The MBTI and the “Z” Model of Problem Solving

Using MBTI Type to Reach a Collaborative Solution

• Review basics of type theory• Answer the question, “What is the

dominant function of each type?”• Learn how to apply dominant function to

the “Z” model in group problem solving

Learning Objectives

…Using Your NON- dominant hand, copy the following sentence:

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Just as we have preferences for left or right-handedness, we also have preferences for:

• Extraversion versus Introversion

• Sensing versus Intuition

• Thinking versus Feeling

• Judging versus Perceiving (Myers-Briggs added the J/P distinction. Carl Jung did not make this distinction)

Psychological Preferences

was developed by Katharine C. Briggs

and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers

based on the work of Swiss psychologist

C. G. Jung, who presented his psychological

type theory in his book Psychological Types

(published 1921, translated into English 1923).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Carl Gustav Jung

Jung believed that essential preferences do not change, what does change is how we use preference

and that is determined by what our environment teaches us.

Other factors that influence personality development other than type include:

• Family influences

• Country of origin

• Education

• Life experiences

• ????????

• The MBTI Step I is primarily a “sorting instrument”

It identifies “birds of a feather” (Ex: ENTP, ISFJ, ESFP…)

• The MBTI Step II highlights variations of preference within a particular type

An INFJ who prefers to initiate conversations is “An Initiating INFJ” An ENFP who doesn’t wait until the last minute is “An Early Starting ENFP”

There are several MBTI instruments!

But Wait! There’s More!

The MBTI Step III is a Type Development Instrument that identifies:

• How well you use perception and judgment based on your reported or verified type?

• If you are effective in the processes that come naturally to you and yet use skills or adaptations to compensate for tasks that are often a challenge for you?

There is a newly released MBTI!!

Where Do I Focus My Energy and Attention?

Extraversion• Focus energy and attention

OUTWARD• Are interested in world of

PEOPLE and THINGS• Extraverts use their DOMINANT

function in the outside world• Can often go straight to the party

after a long day of class

Introversion• Focus their energy and attention

INWARD• Are interested in the inner world

of THOUGHT and REFLECTION• Introverts use their DOMINANT

function in their mind• May require some time alone to

recharge before heading out to the party after a long day of class

How do I Take in Information and Data?

Sensing• Seek facts• Use common sense• Use their 5 senses• In the moment

Asks: What is the lay of the land? What do we know?

INtuition• Imagines possibilities• Uses brainstorming• Assesses connections• Future

Asks: Is there a new way to do this? Can we give it a different twist?

Linear/”Give me the steps” Conceptual/”This is related to that”

The Way We Make Decisions

Thinking• Critiques and deduces• Uses logic• Identifies consequences

Asks:Why should this be done? “Felix Flaw Finder”

Feeling• Involves everyone• Cultivates harmony• Identifies the positives

Asks: How do I feel about this?“Felicia Feel Fine”

Our Attitude Toward the External World

Judging• Want the world to be

organized and have order• Plan/Structure• Last minute rushing around

is stressful

Buzz words: Schedule, Routine, List

Perceiving• Want to go with the flow• Options/Angles• Last minute rushing around

is energizing

Buzz words: Change, Surprise,The Last Minute

Schedules cramp my style, man.Nothing beats a well-ordered day

Procrastinator’s mantra: “Anything! Anything but what I should be doing!”Side note: Individuals with “P” in their code are often natural procrastinators.

Here’s the Situation: The Community Swimming Pool is operating over budget and must now reduce its costs by 30%. Within your group, generate some ideas on how to solve this problem. What concerns you most when arriving at a solution to this problem?

The MBTI 4-Letter Code Indentifies Type Dynamics

• The middle 2 letters describe the mental functions (How you judge and take in information)

• The possible combinations are ST, SF,NT and NF

• It indicates what mental function you use most often, use frequently, occasionally and seldom

• These are also known as DOMINANT, AUXILIARY, TERTIARY AND INFERIOR functions

ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ

ISTP ISFP INFP INTP

ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP

ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

16 MBTI* Types – Dominant Functions*Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Dynamics andProblem-Solving

ESTJ

1

2 3

4 4 min. Inferior

28 min.Dominant

18 min.Auxiliary

10 min.Tertiary

How Much Time is Spent in Each of the Functions?ESTJ

Carl Jung said: “Sensing tells us that something IS. Thinking tells us WHAT it is. Feeling gives it VALUE and INTUITION gives it meaning.

All functions are important to arrive at a balanced decision

Additional Key Points:

The MBTI is:

• An affirming way to understand self and others

• A way to identify natural cognitive strengths

• A way to value the constructive use of differences among people

• A way to strengthen relationships and improve communication

• A dynamic not a static description for patterns of interaction, growth and maturity

The MBTI is not:

• A way to pigeonhole, prescribe or excuse behavior

• A complete description about human behavior. Recall that there are many factors that influence the human

personality/behavior

• A method to determine skill level, maturity or competencies as compared to others

Other uses for the MBTI:

• Understanding communication style

• Career planning

• Improving motivation

• Clarifying goals

• Reinventing yourself

• Relationships

Remember: There are no good or bad types. All types have some natural strengths and potential blind spots.

Good-bye! Thank you! Peace!