Effective Team Building by Using MBTI Personality Strengths

Jung’s theory of psychological types is perhaps the most influential creation in personality typology. One of Jung’s key contributions was the development of the concept of Introversion and Extraversion – he theorised that each of us falls into one of these two categories, either focusing on the internal world (Introvert) or the outside world (Extravert). Besides Introversion and Extraversion, Jung also coined the concept of so-called cognitive functions, separated into Judging or Perceiving behaviours that people naturally rely on in everyday situations.

In the 1920s, Jung’s theory was adapted by Katharine Cook Briggs, and Isabel Briggs Myers to create the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®).

This is how the four-letter personality acronyms were born. We are of course referring to those mysterious acronyms like INTJ, ENFP, or ESTJ. The four personality aspects are based on Mind, Energy, Nature and Tactics. Each of these aspects is a two-sided continuum, with the “neutral” option placed in the middle. I.e. Mind consists of Introvert & Extrovert depending on your percentage in the personality test you get the first letter I or E.

This aspect shows how we interact with our surroundings:

Introverted individuals prefer solitary activities and get exhausted by social interaction. They can be sensitive to external stimulation (e.g. sound, sight or smell) in general.

They’re good at pacing, likely to listen to others more carefully and are good at reading situations.

Extraverted individuals prefer group activities and get energized by social interaction. They can be more enthusiastic and more easily excited than Introverts.

They enjoy pushing limits, take more initiative and rely on the world around them for validation.

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This aspect determines how we see the world and process information:

Observant individuals are highly practical, pragmatic and down-to-earth. They tend to have strong habits and focus on what is happening or has already happened. They like observable facts and more straightforward outcomes.

Intuitive individuals are very imaginative, open-minded and curious. They prefer novelty over stability and focus on the theoretical- hidden meanings and future possibilities. They ask "what if" and like to connect the dots in the bigger picture.

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This aspect determines how we make decisions and cope with emotions. It reveals the extent to which we value emotions or rationality more when considering options:

Thinking individuals listen to their head over heart. They focus on objectivity and rationality, prioritizing logic over emotions. They tend to hide their feelings and see efficiency as more important than cooperation.

Feeling individuals listen to their heart over head. They are sensitive and emotionally expressive. They are more empathic and less competitive than Thinking types, and focus on social harmony and cooperation.

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This aspect reflects our approach to work, planning and decision-making:

Judging individuals are decisive, thorough and highly organized. They value clarity, predictability and closure, preferring structure and planning to spontaneity. They would rather come up with five backup plans than deal with events as they come. 

Prospecting individuals are very good at improvising and spotting opportunities. They are flexible, and prefer keeping their options open. They are much more flexible when it comes to dealing with unexpected challenges and make their own luck.

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