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Dreamwork
Journal Keeping
Labyrinth
PERSONALITY TYPING:
Enneagram
Myers-Briggs
Prayer and Meditation
Spiritual Direction
Illness and Healing
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who
looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
C. G. Jung
The MBTI is about the
beauty, the strength, the infinite possibilities of
human personality in all its fascinating varieties.
Dr. John Davies
Black.
1919-1993; Founder/Consulting Psychologists Press
If one does not
understand a person, one tends to regard him as a fool.
C.G. Jung
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Myers-Briggs
Typology Indicator
We are both certified by the Center for the Application of Psychological
Type to administer the MBTI. We have been administering the
MBTI for individuals, couples, vestries, church boards, staff and organizations
since 1995. It is an excellent tool to help people understand and appreciate
the differences in the way different types function and work together.
Introduction to the
MBTI
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, usually referred to
as the MBTI, is one of the most widely used personality inventories.
It is the best tool we know of that can be grasped in a relatively short
time to give better understand of ourselves, others, and our
differences. Another reason we like to use it is because the
categories are all neutral. No type, no preference is better than
another. Although we use the MBTI with individuals and couples, we
find it an especially helpful tools for groups and vestries.
Background of the MBTI . . . very briefly . . .
Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers dedicated
their lives to expanding Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type (the
theory that an individual’s seemingly random behavior is not random at
all), and developing an instrument that is statistically reliable.
MBTI typology does not explain whether a person is
healthy or unhealthy. It does not explain IQ, maturity, emotions,
and many other things. It does help us see both how we are alike
and different from other people in four areas. Types are a distinction
of the way the mind processes. Types are categories into which
things can be sorted. Traits are characteristics which can be
measured as to more or less of.
People’s basic preferences do not change.
But, with age and maturity, your behavior choices and patterns can
change. The assumption is that from an early age you have a
preference for one type or another. Both sides of each continuum
have their strengths, weaknesses; advantages, disadvantages.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator organizes people’s
behaviors into predictable patterns on opposite preferences on four
distinct scales. The preferences or functions describe modes of
the person's interaction with the world. In principle, all are
available to everyone. In actuality each person has ease of access
to some functions while others remain difficult if not impossible to
mobilize.
How many of you are right handed . . . left handed .
. . anyone ambidextrous? . . . An accident
once forced me to use my left hand, but it will never be as skilled or
as comfortable as using my natural right-handedness. We PREFER to
do what is more natural. Most of us can all use either hand, but
using our non-dominant hand requires a lot more energy and
concentration.
Handedness is similar to Jung’s concept of
preferences with the functions. We have mental or psychological
preferences for performing certain tasks.
In learning the MBTI you have to learn some different
definitions or associations for words that are common in our vocabulary,
but used with a different understanding in MBTI terminology. With
the MBTI, a number of words have a different connotation from their
popular usage.
The MBTI sorts eight different preferences into four
pairs of opposites and organizes them according to
1. where we prefer to focus our attention to replenish our energy
the Introversion/Extraversion
scale (I or E)
2. how we prefer to take in information
the Sensing/Intuition scale
(S or N)
3. how we prefer to make decisions
the Thinking/Feeling scale (T
or F)
4. what basic "lifestyle" we prefer
the Judging/Perceiving Scale
We all use all eight preferences, but we also FAVOR
one from each of the four basic preference scales.
E/I: Where do we choose to focus our attention to get
energy? . . . from our outer world of people and things, OR our
inner world of thoughts and ideas?
S/N: How do we tend to take in information? . . . from
experiencing the present or imagining future possibilities?
T/F: How do we like to make decisions? . . . through a
logic-driven analysis or through a more personal process?
J/P: How do we live our everyday lives (what is our basic
approach to life)? Do we like to make plans or do we go with the flow.
Do we like to reach closure by deciding quickly or would we rather stay
open to last-minute options.
The MBTI helps people identify their preferences.
Your results tell you your preferences and whether each preference is
slight or clear.
E/I scale:
Area 1: introversion/Extraversion (spelling distinct in MBTI)
which tell us our "attitudes" towards the world.
