information from their surroundings. People with sensing as their dominant indicator tend to value facts. They have a realistic approach to life. People with intuition as their dominant indicator tend to focus on focus on conceptual theories. They form opinions based on impressions.
Thinking (T)/ Feeling (F) – This dichotomy explains how people use sensing and intuition functions to make decisions and judgments. People with thinking as a predominant indicator tend to prefer the objective evaluation of information. They make their decisions based on facts and logic. People with feeling as a dominant function tend to prefer the subjective evaluation of information. They focus on emotions while making decisions.
Judging (J)/ Perceiving (P) – This dichotomy explains how people function in the outside world. Judging dominant people focus more on methods and results. They like structure and make firm decisions. People with perceiving features prefer flexibility. They can adapt according to the situation.
Myers-Briggs Personality Types
According to the Myers-Briggs personality test, there are 16 personality types. These types tell us where people focus their attention, how they gather information and make decisions, and how they deal with the world.
INTJ – The architect: People with this personality type are introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. They are named architects because of their analytical and logical abilities. They prefer to work alone and have high self-confidence. They evaluate situations objectively to reach a logical conclusion.
INTP – The thinker: People with introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving abilities are named INTPs. These types of people are reserved and analytical. They are called logicians because they process information and make decisions based on logic. They have an inward focus, i.e., prefer to focus on internal thoughts. They like to have small circles of friends.
ENTJ – The commander: People with extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging natures are called ENTJs. These kinds of people exhibit confidence and assertiveness. They derive their energy through social interactions. They have a futuristic approach while planning. They base their decisions on objective judgment.
ENTP – The debater: This personality type refers to extraversion, intuition, thinking, and perceiving. This type of person is innovative and expressive. New ideas fascinate these people, and they like to use these ideas to innovate. They are considered great conversationalists as they love debating various topics.
INFJ – The advocate: People with introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging characteristics are called INFJs. These people are considered logical and hardworking. They are introverts who believe in compassion and conscience. They make few but deep connections with people.
INFP – The mediator: This type of person is introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. These people are creative, compassionate, and idealistic. They want to serve humanity and possess high values and morals. They prefer a close group of friends.
ENFJ – The protagonist: This type is extraverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. These people are outgoing and loyal. They possess the ability to befriend any person. Therefore, they can make connections easily.
ENFP –The campaigner: People with extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving traits are ENFPs. This type of person is charismatic and independent. They have a creative side to themselves. They possess good people skills along with the ability to understand others.
ISTJ –The logistician: People with introverted, sensing, thinking, and judging attributes are called ISTJs. They are reserved and practical. They value loyalty, organization, and traditions in life. They are known to be good planners.
ISFJ – The defender: People with introverted, sensing, feeling, and judging traits are called ISFJs. These people are reserved and warm-hearted. They are excellent observers who can notice the smallest of detail.
ESTJ – The executive: People with extroverted, sensing, thinking, and judging traits are called ESTJs. They like social interaction, facts, and organized routines in life. They are assertive and like to be in control of situations.
ESFJ – The consul: People with extroverted, sensing, feeling, and judging qualities are called ESFJs. They are outgoing individuals who get energized through socializing with people. They are kind-hearted and organized by nature.
ISTP – The virtuoso: People with introverted, sensing, thinking, and perceiving traits are called ISTPs. They are individualistic and reserved by nature. They look forward to new experiences in life. They have a practical outlook on life.
ISFP – The adventurer: This type of person has introverted, sensing, feeling, and perceiving traits. They are friendly and easy-going individuals. They live in the present and do not waste time worrying about the future. They are doers who execute their plans effectively.
ESTP –The entrepreneur: This type of person has extraverted, sensing, thinking, and perceiving characteristics. These people look at the broader picture while making decisions. They are present-oriented and outgoing individuals. They prefer logic over emotions.
ESFP –The entertainer: This person has extraverted, sensing, feeling, and perceiving traits. They are outgoing and impulsive. They prefer spontaneity in life and like exploring new environments.
Myers-Briggs Classifications
The sixteen personality types in the Myers-Briggs test are divided into four overarching classifications. It is a way to group types with similar dominant features together.
Analysts – intuitive (N) and thinking (T) types. These people tend to think about possibilities and make logical decisions. The architect (INTJ), logician (INTP), commander (ENTJ), and debater (ENTP) types are known to be analysts.
Diplomats – intuitive (N) and feeling (F) types. These people possess idealism and empathy. The advocate (INFJ), mediator (INFP), the protagonist (ENFJ), and campaigner (ENFP) types are known as diplomats.
Sentinels – sensing (S) and judging (J) types. These types of people have a practical approach and structured lifestyles. The logistician (ISTJ), defender (ISFJ), executive (ESTJ), and consul (ESFJ) types are known as sentinels.
Explorers – sensing (S) and perceiving (P) types. These people prefer spontaneity and flexibility in their lives. Explorers are virtuosos (ISTP), adventurers (ISFP), entrepreneurs (ESTP), and entertainers (ESFP).
Myers-Briggs Workplace Compatibility
In an organization, the management might group personality types that complement each other. It can increase employees' productivity and negate the possibility of problems at the workplace. Let's discuss the types that can be compatible in a workplace.
ENFJ + INFP – ENFJs can be great leaders who can create ideal workplace environments for employees. INFPs are easy to work with as long as their coworkers do not mess with their value system. They believe in teamwork. These two types can complement each other in the workplace as ENFJs are naturally extroverted; therefore, they can take charge of projects.1
ESFP + ISFP – ESFPs are outgoing and entertaining by nature. As for ISFPs, they are genuine and charming. These two can work together, especially on social events at the workplace.1
ISTJ+ ESTP – This duo is all about getting the job done. ESTPs like to work with someone who puts in equal effort. ISTJs are known to be hardworking employees. These two can match each other in work ethic.1
Myers Briggs Importance
Employees are a significant part of an organization's work culture. Management takes measures to ensure harmony among coworkers. Building efficient teams to increase productivity and reduce conflicts is also essential. In this regard, the Myers-Briggs personality test can help management evaluate employees' personality types and assign them roles aligned with their personalities.
In the hiring process, recruiters can use the Myers-Briggs test to attract and hire individuals who fit the role and company's profile. It can make the hiring process efficient and reduce the possibility of wasting resources. Management can also identify and develop future leaders through this test.
Myers-Briggs Limitations
Although it is helpful to study personality types through Myers-Briggs, the management should not make decisions in the workplace based solely on this test. There are some limitations of this test that raise questions about its credibility. Personalities can change with time, and it is possible to have different test results at different stages of life. Secondly, the four personality preferences i.e., extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving limit the test results. This test ignores that people could belong to different attributes not factored into the test. Lastly, there are question marks over the validity of the test because it was based on a psychological theory that was not tested before it became mainstream.
Myers-Briggs - Key takeaways
- The purpose of the Myers-Briggs personality test is to help individuals understand themselves.
- In organizational behavior, the Myers-Briggs personality test is used to study employees' personalities.
- The Myers-Briggs personality test can help us make decisions that align with our personalities, resulting in fulfilling lives.
- Extraversion/Introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving are the four indicators in the Myers-Briggs test.
- The personality types tell us where people focus their attention, how they gather information and make decisions, and how they deal with the world.
References
- Brittany Bennett. This Is The Myers-Briggs Type You Work Best With, Based On Your Own Type. https://www.bustle.com/p/which-myers-briggs-types-work-best-together-these-pairs-will-always-get-along-8510988
Explanations 
Exams 
Magazine 
