Myers Briggs Decoded - A Quick Translation of the Letters

Your Co-workers just came back from a business retreat and they are speaking in Myers Briggs letter code. You have no idea what they are talking about and have just been accused of being 'such a T'. You don't need to take the long test or be in a retreat to understand the basics of this really helpful personality model. Here's the brief summary of what they are all talking about.

Myers Briggs uses letters as short cuts to represent word concepts. Since all words have the possibility of having baggage related to them, Myers Briggs uses just the letters to describe certain preferences that each person develops within their personalities. There are 4 basic questions that are asked in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Each question is answered with one of two preference choices. As we go through the letter combinations, circle the letter that most closely represents your preferences within each category. Your 4 letter preferences are your Myers Briggs Type.

How do you get recharged?E/I: Extravert/Introvert

E's get their energy from other people. E's tend to like to socialize, have many acquaintances and friends. They tend to be more comfortable in large groups and can be louder in voice. E's often speak first and think later. They tend to be very interested in things going on around them.

I's get their energy from themselves. I's tend to like quiet places, are territorial, have a few very close friends. They tend to think before they speak in a much quieter tone of voice. They tend to be more interested in their internal reaction to what is going on around them.

How do you gain trust from information? S/N: Sensing/INtuition

S' trust in the past and what they know to be true from their five senses. So, if they have seen it, tasted it, touched it and smelled it already, then they will believe it. S' call themselves realists and trust the way things have worked in the past. They see things literally are practical and sensible.

N's trust their hunches, see future possibilities and are very imaginative. N's are sometimes accused of having their 'heads in the clouds' or being impractical. They are inspired by new ideas and are very creative.