These are often misunderstood, especially introversion. An
extravert’s essential stimulation is from the environment--the outer
world of people and things. This is where their focus of attention
lies and where they get their energy. An introvert’s essential
stimulation is from within the inner world of ideas and impression,
thoughts and reflections. Both attitudes are used by everyone, but one
is usually preferred and better developed. Introverts literally
draw energy from attending to the inner world. Extraverts draw
energy from interactions. Extraverts prefer to focus on the outer
world, preferring action and interaction over reflection. Their
bias is towards action; Introverts bias is toward reflection. Introverts
need to do things by themselves so they can turn inward and reflect and
thereby rebuild their energy. Two most important ways of
distinguishing: 1. where do you turn for energy; and,
2. bias towards action or reflection. Extraverts process out
loud. Extraverts like to talk things over in order to understand
them, are sociable and expressive, share their thoughts freely, have a
wide variety of interests and enjoy working in groups. Introverts
think things through in order to understand them. Introverts
process internally first, and then come out with the conclusion.
They prefer written communication. To reenergize, extraverts go
out and get involved. Introverts reenergize by being alone,
preferring to focus on inner ideas and images. Extraverts often
appear accessible and easy to get to know. Introverts may prefer
privacy, being with a one or two others or being alone. Extraversion
gives breadth to life; whereas, Introversion gives depth to life.
In our American population: Extraversion 60-65%; introversion:
35-40%
S/N scale:
Area 2: Sensing/Intuition, two different preferences,
complimentary ways of taking in information. The sensing function
takes in information by way of the five senses--sight, sound feel,
taste, and smell. This is what they trust most. The intuiting
function processes information by way of a “sixth sense” or hunch.
This is what they trust most. Both ways of perceiving and taking
in information are used by everyone, but one is usually preferred and
better developed (and trusted). People with a prefe rence for
intuition focus on the future and possibilities. Sensing: here
now, real . . . Basic issue between the two is the issue of
time. Also, specifics versus patterns or context. Sensing:
individual tree; Intuition: forest. Everyone takes in both kinds
of information; but, greater weight is given to one or the other.
Intuitive types like the opportunity to look at things in new ways.
Sensing types think intuitive types are impractical and dreamers. I . .
. Sensers likes set procedures, established routines.
Intuitive likes change and variety. Sensers may seem materialistic
and literal-minded to Intuitive. Intuitive may seem fickle, impractical
dreamers to S's. Those with a preference for sensing like to
gather facts and details, concrete information. Those with a
preference for sensing like to experience the world directly, relying on
the physical senses. Because they trust and rely upon what they
experience, those with a preference for sensing tend to be practical
people. They like specific detail, are present oriented and trust
their own experience. They are usually patient with routine
and usually enjoy using skills they have already mastered. Those
with a preference for Sensing naturally look for details, facts and
concrete information while those with a preference for intuition look
for patterns, meanings, relationships and possibilities for the way
things could be. People who prefer intuition usually focus
their attention on what lies beyond the surface. For them, future
possibilities are often more important than present realities.
They envision for the future easily. They generally love learning
new skills and trying new experiences. The might be abstract and
theoretical. They are patient with complexity as they try to see the big
picture. In our American population: S = 65-70%; N = 30-35%.
T/F scale:
The third set of preference relates to how we use information to make
decisions. Be careful not to confuse these words with our
everyday associations. In MBTI terminology, Thinking does not mean
intellectual and Feeling does not mean emotional. Both, Thinking
and Feeling are rational processes, but distinctly different.
Thinking/feeling are complimentary preferences for making decisions.
BOTH are both rational ways of making decisions. BOTH are
rational functions . . . reasoning to decisions. Feel ing in this system
does not mean making decisions on emotions. Both types have
emotions. The Thinking and Feeling preferences
describe the emphasis we
give to various elements in our decision-making process. Thinkers
prefer to make decisions by being objective and looking at logical
consequences. They solve problems through analysis. They use
“cause and effect” easily. They usually like things to be
fair. They can sometimes appear detached when making
decisions. Those with a preference for Feeling are the opposite.
They are driven more by subjectivity than objectivity.
