Know Thyself
I looked up this phrase on Wikipedia and apparently it ’ s attributable to the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Greece . For me , the phrase became part of my self-discovery early on in my working career . Back in the year 2002 I was sent on an MBTI training course . For those of you not familiar with MBTI , it ’ s a personality type tool that ’ s widely used in the workplace . At the time I was a budding HR Manager and keen to develop and learn as fast as I could – I found what the MBTI told me about myself fascinating .
Fast forward to 2025 and the tool is something I still use regularly with clients . It ’ s a questionnaire you complete online and it helps you to better understanding yourself , as well as giving you a common language to discuss with colleagues and to help you navigate the complexities of team dynamics , problem-solving , and communication .
What is MBTI ? The MBTI assessment identifies personality preferences based on four dichotomies : 1 . Extraversion ( E ) vs . Introversion ( I ): How you gain energy . 2 . Sensing ( S ) vs . Intuition ( N ): How you process information . 3 . Thinking ( T ) vs . Feeling ( F ): How you make decisions . 4 . Judging ( J ) vs . Perceiving ( P ): How you approach structure and organisation .
There are 16 personality types overall and your individual type tells you about your natural tendencies and how they influence your work and relationships .
Benefits in the Workplace I ’ ve used the MBTI tool in various different ways , sometimes with individuals , more often in teams . In my experience , I ’ ve found it can help in several ways : 1 . Improved Communication : Teams often struggle because they speak “ different languages ” in terms of preferences . A THINKING type might approach a task logically , while a FEELING type may prioritise harmony - MBTI helps bridge these gaps .
2 . Enhanced Teamwork : Once teams understand each other ’ s work styles , collaboration becomes smoother . Knowing why a colleague needs detailed plans ( JUDGING type ) versus flexibility ( PERCEIVING type ) helps nurture mutual respect .
3 . Better Problem-Solving : Understanding how you and others tackle challenges can reduce frustration and increase efficiency . INTUITIVE types may focus on the big picture , while SENSING types thrive on specifics .
And MBTI isn ’ t just for teams , I ’ ve found it helps with personal relationships too . Understanding why a family member recharges by being alone ( INTROVERSION ) or prefers facts over abstract ideas ( SENSING ) can lead to greater harmony at home too .
How I Use MBTI in Organisations I ’ ve seen first-hand the benefits that come from understanding personality preferences . So if you ’ re ready to consider some Workshops for Teams , do get in touch . My workshops help your team understand their collective approach to challenges , ensure everyone plays to their strengths , address any gaps effectively , provide a framework for clearer , more effective communication and boost productivity and satisfaction .
Ruth George - HR Consultant ruth @ ruthgeorge . com ; 07899 920075 This is not legal advice and is provided for general information only . © Ruth George HR Consulting .
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