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There are many tools and techniques available to help solve a problem or make a decision, but the choice of which to use is often a personal one and can vary widely. One person might say gut instinct leads them to a solution, whereas another wouldn’t dream of using anything but a list of pros and cons. In this article we look at how the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator can be used to explain patterns in problem-solving and decision-making behavior.
Leaders are problem solvers by talent and temperament, and by choice. Harlan Cleveland, American politician
Myers-Briggs Preferences
The mother and daughter team of Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs-Myers developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) based on Carl Jung’s notions ofpsychological types. The MBTI is a model of personality types which identifies personality preferences.
These preferences are just that, preferences. Every personality is made up of all of the preferences, it’s just that some are significantly more dominant than others. One way of looking at preferences might be to compare them with being left or right handed. As an example, someone who is right handed may write with that hand, but can use their left hand to change gear in a car. Therefore their preference is for right-handedness, but left-handedness is also present.
The Myers-Briggs model of personality is based on four preferences.
- Where, primarily, do you direct your energy?
- How do you prefer to process information?
- How do you prefer to make decisions?
- How do you prefer to organize your life?
By determining which of the preferences figure more prominently in an individual’s personality, it is possible to predict their problem-solving style.
1. Where, primarily, do you direct your energy?
- To the outer world of activity and spoken word (Extraversion). [1]
- To the inner world of thoughts and emotions (Introversion).
Someone who prefers to deal with people, things and situations, (the outer world), has a preference for extraversion. Someone who prefers to deal with ideas, information, explanations and beliefs, (the inner world), has a preference for introversion.
Words associated with the two preferences are shown below. Many people will find they relate more strongly to one column than another, although it is not unusual to have some crossover.
Extroversion (E)
Introversion (I)
Social and gregarious
Private
Expressive
Quiet
Active
Focused on thoughts and ideas
Interaction
Concentration
Outward
Reflective
Action before thought
Thought before action
In terms of problem-solving, individuals preferring introversion want to take time to think about a problem, and will clarify their thoughts internally before they proffer an opinion. They will want to be clear about their own understanding of important concepts and ideas before voicing them.
Those preferring extraversion like to talk through their ideas in order to clarify them. They will continually seek feedback from others and look to peers for confirmation of the viability of their ideas before attempting to resolve a problem.
2. How do you prefer to process information?
- In the form of known facts and familiar terms (Sensing).
- In the form of possibilities or new potential (iNtuition).
Sensing personalities are interested in tangibles and what is, rather than what may be. They focus on the present and have their feet well and truly on the ground.
iNtuition personalities place much greater importance on insight and the future. [2] They are dreamers, thinking about what could be, and tend to focus on possibilities rather than current realities.
Words often associated with these two preferences include:
Sensing (S)
iNtuition (N)
Facts
Possibilities
Experience
Novelty
Present
Future
Practical and sensible
Inspiring
Realism
Idealism
Using
Changing
Sensing individuals pay attention to facts, details and reality. They tend to select tried and tested problem-solving techniques they know work for them.
People with intuition preferences, on the other hand, are more likely to look at the meanings of, and the relationships between, the facts. They tend to imagine the possibilities and exhibit a tendency to develop new, innovative solutions.
3. How do you prefer to make decisions?
- On the basis of logic and objective considerations (Thinking).
- On the basis of personal values (Feeling).
Thinking personalities like to analyze their decisions, and are interested in goals and ideas while feeling personalities are friendly, personable, emotional and interested in others.
Thinking (T)
Feeling (F)
Analyzing
Sympathizing
Objective
Subjective
Logical
Personal
Just
Merciful
Onlooker
Participant
Long-term view
Immediate view
Individuals with a thinking preference like to use logic and analysis during problem-solving. They value objectivity and strive to be impersonal in drawing conclusions. They want solutions to make sense of the terms of the facts, models and principles under consideration.
In contrast, individuals with a feeling preference are more likely to consider values and feelings in the problem-solving process. They tend to be subjective in their decision-making and consider how their decisions could affect other people.
4. How do you prefer to organize your life?
- In a structured way, making decisions and knowing where you stand (Judgment)
- In a flexible way, discovering life as you go along (Perception)
Judgment personalities are decisive and organized. They like to know what to do, where to go, what to say and when to do it.
Perception personalities prefer to learn and experience new things. They prefer to keep their options open and are flexible to changes and new potential.
Judgment (J)
Perception (P)
Close
Open
Decide
Explore
Structure
Tentative
Organize
Ignore
Firm
Flexible
Control
Spontaneity
Judgment personalities prefer structure and organization and want the problem-solving process to demonstrate closure whereas Perception personalities are more likely to favor flexibility and adaptability. They are more concerned that the problem-solving process considers a variety of techniques, and provides for unforeseen change.
MBTI Codes
Noting down the letter of the preference each person is more drawn to provides a four letter MBTI code, of which there are 16 possible combinations:
ISTJ
ISFJ
INFJ
INTJ
ISTP
ISFP
INFP
INTP
ESTP
ESFP
ENFP
ENTP
ESTJ
ESFJ
ENFJ
ENTJ
These codes can then be used to help individuals, teams or managers determine their most likely problem-solving style.
To give a more specific example, a person with an ISTJ code will:
- want a clear idea of the problem (I)
- attack the problem by looking for the facts (S)
- rely on a logical, impersonal (T) step by step approach in reaching conclusions (J)
In contrast, an ENFP personality will:
- seek feedback from others to clarify the problem (E)
- throw out all sorts of possibilities (N)
- look for the source and solution by brainstorming (N and P), and emphasize the human aspects of the problem (F)
The ENFP’s lack of appreciation for technical issues will frustrate the ISTJ personality, who will see their approach as irrational and scattered. The ENFP, meanwhile, will see the ISTJ as slow and unimaginative.
Z Problem-Solving Model
Isobel Briggs-Myers developed a problem-solving model based around a systematic process involving the middle preferences – Sensing, Intuition, Thinking and Feeling. [3]
When problem-solving, there can be a tendency to automatically try to resolve the problem in a preferred or known way. As a result the alternatives that could present themselves, if non-preferred ways are tried, might be missed and there is a risk other people’s opinions are discounted because they do not fit. This model encourages the user to spend equal amounts of time on each preference, thereby benefiting from a range of views, even when working as an individual.
Conclusion
Being aware that everyone has different preferences, and therefore different problem-solving approaches, can help both groups and individuals understand the situation from other’s perspectives, prevent misunderstandings, and lead to a more considered and successful resolution.
Further information
More information about the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator can be found here
References[1] The MBTI uses the spelling extraversion rather than extroversion, continuing the practice established by Jung.
[2] N rather than I is used for iNtuition to avoid confusion with Introversion (I).
[3] Based on the model by Isobel Briggs-Myers, Introduction to Type, 1998.
