As I walk the trails, I see animals and people with different personalities. According to The Meyers-Briggs Co., today the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator® or MBTI tool is the most widely used and recognized personality tool in the world. Around two million people complete it every year.
It began with Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, in the United States in the early mid-20th century. Briggs was inspired to research personality type theory when she met Isabel’s future husband, Clarence Myers. She noticed he had a different way of seeing the world. He intrigued her enough to start a literature review to understand different temperaments.
Carl G. Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, published Psychological Types in 1921. Briggs read the English translation (1923) and saw similarities between their ideas. However, Jung’s theories of personal difference were much more developed. Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Myers thought Jung’s work was so useful that they wanted to make his ideas accessible to a wider audience.
World War II was a huge influence on them. Myers believed that if people understood each other better, they would work together better and there would be less conflict. The post-war world could be a better place.
She was determined to find a way to give people access to their psychological type. This determination led to the idea of a type indicator, and Myers dedicated the rest of her life to its development. She spent the next 20 years developing questions and validating the instrument and the theory. The MBTI instrument was first published in 1962.
Truity Pschometrics LLC has compared the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types to different animals. Which one are you?
Dog/Teacher
Perceptive, Supportive, Optimistic
ENFJ or or extraverted, iNtuition, feeling, judging
ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas. They are focused on values and vision and are passionate about the possibilities for people.
ENFJs are typically energetic and driven, and often have a lot on their plates. They are tuned into the needs of others and acutely aware of human suffering; however, they also tend to be optimistic and forward-thinking, intuitively seeing opportunity for improvement. The ENFJ is ambitious, but their ambition is not self-serving: rather, they feel personally responsible for making the world a better place.
ENFJs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ENFJs are sometimes referred to as Teacher personalities because of their interest in helping others develop and grow.
Dolphin/Champion
Enthusiastic, Creative, Engaging
ENFP or extraverted, iNtuition, feeling, perceiving
ENFPs are people-centered creators with a focus on possibilities and a contagious enthusiasm for new ideas, people and activities. Energetic, warm and passionate, ENFPs love to help other people explore their creative potential.
ENFPs are typically agile and expressive communicators, using their wit, humor and mastery of language to create engaging stories. Imaginative and original, ENFPs often have a strong artistic side. They are drawn to art because of its ability to express inventive ideas and create a deeper understanding of human experience.
ENFPs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ENFPs are sometimes referred to as Champion personalities because of their enthusiasm for helping others realize their dreams.
Narwhal/Healer
Imaginative, Idealistic, Compassionate
INFP or introverted, iNtuition, feeling, perceiving
INFPs are imaginative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To them, possibilities are paramount; the realism of the moment is only of passing concern. They see potential for a better future and pursue truth and meaning with their own individual flair.
INFPs are sensitive, caring, and compassionate, and are deeply concerned with the personal growth of themselves and others. Individualistic and nonjudgmental, INFPs believe that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values and are gently encouraging to others to do the same. INFPs are creative and often artistic; they enjoy finding new outlets for self-expression.
INFPs are people who are energized by time alone, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. INFPs are sometimes referred to as Healer personalities due to their sympathetic idealism and gentle compassion for other people.
Seahorse/Counselor
Mysterious, Intuitive, Nurturing
INFJ or introverted, iNtuition, feeling, judging
INFJs are creative nurturers with a strong sense of personal integrity and a drive to help others realize their potential. Creative and dedicated, they have a talent for helping others with original solutions to their personal challenges.
INFJs have unique abilities to intuit others' emotions and motivations and will often know how someone else is feeling before that person knows it himself. They trust their insights about others and have strong faith in their ability to read people. Although they are sensitive, they are also reserved; the INFJ is a private sort and is selective about sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.
INFJs are energized by time alone, focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, make decisions based on feelings and values and prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible.
Bear/Commander
Powerful, Direct, Outgoing
ENTJ or extraverted, iNtuitive, thinking, judging
ENTJs are strategic leaders, motivated to organize change. They are quick to see inefficiency and conceptualize new solutions and enjoy developing long-range plans to accomplish their visions. They excel at logical reasoning and are usually articulate and quick-witted.
