The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

The MBTI is a world-renowned personality inventory, based on Jung's theory of personality type, and validated following over 40 years use in the United States and elsewhere in the world (it is widely used in many larger organisations).

Although there are unrivalled 'quantitative' data to support the MBTI, the ethics of MBTI consultancy recognises that we are all individuals and that its optimum use is 'qualitative', as part of training, team building, realising individual potential, or conflict resolution programmes to stimulate people's understanding (of themselves and of others) and resourcefulness, rather than deliver prescriptive interpretations and formulaic solutions.

So it is supportive not judgmental, and allows people to gain self knowledge and an understanding of their differences. However, the important thing to recognise is that the MBTI is the means to an end, not an end in itself, because it opens up the possibility for team building, problem identification, and practical organisationally focussed solutions and change - at all levels and in all kinds of organisations. Its reputation and credibility means that it is accepted by both decision makers and participants.

The outcome is greater self awareness among the participants, insights into the differing ways that we ourselves and others can operate, the potential for enhanced performance, and a strengthened team spirit. It could, if appropriate, provide the springboard for the subsequent stages - business specific (personal effectiveness, presentation skills, creativity and more) facilitated by the MBTI practitioner.

The MBTI inventory, supported by NLP skills to take the resulting conversations into valuable and meaningful areas, provides an opportunity to deliver real insights and positive changes - to both individuals and groups. It can be used in one-to-one situations (say with senior people who are planning to make major moves, and/or seeking to improve their personal performance), or with teams / interdepartmental groups.