Knowing your personality type assists you in determining your strengths, weaknesses, and best career options. A personality test is a great way to unlock your potential at work according to your MBTI and maximize your productivity.
About 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies utilize these tests to improve team building and for a better workplace environment. According to research, personality tests have proved to be helpful in better understanding team members’ behavior.
One of the best tools for knowing your personality type is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
In this article, we’ll learn how to unlock your potential at work according to your MBTI and productivity tips.
Why is MBTI used in the workplace?
MBTI (Myers Briggs type indicator) is a simple questionnaire developed by Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs based on the theories of the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. A personality is composed of four psychological spectrums, which thus results in 16 different types.
Many companies are conducting MBTI tests to build better teams in their workplaces. Similarly, it helps employees to understand their work potential and explore the best ways to communicate with their colleagues.
It is stated by Morris-Brad, that a lot of companies have started specific training sessions based on MBTI to reduce conflicts and communication errors.
What are the four preferences of MBTI?
The four different preferences of MBTI on which personality types form are the following:
- Extroversion & Introversion (E/I)
The first letter of every personality type is either an E or an I. If you act first and then think, have the habit of talking more, and feel energized by meeting with people, then you are most probably an extrovert.
But if you first think and then act, listen more, and recharge your social batteries by spending time alone, then you’re an Introvert. In workplace:
- Extroverts thrive in areas where they experience more verbal interaction with their colleagues.
- Introverts excel when they have to focus in a calm environment and manage one thing at a time.
- Sensing & Intuition (S/N)
The second letter is always either an S or N. If you utilize your five senses to understand the concepts and value realism, then you’re a sensor.
But, if you rely on your vivid imagination and focus on innovative ideas, then most probably, you’re intuitive. In workplace:
- Sensors choose work that involves facts & figures and use their common sense to solve problems.
- Intuitives prefer to solve theoretical problems with the use of their vast imagination.
- Thinking & Feeling (T/F)
The fourth letter of any type will be either T or F. Thinkers are analytical, instinctively perceive flaws in a project, and are critical. Feelers are compassionate and empathic and show their appreciation for others.
According to Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tiege:
- Thinkers gravitate to the workplace, where they can analyze things and apply their critical approach.
- Feelers always have the desire to help others by presenting themselves as volunteers.
- Judging & Perceiving (J/P)
The last letter of any personality type is either a J or P. You’re a judge if you like to make decisions, control your life, and are more towards the organization.
But, if you prefer flexibility, are adaptable, and choose to experience life, then you’re a perceiver. In workplace:
- Judgers love to work where they can manage or organize things and have to fulfill specific targets.
- In a peaceful environment, perceivers thrive, where they can fully brainstorm ideas for their projects with flexible deadlines.
16 Myers-Briggs personality types in the workplace
16 Myers-Briggs personality types act differently in the workplace. The unique working styles of these personalities, how can they unlock their potential at work based on MBTI, and tips on how they can maximize their productivity level are the following:
1. ISFJ (The defender)
ISFJs are compassionate, dedicated, and structured people. They are respected in any workplace due to their competitive nature.
Work Ethics of ISFJs: ISFJs like interpersonal relationships with their colleagues and a positive work environment. They give special attention to minor details, show adherence to the commitments, and stick to the rules & regulations of companies.
The Defenders naturally thrive in editing, bookkeeping, scrutinizing others’ works or proposals, etc. They can bind the team as managers with their compassionate nature.
Productivity tips for ISFJs: The things defenders can do to maximize their potential are the following:
- Appreciate and celebrate their small wins and learn to prioritize themselves in every matter.
- To stay organized, use to-do lists and clean their desk.
- Minimize distractions, and instead of exhausting due to workload, try to take regular breaks.
2. ISTJ (The Investigator)
ISTJs are dutiful workers who put their energy into getting things done. They respect deadlines, are highly organized, and love stability.
Work ethics of ISTJs: Investigators work systematically without external assistance. They prefer to work according to a concrete plan without the interruptions of changes or innovations.
Due to their investigative nature, they can work well as public accountants, budget analysts, business consultants, etc.
Productivity tips for Investigators: Tips for ISTJs to boost their productivity level are the following:
- Avoid stressful work environments because they can only work in calm situations.
- Declutter their workplace and remove distractions to stay organized.
- Learn to accept meaningful changes in projects without getting disturbed or annoyed.
- INFJ (The Insightful visionaries)
INFJs are dedicated doers who prefer to work, which is purposeful, and choose to stay behind the scene while working. They take their work as a passion and work diligently to cast meaningful impacts on others.
Work Ethics of INFJs: INFJs can deliver constructive criticism in a caring manner. They have direct communicating styles and are excellent judges and thus work well as judges during job interviews and in counseling professions.
