Four Temperament Types: Myers-Briggs

It is human nature for us to think that our way is the best way – the right way – the normal way.  It’s a sign of maturity when we finally understand and accept the fact that our way is only – our way – not the only way.  It’s merely a question of temperament.

Temperament theory makes it possible to better understand human behavior.  It helps us understand that not everyone sees the world from our perspective.  Understanding your temperament will help you in relating to others, making decision, communicating with others, and selecting a compatible career.

In the early part of the 20th century Carl Jung, a Swiss psychoanalyst, developed a temperament theory based on four dimensions:  source of energy, information processing style, decision-making style, and external response style.  Each dimension formed a continuum with two opposing expressions of temperament. An individual can be mild, moderate or extreme any of the four dimensions.

In the 1950’s a mother-daughter team of Isabel Myers and Kathryn Briggs used Jung’s theories as the basis for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.  It is the best-known, most widely used temperament assessment in the world.

Source of Energy
What energizes you? In Myers-Briggs the two energy sources are Introversion (I) or Extroversion (E). The I’s recharge their batteries by spending time alone; E’s are energized by being with people. Generally, I’s enjoy being with people, but after awhile their energy gauge reads “empty” and they need solitude; conversely, E’s sometimes enjoy time alone, but eventually they become restless and need human interaction.

Information Processing Style
“How is information processed? Myers-Briggs asserts there are two styles – Sensate (S) or Intuition (N). The letter “N” is used for Intuition because “I” was previously used for Introvert. The S’s make decisions through a rational process based on the five senses. Instincts, impressions, and gut level are used by N’s to work through information.

Decision-Making Style
How are decisions made? Two styles are used – Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).  The T’s use a conscious, calculated method of weighing options. In contrast, F’s make decisions based on their underlying sense of what is right or wrong, good or bad, and liked or disliked.

External Response Style
Technically the two styles are called Judging (J) and Perceiving (P). However, “Judging” has negative connotations, so some prefer the terms Just Settle It and Play It by Ear. The J’s dislike ambiguity and prefer to  implement decisions quickly. P’s are comfortable with ambiguity and wait until all possibilities are considered; consequently, they make decisions more slowly.

There are 8 letter combinations among the 4 dimensions of temperament. Although 16 combinations are possible, only 4 basic temperaments exist – NT, NF, SJ, and SP. Notice that Source of Energy (I’s and E’s) are not part of the 4 main temperaments.

Over the next 4 posts we’ll take a look at each of those 4 basic temperament types. In preparation you may wish to take a brief form of the Myers-Briggs assessment. Click here.

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