http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2013/mar/19/myers-briggs-test-unscientific What do you think to this article?
There are parts of me that agree with Dean writes, but also parts also frustrate me as an MBTI practitioner/trainer.
"Many people who have encountered the MBTI in the workplace really don't have a lot of positive things to say about it."
I would be interested to know now many people Dean has surveyed here and also how he quantifies positive. I would also be interested to know the type of experience that they had and how it was delivered. We receive very positive comments from our MBTI programmes.
"For some organisations, use of the MBTI seemingly crosses the line into full-blown ideology"
Again, I would be intested to know which organisations these are and how specifically they are using the MBTI. We are particularly careful when introducing the MBTI and encourage it as a starting point for a conversation. For those of you who know your MBTI profile well, how do you think this knowledge and understanding should be used in the workplace? And to what benefit?
"For example, in the category of extrovert v introvert, you're either one or the other; there is no middle ground. People don't work this way, no normal person is either 100% extrovert or 100% introvert, just as people's political views aren't purely "communist" or "fascist". Many who use the MBTI claim otherwise, despite the fact that Jung himself disagreed with this and statistical analysis reveals even data produced by the test shows a normal distribution rather than bimodal, refuting the either/or claims of the MBTI. But still this overly-simplified interpretation of human personality endures, even in the Guardian Science section!"
Dean's vague generalisations continue to frustrate me here. The training that practitioners go through is very explict about the four dichotomies being about the degree of preference across the four personality scales and not absolutes. Dean, as someone who is basing your arguments on scientific evidence, where is your evidence and research. I really do get the impression from this hole artical that it is based on your subject opinion to support your dislike for this very valuable tool.
Dean goes on to illustrate how the MBTI has been used badly in education and within the workplace. I agree with these points that he makes here. The points that he refers to are where the MBTI instrument has been used incorrectly. Many tools can be used incorrectly. It does not mean that the tool is no good. Used correctly, the MBTI can be a valuable asset to support teachers in engaging their students and in support the creation of a teaching and learning environment which is inclusive of personality preference – an environment which appeals to an invidual's preference and also challenges them to develop their no preferred side. The MBTI instrument should never be used for selection and assessment purposes as psychological type is not a valid indicator of performance, skills, competence or ability, or even organisational fit. The ethical and professional use of tools such as the MBTI will also be down to the licensed provider and organisation.
So instead, i offer a selection of feedback from our MBTI programmes to show, how when delivered effectively, the instrument can offer something quite positive.
"Thoroughly enjoyable, time flew by. Not death by PowerPoint which was a bonus and liked the fact that it was more based around discussion and bullet point facts."
"It’s useful to recognise and understand your own personality traits – which would never normally happen without a session like this. It’s also very laid back and personable so easy to get involved and feel like the session is beneficial to all."
"Learnt something about myself – opposite to what I initially thought. Made me appreciate how to adapt my personality to enhance my working life."
"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great to take time away from the office. Good to get the team together."
"Very interesting. It was very worthwhile to spend time as a team to learn more about ourselves and each other."
"Very enjoyable, learned a lot from the experience."
"I learned a lot about myself and also my colleagues."
"Educational, enlightening, motivating – I identified new ideas and opportunities from a well facilitated and open meeting"
"This course made me think about how I appear to colleagues and what I can do to build on my strengths and minimise my unhelpful behaviour"
"It was excellent to challenge myself belief of who I am. Brilliant and superb programme!"
"Extremely useful and thought-provoking. As someone who has experienced the MBTI before it was useful to clarify the preferences. It was delivered in a more in-depth way than previous exposure to it!"
"A journey of self-discovery and discovery of others needs and wants. I have an appreciation of the implications of not catering to other’s needs/wants."
"It was a really interesting and productive day, it has provoked lots of questions and given lots directions for developing the team. I want to thank you for an excellent facilitation of the day, and delivering exactly what I hoped for when I was proposing that this was the kind of day that we needed."
"First experience of MBTI and it has been really constructive personally and for the team."
"The communication sections of the workshop were excellent, highlighting both the differences in how people interpret the same information, and the different approaches to communication taken by different personality types."
"3rd time going through this process – best ever!"
"Useful and interesting – a starting point/framework for taking forward relationships at work."
"A great way to understand a bit more about yourself and your colleagues, and how you can work together more effectively."
I look forward to hearing about your own experiences, both positive and less than positive, your comments, feedback and questions.