MBTI Personality Types: Personality Test of Myers & Briggs' 16 Types
What these people are referring to is their personality type based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
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The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator is a self-report inventory designed to identify a person's personality type, strengths, and preferences. The questionnaire was developed by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs based on their work with Carl Jung's theory of personality types. Today, the MBTI inventory is one of the most widely used psychological instruments in the world.
Both Myers and Briggs were mesmerized by Jung's theory of psychological types and recognized that the theory could have real-world applications.
During World War II, they began researching and developing an indicator that could be utilized to help understand individual differences.
Myers created the first pen-and-pencil version of the inventory during the 1940s, and the two women began testing the assessment on friends and family.
Based on the answers to the questions on the inventory, people are identified as having one of 16 personality types.
The goal of the MBTI is to allow respondents to further explore and understand their personalities including their likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, possible career preferences, and compatibility with other people.
No one personality type is "best" or "better" than another. It isn't a tool designed to look for dysfunction or irregularity.
Instead, its goal is simply to help you learn more about yourself. The questionnaire itself is made up of four different scales.
Extraversion (E) – Introversion (I)
Extraverts (also often spelled extroverts) are "outward-turning" and tend to be action-oriented, enjoy more frequent social interaction, and feel energized after spending time with other people.
Introverts are "inward-turning" and tend to be thought-oriented, enjoy deep and meaningful social interactions, and feel recharged after spending time alone.
Sensing (S) – Intuition (N)
People who prefer sensing tend to pay a great deal of attention to reality, particularly to what they can learn from their senses. They tend to focus on facts and details and enjoy getting hands-on experience.
Those who prefer intuition pay more attention to things like patterns and impressions. They enjoy thinking about possibilities, imagining the future, and abstract theories.
Thinking (T) – Feeling (F)
This scale focuses on how people make decisions based on the information that they gathered from their sensing or instinct functions. People who prefer thinking place a greater priority on facts and objective data.
They tend to be consistent, logical, and unbiased when weighing a decision. Those who prefer feeling are more likely to consider people and emotions when arriving at a determination.
Judging (J) – Perceiving (P)
Those who lean toward judging prefer structure and firm decisions. People who lean toward perceiving are more open, flexible, and adaptable. These two tendencies interact with the other scales.
Remember, all people at least spend some time engaged in extraverted activities. The judging-perceiving scale helps describe whether you behave like an extrovert when you are taking in new information (sensing and intuiting) or when you are making decisions (thinking and feeling).
MBTI Personality Types: Personality Test of Myers & Briggs' 16 Types
The MBTI Types
1. ISTJ: The Inspector (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
People with an ISTJ personality type tend to be reserved, practical and quiet. They enjoy order and organization in all areas of their lives including their home, work, family, and projects. ISTJs value loyalty in themselves and others, and place an emphasis on traditions.
Key ISTJ Characteristics
ISTJs are planners; they like to carefully plan things out well in advance. They enjoy an orderly life. They like things to be well-organized and pay a great deal of attention to detail. When things are in disarray, people with this personality type may find themselves unable to rest until they have set everything straight and the work has been completed.
ISTJs are both responsible and realistic. They take a logical approach to achieving goals and completing projects and can work at a steady pace toward accomplishing these tasks. They can ignore distractions to focus on the task at hand and are often described as dependable and trustworthy.
ISTJs also place a great deal of emphasis on traditions and laws. They prefer to follow rules and procedures that have previously been established. In some cases, ISTJs can seem rigid and unyielding in their desire to maintain structure.
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2. ISTP: The Crafter (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
ISTPs enjoy taking things apart just to see how they work. They are logical and rational but are more interested in practical applications than in abstract ideas. They love doing new things and can become bored with routines rather quickly.
Key ISTP Characteristics
People with an ISTP personality are results-oriented. When there is a problem, they want to quickly understand the underlying cause and implement some type of solution.
ISTPs enjoy new experiences and may often engage in thrill-seeking or even risk-taking behaviors. They often engage in risky or fast-paced hobbies such as motorcycling, hang gliding, bungee jumping, surfing, or ice hockey. In some cases, they may seek out adventure by choosing careers in areas such as racing, flying, or firefighting.
They prefer to make judgments based upon objective criteria rather than personal beliefs or values.
ISTPs are often described as quiet, but with an easygoing attitude towards others.
ISTPs are not well attuned to the emotional states of others, and they can sometimes be seen as a bit insensitive. They also distance themselves from their own emotions, ignoring their feelings until they become overwhelming.
One common misconception about ISTPs is that they are the stoic, silent type. While they do tend to be reserved, this does not mean that they do not experience strong emotions. Instead, they are good at keeping a cool head, maintaining their objectivity, and coping with crises.
