The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective, self-reporting instrument that identifies a person’s personality type and psychological preferences. The MBTI was developed by Katherine Briggs and is based on Carl Jung’s research on perception and judgment. Carl Jung proposed that there are four essential psychological functions by which we see this world: sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking. According to the MBTI theory, you combine your preferences to determine your personality type. The 16 types are referred to by an abbreviation of the initial letters of each of the four type preferences of each cognitive function.
Once you complete the self-assessment, you will have a 4-letter personality type. For example, “ISTP” would denote introversion, sensing, thinking, and perceiving. No type is considered “better” or “worse” than the other– all types are considered equal.
The MBTI emphasizes that each individual has specific preferences in the way they view the world, and this assessment provides insight into the differences and similarities in people’s experiences of life. It also reveals aspect of leadership. For this reflection submission, please complete the following steps.
- Watch the following youtube video providing an overview of the MBTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZF4OM6mrrI
- Complete the 20-question assessment (see attached pdf file). Keep in mind, when answering each question, do not look back at past behavior or behavior associated to any one role (work, family, student, etc.). Simply ask yourself, “Here and now, what do I prefer?” “If the world was perfect, what would I choose?”. This will help you achieve the most accurate results.
- Once you complete the self-assessment and have your 4-letter type, visit the TypeFinder website to review your unique personality type: including top careers, relationships, and core values and motivations. TypeFinder also offers a free way to complete the MBTI assessment, however, you will have to create a free profile. This is completely up to you and is not necessary.
- Complete your Leadership Reflection. Focus on your thoughts, concerns, and ah-ha moments related to the finding out your personality type and learning more about your type. Be sure to provide your results and highlight some of the things you learned about your personality type from the TypeFinder website.
This paper should not be written in a question-and-answer format. It should be written as a reflection paper with a proper introduction and conclusion.
The following writing prompts may help you explore your personality type when writing your reflection:
- Were there characteristics or behaviors that you strongly agreed with or that “struck a chord” for
you? (Explain) - Were there characteristics or behaviors within your personality type that you were unsure about, or thought was wrong?
- Ask someone who knows you very well to read an overview of your type and ask them the following questions in regard to the overview. Do they agree with your type? If so, how?
- Discuss three strengths of your type you feel will be an asset as a leader?
- Discuss three weaknesses (opportunities) that you feel may hinder your effectiveness as a leader?
- How do my strengths and weaknesses impact my leadership style and what can I do about it?
For example: one of your weaknesses could be that you are “vulnerable to criticism.” If so, you may have identified that that is impacts you as a leader because it hurts and distracts you or makes you defensive when you feel criticized and misunderstood. What are some methods you can use to help you control this feeling or adapt? Perhaps you could seek to recognize criticism as fleeting opinions rather than as immutable facts. You could also begin a journal where you write down situations and words that make you feel most vulnerable or criticized, etc.
Your reflection submission must be at least 5 paragraphs minimum (APA format- double spaced, 12 pt font, 1-inch margins and title page). For this assignment, you do not need to reference page unless you choose to cite a source (then you must add a reference page).
