Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test (MBTI)? Did you take the assessment with a certified MBTI Practitioner? If you have, did you agree with the results? Did you know that no matter what the results say, the end result is your choice!? Even if you read the results as your being an extrovert, if you more closely connect with the description of an introvert, that is your truth. Some people tend to guess, or judge people based on what they think about other people's type. This is a mistake. Every person has the right to choose for themselves.
For example, I am known to be prepared, highly organized and detail oriented. People who know the MBTI have guessed that I am a Judger, but I am a natural Perceiver. I have worked very hard to develop these skills professionally but when on vacation, or whenever not important, I would much rather be spontaneous.
There are many reasons why you may not relate to your printed results. Sometimes people do not take the assessment in the right frame of mind (like when stressed out) or in the not right conditions (like in a loud, busy environment) which can skew the results. Sometimes people take a less credible version of the assessment which may not give as accurate of results as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Sometimes people take the assessment for the wrong reasons like thinking they are required to or that their supervisor may judge their results.
The MBTI can be a very strong tool in workplace team development if done right. Participants should be given a choice to take the assessment and be given information so they know what to expect from the assessment and how the results may be used to be able to make an informed choice. Employees should trust that their results are confidential and have enough trust in the team, supervisor and organization to choose to share their results and their thoughts about the results.
When taking the assessment, the person should be told to think about their natural preferences - not skills they have developed for work or what they think others want to hear. They should answer the questions in a calm environment when they do not feel rushed. They should feel comfortable reading all of the questions and choosing their answers carefully.
You should also receive your results from a certified practitioner who will be able to help you understand what each type means, how it might affect you, what your strengths are, where your potential challenges might be and how best to use the information to be successful with other types.
Choosing your true type is important to better understand yourself and in helping you achieve your goals!
Next week's article will discuss the benefits of the real MBTI versus some of the others - some of which are free. The preview of that article is that you usually get what you pay for. The authentic MBTI has research proven findings. But, this is an amazing tool which can be used with other available tools to augment personal information.
To learn more your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator from a certified MBTI Practitioner, email Mako & Associates at DeeAn@MakoEd.com or text/call 206-992-7484 to develop customized training opportunities.
