Using Myers-Briggs to Explore your Strengths and Weaknesses

Every since I first found out about Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), I've been fascinated with it, and the uncanny accuracy in which it pointed out the strengths and weaknesses in my own personality.  In case you haven't heard of it, this is a test designed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Cook Briggs.

Their shared vision was to enable individuals to grow through an understanding and appreciation of individual differences in healthy personalities and to enhance harmony and productivity in diverse groups.

If you have never taken this test, you are missing out!  You can take a slightly modified yet accurate version of the test at www.16Personalities.com and get some free insights into your personality.

When people differ, a knowledge of type lessens friction and eases strain. In addition it reveals the value of differences. No one has to be good at everything. – Isabel Briggs Myers

The beauty of knowing your personality type is that you can use that knowledge to focus on your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.  Knowing about other personality types can help you interact better with others as well, realizing that each has their strengths and weaknesses and different ways of looking at the world.

To explore your own strengths and weaknesses, take the free test above, and then review the results.  Ask yourself how you can use the strengths identified in your own life from the test, and how you can minimize your weaknesses.

To elaborate what I mean by identifying your strengths and weaknesses and working on them, take me for example.  I'm an INTJ-A.  By studying my type, I've been able to make several changes to my life which have helped me out tremendously over the years.

One of the natural weaknesses of my personality type tends to be in the area of relationships.  To counteract that, I intentionally studied human psychology, personality types, and relationships which has allowed me to live a much richer life in that area.  I've become much more accepting of other people by realizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, once I started looking I've never met someone who isn't stronger in some area than I am and weaker in another area.  I may never be as strong relationally as many other personality types since things like small talk do not come naturally for me, but I know I am far better off than I used to be.

The strengths of my type, on the other hand, tend to be in strategy, research, getting stuff done efficiently, and problem-solving.  I've been able to position myself career wise to utilize those strengths to the fullest by knowing them, and it has served me very well.

What are your strengths and weaknesses pointed out by your personality test results?  What changes could you make in your own life to take advantage of your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses?