Contents

Introduction 4 Using Differences Constructively 30

Using Introduction to Type® 4 Constructive Use of Differences 30
What Is the MBTI®? 5 Mutual Usefulness of Opposite Types 30
Development of the MBTI® 5 Using Type Differences at Work 31
The MBTI® Today 5 Using Type Preference Combinations 32
What Is Psychological Type? 6 Type Dynamics and Development 35
Components of Jung’s Picture of Personality 6 Applying Type 36
Jung’s Eight Mental Functions 7 Type and Career Choice 36
Why the Differences Between People? 7 Type and Relationships 36
Myers and Briggs’ Development of Jung’s Theory 7 Type and Learning Styles 37
A Dynamic Theory of Personality 7 Using Type in Organizations 38
What Are Preferences? 8 Type and Problem Solving 39

The MBTI® Preferences 9 MBTI® Step II—Expanded Scoring of the MBTI® 40

What Is Your Type? 11 Things to Remember About Type 42

Verifying Your Type 11 What’s Next? 43
Brief Descriptions of the 16 Types 13 Suggestions for Additional Reading 43

Full Descriptions of the 16 Types 14

ISTJ 14
ISFJ 15
ESTP 16
ESFP 17
INTJ 18
INFJ 19
ENTP 20
ENFP 21
ISTP 22
INTP 23
ESTJ 24
ENTJ 25
ISFP 26
INFP 27
ESFJ 28
ENFJ 29

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 Introduction

I
sabel Briggs Myers wrote Introduction to Type® for clients ■ Practical ethical guidelines for using type
■ Recommendations for further reading
to use after they have attended an introductory feedback
Introduction to Type®, Sixth Edition, is designed for use
during an introductory feedback session and for further
session explaining psychological type and their results
exploration following the session. It provides the initial
information necessary to make constructive use of the
on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality
MBTI and also offers a gateway to lifelong personal and pro-
fessional development. It is the foundation for the Introduc-
inventory. Her purpose was to equip clients with the infor-
tion to Type® series, which leads MBTI users into increas-
ingly deeper levels of the Jungian model of human
mation they need to reflect on their own psychological type
personality and into applications of psychological type:
and to begin integrating that knowledge into their everyday Psychological type model of personality
■ Introduction to Type® Dynamics and Development by
lives. Her intent was that everyone introduced to type and Katharine D. Myers and Linda K. Kirby
■ In the Grip: Understanding Type, Stress, and the Inferior
the MBTI receive this basic resource. Function by Naomi L. Quenk
Applications of psychological type
■ Introduction to Type® in Organizations by Sandra Krebs
Hirsh and Jean M. Kummerow
■ Introduction to Type® and Communication by Donna
Using Introduction to Type® Dunning
■ Introduction to Type® and Conflict by Damian Killen and
This new edition maintains the integrity of Isabel Myers’ Danica Murphy
original presentation of psychological type while adding ■ Introduction to Type® and Emotional Intelligence by Roger
knowledge from decades of experience in introducing type. R. Pearman
Changes and additions include the following: ■ Introduction to Type® and Teams by Elizabeth Hirsh,
Katherine W. Hirsh, and Sandra Krebs Hirsh
■ New formatting to make the information more accessi-
■ Introduction to Type® and Careers by Allen L. Hammer
ble to readers
■ Introduction to Type® in College by John K. DiTiberio and
■ Revised type descriptions based on research and in-
Allen L. Hammer
creased knowledge about type development
■ Using Type in Selling by Susan A. Brock
■ Suggestions for applying type in a variety of settings
■ Introduction to Type® and Coaching by Sandra Krebs Hirsh
■ An outline of the dynamic and developmental theory
and Jane A. G. Kise
underlying the MBTI
■ Additional information about type combinations Be sure to read “Things to Remember About Type,”
p. 42, to help you use the MBTI accurately and constructively.

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 ISFJ I n t rove r t e d S e n s i n g w i t h E x t r ave r t e d Fe e l i n g

Dominant function: SI Tertiary function: T

Auxiliary function: FE Fourth/inferior function: NE

At Their Best frontation and will go a long way to accommodate others,

though their respect for traditions and people’s feelings can
People with ISFJ preferences are dependable and consider- lead them to challenge actions they perceive as hurtful or
ate, committed to the people and groups with which they insensitive. People see their values, their desire for structure
are associated, and faithful in carrying out responsibilities. and closure, their kindness. What others may not see is the
They work with steady energy to complete jobs fully and on wealth of rich, accurate internal Sensing impressions and
time. They will go to great trouble to do something they see memories. Others usually see ISFJs as
as necessary but dislike being required to do anything that
doesn’t make sense to them. ■ Quiet, serious, and conscientious
ISFJs focus on what people need and want, and they ■ Considerate, good caretakers
establish orderly procedures to be sure those needs and ■ Honoring commitments, preserving traditions
wants are fulfilled. They take roles and responsibilities seri-
ously and want others to do the same. Family relationships
Potential Areas for Growth
and responsibilities are extremely important to ISFJs, who
fulfill their roles conscientiously and expect other family Sometimes life circumstances have not supported ISFJs in
members to do the same. the development and expression of their Feeling and Sens-
ing preferences.
Characteristics of ISFJs ■ If they have not developed their Feeling, ISFJs may not
have reliable ways of dealing with the world and instead
ISFJs have a realistic and practical respect for facts. They focus solely on their Sensing memories and impressions.
use their Sensing primarily internally, where they have a ■ If they have not developed their Sensing, they may rush
wealth of stored information. They remember clearly the into value judgments or taking care of others without
details of things that have personal meaning for them, such considering the realities.
as tones of voice and facial expressions. Thus, ISFJs are
likely to be If ISFJs do not find a place where they can use their gifts
and be appreciated for their contributions, they usually feel
■ Practical and realistic frustrated and may
■ Concrete and specific
■ Become rigid in supporting hierarchy, authority, and pro-
ISFJs use Feeling to make decisions based on personal cedures
values and concern for others. They value harmony and ■ Feel unappreciated, resentful—complain a lot
cooperation and work to create them. Thus, they are likely ■ Be overly focused on immediate impacts of decisions
to be
It is natural for ISFJs to give less attention to their non-
■ Cooperative and thoughtful of others preferred Intuitive and Thinking parts. If they neglect these
■ Kind and sensitive too much, however, they may
Their opinions are firm because their decisions are based ■ Not see the wider ramifications of current decisions or
on careful application of their clear values and their wealth procedures
of stored data. ISFJs respect established procedures and ■ Find it difficult to assert their needs
authority, believing that these have persisted because they ■ Be uncomfortable applying impersonal criteria to deci-
function well. Therefore they will support change only sions, even when needed
when new data show it will be of practical benefit to people.
Under great stress, ISFJs can get caught up in “catastro-
phizing”—imagining a host of negative possibilities. They
How Others May See Them may then express these without their usual consideration
ISFJs are unassuming and quiet in their interactions, often for the impact on people around them.
putting the needs of others—especially family members—
ahead of their own. They are uncomfortable with con-

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