16 Personalities Myers Briggs Explained
The MBTI self-report inventory is designed to identify your personality type and the strengths that come with it. There’s a lot of information about the different Myers-Briggs types, and it can be helpful to understand which one you fall into.
Companies use this information to understand their employees better and create teams that work well together. But it’s not just about work. Knowing your personality type can help you in your personal life too.
For example, if you know that you’re an ESTJ, you’ll see that you like to be in charge and take action.
This can help you understand why you sometimes clash with people with different preferences and why you’re drawn to specific activities and relationships.”
| Personality Type | Key Aspects |
|---|---|
| INTJ | Independent, confident, analytical, organized, detail-oriented, tranquil, intellectual, values personal growth. |
| INTP | Creative, abstract thinker, autonomous, analytical, objective, logical, independent, open-minded, seeks clarity. |
| ENTJ | Decisive, knowledgeable, efficient, persistent, problem solver, strategizes, independent, enthusiastic. |
| ENTP | Creative, bold, idea-focused, expressive, analytical, outgoing, friendly, energetic, logical, strategic, innovative, impulsive. |
| INFJ | Idealistic, humanitarian, sensitive, caring, introspective, introverted, intuitive, creative, values authenticity, seeks deep relationships, values harmony and cooperation. |
| INFP | Introspective, creative, driven by values, strong sense of personal identity, introverted, intuitive, authentic, flexible, adaptable, seeks personal growth, values harmony. |
| ENFJ | Warm, empathetic, supportive, organized, responsible, values harmony and cooperation, outgoing, energetic, effective leader, seeks to make a positive impact. |
| ENFP | Energetic, creative, spontaneous, flexible, adaptable, outgoing, values personal freedom, open-minded, values authenticity, seeks personal growth. |
| ISTJ | Practical, responsible, reliable, organized, values tradition, seeks stability, logical, realistic, methodical, values efficiency. |
| ISFJ | Supportive, reliable, warm, empathetic, organized, values tradition, seeks stability, practical, values harmony and cooperation, responsible. |
| ESTJ | Practical, organized, responsible, reliable, values tradition, seeks stability, confident, energetic, decisive, effective leader. |
| ESFJ | Warm, empathetic, supportive, responsible, organized, values tradition, seeks stability, values harmony and cooperation, outgoing, energetic. |
| ISTP | Practical, realistic, logical, independent, adaptable, values personal freedom, seeks new experiences, analytical, values efficiency. |
| ISFP | Sensitive, creative, introspective, introverted, values personal freedom, spontaneous, adaptable, values harmony, values authenticity. |
| ESTP | Risk-taking, energetic, outgoing, adaptable, values personal freedom, spontaneous, analytical, values efficiency, values excitement. |
| ESFP | Warm, outgoing, energetic, spontaneous, adaptable, values personal freedom, values authenticity, values harmony, seeks new experiences, values excitement. |
The 16 Personalities of the MBTI Explained
The MBTI identifies 16 different personality types. These personalities are determined by an individual’s scores on four dimensions of personality:
- introversion/extraversion,
- sensing/intuition,
- thinking/feeling,
- and judging/perceiving.
These dimensions are based on Jung’s theory of psychological type, which describes how everyone has both extroverted and introverted traits and preferences for sensing versus intuition, thinking versus feeling, and judging versus perceiving.
The MBTI measures these four dichotomies to determine an individual’s personality type.
It’s important to note that the MBTI is not designed to measure intelligence or ability.
It measures how individuals perceive and make decisions based on their preferences for the four dimensions.
The test is used by millions of people worldwide and is often used in educational and business settings to help with team building and conflict resolution.
INTJ: introverted, intuitive, thinking, judging
People with this type are independent, confident, and analytical.
- They have a strong sense of purpose and enjoy tackling complex problems.
- They are also highly organized and have an eye for detail.
INTJs are tranquil and don’t often show strong emotions in public. They prefer to spend time alone or with small groups of close friends.
INTJs look for an intellectual connection in relationships and value meaningful conversations that stimulate their minds.
They don’t like small talk or gossiping.
Ultimately, they want to find someone who understands them and shares their values and commitment to personal growth.
INTP: introverted, intuitive, thinking, perceiving
INTPs are creative thinkers who often seek to understand abstract theories and apply them to real-world problems. They value autonomy and seek to develop innovative solutions to issues.
INTPs are analytical and objective, looking for logical inconsistencies and inconsistencies in the data they examine.
They tend to make decisions rationally, weighing out various options and determining a course of action based on objective reasoning rather than emotion.