ENTJs are analytical and objective, and like bringing order to the world around them. When there are flaws in a system, they sees them and enjoy the process of discovering and implementing a better way. ENTJs are assertive and enjoy taking charge; they see their role as that of leader and manager, organizing people and processes to achieve their goals.
ENTJs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ENTJs are sometimes referred to as Commander personalities because of their innate drive to lead others.
Fox/Visionary
Clever, Curious, Quick
ENTP or extraverted, iNtuitive, thinking, perceiving
ENTPs are inspired innovators, motivated to find new solutions to intellectually challenging problems. They are curious and clever, and seek to comprehend the people, systems and principles that surround them. Open-minded and unconventional, Visionaries want to analyze, understand and influence other people.
ENTPs enjoy playing with ideas and especially like to banter with others. They use their quick wit and command of language to keep the upper hand with other people, often cheerfully poking fun at their habits and eccentricities. While the ENTP enjoys challenging others, in the end, they are usually happy to live and let live. They are rarely judgmental, but they may have little patience for people who can't keep up.
ENTPs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ENTPs are sometimes referred to as Visionary personalities because of their passion for new, innovative ideas.
Octopus/Mastermind
Intellectual, Perceptive, Strategic
INTJ or introverted, iNtuitive, thinking, judging
INTJs are analytical problem-solvers, eager to improve systems and processes with their innovative ideas. They have a talent for seeing possibilities for improvement — whether at work, at home or in themselves.
Often intellectual, INTJs enjoy logical reasoning and complex problem-solving. They approach life by analyzing the theory behind what they see, and are typically focused inward, on their own thoughtful study of the world around them. INTJs are drawn to logical systems and are much less comfortable with the unpredictable nature of other people and their emotions. They are typically independent and selective about their relationships, preferring to associate with people who they find intellectually stimulating.
INTJs are people who are energized by time alone, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. INTJs are sometimes referred to as Mastermind personalities because of their strategic, logical way of thinking.
Owl/Architect
Original, Aloof, Philosophical
INTP or introverted, iNtuitive, thinking, perceiving
INTPs are philosophical innovators, fascinated by logical analysis, systems and design. They are preoccupied with theory and search for the universal law behind everything they see. They want to understand the unifying themes of life in all their complexity.
INTPs are detached, analytical observers who can seem oblivious to the world around them because they are so deeply absorbed in thought. They spend much of their time focused internally — exploring concepts, making connections and seeking understanding. To INTPs, life is an ongoing inquiry into the mysteries of the universe.
INTPs are people who are energized by time alone, who focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. INTPs are sometimes referred to as Architect personalities because of their intuitive understanding of complex systems.
Whale/Provider
Cooperative, Devoted, Conscientious
ESFJ or extraverted, sensing, feeling, judging
ESFJs are conscientious helpers, sensitive to the needs of others and energetically dedicated to their responsibilities. They are highly attuned to their emotional environment and attentive to both the feelings of others and the perception others have of them. ESFJs like a sense of harmony and cooperation around them and are eager to please and provide.
ESFJs value loyalty and tradition and usually make their family and friends their top priority. They are generous with their time, effort and emotions. They often take on the concerns of others as if they were their own and will attempt to put their significant organizational talents to use to bring order to other people's lives.
ESFJs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ESFJs are sometimes referred to as Provider personalities because of their interest in taking care of others in practical ways.
Meerkat/Supervisor
Confident, Organized, Social
ESTJ or extraverted, sensing, thinking, judging
ESTJs are hardworking traditionalists, eager to take charge in organizing projects and people. Orderly, rule-abiding and conscientious, ESTJs like to get things done and tend to go about projects in a systematic, methodical way.
ESTJs are the consummate organizers and want to bring structure to their surroundings. They value predictability and prefer things to proceed in a logical order. When they see a lack of organization, the ESTJ often takes the initiative to establish processes and guidelines, so that everyone knows what is expected.
ESTJs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefersto be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ESTJs are sometimes referred to as Supervisor personalities because they tend to take charge and make sure things are done correctly.
Elephant/Protector
Reliable, Loyal, Principled
ISFJ or introverted, sensing, feeling, judging
ISFJs are industrious caretakers, loyal to traditions and organizations. They are practical, compassionate, and caring, and are motivated to provide for others and protect them from the perils of life.
