Myers-Briggs: An Overview of the Personality Types

9 mins read

This article will be about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test by diving into the subject of psychology, particularly the area of individual differences. With information on the traits of the sixteen personality types, find out your type at the end.

Analyst types

Analysts refer to the Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) trait combinations. People within this group are rational, critical and strategic in their approach to things.

Image Credit: Samantha McBride

INTJ – The Architect

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Logical and analyticalToo much of a perfectionist
Quick and decisiveArrogant or judgemental
Hardworking and determinedIntolerant
Open-minded and imaginativeProne to overthinking
Extremely independent and confidentInsecure INTJs will manipulate and put others down
Table 1 – INTJ trait strengths and weaknesses

INTP – The Logician

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Flexible thinkers with a unique approach to lifeUncertainty of their ability and overthinking
Laid-back and easy-going but enthusiastic about their interestsAbsent-mindedness
Values intellect over emotionSometimes brutal and impatient when driving their point home
Highly objective and logicalTends to be judgemental and condescending
Quiet, reserved and considerateCan become socially withdrawn
Table 2 – INTP trait strengths and weaknesses

ENTJ – The Commander

This type has the following combination of traits – Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Decisive and proactive with no hesitation Holds everyone to the same high standards as themselves
Motivated and organisedCan be impatient with self and others
Articulate, quick-witted and directThey can come off as arrogant with their blunt remarks
Social with great leadership skillsIntolerant of differing opinions
Self-assured and assertiveStubborn and overly dominant
Table 3 – ENTJ trait strengths and weaknesses

ENTP – The Debater

This type has the following combination of traits – Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving

StrengthsWeaknesses
Friendly, quick-witted excellent conversationalistPeople pleaser
Confident, creative and eager to voice ideasInsensitive
Analytical and craves knowledgeUnfocused
Independent and innovativeDoesn’t like to be controlled, dislikes routines
Enjoys debatingArgumentative
Table 4 – ENTP trait strengths and weaknesses

Diplomat types

This refers to combining Intuitive (N) and Feeling (F) traits. These people love to help and support others. They really do care for others, showing qualities such as altruism and compassion towards others – striving to make the world a better place.

Image Credit: Samantha McBride

INFJ – The Advocate

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Intellectual, organised and hardworkingThey think they are superior
Compassionate with an idealistic and inspiring view of the worldOverly sensitive and prone to mood swings
Altruistic and passionateAren’t appreciated for who they are
Principled, humanist and logicalVery private and conflict-averse
Quiet, reserved and conscientiousA perfectionist who always needs to be busy – prone to burnout
Table 5 – INFJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

INFP – The Mediator

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Logical, poetic and altruistic view of the worldDifficulty with failing and disappointments
Extremely empathetic, sensitive and caring natureNeglects own wants and needs, bottles
Value inner peace and personal growth for themselves and othersSelf-conscious, overthinkers
Ability to expertly and sincerely understand emotions Vulnerable to manipulation (too compassionate)
Reserved and individualisticSometimes struggles to speak about themselves
Table 6 – INTP traits, strengths and weaknesses

ENFJ – The Protagonist

This type has the following combination of traits – Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Caring, patient and empatheticToo sensitive
Charismatic and inspiringFluctuating self-esteem
An enthusiastic and idealistic view of the worldToo idealistic
Reliable and natural leadersSometimes struggles with the big decisions
Altruistic and selflessToo selfless
Table 7 – ENFJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

ENFP – The Campaigner

This type has the following combination of traits – Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Outgoing, energetic and enthusiastic Poor practical skills
People-centred, caring and a friend to allCannot focus and struggle with following through
Big-picture thinkersOverthinkers and sensitive to criticism, people pleasers
FlexibleEasily overwhelmed
Craves stability, security and creativityCan overlook details
Table 8 – ENFP traits, strengths and weaknesses

Sentinel types

Sentinels refer to the group of personalities with Sensing (S) and Judging (J) combination. These people are realistic, grounded and genuine team players. They are self-assured and are proud of their character and ability.

Image Credit: Samantha McBride

ISTJ – The Logistician

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging type.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Responsible, reserved and realisticShifts blame onto themselves or others
A practical and systematic approach to tasksProne to a toxic arrogance
Direct, honest and strong-willedCan seem insensitive
Calm, orderly and lives in the present Can be stubborn
Rule, law and tradition-orientatedResistant to change
Table 9 – ISTJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

ISFJ – The Defender

This type has the following combination of traits – Introverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging type.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Warm, considerate and gentle – true altruistsToo altruistic
Hardworking and excellent practical skills Takes on too much work
Patient, loyal, supportive and honestNeglect own needs
EnthusiasticResistant to change
Very observantSensitive to critisism
Table 10 – ISFJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

ESTJ – The Executive

This type has the following traits: Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Outgoing, direct and strong-willedJudgemental
Loyal, reliable and honestMisunderstand others and can be misunderstood
Great leadership skills and high standardsToo focused on social status
Committed to rules, traditions and laws – love organisationUncomfortable with unconventional situations – inflexible and stubborn
Analytical, systematic and efficient in workDifficulty expressing emotion and relaxing
Table 11 – ESTJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

ESFJ – The Consultant

This type has the following combination of traits – Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging type.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Friendly, outgoing and reliableToo concerned about social status
A conscientious, organised and practical approach to life Inflexible in routine and values
A powerful sense of duty with strong practical skillsToo altruistic
Excellent at connecting with peopleOften too needy
Sensitive and warmVulnerable to criticism
Table 12 – ESFJ traits, strengths and weaknesses

Explorer types

Explorers refer to the trait combination of Sensing (S) and Perceiving (P). These people tend to be self-reliant and adaptable, mainly thriving in uncertain stressful situations, using their problem-solving skills and logic.

Image Credit: Samantha McBride

ISTP – The Virtuoso

This type has the following traits: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Independent, spontaneous and action-orientatedProne to risky behaviours
Logical and rational view on lifeStubborn
Excellent ability to prioritise Reluctant to step out
Energetic and creativeEasily bored
Relaxed and living in the moment typeDislikes commitment
Table 13 – ISTP traits, strengths and weaknesses

ISFP – The Adventurer

These are the Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving types.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Caring, loyal and sensitiveSensitive of others
Idealistic and perceptive view of lifeEasily bored
Charming and passionate Fluctuating self-esteem
Spontaneous but rationalProne to stress
FlexibleUnpredictable
Table 14 – ISFP traits, strengths and weaknesses

ESTP – The Entrepreneur

This type has the following traits: Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

StrengthsWeaknesses
Outgoing, energetic and confidenceImpatient
Analytical, practical and resourceful approach to lifeInsensitive
Direct, bold and spontaneous natureProne to risk-taking
FlexibilityNo routine
SociableHates commitment
Table 15 – ESTP traits, strengths and weaknesses

ESFP – The Entertainer

This is the Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving type

StrengthsWeaknesses
Friendly, active and enthusiasticSensitive
Bold, spontaneous and vibrantConflict-avoidant
Courageous and supportiveAlways too busy
Great interpersonal skills and showmanshipHates thinking long term
Good leadersEasily bored
Table 16 – ESFP traits, strengths and weaknesses

The next steps

Take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality test here and find your Myers-Briggs personality type! Find out more about the scientists behind Myers-Briggs and the history of personality tests here. If you want to read a breakdown of the traits and format of the personality types, read here.

Image Credit: Samantha McBride

Feature Image Credit: Canva

+ posts

Final year Biology & Psychology student with a keen interest in music, food and lifestyle pieces.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: