Letters of personality types
Myers & Briggs' 16 Personality Types
Explore our in-depth descriptions of each of the 16 personality types to learn more about yourself and your loved ones. Or, if you're not sure which personality type fits you, take our free personality test .
The 16 personality types were created by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, developers of the MBTI® assessment. Myers and Briggs created their personality typology to help people discover their own strengths and gain a better understanding of how people are different.
When you discover your own personality type, you'll understand more clearly why you do the things you do. You will gain confidence in your strengths and be better able to make decisions that suit your true nature.
Find Your Type
INFP
The Healer
INFPs are imaginative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To a Healer, possibilities are paramount; the reality of the moment is only of passing concern. They see potential for a better future, and pursue truth and meaning with their own flair.
INTJ
The Mastermind
INTJs are analytical problem-solvers, eager to improve systems and processes with their innovative ideas. They have a talent for seeing possibilities for improvement, whether at work, at home, or in themselves.
INFJ
The Counselor
INFJs are creative nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. Creative and dedicated, they have a talent for helping others with original solutions to their personal challenges.
INTP
The Architect
INTPs are philosophical innovators, fascinated by logical analysis, systems, and design. They are preoccupied with theory, and search for the universal law behind everything they see. They want to understand the unifying themes of life, in all their complexity.
ENFP
The Champion
ENFPs are people-centered creators with a focus on possibilities and a contagious enthusiasm for new ideas, people and activities.
Energetic, warm, and passionate, ENFPs love to help other people explore their creative potential.
ENTJ
The Commander
ENTJs are strategic leaders, motivated to organize change. They are quick to see inefficiency and conceptualize new solutions, and enjoy developing long-range plans to accomplish their vision. They excel at logical reasoning and are usually articulate and quick-witted.
ENTP
The Visionary
ENTPs are inspired innovators, motivated to find new solutions to intellectually challenging problems. They are curious and clever, and seek to comprehend the people, systems, and principles that surround them.
ENFJ
The Teacher
ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas.
ISFJ
The Protector
ISFJs are industrious caretakers, loyal to traditions and organizations.
They are practical, compassionate, and caring, and are motivated to provide for others and protect them from the perils of life.
ISFP
The Composer
ISFPs are gentle caretakers who live in the present moment and enjoy their surroundings with cheerful, low-key enthusiasm. They are flexible and spontaneous, and like to go with the flow to enjoy what life has to offer.
ISTJ
The Inspector
ISTJs are responsible organizers, driven to create and enforce order within systems and institutions. They are neat and orderly, inside and out, and tend to have a procedure for everything they do.
ISTP
The Craftsperson
ISTPs are observant artisans with an understanding of mechanics and an interest in troubleshooting. They approach their environments with a flexible logic, looking for practical solutions to the problems at hand.
ESFJ
The Provider
ESFJs are conscientious helpers, sensitive to the needs of others and energetically dedicated to their responsibilities.
They are highly attuned to their emotional environment and attentive to both the feelings of others and the perception others have of them.
ESFP
The Performer
ESFPs are vivacious entertainers who charm and engage those around them. They are spontaneous, energetic, and fun-loving, and take pleasure in the things around them: food, clothes, nature, animals, and especially people.
ESTJ
The Supervisor
ESTJs are hardworking traditionalists, eager to take charge in organizing projects and people. Orderly, rule-abiding, and conscientious, ESTJs like to get things done, and tend to go about projects in a systematic, methodical way.
ESTP
The Dynamo
ESTPs are energetic thrillseekers who are at their best when putting out fires, whether literal or metaphorical. They bring a sense of dynamic energy to their interactions with others and the world around them.
Personality typing is a system of categorizing people according to their tendencies to think and act in particular ways.
Personality typing attempts to find the broadest, most important ways in which people are different, and make sense of these differences by sorting people into meaningful groups.
What is personality typing?
The personality types described here were created by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, in the 1960's. Their theories were based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung, although they extended his ideas to create a more complete framework of personality typing. Myers and Briggs proposed that there were four key dimensions that could be used to categorize people:
- Introversion vs. Extraversion
- Sensing vs. Intuition
- Thinking vs. Feeling
- Judging vs. Perceiving
Each of the four dimensions was described as a dichotomy, or an either/or choice between two styles of being. Myers and Briggs described this as a "preference" and proposed that any individual should be able to identify a preferred style on each of the four dimensions.
The sum of a person's four preferred styles becomes their personality type.
Myers and Briggs theorized that our preferences on each of the four dimensions would combine to create predictable patterns in thought and behavior, so that people with the same four preferences would share many commonalities in the way they approach their lives, from the hobbies they choose to the work that might suit them.
What is the meaning of the four letters in a personality type?
Each of the four letters in a personality type code stands for a preference in your style of thinking or behaving.
I/E: Introversion or Extraversion
The Introversion/Extraversion dimension describes how a person manages their energy.
Introverts are energized by spending quiet time alone or with a small group. They tend to be more reserved and thoughtful.
Extraverts are energized by spending time with people and in busy, active surroundings. They tend to be more expressive and outspoken.
S/N: Sensing or iNtuition
The Sensing/Intuition dimension describes how an individual processes information.
Sensors focus on their five senses and are interested in information they can directly see, hear, feel, and so on. They tend to be hands-on learners and are often described as "practical."
Intuitives focus on a more abstract level of thinking; they are more interested in theories, patterns, and explanations. They are often more concerned with the future than the present and are often described as "creative."
T/F: Thinking or Feeling
The Thinking/Feeling dimension describes how people make decisions.
Thinkers tend to make decisions with their heads; they are interested in finding the most logical, reasonable choice.
Feelers tend to make decisions with their hearts; they are interested in how a decision will affect people, and whether it fits in with their values.
J/P: Judging or Perceiving
The Judging/Perceiving dimension describes how people approach structure in their lives.
Judgers appreciate structure and order; they like things planned, and dislike last-minute changes.
Perceivers appreciate flexibility and spontaneity; they like to leave things open so they can change their minds.
How do I know which personality type I am?
Easy—take our in-depth personality type test!
THE FINE PRINT: Myers-Briggs® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of the MBTI Trust, Inc., which has no affiliation with this site. Truity offers a free personality test based on Myers and Briggs' types, but does not offer the official MBTI® assessment. For more information on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® assessment, please go here.
The 4 Letters of Myers & Briggs' Personality Types
In Myers and Briggs' theory, personality types are described in terms of four-letter codes, like ESTJ or INFP.
Each of the four letters signifies a key aspect of an individual's personality.
Myers and Briggs' theory of personality types tells us that seemingly random variations in people’s behavior are actually quite predictable, as they are due to basic differences in the ways individuals approach key functions of thought, behavior, and interaction. Myers and Briggs described individual differences in terms of four personality dichotomies. Each dichotomy consists of two distinct and opposing styles, for instance Extraversion versus Introversion.
In order to determine your personality type, you first determine your preference on each of the four dichotomies:
Extraversion vs. Introversion
The Extraversion/Introversion dichotomy describes how a person gets their energy.
Introverts are energized by spending quiet time alone or with a small group. They tend to be more reserved and thoughtful.
Extraverts are energized by spending time with people and in busy, active surroundings.
They tend to be more expressive and outspoken.
Sensing vs. Intuition
The Sensing/Intuition dichotomy describes how a person takes in information.
Sensors focus on their five senses and are interested in information they can directly see, hear, feel, and so on. They tend to be hands-on learners and are often described as "practical."
Intuitives focus on a more abstract level of thinking; they are more interested in theories, patterns, and explanations. They are often more concerned with the future than the present and are often described as "creative."
Thinking vs. Feeling
The Thinking/Feeling dichotomy describes how a person makes decisions.
Thinkers tend to make decisions with their heads; they are interested in finding the most logical, reasonable choice.
Feelers tend to make decisions with their hearts; they are interested in how a decision will affect people, and whether it fits in with their values.
Judging vs. Perceiving
The Judging/Perceiving dichotomy describes how a person organizes their world.
Judgers appreciate structure and order; they like things planned, and dislike last-minute changes.
Perceivers appreciate flexibility and spontaneity; they like to leave things open so they can change their minds.
