Frequently Asked Questions

It is a short, self-report questionnaire used to measure and describe people’s preferences for how they like to focus attention, get information, make decisions and orient their lives. Created by a mother-daughter team, Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the instrument was designed to make Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types understandable and useful in everyday life. 

The assessment provides a framework for people to better understand themselves, their motivations, strengths and potential areas for growth.  It will also help them to appreciate those who differ.  Understanding and appreciating these differences in the way people prefer to function can greatly enhance the effectiveness of how people work together and relate to one another.

Natural preferences in these four areas are sorted into one of 16 distinct personality types. Understanding these personality types provides clients or employees with objective insight that they can use to enhance their professional and personal relationships, as well as their direction, focus, and career choices.

The tool is chosen by organizations and individuals for many reasons:

• Not a test, so there are no right or wrong answers.
• Sorts people into 16 broad, easy-to-remember personality types. Each type has its strengths and challenges.
• Looks only at normal behaviour. It does not measure or detect psychiatric disturbances, trauma, intelligence or maturity.
• Individuals can share their results or keep them confidential.
• Gives results that are practical and can be used in everyday life.

It is important to understand the following when using this tool:

• Describes rather than prescribes; it delivers back to your client in an organized form the preferences they indicated when answering the questions.
• Considers all preferences equally important and valuable.
• Describes preferences, not skills or abilities.
• It is well documented and researched, with hundreds of scientific studies conducted over 70 years.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) is a widely used personality assessment that helps individuals understand their natural preferences in how they perceive the world and make decisions. To ensure the most accurate results, follow these guidelines when completing the assessment.

• Avoid stress, hunger, or fatigue – Your mood and physical state can influence your answers. Take the assessment when you feel relaxed and focused.
• Don’t rush – The goal is self-awareness, not speed.

• Ignore societal, familial, or job-related expectations – The MBTI measures natural inclinations, not learned behaviours. Ask yourself: "What feels most authentic to me, without outside pressure?"
• Think of preferences, not abilities – You may be skilled in areas that don’t align with your natural tendencies. Focus on what you prefer, not what you’re good at due to training or necessity.
• Imagine no real-life consequences – Answer as if your choices won’t affect your job, relationships, or reputation.

• Avoid situational thinking – Some questions may seem context-dependent, but think about your general tendency rather than a specific scenario.
• Go with your first instinct – Overanalyzing can lead to answers that reflect temporary states rather than deep-seated preferences

• The MBTI identifies how you prefer to:
  • Focus your energy (Extraversion [E] vs. Introversion [I])
  • Take in information (Sensing [S] vs. Intuition [N])
  • Make decisions (Thinking [T] vs. Feeling [F])
  • Approach the outside world (Judging [J] vs. Perceiving [P])
• There are no "better" or "worse" preferences—just differences in natural tendencies.