Improving Communication
Skills with the MBTI^®

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI) and Type Theory have proven extremely effective when applied to organizational settings. In fact, one of the first applications for MBTI was during World War II as an instrument for identifying workers' preferences. The goal was to increase productivity.

We all recognize that people differ from one another. These differences exist, in part, due to personal preferences for processing information. This preference, in turn, determines our Type. Type Theory suggests that when we perform tasks agreeable to our preferences, our enthusiasm for performance improves.

Understanding Type Theory and its various applications in the workplace has captured the interest of Human Resource professionals worldwide and can be an integral tool for strategic planning. It also has implications for worker interaction and communication. Organizations which address Type preference when planning teams enhance group interaction and realize more effective problem-solving.

Correctly presented, Type Theory favors no one preference above another. It does, however, emphasize awareness of both potential blindspots and natural assets inherent within each Type.

Workshop Outline

I. Development of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

A. Concept of Type

1. Four main pairs.
2. What it does and does not measure.

B. Preference vs. Behavior

1. What is most natural for us?
2. What is required of us?

II. Dimensions

A. How do you prefer to receive information?

1. Extraverted preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Talks while processing information.
Draws energy from the outer world.
Enjoys spending time with many people.

2. Introverted preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Processes information before talking.
Draws energy from the inner world.
Enjoys spending time alone or with a
small group of people.

B. What form of information do you prefer?

1. Sensing preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Examines tangible, concrete facts.
Present-tense focus.
Looks at details and facts.

2. Intuition preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Listens to "gut" instincts.
Future-tense focus.
Looks at the overall picture and how
things fit together.

C. On what basis do you prefer to make your decision?

1. Thinking preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Attends to analysis and clarity.
Can be seen as detached and cold.
Concerned with what is objective.

2. Feeling preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Concerned with a decision's impact on people.
Attends to what is right and wrong.
Principles oriented.

D. How do you prefer to find and remind yourself of information?

1. Judging preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Time oriented.
Wants issues resolved.
Does not like ambiguity.

2. Perceiving preference and its characteristics

Examples:

Task oriented.
More concerned with diagnosis than resolution of issues.
Reviews decisions.

III. Type and Organizations

A. Decision Styles

1. Intuition - Thinking
"Theoretical" - Emphasis is with things in the future.

2. Intuition - Feeling
"Idealistic" - Emphasis is with people in the future.

3. Sensing - Thinking
"Practical" - Concern is with things in the present.

4. Sensing - Feeling
"Social" - Concern is with people in the present.

B. Strategy Styles

1. Intuition - Judging
"Planner" - Emphasis is with organizing the future.

2. Intuition - Perceiving
"Dreamer" - Emphasis is with flexibility in the future.

3. Sensing - Judging
"Organizer" - Concern is with organizing the present.

4. Sensing - Perceiving
"Troubleshooter" - Concern is with flexibility in the present.

C. Management Styles

1. Combined decision and strategy styles.
2. Efficient vs. Effective.
3. Comparing individual, departmental, and organizational preferences.

a. Complementary modes.
b. Potential blind spots.

D. Environments

1. Internal goals and objectives.

a. Individual and organizational balance.

2. External clients and competition.

a. Translating and interpreting client needs.
b. Reading and anticipating the competition.

 

Note: Further characteristics, numerous examples and exercises are given throughout the presentation.