Once you have determined which style you prefer for each of the four dichotomies, you can figure out your four-letter type code. In Myers and Briggs' system, the four letters of a personality type are the first initials of each of your prefererences. For example, someone with a preference for Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling and Judging would have the type “ENTJ.” A preference for Intuition is signified with the letter "N," to avoid confusion with Introversion.
There are sixteen possible combinations of preferences, making up 16 total personality types.
Note: Carl Jung introduced the “A” spelling of Extraversion into the scientific lexicon and it remains the psychologically accepted spelling.
what it is, functions, decoding and description, how to determine the type of personality according to the Myers-Briggs system
We are different: some people love brainstorming and collective discussions of projects, others do not recognize open spaces and prefer to solve all problems alone.
In order to form an effective team from dissimilar people and select the right motivators for each person, it is useful to refer to a system that describes different temperaments and characters. One such system is the Myers-Briggs personality typology. nine0003
Elena Fedenkova tells HRD Belkacar what psychological characteristics each of the 16 personality types describes, how to apply this technique in recruiting and properly organize the testing process.
Elena Fedenkova, HRD, Belkacar
What is MBTI typology
The Myers-Briggs personality typology emerged from Jung's typology in the 1940s and became widespread in the United States and Europe.
On its basis, a psychological testing system was created - Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). nine0003
The key idea of this theory is that each person is born with a certain mental structure. This device can be described by four pairs of preferences:
- E/I - extravertive or introverted way of communicating with the outside world;
- S/N - a method of obtaining information based on sensation or intuition;
- T/F - a way of making decisions with the help of thinking or feeling;
- J/P is a way of organizing life based on judgment (rationality) or perception (irrationality). nine0022
The meaning of the letters
E/I - extraversion or introversion
The first criterion describes the preferred way of connecting a person with the outside world and receiving stimuli and energy. There are two indicators at the poles of this scale: extrovert (E) and introvert (I).
S/N - sensation or intuition
This criterion describes the preferred way of obtaining information - sensory (S) and intuitive (N).
T/F - thinking or feeling
The way of making decisions is described by a pair of "logic (T) - ethics (F)".
J/P - judgment or perception
The last pair of characteristics describes how people prefer to organize their lives. According to this criterion, people can be divided into measured and organized rationals (J) and spontaneous, flexible irrationals (P).
With the help of testing, you can determine which pole on each scale a person gravitates to. Therefore, in the MBTI theory, types are a description of the four most pronounced characteristics of a person. nine0003
For example, if the test showed that Ivan is an organized and pedantic (J) extrovert (E) who prefers practical tasks, likes to get tangible results (S) and is able to make informed decisions based on numbers and facts (T), then his type is "Administrator" (ESTJ).
With all possible combinations of characteristics, there are a total of 16 MBTI personality types.
But before moving on to them, let's look at the four most effective two-letter temperaments:
- NF (intuitive ethics),
- NT (intuitive logics),
- SJ (sensory rationals),
- SP (sensory irrationals).
Each of these temperaments has strengths and weaknesses.
Personality Types
ISTJ
Pros: is disciplined, consistent and responsible, likes order, keeps his word and keeps his promises.
Cons: prefers one-way vertical communication and orders to requests, is not ready to compromise. Difficulties with intuition and perspective. In personal relationships, the logistician does not always understand the context and does not see the subtext - because of this, conflicts can arise. nine0003
INFJ
Pros: is often thoughtful, leads an orderly and planned life, has a developed imagination. Gentle, caring, sociable and attentive to others.
Minuses: is prone to self-flagellation, takes any misfortune personally and considers himself the root of all problems.
INTJ
Pros: confidence, stability, competence, insightful mind. Thinks conceptually and strategically, striving for high achievement and excellence. nine0003
Minuses: is inclined to attribute his guilt to others - colleagues or partners. He likes to theorize and build speculative constructions, rather than putting ideas into practice and improving processes.
ISFJ
Pros: reserved, quiet, responsible, orderly and attentive to the feelings and experiences of others.
Cons: gets tired quickly due to active involvement in solving problems. From this it becomes scattered, uncollected and demonstrates mood swings. Unable to see the big picture while focusing on the particulars. nine0003
ISTP
Pros: solves problems quickly and practically with calmness and clear thinking.
Easily accumulates technical information, the virtuoso is an excellent analyst.