Productivity tips for INFJ: INFJs can improve productivity if:
- They learn to prioritize themselves and recognize their worth and capability to achieve everything.
- They learn to make a work-life balance and stop saying yes to everything without knowing the value of their energy and time.
Related: 16 Evident signs that show you are an INFJ
4. INTJ (The Strategist)
Strategists are perfectionists who set high standards and tirelessly work to achieve their goals. The rational nature of these people assists them in thinking of innovative ideas.
Work Ethics of INTJs: INTJs work best in complete privacy and small groups. They excel in remote jobs and where they can implement their innovative solution to complex problems. They are determined to improve existing systems and, therefore, can do well in marketing strategies, project management, etc.
Productivity tips for INTJs: INTJs can boost their productivity:
- Since INTJs are great at planning, they should create to-do lists, set deadlines for themselves, etc.
- Before making any hasty decisions, they should take a few seconds to brood over them. The thinking activity will help them to avoid rash decisions.
Related: What is an INTJ 6w7 type?
5. INTP (The Logician)
INTPs are excellent problem-solvers who are logical and hate restrictions and rules. They thrive best in an environment where they can work independently by using their innovative ideas for complicated problems.
Work ethics of INTPs: The logicians can work well in remote jobs where they have to face little restrictions because, according to them, rules create obstacles to their creativity. They can work well in product designing, programming, etc.
Productivity tips for INTPs: INTPs can work productively if
- They share their ideas and solutions with colleagues so that they become able to help them. It will help to unburden their tasks.
- They focus more on completing their tasks rather than procrastinating toward perfection.
6. ISTP (The Crafter)
Unpredictable ISTPs are practical and are not lovers of rules & regulations. They independently work in areas that make them excited and energized.
Work ethics of ISTPs: The crafters crave novelty in every field and get bored with the same routine. Their amiable and adaptable personalities make them exceptional employees because they enjoy encouraging others and helping them face challenges. They can excel well at work, like crisis management.
Productivity tips for ISTPs: ISTPs can maximize their productivity level if:
- They try to align their smaller goals with bigger dreams, which will help them to consider the big picture.
- They learn to be consistent in their jobs by introducing some fun elements to their work. This thing will assist them in sticking with their jobs.
7. INFP (Idealists)
The easy-going and open-minded INFPs prove efficient employees due to their anti-conflict nature. They can work with sudden upcoming loads and sometimes want independence to work fully.
Work ethics of INFPs: Jaroslaw Jankowski, in his book “The Idealists: Your guide to the INFP personality type” states that INFPs work not only for money but for the accomplishment of their purpose. They are individualists and are happy working alone.
Productivity tips for INFPs: Tips for the productivity of INFPs are:
- Accept criticism honestly and use constructive feedback to improve instead of being upset by it.
- Declutter their workload and do planning and organizing to boost their productivity level.
Related: Uncovering the INFP 6w7: Strengths, weaknesses, and hobbies.
8. ISFP (The Artist)
Non-judgemental ISFPs are friendly, prefer to work alone and avoid conflicts. These people have a strong sense of aestheticism and are keen observers.
Work ethics of ISFPs: Remote jobs and those who focus on individualization instead of teamwork are perfect for ISFPs. They are action-oriented and love to live in the present instead of the future. Their aesthetic taste in everything is beneficial in making presentations.
Productivity tips for ISFPs: ISFPs can work well if:
- They learn to break larger goals into smaller steps for clarity and focus on planning.
- Set specific deadlines to reach upto their goals by organizing and decluttering things.
9. ESFJ (The Caregiver)
The caregivers show warmth and an energized attitude and have excellent communication skills. People-oriented and supportive contributors ESFJs put others first. They are assets of any company.
Work ethics of ESFJs: The amazing organizational and management skills lead ESFJs to become a mastermind behind different successful projects. They can bind people and motivate them to show their full potential at work. They excel in tasks like project or team management in their workplaces.
Productivity tips: ESFJs can become more productive if:
- They set deadlines for themselves and remove distractions to stay motivated while working.
- They switch to an encouraging environment and meet with friends that appreciate them and their work. Continuous encouragement assists ESFJs in staying productive and motivated.
10. ESTJ (The Supervisors)
Natural-born leaders ESTJs are excellent decision-makers who have an immense interest in getting their things done with high-end results. These people can take hold of things efficiently in any workplace.
Work ethics of ESTJs: The supervisors can prove outstanding leaders, presidents, and captains of any company, state, or team. They are dedicated people who have the talent to take work from others. You can often find them organizing finances, operations, etc.
Productivity tips: ESTJs can boost their work potential if:
- They learn to make a work-life balance to avoid work exhaustion, which will be the best for their mental health.
- As executives, they focus on other alternatives to problems because they solely consider possible circumstances.
11. ENFJ (The Protagonists)
ENFJs are natural leaders and inspirational managers who are driven by their intuition.
Work ethics of ENFJs: Great communicators, reliable, and idealistic ENFJs are the precious assets of any company. They are the masterminds behind many successful projects and do great in meetings and presentations. ENFJs prove to be the best managers, executives, and insurance agents.
Productivity tips: The protagonists can boost their potential if:
- They learn to say no to others because mostly they make themselves burn out by saying yes to everyone for every task.
- They start prioritizing their selves and learn to live a balanced life.
12. ENTJ (The commander)
ENTJs are the most efficient workers, excellent planners, and organizers. ENFJs have the potential to motivate people for a specific task or objective.
Work ethics: Great communicators and leaders ENTJs are among those who can deal with puzzling challenges effortlessly. They are strategy builders and love to solve complex problems and improve things in their workplaces.
Productivity tips: The commanders can maximize their productivity if:
- They fix their routine, set short or long-term goals, and track time to become productive.
- They cultivate patience in their personalities and understand the difference between being commanding and consulting.
13. ESFP (Enthusiastic ambassadors)
Social butterflies and the life of a place, ESFPs, are the most energetic people who thrive in a cheerful environment.
Work ethics: The entertainers have creativity and a sense of innovation as their strengths, and they utilize them best in their workplace. Their lively and energized personalities lead them to become the favorite of everyone. They do well in tasks or jobs like event planning, tour guiding, and as coaches.
Productivity tips: Enthusiastic ambassadors can become productive if they:
- Avoid multitasking and focus on one thing at one time.
- They compile smaller tasks together and avoid distractions to boost their focus.
14. ENFP (Imaginative motivators)
ENFPs prefer workplaces where they can use their creativity and explore innovative ways to solve complicated problems.
Work ethics: The advanced communication skills and the amiable personalities of ENFPs help them in team building and successfully leading others. They unconsciously attract people due to their caring and humble nature.
Productivity tips: ENFPs can do great if:
- They learn to overcome their procrastination to start difficult projects as they’re not efficient starters.
- By eliminating distractions, they learn to stay focused.
Related: Exploring ENFP 7w8: Traits, weaknesses, and examples.
15. ESTP (Energetic promoter)
Excellent problem solvers and highly energetic ESTPs are the most noticeable people in a workplace.
Work ethics: Risk-taking, practicality and excellent skill of networking are the shining qualities of ESTPs. They are natural leaders who like challenges and can handle crises with decency. They often stumble on long-term projects.
Productivity tips: Entrepreneurs can do well if:
- They train themselves to stay motivated and consistent during long-term projects.
- They stop multitasking and purchase any planner to stay organized.
16. ENTP (Enthusiastic Inventor)
Enthusiastic inventors always think outside of the box by keeping the big picture in their minds.
Work ethics: ENTPs are always among those who look for improvement in every nook and corner and talk about moving forward in business by using creative strategies. They mostly hold the position of managers or CEOs.
Productivity tips: ENTPs can unlock their productivity potential if:
- They learn to make the difference between dominating and consulting behavior.
- They declutter their things and set clear goals for the future.
What are the benefits of using MBTI in the workplace?
Every business owner wants to establish a sophisticated work environment in his/her organization or company. The desire of company owners to maintain a healthy workplace can now achieve by using the Myers-Briggs type indicator tool.
This simple assessment test assists them in knowing the powers, weak points, stress handling, and workplace behavioral abilities of their employees.
Here are some benefits of using MBTI in the workplace:
- Assembling strong teams
MBIT enables managers or company owners to know which employee will work best in which situation, in which task he will excel, and which personalities will collaborate most appropriately.
Therefore, they can assemble the perfect teams with relevant team members for their specific projects.
- Reducing the conflicts between employees
A proper understanding of an employee’s personality type helps leaders or company owners to take effective steps to reduce the chances of conflicts in their workplace.
They will make positive changes in their work environment and know how to handle conflicts efficiently.
- Understanding to give effective feedback
Managers can understand better which person needs constant encouragement to stay consistent and efficient and which person can do work properly without an appraisal.
They will have better knowledge about how to deliver effective feedback to each & every employee of their company.
- Improving communication skills
One of the most crucial factors of using MBTI in the workplace is that it improves communication between peer-to-peer and employee and manager.
Members of a team, after knowing the personality type of their teammates, can communicate more effectively. And it will also assist project managers in accomplishing their tasks by having better communication with their employees.
Final Thoughts
Myers-Briggs type indicator plays an important role in the establishment of a healthy workplace. By knowing the personality type of each employee, the company owner will be able to understand the capabilities of his employees.
Even employees can take the personality test themselves to unlock their work potential.
Mariam is a freelance writer, has an educational background in English literature. She loves to read books about complexities of human relationships. She’s passionate about sharing knowledge related to psychology and self-improvement with others.
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