The Myers-Briggs personality types are based on the psychological teaching of Carl Gustav Jung. We'll introduce you to all 16 – and what type are you?
Character types with tradition
What actually makes us humans? Already in 1944 the famous scientist posed Carl Gustav Jung, who was also known for his theory of dream interpretation, his basic psychological types. Years later, the American Katharine Cook took over Briggs and her daughter Isabel Myers his theories in order to present them in a more modern and focused way.
The mother-daughter team Myers-Briggs made personality research commercially: You founded that Center for Applications of Psychological Type, through which a scientific personality assessment was made accessible to everyone. So much for the background – let's get to the character types!
Myers-Briggs: The Categories
What are these for weird names? You will likely have this thought in a moment when we get to the individual personality types. They call themselves for example ENFJ or ISTJ – that sounds complicated, but luckily it isn't. The four seemingly incoherent letters refer to four categories, by the Myers-Briggs classify our character. And these categories are:
1. Introverted vs. Extroverted (Introverted vs. Extroverted)
Do you need People around youto feel comfortable, or are you rather for you alone? Introverts like to be busy with themselves, while extroverts are more likely to want to spend time with others.
If the personality is more introverted, this is indicated in the Myers-Briggs character designation by a I. marked. In extroverts, however, there is one E..
2. Intuition vs. sensory technology (intuition vs. sensing)
Do you have a sixth sense and sense things before they happen? Then you would probably score high on the Intuitions–scale to reach. Such people are more likely to see the big picture and have bigger connections in mind. Who is more likely to make decisions hard facts sees and listens to one's own reason, scores in matters Sensors.
Those who are strongly intuitive receive a N in the personality designation. Rational thinkers get one S. (the abbreviation of Sensing, the English word for sensor technology).
3. Feeling vs. Thinking (Feeling vs. Thinking)
Do you tend to listen to your decisions when making decisions? Gut feeling or do you weigh very pragmatic off what would make more sense? This category is also extremely important to distinguish between characters.
Those who prefer to feel like they will get one in the Myers-Briggs model F. (short for "feeling"). The thinkers among us would get one instead T (based on the English word "thinking").
4. Judging vs. Perceving
You have decided on something. You stick with it or do you let yourself too like to change your mind? This is what the fourth and final category is all about. Some of us make a quick judgment and then stick to their opinion. Others are in this regard "more malleable"Leave more time to process impressions.
Once decided and stuck with it: Those who stubbornly hold on to their decisions and do not allow themselves to be persuaded receive a J (which stands for "judging", in German "judging"). who more flexible and does not live so much according to firm judgments, becomes a in the personality designation P discover (for "perceving", ie "perceiving").
Whether INFJ or ENTP: These categories and abbreviations make the names of the 16 personality types easier to understand. Should you not know yet which type you belong to, you can easily do the test here.
To group the 16 personality types, the individual characters are in four dimensions classified: The idealists, the artists, the rationalists and the guards. In the following we explain to you what distinguishes the individual types within these dimensions.
Myers-Briggs: The idealists
Visions and ideas – idealists have a particularly large number of them. You are always looking for new opportunities to develop and want to make the world a little better.
ENFJ: The protagonist
You can lead people! Others are very impressed by your charisma and your clear visions.
You are charming, motivating, interested, enthusiastic.
INFJ: The consultant
You are someone who rests in yourself and is very inspiring to others. You know how to communicate and mediate with people. By the way: This personality type is particularly rare!
You are focused, creative, resourceful, in need of harmony.
INFP: The healer
What still needs to be improved? You are not satisfied with the status quo. You are artistically inclined, have a lot of imagination and want to make the world a better place.
You are selfless, helpful, caring, imaginative.
ENFP: The fighter
Your positive and self-assured disposition pulls others away! No matter what, you keep getting up and finding a reason to smile.
You are persistent, determined, resilient, attentive, friendly.
Myers-Briggs: The Artists
Good mood, charisma and positivity: That is characteristic of the group of artists. You are always interested in new things and strive for new experiences. Instead of artists, this group is also referred to as researchers.
ESTP: The entrepreneur
Please don't get bored! You love the performance and have no problem being the center of attention. You are a doer who tackles problems and doesn't ponder forever.
You are open, optimistic, active, brave, humorous.
ISTP: The virtuoso
You dare a lot that others wouldn't. Your courage and directness earn you the respect of your fellow human beings.
You are independent, loyal, practical, flexible.
ESFP: The Entertainer / The Entertainer
Your power is contagious! You go through life with great enthusiasm and love spontaneous trips and fun evenings with friends.
You are communicative, lively, euphoric, cooperative, emotional.
ISFP: The adventurer
You are a cosmopolitan person who appears very sympathetic to others. You are always looking for new things to explore.
You are detail-oriented, compassionate, friendly, adaptable, and artistically inclined.
The rationalists
According to Myers-Briggs, all are rationalists reliable, detail-oriented and the perfect problem solver. They use their imagination and intuition to purposefully implement their ideas.
ENTJ: The commander
There are no limits for you! You bravely go your own way and don't let obstacles get you down.
You are strategic, imaginative, fearless, ambitious, stress-resistant.
INTJ: The researcher
You are the perfectionist among personality types and you just always deliver. You always have a plan B – nothing shakes you that easily.
You are reliable, inquisitive, direct, analytical, structured.
ENTP: The inventor
Creativity and common sense: you have both! For you, challenges are opportunities in which you can learn new things.
You are innovative, curious, independent, provocative.
INTP: The logician
You are a practical free spirit who always finds a solution. You face opportunities and conflicts cleverly and boldly.
You are analytical, hardworking, astute, honest, focused.
The guards
The guards like fixed routines, clear rules and orderly relationships. They are caring characters who defend what they value with all they have.
ESTJ: The organizer
You know exactly what you want! Decisions are easy for you and you love to organize things. You use both your reason and your feelings.
You are organized, rational, responsible, dominant.
ISTJ: The inspector
You recognize Blender immediately because you are interested in facts. Your reliability and helpfulness are appreciated by many – you are always there when someone needs practical help.
You are conscientious, disciplined, logical, persistent.
ESFJ: The hostess
You like to take care of others – no wonder you are so popular! Empathy and sociability are your great strengths.
You are entertaining, sociable, sociable, empathetic.
ISFJ: The provider
You are a warm-hearted person who walks through life in a humble and focused manner. A real sunshine with a lot of dedication!
You are patient, loyal, traditional, helpful, reliable.
The Myers-Briggs model is just one way of analyzing character. There are a few other theories, each with a different focus. For example the OCEAN model, the Riemann-Thomann model or the DISG model.
You can also find many other exciting topics relating to personality in the BRIGITTE Community. Have a look!