Cons: is bad at routine work and doesn't like to stick to rules. The management style of such managers is harsh, direct and unorthodox.
ISFP
Pros: is a friendly and empathetic altruist. Leads by example, gently and unobtrusively supports his colleagues. nine0003
Cons: he is oppressed by the need to see things through to the end and do routine work. Tends to scatter his attention. If there is no element of spontaneity in the work, then he sinks into a depressed state, and his productivity decreases.
INFP
Pros: keeps and protects the values of the team, is often its "moral ballast". He knows how to manage employees in such a way that they do not notice at all that they are being controlled.
Weaknesses: has difficulty expressing a point of view that goes against the opinions of others.
If the situation at work is heating up, it can fall into anxiety and anxiety.
INTP
Pros: The is a problem solver and encourages change and improvement in his or her organization in a relaxed manner. Quickly finds errors and inconsistencies.
Cons: is timid and unsociable. Poorly transforms ideas and theories into real actions and processes. Many brilliant ideas of such a person can be lost, because he rarely shares the fruits of his thoughts with others. nine0003
ESTP
Pros: adapts well to change. Masterfully knows how to find solutions for suddenly arising problems. He has precision in his work and deep attention to detail.
Cons: loses concentration in monotonous work and routine tasks. Maybe too careless. Dissolves in particulars, facts and figures, not seeing the full picture behind them.
ESFP
Pros: can be easily integrated into a team of any level.
Able to promote several projects at once. Knows how to put up with the peculiarities of colleagues and allows them to work at a comfortable rhythm and pace. nine0003
Cons: often does several things at once, which is why he scatters his energy and can quickly overwork. Does not accept routine work, neglects order and system. Too focused on the present and therefore does not always realize the consequences of his actions.
ENFP
Pros: is insightful, energetic and spontaneous. His enthusiasm motivates and inspires those around him. Encourages freedom and independence.
Cons: often does not keep promises and does not finish what he started. Prone to mood swings. A routine task that cannot be turned into a game or entertainment becomes a source of stress for him.
ENTP
Pros: energetic and optimistic wit. Has a natural curiosity, generates ideas. Relentlessly strives to develop his competence and encourages others to do so.
Cons: hates routine tasks. Not able to bring their amazing ideas to fruition. Prone to mood swings. He likes to deal with problems with a swoop and does not recognize the gradual solution of problems. nine0003
ENTJ
Pros: is a charismatic leader and self-development student. Appreciates productivity and professionalism, motivates others to achieve a common goal. He skillfully copes with difficulties.
Cons: can be arrogant, insensitive, and intolerant. He is not shy when expressing his opinion about others.
ESTJ
Pros: is a leader and workaholic. He solves tactical problems well, appreciates the results more than relationships, follows the rules, does not like chaos and disorder. Responsible and consistent. nine0003
Cons: is quite stubborn and not always diplomatic. Proving his case, he likes to go to the end. Can flare up in dialogue, loves to cut the truth-womb.
ESFJ
Pros: is an inspiring and generous leader. Creates a harmonious atmosphere in the team, conducive to personal achievements and the fulfillment of tasks. Punctual, tidy and responsible person.
Cons: tends to avoid conflict, preferring to ignore negative changes. More often he concedes than defends his position. nine0003
ENFJ
Pros: natural salesman, master of persuasion. Eloquent, energetic. Inspires and motivates colleagues in person.
Cons: often has an obnoxious personality that comes out especially when its values are questioned. For no apparent reason, he may feel guilty and worthless.
Motivation for different groups
In the MBTI theory, personality types have advantages and disadvantages. This can be played to find the right motivator for each person. nine0003
Use a cheat sheet to motivate people with different temperaments:
How to apply
The Myers-Briggs typology is often used to assemble a "dream team": to find people with the right temperament who would do an excellent job and show a good result .
Knowledge of the most common psychological types of people in different positions helps to avoid conflict situations that arise due to differences in thinking. nine0003
Let's say that a logistic customer wants to see more candidates: the ones offered by the recruiter are not enough for him. He will not take a word that there are no more suitable specialists. It is better to show analytical and statistical reports - only specific figures and facts will help prove to him that there are really few candidates on the market.