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3. ISFJ: The Protector (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
This personality type is given the nickname "The Protector" or "The Defender," and for good reason.2 People who have ISFJ personalities are known for being warm-hearted, responsible, and reserved. The ENTP personality type is the opposite.
Key ISFJ Characteristics
Below are the main characteristics of this personality type.
Observant
While people with this personality type are introverted and tend to be quiet, they are keen observers and are focused on other people. Because they are so perceptive, ISFJs are good at remembering details about other people.
Tend to Repress Their Emotions
Those with this personality type are particularly well-tuned into the emotions and feelings of others. While ISFJs are good at understanding their own emotions, they often struggle to express them. Rather than share their feelings, they may bottle them up, sometimes to the point that negative feelings toward other people can result.
When dealing with life struggles, such as illness or the death of a loved one, they may keep quiet about what they are experiencing to avoid burdening others with their troubles.
Practical
People with this personality prefer concrete facts over abstract theories. As a result, they tend to learn best by doing. They thrive This also means that they usually value learning for its practical applications. They also tend to become more interested in new things when they can see and appreciate how they might solve a real-world problem.
Creatures of Habit
ISFJs enjoy structure and strive to maintain this order in all areas of their lives. They thrive in highly structured and consistent environments where they are given step-by-step instructions and clear expectations.
Their preference is to keep things the way they are rather than change them. But this does not mean ISFJs aren't adaptable. They simply prefer to have time to think about and prepare for big changes.
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4. ISFP: The Artist (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
People with an ISFP personality are frequently described as quiet, easy-going and peaceful.
Key ISFP Characteristics
ISFPs like to keep their options open, so they often delay making decisions in order to see if things might change or if new options come up.
According to Myers-Briggs, ISFPs are kind, friendly, sensitive and quiet. Unlike extroverts who gain energy from interacting with other people, introverts must expend energy around others.2 After spending time with people, introverts often find that they need a period of time alone. Because of this, they typically prefer to intermingle with a small group of close friends and family members.
While they are quiet and reserved, they are also known for being peaceful, caring, and considerate. ISFPs have an easy-going attitude and tend to accept other people as they are.
ISFPs like to focus on the details. They spend more time thinking about the here and now rather than worrying about the future.
ISFPs tend to be "doers" rather than "dreamers." They dislike abstract theories unless they can see some type of practical application for them and prefer learning situations that involve gaining hands-on experience.
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5. INFJ: INFJ: The Advocate (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) The Advocate (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
Scoring as an INFJ means your personality type is best described as Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.
Sometimes referred to as the "Advocate" or the "Idealist," people with this personality type often feel misunderstood. Perhaps it's because they're the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the population.1 Or maybe it's because they're walking, talking contradictions. They're easy-going perfectionists. Both logical and emotional, creative and analytical.
Key INFJ Characteristics
Compassionate: With their strong sense of intuition and emotional understanding, INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathetic. This does not mean that they are pushovers, however. They have deeply held beliefs and an ability to act decisively to get what they want.
Helper: While they are introverted by nature, people with this personality type can form strong, meaningful connections with other people. They enjoy helping others, but they also need time and space to recharge.
Idealist: What sets the INFJ apart is their ability to translate their idealism into action. They don't just dream about changing the world—they make it happen.
Organized: People with this personality type like to exert control by planning, organizing, and making decisions as early as possible.
Both emotional and logical: When making decisions, INFJs place a greater emphasis on their emotions than objective facts. But this doesn't mean they see the world through rose-colored glasses. INFJs understand the world, both the good and the bad, and hope to be able to make it better.
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6. INFP: The Mediator (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
The INFP personality type is often described as an "idealist" or "mediator" personality. People with this kind of personality tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values.
INFPs also have strong interests in making the world a better place. In addition to wanting to gain a greater understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world, they are also interested in how they can best help others. People with this personality type spend a lot of time exploring their own purpose in life and thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to best serve humanity.
Key INFP Characteristics
INFPs tend to be introverted, quiet, and reserved. Being in social situations tends to drain their energy, and they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends. While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be mistaken for shyness. Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone. On the other hand, they have to expend energy in social situations.
INFPs typically rely on intuition and are more focused on the big picture rather than the nitty-gritty details. They can be quite meticulous about things they care about or projects they are working on but tend to ignore mundane or boring details.
INFPs emphasize personal feelings, and their decisions are more influenced by these concerns rather than by objective information.
When it comes to making decisions, INFPs like to keep their options open. They often delay making important decisions just in case something about the situation changes. When decisions are made, they are usually based on personal values rather than logic.
