In this article, we’ll offer an overview of what the MBTI is and the key areas of behavioral preferences it deals with, before looking in more detail at what typically drives one specific type identified by an MBTI assessment: the ENFP Personality Type.<\/p>\n
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI as it\u2019s often called, is the world\u2019s most widely used psychometric tool, with over 2 million tests carried out each year. \u00a0The original concept, highly influenced by the work of Carl Jung, was developed in the 1920s. The test was launched in 1962, after decades of research and testing to validate the theory behind it.<\/p>\n
The benefit of the tool is that it enables users to develop greater self \u2013awareness, by helping them to understand how their personality influences their behavior, preferences, and even the work environment that can suit them best.
\nIt is also widely used in organizations to help leaders and others understand the behavior and motivations of those they work with.\u00a0 While it doesn’t claim to be able to select the correct person for a given role, it’s clear that people with certain personality preferences will fit more easily into certain roles than others.<\/p>\n
Originally, users would complete a paper-based assessment, however, now this can be done online and results delivered in around 45 minutes.
\nWhile there are now many other psychometric tools online, the MBTI is still, by far the most trusted, due to the sheer volume of research and validation behind it.
\nWhat are the key personality areas the MBTI identifies?<\/p>\n
The MBTI identifies 4 key areas of preference. Below is a very simplified overview.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)<\/p>\n
Do you take energy from your interactions with others, or is your internal world more significant for you?<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)<\/p>\n
This relates to your preferences for learning and gathering information about the world around you.\u00a0 People with a strong preference for sensing tend to live in the here-and-now, enjoying the current reality. Those who are more intuitive tend to seek deeper or hidden meanings in events.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)<\/p>\n
While someone with a strong preference for (T) will pride themselves on being rational and logical, an (F) will prioritize values and find solutions which avoid conflict.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)<\/p>\n
If you have a (J) preference, it doesn\u2019t imply that you are judgmental of others. Rather that you are likely to be someone who likes structure, takes decisions, and focuses on a task until it’s finished.
\nPerceivers prefer to keep their options open until the last minute, and may find it easy to abandon tasks in progress, in favor of something new and more interesting.<\/p>\n
Based on the above, we can see that a typical ENPF personality type is likely to display the following characteristics:
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extroversion
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intuition
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Feeling
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Perceiving
\nThe Myers-Briggs online site summarizes the ENFP type as an ‘imaginative motivator’. They love to share ideas, stories,\u00a0 and idealistic aspirations with others.<\/p>\n