An Introduction to theMyers-Briggs Type Indicator

Boston Debate LeagueTeam Retreat

February 21-22 2013

Objectives

• To introduce the theory and framework behind the MBTI, including concepts and definitions of terms.

• To strengthen individual and group processes of communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

• To increase each individual’s awareness of his/her interpersonal style, communication patterns, and strengths to the team.

• To encourage the recognition and use of valuable individual differences within the team to improve quality and performance.

Four Preference Scales

• Extraversion - Introversion• Sensing - Intuition• Thinking - Feeling• Judging - Perceiving

… how accurate

the report is for you

You decide …

Extraversion - Introversion

• Extraverts are energizedby the outer world ofpeople and things

Introverts are energized by the inner

world of thoughts and reflections.

The Extravert ...

• Is often friendly, talkative, easy to know.

• Feels pulled outward by external claims and conditions.

• Acts, then (maybe) reflects.

• Gives breadth to life

The Introvert ...

• Is often reserved, quiet, hard to know.

• Feels pulled inward by external claims and intrusions.

• Reflects, then (maybe) acts.

• Gives depth to life

Some Key Words

EActive

OutwardSociablePeopleMany

ExpressiveBreadth

IReflective

InwardReservedPrivacy

FewQuietDepth

Sensing - Intuition

• Sensors take in informationby way of the five senses -sight, sound, feel, taste andsmell.

Intuit ives process information by way of a “sixth sense’ or hunch.

The Sensor ...

• Starts at the beginning, takes a step a time.

• Likes specifics, facts, details and examples.

• Looks at specific parts and pieces.

• Lives in the present, enjoying what’s there.

The Intuitive ...

• Starts in anywhere, leaps over steps.

• Likes concepts, ideas, themes and possibilities.

• Looks at patterns and relationships.

• Lives toward the future, anticipating what might be.

Some Key Words

SDetailsPresentPractical

FactsSequentialDirectionsRepetition

NPatternsFuture

ImaginativeInnovations

RandomHunchesVariety

Thinking - Feeling

• Thinkers decide on thebasis of logic and objectiveconsiderations.

Feelers decide on the basis of personal, subjective values.

The Thinker ...

• Goes by logic, decides with the head.

• Concerned for truth, justice.

• Spontaneously finds flaws, criticizes.

• Good at analyzing plans.

The Feeler ...

• Goes by personal convictions, decides with the heart.

• Concerned for relationships, harmony.

• Spontaneously appreciates.

• Good at understanding people.

Some Key Words

THead

ObjectiveJustice

ImpersonalCriticizeAnalyze

Principles

FHeart

SubjectiveHarmonyPersonal

AppreciateEmpathize

Values

Judging - Perceiving

• Judgers prefer to livein a planned, orderly andsystematic way.

Perceivers prefer to live in a flexible, adaptable

and spontaneous way.

The Judger ...

• Likes definite order and structure.

• Likes to have life under control.

• Feels comfortable establishing closure.

• Handles deadlines, plans in advance.

The Perceiver ...

• Likes going with the flow.

• Prefers to experience life as it happens.

• Feels comfortable leaving things open-ended.

• Meets deadlines by last minute rush.

Some Key Words

JOrganizedStructureControl

DecisiveDeliberate

PlanClosure

PFlexible

FlowExperience

CuriousSpontaneous

WaitOpenness

… your four preferences

Extraversion or Introversion Sensing or iN tuition Thinking or Feeling Judging or Perceiving

indicate your preference type

When combined …

What the Number Scores Mean

1-9 = slight preference

10-19 = moderate preference

20-35 = clear preference

Over 35 = very clear preference