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7. INTJ: The Architect (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
Sometimes referred to as the "Architect" or the "Strategist," people with INTJ personalities are highly analytical, creative, and logical.
Key INTJ Characteristics
INTJs tend to be introverted and prefer to work alone.
INTJs look at the big picture and like to focus on abstract information rather than concrete details.
INTJs place greater emphasis on logic and objective information rather than subjective emotions.
INTJs like their world to feel controlled and ordered so they prefer to make plans well in advance.
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8. INTP: The Thinker (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
They enjoy spending time alone, thinking about how things work, and coming up with solutions to issues. INTPs have a rich inner world and would rather focus their attention on their internal thoughts rather than the external world.
Key INTP Characteristics
INTPs are quiet, reserved, and thoughtful. As introverts, they prefer to socialize with a small group of close friends with whom they share common interests and connections.
They enjoy thinking about theoretical concepts and tend to value intellect over emotion. INTPs are logical and base decisions on objective information rather than subjective feelings.
When analyzing data and making decisions, they are highly logical and objective.
Tends to be flexible and good at thinking "outside of the box."
People with this personality type think about the big picture rather than focusing on every tiny detail.
INTPs like to keep their options open and feel limited by structure and planning.
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9. ESTP: The Persuader (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
People with this personality type are frequently described as outgoing, action-oriented, and dramatic. ESTPs are outgoing and enjoy spending time with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. They are interested in the here-and-now and are more likely to focus on details than taking a broader view of things.
Key ESTP Characteristics
ESTPs tend to exhibit several characteristics centered on their tendency to be extraverted sensors. They tend to be decisive thinkers with strong people skills. ESTPs also tend to:
Make decisions quickly: When confronted by problems, people with this personality type quickly look at the facts and devise an immediate solution. They tend to improvise rather than spend a great deal of time planning.
Prefer the practical over the abstract: ESTPs don't have a lot of use for abstract theories or concepts. They are more practical, preferring straightforward information that they can think about rationally and act upon immediately.
Have strong social skills: They are very observant, often picking up on details that other people never notice. Other people sometimes describe them as "fast-talkers" who are highly persuasive. In social settings, they often seem like they are a few steps ahead of the conversation.
Act impulsively at times: ESTPs are not planners. They react at the moment and can often be quite impulsive or even risk-taking. This 'leap before they look' attitude can be problematic at times and it may lead them to say or do things they regret.
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10. ESTJ: The Director (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
If you've taken this inventory and discovered that you are an ESTJ, gaining a better understanding of what this means helps you know your strengths and weaknesses.
Key ESTJ Personality Type Characteristics
If you or someone you know is an ESTJ personality type, there are a few characteristics that are likely present.
Individuals with this personality type tend to place a high value on tradition, rules, and security. Maintaining the status quo is important to ESTJs, and they often become involved in civic duties, government branches, and community organizations.
Because of their orthodox approach to life, an ESTJ can sometimes be seen as rigid, stubborn, and unyielding. Their take-charge attitude makes it easy for ESTJs to assume leadership positions.
Their self-confidence and strong convictions help ESTJs excel at putting plans into action. However, at times, they can appear critical and overly aggressive—particularly when other people fail to live up to their high standards.
People often describe ESTJs as predictable, stable, committed, and practical. They tend to be very direct and honest when it comes to sharing their opinions, which can sometimes be seen as harsh or overly critical.
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11. ESFP: The Performer (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
People with ESFP personality types are often described as spontaneous, resourceful, and outgoing. They love being the center of attention and are often described as entertainers or “class clowns.” Key ESFP Characteristics
ESFPs tend to be very practical and resourceful. They prefer to learn through hands-on experience and tend to dislike book learning and theoretical discussions. Because of this, students with ESFP personality types sometimes struggle in traditional classroom settings. However, they excel in situations where they are allowed to interact with others or learn through direct experience.
ESFPs live very much in the here-and-now and sometimes fail to think about how current actions will lead to long-term consequences. They will often rush into a new situation and figure things out as they happen. They also tend to dislike routine, enjoy new experiences, and are always looking for a new adventure.
In addition to having a strong awareness of their surroundings, they are also very understanding and perceptive when it comes to other people. They can sense what others are feeling and know how to respond. People tend to find them warm, sympathetic, and easygoing.
While ESFPs are fun-loving and do not shun the spotlight, they are more interested in simply living in the present and doing what feels right at that moment.
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12. ESFJ: The Caregiver (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
People with an ESFJ personality type tend to be outgoing, loyal, organized, and tender-hearted. ESFJs gain energy from interacting with other people.
They are typically described as outgoing and gregarious. They have a way of encouraging other people to be their best and often have a hard time believing anything bad about the people they are close to.
