How Each Myers-Briggs Personality Type Is Most Likely to Use the MBTI
Personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Enneagram can be helpful tools for work, relationships, and even mental health. When we are aware of our strengths, weaknesses, and other tendencies that make us the unique humans we are, we can be more thoughtful in our daily lives. Still, not everyone uses their personality type the same way. As you can guess, it all depends on personality.
So, who is most likely to take the MBTI seriously? And who tends to brush it off? Here are our best guesses for what each personality type thinks of the Myers-Briggs — and how they use it.
ISTJ: THE LOGICIAN
One of the most practical and logical personalities, the ISTJ values tradition, order, and systems. Personality tests like the MBTI can help the ISTJ understand how they function, but not for the purpose of navel-gazing. This personality probably uses their MBTI to organize and optimize their lives, cutting out what doesn’t make logical sense in their schedule and making room for what does.
ISFJ: THE DEFENDER
Equal parts practical and down to earth, the ISFJ is also a feeler who feels called to serve and protect others in meaningful yet practical ways. Of course, “practical” is different for every individual — that’s where the MBTI comes in. This in-tune, nurturing personality is likely to refer to loved ones’ Myers-Briggs types for ideas on how to serve and care for them.
INFJ: THE ADVOCATE
Just like its ISFJ cousin, the INFJ is a deep, other-focused feeler. But rather than a hands-on approach, the ever-intuitive INFJ is drawn to emotional connections with others. This personality type seeks to understand and relate, which means the INFJ, who is also an expert at empathy, probably uses the INFJ to make sense of others’ emotions and thought processes.
INTJ: THE ARCHITECT
Since INTJs are very big fans of efficiency — you might call them “life hackers” — chances are, they’ll use their personality type to optimize their lives at work and at home. The INTJ, as you could guess, also loves to learn, so they probably spend time reading about how the MBTI and other personality types work and why they matter.
ISTP: THE VIRTUOSO
The ISTP is a super curious, hands-on learner who loves to discover new ways of seeing things. You might call this personality, who’s attracted to anything that engages their five senses, a “tinkerer.” To be honest, the ISTP is probably not all that interested in the Myers-Briggs, since the world and all its problem-solving delights has enough to offer as it is.
ISFP: THE ADVENTURER
Just like the ISTP, the ISFP loves to explore and experience new things — but the ISFP is a feeler, which means they’re probably more focused on finding beauty than finding answers. Artists to the core, ISFPs probably aren’t strategic with the MBTI, but they may look to others’ personality types for creative ideas on how to speak to their hearts about the beauty they see in the world.
INFP: THE MEDIATOR
Artistic, poetic, and soulful, the INFP has a rich inner life — and the Myers-Briggs can be a very helpful compass for navigating their deep emotions. Since this personality feels so deeply, it’s probably a great comfort and encouragement to know there are others out there who see the world through the same beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking lens.
INTP: THE LOGICIAN
Of all the types, the INTP is probably most likely to have a healthy skepticism toward the Myers-Briggs. After all, since we’re always learning and evolving as people, how can a personality test be anything but limiting? Still, since this personality is highly intellectual and curious, they probably still enjoy reading others’ takes on personalities — even if they don’t 100 percent agree.
ESTP: THE ENTREPRENEUR
ESTPs are bold, adventurous personalities who look for meaning through engaging their senses in new ways, whether a craft beer at a local taproom or a last-minute weekend trip to the tiny house on Airbnb that’s always sold out. Because this bold and daring personality tends to look before they leap, they probably don’t reference the MBTI to make decisions — but maybe to troubleshoot as they go.
ESFP: THE ENTERTAINER
They don’t call the ESFP the “entertainer” for nothing! This charming, feel-good type is the life of the party and conversation, and they love personality tests — especially the social aspect of talking about them. Count on the ESFP to start the MBTI conversation in a group setting, pegging friends as their types and, of course, stirring up a good laugh.
ENFP: THE CAMPAIGNER
Highly enthusiastic and deep, ENFPs are outgoing feelers who look for purpose in everything they do, especially relationships. Since the MBTI can help them connect deeply with others, this type can probably be found with a novelty drink in hand, delving into an animated conversation about the complexities of our inner lives with a friend.
ENTP: THE DEBATER
Count on ENTPs to be always on trend. They love new ideas and experiences, and that means they’re usually hyper-aware of what’s hot and what’s not. To be honest, the Myers Briggs is probably a little too outdated for this edgy, smart, and opinionated personality. They’ve probably already moved onto something more fascinating, like the Enneagram test.
ESTJ: THE EXECUTIVE
Super ambitious and goal-oriented, the ESTJ tends to focus on work and personal success. So it makes sense that this personality would employ the MBTI to figure out how to advance in their careers. Whether figuring out how to relate to their boss or overcome their stubborn weakness, the ESTJ probably sees personality tests as a tool for getting ahead.
ESFJ: THE CONSUL
Down-to-earth, harmonious, and well-liked, the ESFJ was made to lead and help others. This altruistic type loves to blaze trails for others to follow, but rather than relying on mystic philosophies like the MBTI and other personality tests to get there, ESFJs are more likely to focus on established systems and traditions.
ENFJ: THE PROTAGONIST
ENFJs are responsible altruists, just like ENTJs. But because they are more intuitive than logical, they may take a different approach. This other-centered personality is likely equally strategic and empathetic with the MBTI, using it to strategize how to help and care for their loved ones and, ultimately, to change the world.
ENTJ: THE COMMANDER
While ENTJs tend to be more practical, they’re not exactly down to earth. This personality can come across as a bit intense and strong-willed, but for this ambitious personality type, that’s a positive. Like the ESTJ, the ENTJ probably uses the MBTI to get ahead in their professional and personal lives, plotting ways to overcome their weaknesses and maximize their many strengths.
How do you use the MBTI in your life, and what’s your type? Tell us everything @BritandCo!
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