They like to make decisions by weighting personal values and considering
how the decision will affect themselves and others. They are
usually sympathetic and compassionate and want harmony and agreement
without conflict. Thinking types like to get outside of the
situation; they are objective. Feeling types believe they can make
their best decision by getting more inside of the situation, more
subjective. The thinking function decides on the basis of logic
and objective considerations. The feeling function decides on the
basis of personal, subjective values. Both ways of deciding and
evaluating are used by everyone, but one is usually preferred and better
developed. Thinking types look for consistency, for what works,
what doesn’t work. That looks like a natural bias for
critiquing. Feeling types are more concerned with negotiating
worlds, your world, my world. Thinking types look cold and condescending
to feeling types. Feeling types seem fuzzy-minded and emotional to
Thinkers. Thinkers are good at analyzing plans. Feelers are
good at understanding people. In American culture, T = 60%; F =
40%
J/P scale:
The fourth set of preferences has to do with how we live our everyday
lives, one of two basic approaches. Jung only alluded to this set
of preferences.
Myers and Briggs named and developed them. Again, a reminder about vocabulary. Judging does not mean judgmental and
Perceiving does not mean perceptive! JUDGMENT and PERCEPTION
which are terms are complimentary lifestyles. Judging does not
mean judgmental; it means having a preference for making decisions.
A judging lifestyle is decisive, planned and orderly. Perceiving -
a perceptive lifestyle is flexible, adaptable, and spontaneous.
Perceivers like freedom to explore . . . no limits. Both attitudes
are part of everyone’s lifestyle, but one is usually preferred and
better developed. J/P: different perceptions of time.
Another sense of distinguishing between the two is the internal
“press.” Perceivers have a rush of energy around deadlines.
That is where they get their drive to do things. With a six-month
project, the J will feel press right away. A P will not feel it
until towards the end. Perceivers don’t want to come to closure
prematurely. Perceivers like to continue using their perceiving
function. Judgers like deciding. But, everybody does both.
Do we prefer structure (J) or spontaneity (P)? Do we reach
decisions quickly (J) or prefer to look at all our options first (P)?
Those with a preference for Judging prefer to make decisions quickly.
They feel more comfortable with things are settled and organized.
People with a preference for Judging like to know the objective that
will be achieved before any activity takes place. They enjoy
planning and deciding. They feel more comfortable when things are
decided. Once they have decided something, they can relax because
they have a structure. They usually like to complete one
project before beginning another. They generally think of
themselves as organized and purposeful with steady work habits.
They commit easily to plans or decisions and often finish tasks before
deadlines. Those with a Perceiving preference are
opposite. They prefer taking their time and taking in as much
information as they can before closing off options to make a decision.
They like to stay flexible, keeping their options open. When new
information is presented, Perceivers tend to reconsider and may change
their minds. People with a Perceiving preference are open to
seeing things from a variety of perspectives. They often work in
spurts with varying levels of intensity. They may enjoy
working on several projects simultaneously. They tend to be
adaptable and are able to tolerate ambiguity. They are motivated
by deadlines and usually prefer to finish tasks no earlier than the
deadline. In American society: J = 50-55%; P =40-45%.
MBTI measures PREFERENCES in four areas. You
can have the same four preferences as someone else and still be a very
different people, but you will have in common 1. where you focus your
attention to replenish your energy; 2. how you take in information; 3.
the basis on which you prefer to make decisions, and 4. a basic
“lifestyle.” The combinations of the preferences,
result in different 16 types. There is no best type,
no better type.
Each of us can access all eight of the preferences,
but four of them are metaphorically our strong suit,
You’ll notice on your results handout, that the line dividing each set
of preferences is BOLD, but that on either side, preferences range from
slight to very clear! Even a slight preference is a preference.
The goal is NOT to be in the middle. The MBTI can help us to be
aware of our preferences so that we can choose to act out of their
opposites when more appropriate for a situation or interaction.
The natural or automatic response is not always the best. The MBTI
can help us to understand and appreciate those with opposite preferences
from ourselves. If we understand the value in each preference, the
opposites can be complimentary in group or team work . . .
can become positive differences, instead of roadblocks.
The development of each individual is ideally toward
a greater availability of each of the functions. The process of
development from the perspective of type analysis involves greater
freedom of access to those functions that are not normally
characteristic of the person.
The MBTI is a helpful tool, personally and
professionally. It can help people to communicate better, resolve
conflicts more effectively, build trust and strengthen relationships.
It is a way of understanding our differences.
LINK
Center
for Application of Psychological Type
See also
Dreamwork
Journal Keeping
Labyrinth
PERSONALITY TYPING:
Enneagram
Myers-Briggs
Prayer and Meditation
Spiritual Direction
Illness and Healing
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