Why is the MBTI® personality inventory so popular?

In the early 80's a group of skilled MBTI® practitioners was sitting over dinner trying to find the phrase that best explained the phenomenal growth in the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Inventory in the United States and around the world. Tom Carskadon, Editor of the Journal of Psychological Type, came up with the phrase that was acclaimed the best. "A Psychological That Works". If you have an instrument that helps the individuals to understand themselves and to understand and value those who are different then you have a valuable tool that is useful in any human situation or interaction.

Tom Carskadon, originator of this winning phrase was asked, "Why is Jungian psychology, the basis of the MBTI, a 'psychogy that works?" He sent the following response:

I call psychological type as measured by the MBTI® inventory "psychology that works," because it is the most humane and satisfying system I have ever encountered for describing personality and behavior, and it has immediate and practical impact on people's lives. The insights of psychological type lead not only to "aha!" experiences, but also to "ahow!" experiences. Knowledge of psychological type helps people choose and excel in careers; value and maintain friendships; guide and enjoy children; and understand and grow in marriage and love. It is positive, upbeat, and free of pejoratives, speaking of gifts and strengths. All individuals can feel that their types are good and valid and right, yet they can use their newfound knowledge to enhance their appreciation and effectiveness with people of other types, that can now be understood as equally natural, healthy, and valuable. At the initial level, psychological type is a simple and straightforward system, democratic in its ease of measurement and explanation; yet it leads to levels of depth, subtlety, and complexity that will maintain interest and value for a lifetime. Thus, psychological type and the MBTI® truly are a "psychology that works."

Tom Carskadon, Professor of Psychology at Mississippi State University, Editor/Publisher of the Journal of Psychological Type. Research, Theory, and Applications of Psychological Type and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® 1977- present. (INFP)

The MBTI® personality inventory facilitates the process of providing 360 degree feedback and executive coaching for leaders as it enhances self-awareness in an appreciative way. Not only do leaders gain self-insight, but better understand others' preferences which is important in a highly collaborative environment. Learners are more open to suggestions for behavior change when this type of self-awareness without defensiveness is present. It ensures the learner's readiness for change. I find that they are more able to improve their own performance and consider their impact.

Kathryn R. Wankel
Career and Professional Development Consultant. (ENTJ)

We will gradually add responses by each of the 16 types.

  Other instruments might use the structure and names for the sixteen types but if anything other than the authentic MBTI® instrument was
  used the results are not MBTI® types or preferences and should not be presented as such. In addition, a person-to-person feedback
  between practitioner and client is important and the interpretation session should be scheduled before the client receives the results.