Step 1 MBTI – Why do this first?

It is essential to start the exploration of self using MBTI by completing step 1 first.  This personality questionnaire and consultation is about discovering your preference between the four pairings that Carl Jung identified as key to ‘living life’.  Only once this is achieved may you go on to MBTI Step 2.  Step 1 is the equivalent of finding a suit to wear ‘off the peg’ and finding that the fit is pretty good.  Step 2 allows you to further tailor the ‘off the peg suit’ so the fit is perfect to your shape and unique to you.

What is preference and how does it differ to personality?

Preference does not mean personality trait or behaviour – it is a choice based on what feels most comfortable (or ‘at home’, much like whether we are right handed or left handed) but gives us a very good indication of what behaviours we are most likely to then present (unless we are forced out of our comfort zone and required to use a less preferred skill).  If you were asked to sign your name, you would choose your more preferred hand and this would feel natural, easy and flowing.  You can however also sign your name with your other hand.  It may feel more difficult, require more focus and attention from you, but you are capable of completing the task.  This is an excellent analogy, because although we use preference to determine the most likely way a person may choose to behave, it is NOT about skill or ability.  If you were unable to use your normal writing hand because of an injury, you would, over time, learn to become proficient at using your less preferred hand for writing.  This can be translated into the work environment.  It may not be your preference to plan methodically, but if you are promoted to a project manager role, you would undoubtedly acquire the skills of planning out of necessity.  This would require more energy from you, but it is possible and in fact you may even get very good at it (even as good as someone with the innate preference for planning).

What will MBTI give me?

Understanding our preference is one of the most powerful ways you can turn the key and unlock your self awareness.  Preference is the foundation stone from where behaviour and personality grows. MBTI is ideal if your are looking to better manage any type of relationship, function more effectively as a person, manage conflict or purely understand yourself better.  It can empower your interpersonal skills at work and on a personal level, increasing emotional intelligence and personal effectiveness.

What can I do with Step 1 after completing it?

You will be given a comprehensive report to keep, showing your best fit type (a four letter combination).  This will determine how you are energised in life and where you focus your energy; what type of data you collect and how you collect it; how you make decisions with that data and finally how your orientate yourself in life (manage the logistics of life).

We all have relationships to others in life, so whether this is with friends, colleagues, family members or intimate partners, this knowledge will help you understand how you communicate.  It will help you determine why certain circumstances occur, how you can improve them and how you can resolve conflict better.  It will also enable you to problem solve more effectively, delegate tasks and manage change.  All skills essential to living an effective and positive life.  You will be taken through your report booklet in detail and given references for further reading.  You may also like to invite those people you share your life and work with to have their MBTI questionnaire’s completed as well.  Then you can form a multi-dimensional understanding of your interactions with others.

What is Step 2 MBTI?

You will be given a detailed comprehensive report showing a breakdown of each of the four dichotomy pairs which you identified in Step 1.  Each pair has 10 facets showing behaviours or traits that are likely to manifest as a consequence of your preference.  This will enable you to ‘tailor’ your ‘off the peg suit’.  You will start to see a much more accurate picture of your personality (although not the whole picture as there are others aspects that will be unique to you of course).  In total you will explore 20 facets that ‘sit on top’ your 4 preference pairs.

You will start to learn how these facets interrelate and influence each other.  This will build a multi-dimensional understanding of self and how you orientate yourself to the world and the others you share you life with.  You will start to see the nuances in your behaviour and how this impacts your world and your relationships.  This is significant in your self development.  This tool can ignite your quest for inner knowledge and self awareness.

Your personalised report will also provide you with detail enhancement suggestions to help you communicate more effectively, manage change, problem solve and conflict management.  These are key learning opportunities.  You will also be provided with further reading references to further deepen your knowledge and ideas about how to implement changes into your life.