Myers Briggs test is used to better understand your personality type and that of others. It can be used in relationship management as well as in a variety of other business settings. The Step II level of MBTI also known as the advanced level is highly useful for employee development within companies and can be very useful in one to one coaching settings. It is broadly based on the concept of 16 personalities which can also be called 16 personality types.

The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ® (MBTI) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives. —The model was developed by two non-psychologists, Briggs and Myers, who wanted to give as many people as possible access to these powerful ideas. —It is one of the few models of personality that describes differences positively. —There are no better or worse types to be; each type has its strengths and possible pitfalls. The essence of the type theory is that much seemingly casual variation in the behavior is actually quite methodical and consistent, being due to basic differences in the ways individuals prefer to use their preference, perception and judgment.

One of the practical applications of the MBTI and understanding these type preferences is in supporting better teamwork, communication, stress management, leadership, & competency development. Differences in these mental preferences lead to quite different value structures and communication styles, which can hamper mutual understanding and cooperation.

The MBTI is a registered trademark of Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator Trust and is published by Myers Briggs Company. Only a MBTI Certified Expert and a qualified practitioner from the Myers Briggs Company (formerly known as CPP Inc) is allowed to purchase, administer, interpret & provide coaching, training & feedback on all the MBTI Test and assessments, on-line reports & instruments.

74% of the colleges nationwide in USA use MBTI tool. More than 95% of top 100 colleges (according to US News and World Report) use the MBTI tool. —The MBTI questionnaire continues to be refined and updated. Culturally sensitive forms have been published, including the UK MBTI Step I. It is available in 14 European languages and overall MBTI is available in more than 70 different languages. 

MBTI in Pakistan has been used often but many times not in the correct context. Working with a non-qualified expert is just like asking a barber to do a surgery. I have met quite a few disgruntled HR managers who had engaged consultants claiming to be MBTI experts who actually were not qualified and authorized to use it. The results and feedback of their sessions was pretty appalling.

MBTI type indicates a person’s preference but not his or her ability or character. Personality type should be used as a way of understanding yourself and for assisting you in making choices. However, it should not be used as the only tool for choosing careers, partners, jobs, subjects, etc. 

Many companies and managers make the grave mistake of using the MBTI for job test in Pakistan as a tool for recruitment which is ethically incorrect. MBTI is a purely self-awareness & development tool and the creators of the tool strictly prohibit the use as MBTI as job test or tool for hiring or recruitment. Big Five Tests for jobs  and for employment are used frequently however. MBTI can also be used for enhancing workplace effectiveness. 

The most important aspect of the Myers-Briggs type theory is that every type has value and certain unique gifts. Although each type approaches situations differently, and another person’s approach may not be what you would choose, each way can be effective. Although there are many personality tests free available but they are not properly researched or validated. 

Over the next few days we will look in some detail into the different 16 MBTI personality Types. All preferences are equally valuable and each type brings an important point of view when people interact. A mixture of types is best for a work group or team because many views are represented. I will also look into various applications of MBTI including the MBTI career report.