Key ESFJ Characteristics
Enjoy helping others
Need approval
Expect their kind and giving ways to be noticed and appreciated by others
Be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others
Be good at responding and providing the care that people need
Want to be liked by others
Get easily hurt by unkindness or indifference
Derive their value system from external sources, including the community at large, rather than from intrinsic, ethical, and moral guidelines
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13. ENFP: The Champion (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
People with this type of personality are often described as enthusiastic, charismatic, and creative. People with this personality type are very charming, energetic, and independent.
Key ENFP Characteristics
ENFPs have excellent people skills. In addition to having an abundance of enthusiasm, they also genuinely care about others. ENFPs are good at understanding what other people are feeling. Given their zeal, charisma, and creativity, they can also make great leaders.
People with this personality type strongly dislike routine and prefer to focus on the future.3 While they are great at generating new ideas, they sometimes put off important tasks until the last minute. Dreaming up ideas but not seeing them through to completion is a common problem.
ENFPs can also become easily distracted, particularly when they are working on something that seems boring or uninspiring.
ENFPs are flexible and like to keep their options open. They can be spontaneous and are highly adaptable to change. They also dislike routine and may have problems with disorganization and procrastination.
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14. ENFJ: The Giver (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
People with ENFJ personality type are often described as warm, outgoing, loyal, and sensitive. They are capable of forging friendships with all personality types, even with more introverted or reticent individuals.
Because of their ability to sense what others feel and affect how people behave, they do have the ability to influence and even manipulate others. This is balanced by their strong value system and desire to help other people be the best that they can be.
Key ENFJ Characteristics
ENFJs are strong extroverts and enjoy spending time with other people.
ENFJs have great people skills and are often described as warm, affectionate, and supportive.
ENFJs are great at encouraging other people and derive personal satisfaction from helping others.
ENFJs are often so interested in devoting their time to others that they can neglect their own needs.
ENFJs also tend to be too hard on themselves, blaming themselves for when things go wrong and not giving themselves enough credit when things go right. Because of this, people with this personality type must regularly set aside some time to attend to their own needs.
ENFJs are good at bringing consensus among diverse people. For this reason, they can be outstanding leaders and bring enthusiasm to a group that can be motivating and inspirational.
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15. ENTP: The Debater (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
People with this personality type are often described as innovative, clever, and expressive. ENTPs are also known for being idea-oriented, which is why this personality type has been described as "the innovator," "the visionary," and "the debater."
Key ENTP Characteristics
ENTPs enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people. They are great conversationalists and love to engage other people in debates.
They are more focused on the future rather than on immediate details. They may start projects and never finish them because they are so focused on the big picture rather than the present needs.
ENTPs enjoy being around other people, particularly if they can engage in a conversation or debate about something in which they are interested. They are usually fairly laid-back and easy to get along with. However, they can sometimes get so wrapped up in their ideas or plans that they lose sight of their close relationships.
They tend to reserve judgment. Instead of making a decision or committing to a course of action, they would prefer to wait and see what happens.
ENTPs are immensely curious and focused on understanding the world around them. They are constantly absorbing new information and ideas and quickly arriving at conclusions. They can understand new things quite quickly.
One common myth about ENTPs is that they love to argue simply for the sake of arguing. While people with this personality type are often willing to play the devil's advocate at times, they enjoy debates as a way of exploring a topic, learning what other people believe, and helping others see the other side of the story.
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16. ENTJ: The Commander (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
This popular personality assessment was developed by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs. The assessment tool is based on Carl Jung'stheory of personality types. Other people often describe people with this type of personality as assertive, confident, and outspoken.
Key ENTJ Characteristics
People with this personality type enjoy spending time with other people. They have strong verbal skills and interacting with others helps them feel energized.
ENTJ types prefer to think about the future rather than focus on the here-and-now. They usually find abstract and theoretical information more interesting than concrete details.
When making decisions, ENTJs place a greater emphasis on objective and logical information. Personal feelings and the emotions of others tend not to factor much into their choices.
ENTJs are planners. Making decisions and having a schedule or course of action planned out gives them a sense of predictability and control.
They are highly rational, good at spotting problems, and excel at taking charge. These tendencies make them natural leaders who are focused on efficiently solving problems.
ENTJs are not necessarily good with emotions, but that does not mean they are intentionally cruel. They are prone to hiding their own emotions and sentimentality, viewing it as a weakness that should not be made known to others.
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When working in group situations in school or at work, for example, recognizing your own strengths and understanding the strengths of others can be very helpful. When you are working toward completing a project with other members of a group, you might realize that certain members of the group are skilled and talented at performing particular actions. By recognizing these differences, the group can better assign tasks and work together on achieving their goals.
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