The Role of MBTI in Career Planning
The MBTI is a personality assessment tool developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, based on the psychological theories of Carl Jung. Its goal is to help individuals understand their personality type and preferences, and ultimately learn how to harness their unique strengths and overcome challenges.
The structure of MBTI types
Every type carries its own strengths, weaknesses, and preferences across various aspects of life, including business development. Understanding your personality type can help you identify careers that align with your innate strengths and values, often leading to greater job satisfaction, engagement, and long-term success.
The benefits of an MBTI Consultant
An experienced MBTI consultant can administer the assessment, offer a personalised interpretation of the results, and guide individuals toward professional decisions based on their unique personality type. The MBTI sharpens self-awareness, puts individual strengths to work, reduces conflict, and creates a shared language that improves teamwork.
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What does MBTI Measure?
The MBTI assessment measures four pairs of preferences, 8 cognitive functions, yielding 16 distinct personality types. These preferences are:
- Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I): focus on the outer world or the inner world
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N): reliance on concrete details or abstract concepts
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F): decision-making based on logic or values
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P): preference for structure or flexibility
Factors to Consider When Choosing an MBTI Consultant
Finding the right person is crucial to getting accurate, valuable insight from your assessment. Here are a few essential factors to weigh when choosing one.
Credentials and Experience
A reputable expert should hold the proper training and certifications needed to administer and interpret the assessment. Look for someone with a Master Practitioner Credential, or who has completed an official certification programme from a recognised organisation such as The Myers & Briggs Company.
Beyond formal credentials, consider the trainer or coach's experience administering the MBTI and working with clients in your specific field or industry. An experienced facilitator will be better equipped to offer tailored insight and recommendations suited to your unique needs.
Personalised Approach
Every individual is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely helps you make the best career decisions. Your consultant should be able to tailor their approach and offer personalised guidance based on your individual personality type, preferences, and goals.
Strong Interest Inventory and Other Assessments
While the MBTI is a significant resource for understanding personality traits, it doesn't stand alone as the sole tool for career planning. An effective MBTI-experienced consultant should also know alternative evaluations like the Strong Interest Inventory, which assesses a person's interests and inclinations toward different professional activities. Combining the perspectives of several assessments gives a more thorough picture of your abilities, preferences, and prospective avenues for growth.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
One of the best ways to gauge a consultant's effectiveness is through the experience of previous clients. Look for testimonials and reviews online, or ask for references. Positive feedback from satisfied clients is a strong indicator of expertise, professionalism, and the ability to deliver results.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career
Choosing the right MBTI consultant is a critical step in putting personality assessments to work for informed career decisions. By weighing factors like credentials, experience, personalised approach, and client satisfaction, you can find someone who delivers valuable insight and guidance tailored to your needs.
Remember, understanding your personality type and preferences is just the beginning. It's up to you to apply these insights and take action toward your career goals.
FAQ
1. What resources are available for MBTI coaching?
For coaching resources, you can work with a practitioner who's both certified and experienced in using the MBTI in one-on-one or team development contexts. You'll also find valuable materials, Master programmes, and workshops focused on personality dynamics, leadership growth, and continuous professional certification.
2. How do I choose an MBTI consultant?
When selecting one, be sure to ask about their qualifications, experience, and reputation. Request references from past clients to confirm you're hiring a qualified professional, and review any materials they've prepared ahead of your appointment, such as brochures or service information.
3. What should I expect during a session with an MBTI consultant?
During your session, the MBTI practitioner will walk you through the assessment process and answer any questions you have. They'll then administer the assessment and discuss your results with you in detail. Depending on the service they provide, they may also suggest how to use the results to make better decisions or improve relationships.
4. Are there any risks associated with using an MBTI consultant?
No — there are no risks associated with using an MBTI consultant, since the assessment itself involves no medical procedures or drugs. That said, remember that the results aren't diagnostic or predictive, so it's important to consult the appropriate professionals for any mental health concerns.
5. How much does it cost to hire a great expert?
The cost of hiring an MBTI consultant varies with the type of service and their experience level. Generally speaking, prices range from €2,500 to €3,000 per day, though this can run higher depending on the project's complexity or any additional services provided.
6. Where can I take an official MBTI assessment?
You can take an official MBTI assessment only through a certified practitioner who has completed a Master-level programme in MBTI certification. Such a certified practitioner is trained to administer and interpret the assessment in a professional development context.
The best way to access the official tool is to join a certification programme offered by an accredited institution such as The Myers-Briggs Company. These programmes include intensive sessions designed to certify professionals in understanding personality types and applying them effectively in coaching or leadership development.
Our articles on MBTI
- 16 Personality Types Test
- Team building activities with MBTI
- MBTI for team building: a few tips
- Myers Briggs Type Indicator: MBTI Characters
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: What Does Introvert Mean
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: MBTI Chemistry
- Rare Personality Type: MBTI
- How to Use the MBTI in Executive Coaching?
- The MBTI Test
This article was written by Marc Prager.