INTPs spend a lot of time in their heads, thinking deeply about a subject or situation and sometimes getting lost in thought.
They can be independent, preferring to work alone or in small groups where they don’t have to compromise their ideas or be swayed by others.
INTPs are open-minded individuals who enjoy considering different perspectives when making decisions and designing solutions to complex problems.
Ultimately, they strive for clarity and to make sense of the world around them by conceptualizing how things interact within their environment.
ENTJ: extroverted, intuitive, thinking, judging
ENTJs are known for being decisive and having a strong desire for knowledge and accomplishment. They are fueled by time spent with others and their drive for efficiency and order.
ENTJs often focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details and look at the bigger picture rather than breaking things down into smaller parts.
This personality type is persistent, making them great problem solvers and strategists who value independence and logical reasoning.
They are often found tackling complex tasks while maintaining enthusiasm and eagerness to work through any challenges that come their way.
ENTP: extroverted, intuitive, thinking, perceiving
ENTPs are creative and bold individuals who pursue their goals vigorously. They are idea-focused and may sometimes talk more than they listen.
Because of their expansive thinking, ENTPs often have a wide range of interests, making them great communicators and problem solvers.
They have a unique combination of expressive but analytical traits, giving them a unique perspective on life and the world around them.
ENTPs tend to be outgoing, friendly, and energetic but also logical and strategic. They enjoy debating and can be persuasive when getting their point across.
ENTPs are great at finding innovative solutions to problems but can also be somewhat impulsive.
INFJ: introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging
INFJs, also known as “idealists,” have a humanitarian outlook on life.
They are often seen as sensitive and caring, with deep empathy for others.
INFJs are introspective and introverted but also have a strong sense of intuition and insight. They are creative and often have a rich inner world of thoughts and ideas.
INFJs value authenticity and seek deep, meaningful relationships. They have a strong sense of morality and are often driven to impact the world positively.
In decision-making, INFJs consider the feelings of others and tend to prioritize harmony and cooperation.
INFP: introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiving
INFPs are introspective and creative individuals who are often driven by their values and a strong sense of personal identity.
They have a rich inner world of thoughts and ideas and usually enjoy spending time alone to process and reflect on their experiences.
INFPs are empathetic and caring, with deep empathy for others. They value authenticity and seek meaningful, deep connections with those around them.
In decision-making, INFPs tend to consider the feelings of others and prioritize harmony and personal growth. They are adaptable and open-minded and often enjoy exploring and trying new things.
ENFJ: extroverted, intuitive, feeling, judging
ENFJs are outgoing and energetic individuals who value strong relationships and personal connections.
They are often seen as warm and caring, with deep empathy for others. ENFJs are intuitive and wise, with vital insight and understanding of people.
They are driven by their values and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
ENFJs are often good at conflict resolution and bringing people together, prioritizing harmony and cooperation in their relationships and decision-making.
ENFP: extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiving
ENFPs are energetic and outgoing individuals with strong intuition and insight. They are often seen as warm and caring, with deep empathy for others.
ENFPs are flexible and adaptable, enjoying trying new things and exploring different experiences.
They value authenticity and seek meaningful, deep connections with those around them.
ENFPs are driven by their values and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
They are often good at conflict resolution and bringing people together, prioritizing harmony and personal growth in their relationships and decision-making.
ISTJ: introverted, sensing, thinking, judging
ISTJs are introspective and practical individuals who value stability and order. They are often seen as responsible and reliable, with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
ISTJs are logical and analytical, with a focus on facts and details. They are driven by their values and a desire to do what is right and fair.
ISTJs tend to make decisions based on logic and objective reasoning rather than emotion.
They are organized and orderly and often enjoy creating systems and processes to help them efficiently accomplish tasks.
ISFJ: introverted, sensing, feeling, judging
ISFJs are introspective and practical individuals who value stability and security. They are often seen as responsible and reliable, with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
ISFJs are compassionate and empathetic, with deep empathy for others. They value personal relationships and strive to create harmony in their interactions with others.
In decision-making, ISFJs consider the feelings and needs of others and strive for fairness and balance.
They are organized and orderly and often enjoy creating systems and processes to help them efficiently accomplish tasks.
ESTJ: extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging
ESTJs are outgoing and practical individuals who value stability and order. They are often seen as responsible and reliable, with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
ESTJs are logical and analytical, with a focus on facts and details. They are driven by their values and a desire to do what is right and fair.
ESTJs tend to make decisions based on logic and objective reasoning rather than emotion.
They are organized and orderly and often enjoy creating systems and processes to help them efficiently accomplish tasks.