How to set up testing
My testing advice goes beyond Myers-Briggs type definition. These are general tips that any recruiter will need:
- Any testing should be done only after getting to know the person personally. First you need to interest the applicant in the vacancy and understand whether your expectations match.
- Explain why you are testing. A candidate is more likely to agree to take the test if he understands that in this way you are trying to make your team more efficient and find an employee who is suitable for the psychological type.
- Make testing useful to the candidate. nine0086 Along with the feedback, you can send the test results to the candidate - this way he will learn more about himself and be able to improve his weaknesses.
During a regular interview, which lasts no more than an hour, it is impossible to conduct a full test. Invite the candidate to take the test at home in a relaxed environment, and discuss the results during the interview. There are many testing platforms on the internet. For example, you can use the free online MBTI test on the ProfiTest website. nine0003
If the test shows a mixed type, then you can ask additional questions right at the interview to clarify one of the personality criteria. But for this, the recruiter must undergo special training and study the characteristics of each psychological type. A trained recruiter is able to note the characteristics of behavior and the way the interlocutor perceives information in order to determine the psychological type without filling out a questionnaire.
If you don't have time to attend courses, I recommend reading the book Types of People and Business. How the 16 Personality Types Determine Your Success at Work. nine0003
What to do if the results are unreliable
The candidate himself can help with specifying the type. Invite the person to read the test results and discuss them together. Sometimes a candidate fully agrees with the description of their type. And in some cases, on the contrary, he can point out discrepancies and explain how he actually acts and thinks in given situations.
Well, if the test results are confirmed by certified MBTI specialists. During the recruitment process, such verification is quite difficult to organize, but you can invite a business coach to test and evaluate people already working for you. nine0003
Conclusions
- Myers-Briggs personality typology is based on the assumption that every person is born with a set of certain preferences.
- Innate preferences are described in four categories:
- E/I - extravertive or introvertive way of communicating with the outside world;
- S/N - a method of obtaining information based on sensation or intuition;
- T/F - a way of making decisions with the help of thinking or feeling;
- J / P - a way of organizing life based on judgment (rationality) or perception (irrationality).
- Taking into account all combinations, 16 four-letter types are distinguished, as well as 4 most effective two-letter temperaments: irrationals).
- The Myers-Briggs typology is used to create a team whose members match each other in temperament. Knowledge about the characteristics of each psychological type can be used to avoid conflict situations. nine0022
- When organizing testing, follow three simple rules:
- any testing should be done only after getting to know the person personally;
- explain to the candidate why you are testing;
- make the test useful to the candidate.
- Have the candidate take the test at home and discuss the results during the interview. During the interview, you can ask additional questions or observe the behavior of a person to clarify his psychological type. nine0022
- Talk to the candidate to confirm test results. He will agree with something, and according to a number of characteristics he can point out discrepancies.
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Personality Types | 16Personalities
Analysts
Strategist
INTJ-A / INTJ-T
Imaginative, strategic thinkers with a plan for all occasions. nine0003
Scientist
INTP-A / INTP-T
Creative inventors, with a strong belief in the power of knowledge.
Commander
ENTJ-A / ENTJ-T
Brave, resourceful and strong-willed leaders who always find a way - or make a way. nine0003
Debater
ENTP-A / ENTP-T
Smart and curious thinkers who never turn down an intellectual challenge.
Diplomats
Activist
INFJ-A / INFJ-T
Quiet and mystical, but inspiring and relentless idealists. nine0003
Broker
INFP-A / INFP-T
Poetic, kind and altruistic personalities, always ready to stand up for a good cause.
Trainer
ENFJ-A / ENFJ-T
Charismatic and inspiring leaders who captivate their listeners. nine0003
Wrestler
ENFP-A / ENFP-T
Enthusiasts, creative and sociable free minds who always find a reason to smile.
Guardians
Administrator
ISTJ-A / ISTJ-T
Practical and factual people whose reliability is unshakable. nine0003
Protector
ISFJ-A / ISFJ-T
Very responsible and kind protectors, always ready to protect their loved ones.
Manager
ESTJ-A / ESTJ-T
Excellent administrators, unsurpassed specialists in process and people management. nine0003
Consul
ESFJ-A / ESFJ-T
Extremely caring, sociable and popular people, always ready to help.