ISFJs are conventional and grounded and enjoy contributing to established structures of society. They are steady and committed workers with a deep sense of responsibility to others. They focus on fulfilling their duties — particularly when they are taking care of the needs of other people. They want others to know that they are reliable and can be trusted to do what is expected of them. They are conscientious and methodical and persist until the job is done.
ISFJs are people who are energized by time spent alone, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ISFJs are sometimes referred to as Protector personalities because of their interest in keeping people safe and well cared for.
Ant/Inspector
Dependable, Productive, Meticulous
ISTJ or introverted, sensing, thinking, judging
ISTJs are responsible organizers, driven to create and enforce order within systems and institutions. They are neat and orderly — inside and out — and tend to have a procedure for everything they do. Reliable and dutiful, ISTJs want to uphold tradition and follow regulations.
ISTJs are steady, productive contributors. Although they are Introverted, ISTJs are rarely isolated; typical ISTJs know just where they belong in life and want to understand how they can participate in established organizations and systems. They concern themselves with maintaining the social order and making sure that standards are met.
ISTJs are people who are energized by time spent alone, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. ISTJs are sometimes referred to as Inspector personalities because of their focus on details and interest in doing things correctly.
Otter/Performer
Charming, Energetic, Fun-loving
ESFP or extraverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving
ESFPs are vivacious entertainers who charm and engage those around them. They are spontaneous, energetic and fun-loving, and take pleasure in the things around them — food, clothes, nature, animals and especially people.
ESFPs are typically warm and talkative and have a contagious enthusiasm for life. They like to be in the middle of the action and the center of attention. They have a playful, open sense of humor, and like to draw out other people and help them have a good time.
ESFPs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ESFPs are sometimes referred to as Performer personalities because of their playful, energetic nature.
Beaver/Dynamo
Energetic, Playful, Adaptive
ESTP or extraverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving
ESTPs are energetic thrill-seekers who are at their best when putting out fires — whether literal or metaphorical. They bring a sense of dynamic energy to their interactions with others and the world around them. They assess situations quickly and move adeptly to respond to immediate problems with practical solutions.
Active and playful, ESTPs are often the life of the party and have a good sense of humor. They use their keen powers of observation to assess their audience and adapt quickly to keep interactions exciting. Although they typically appear very social, they are rarely sensitive; the ESTP prefers to keep things fast-paced and silly rather than emotional or serious.
ESTPs are people who are energized by time spent with others, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ESTPs are sometimes referred to as Dynamo personalities because of their high-energy, active approach to life.
Panda/Composer
Spontaneous, Gentle, Present
ISFP or introverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving
ISFPs are gentle caretakers who live in the present moment and enjoy their surroundings with cheerful, low-key enthusiasm. They are flexible and spontaneous, and like to go with the flow to enjoy what life has to offer. ISFPs are quiet and unassuming and may be hard to get to know. However, to those who know them well, ISFPs are warm and friendly, eager to share in life's many experiences.
ISFPs have a strong aesthetic sense and seek out beauty in their surroundings. They are attuned to sensory experience, and often have a natural talent for the arts. ISFPs especially excel at manipulating objects and may wield creative tools like paintbrushes and sculptors’ knives with great mastery.
ISFPs are people who are energized by time spent alone, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on feelings and values and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ISFPs are sometimes referred to as Composer personalities because of their innate sensibility for creating aesthetically pleasing experiences.
Honey Bee/Craftsperson
Masterful, Responsive Constructive
ISTP or introverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving
ISTPs are observant artisans with an understanding of mechanics and an interest in troubleshooting. They approach their environments with a flexible logic, looking for practical solutions to the problems at hand. They are independent and adaptable, and typically interact with the world around them in a self-directed, spontaneous manner.
ISTPs are attentive to details and responsive to the demands of the world around them. Because of their astute sense of their environment, they are good at moving quickly and responding to emergencies. ISTPs are reserved, but not withdrawn. They enjoy taking action and approach the world with a keen appreciation for the physical and sensory experiences it has to offer.
ISTPs are people who are energized by time spent alone, who focus on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts, who make decisions based on logic and reason and who prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized. ISTPs are sometimes referred to as Craftsperson personalities because they typically have an innate mechanical ability and facility with tools.
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