ESTJs are driven by their goals and strongly desire achievement and success.
ESFJ: extroverted, sensing, feeling, judging
ESFJs are outgoing and practical individuals who value stability and security. They are often seen as responsible and reliable, with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
ESFJs are compassionate and empathetic, with deep empathy for others. They value personal relationships and strive to create harmony in their interactions with others.
In decision-making, ESFJs consider the feelings and needs of others and strive for fairness and peace.
They are organized and orderly and often enjoy creating systems and processes to help them efficiently accomplish tasks.
ESFJs are often driven by their desire to help and support others and value close, personal connections with those around them.
ISTP: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
ISTPs are independent and spontaneous individuals who enjoy taking risks and exploring new ideas.
They are resourceful problem solvers who are highly observant of their surroundings, which helps them make decisions efficiently.
These individuals may need help with long-term projects but excel at tackling tasks practically.
They are highly focused and can remain calm during a crisis, making them excellent problem solvers.
ISFP: Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
ISFPs are peaceful and easygoing individuals who are deeply in touch with their emotions. They have a strong need for personal space and enjoy being alone or with just one other person.
These individuals are warm, artistic, and sensitive and can be very helpful when the right people are around.
They care deeply about the well-being of those around them and enjoy providing moral support and advice when needed. However, they also need their space to reflect on things and develop creative ideas on their own.
ISFPs often enjoy creative expression through art or music and are open-minded to different beliefs and lifestyles.
ESTP: Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
ESTPs are assertive personalities who excel in social settings. They are quick-thinking problem solvers who are adaptable and spontaneous. ESTPs prefer dealing with facts rather than emotions and place a higher value on practicality than theoretical situations.
These individuals draw energy from spending time with others, making them great salespeople and entrepreneurs.
They are natural people pleasers who love being the center of attention and are not afraid to take risks. However, they can also be impulsive when making decisions without considering consequences.
ESFP: Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
ESFPs are outgoing, friendly, and impulsive individuals who enjoy being around people and their environment.
They live in the moment more than other personality types and are optimistic and in tune with their senses. ESFPs are often drawn to action-packed activities like sports or dancing because it gives them a sense of immediacy.
They enjoy being surrounded by people who can give them compliments or offer different perspectives on life.
They are driven by their feelings when making decisions, often relying on instinct rather than logic or long-term effects.
Understanding Your Personality Type
Understanding your personality type can be helpful for self-discovery and career exploration.
It can help you understand why you react to things the way you do and give you some insight into your strengths and weaknesses.
It can also help you better understand the people around you and communicate with them more effectively.
For example, if you know that you’re an ESTJ (extraverted, sensing, thinking, judging), you’ll see that you like to be in charge and take action.
This can help you understand why you sometimes clash with people with different preferences and why you’re drawn to specific activities and relationships.
Using the MBTI in the Workplace
The MBTI is frequently used in business settings to help with team building and conflict resolution.
Companies use the information from the test to better understand their employees and to create teams that work well together.
For example, suppose a team is predominantly made up of introverted individuals.
In that case, it may be helpful to have a few extroverted team members to provide a different perspective and bring some energy to the team.
It’s important to remember that the MBTI is not a definitive measure of someone’s personality.
It’s simply a tool that can provide some insight and understanding. It’s also important to remember that people can change and grow, so someone’s personality type can evolve.
FAQs on Personality Types and Myers Briggs
What is the Myers-Briggs personality test?
The Myers-Briggs personality test is a widely-used assessment tool designed to measure an individual’s personality traits and preferences.
It is based on the theory of psychological types developed by Carl Jung and was created by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katherine Cook Briggs.
How does the Myers-Briggs test work?
The Myers-Briggs test consists of a series of questions that assess an individual’s preferences on four dimensions of personality: introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/Perceiving.
Based on their responses, individuals are assigned to one of 16 personality types.
How can I use the results of the Myers-Briggs test for personal development?
The results of the Myers-Briggs test can be used as a starting point for self-discovery and personal growth.
By understanding your personality traits and preferences, you can identify areas where you may need to work on developing new skills or habits and set goals for personal development.
The test can also help you understand how your personality may impact your work style, communication skills, and relationships.
Conclusion
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a famous personality test that aims to identify an individual’s personality type and provide insight into how they interact with others.
The test identifies 16 personality types, determined by an individual’s scores on four dimensions of personality.
The test is frequently used in educational and business settings and can be helpful for self-discovery and career exploration.
It’s important to remember that the MBTI is not a definitive measure of someone’s personality and that people can change and grow over time.
