Psychometric testing

Personality analysis using the Myers-Briggs type inventory

What is the MBTI?

The Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) is a psychometric instrument used in personal and professional development and provides a framework for understanding your own and other people's personalities. It can be used with individuals and with teams and has the benefit of being able to be used with large groups without disclosure of confidential information.

For individuals it is useful for

• Improving communication
• Improving personal and professional relationships
• Dealing with difficult people
• Resolving conflict
• Understanding personal leadership and learning styles
• Reactions to change
• Causes of stress
• Personal development
• Career management
• Time management
• Negotiating and influencing
• Assertiveness

For teams it is useful for

• Understanding and exploiting strengths and weaknesses within the team
• Change management
• New managers and staff changes
• Allocation of tasks
• Improving communication
• Improving relationships
• Appreciating the group personality and outsiders' perceptions
• Improving customer care

How is it done?

You may be asked to complete a questionnaire, taking as much time as you need but probably about 20 minutes. Only you and possibly the practitioner will see the results. You will then have a feedback session when the MBTI framework will be explained and you will be able to ask questions and relate the framework to your own experience.

You will gain understanding in how you take in information and make decisions, as well as how you focus your attention and your preferred life-style. There are no right or wrong answers and the emphasis is on a positive and constructive appreciation of different preferences and styles.

The whole session takes between one and two hours, depending on the number of people involved and the amount of discussion generated

Who should I choose to do this?

You should use a fully trained MBTI practitioner who is also a qualified trainer and counsellor, preferably a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. They should be familiar with your industry and understand the organisational issues and culture