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!