MBTI at Work: How Personality Type Influences Your Work Style

We all have that colleague who dodges the coffee machine to avoid small talk. Or the one who’s ready to psychoanalyze your sandwich choice and link it to childhood trauma. Welcome to the workplace, where personalities mix in a truly chaotic dance (in the middle of which you spend roughly a third of your life). How do you make sense of it all without getting lost?

Enter the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a popular (if often scrutinized) guide to understanding why Bob from accounting prefers spreadsheets to social gatherings, while Lisa from HR could host an impromptu trust fall event at any moment. 

While not exactly the gold standard of scientific accuracy (some have even likened it to horoscopes) the MBTI continues to find fans who are using it to figure out how to handle their work lives — from their ideal career path to their most compatible office buddy. But how reliable is the MBTI, and does it really have a place in the workplace?

This guide will tell you: 

• How the 16 personalities translate into the workplace. 
• Whether MBTI deserves its place at your company’s strategy table (or at least in a break room).
• What the fans and critics say about the test’s reliability. 

What Is MBTI?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular self-assessment tool based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. Developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Cook Briggs, the MBTI helps people understand their personality traits by classifying them into one of 16 types. 

The MBTI was created with a practical goal — helping people find jobs that aligned with their personality types. During WW2, Briggs Myers wanted to contribute to the war effort by offering a tool that could guide workers toward careers that suited their natural preferences and strengths.

While some see it as a fun way to get insights into their personality, it’s also used in workplaces for personal growth and better team dynamics. That said, it’s best to think of it as a tool for self-awareness — not something that defines you. 

How does the MBTI test work?

The MBTI test asks questions that measure your preferences in four different areas: introversion (I) vs. extraversion (E), sensing (S) vs. intuition (N), thinking (T) vs. feeling (F), and judging (J) vs. perceiving (P). You get a personality type based on your answers, like ENFP or INFJ (shout out to my MBTI type). 

Here’s a breakdown of the Myers-Briggs scale: 

The idea isn’t to box you into a specific category — it can help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and potential career fits. It’s a useful starting point for self-reflection and to figure out what environments and roles might suit you best.

Using the MBTI test to identify your professional skills? Check out this guide for more inspiration: The Best Skills to Put on a Resume

What Do the 16 Personalities Say About Your Work Style?

Let’s start by saying that MBTI isn’t meant to give you an exact blueprint of how you should work — just like your personality type doesn’t define every aspect of who you are. That said, it can offer some interesting awareness. 

For example, those on the extroverted scale may struggle in a remote role with little human interaction. MBTI can also tell us how we communicate, our ideal work environment, and our natural strengths and weaknesses.

So, while I wouldn’t suggest quitting your job or avoiding that quiet coworker based on your MBTI, it’s a handy tool for understanding yourself and your team to create a more positive and productive work atmosphere. 

Here’s a breakdown of different personality work styles, plus the MBTI types they’re most compatible with and the careers where they tend to thrive.

INTJ: The Architect 

INTJs are natural problem-solvers with a laser focus on efficiency and innovation. They excel at improving processes and finding solutions, often preferring to work independently to get the job done. Teamwork doesn’t come as naturally to them, but when they master it, they can be effective collaborators. 

They value logic, so emotional or sensitive coworkers may find them blunt or critical. INTJs tend to care less about titles and more about competence, which can sometimes create friction if they don’t respect their boss or colleagues.

INTJs excel at big-picture thinking and strategizing, but they may come off as harsh or dismissive if they don’t respect the opinions of others. They’re not fans of office politics or small talk, preferring to dive into a task. Despite this, their focus and determination often lead to impressive results.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with INTJ at work?

• ESFJ
• ISTJ
• ESTP
• ENTJ
• INTP

What are the best career choices for an INTJ?

• Engineer
• IT manager 
• Project Manager
• Business Analyst
• Marketing Strategist

INTP: The Logician 

INTPs thrive on solving complex problems and love brainstorming outside-the-box ideas. Their intuitive nature makes them great at grasping abstract concepts, meaning they often come up with creative solutions that others might miss. 

That said, they’re not always the most detail-oriented, and they can get lost in their thoughts, sometimes forgetting routine tasks or deadlines. INTPs also prefer to work independently and, much like INFJs, aren’t too keen on office small talk or politics — they certainly won’t buy into the “we’re a family” mentality. 

While they’re highly logical, this can sometimes come across as emotionally detached, which might cause misunderstandings with coworkers who value personal connections. INTPs have high standards and expect their colleagues to be as sharp as they are, especially in management roles.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with INTP at work?

• ISTJ
• ISTP
• ISFP
• ENTJ
• INFP

What are the best career choices for an INTP?

• Scientist 
• Consultant 
• Researcher
• Mathematician 
• Software Developer 

ENTJ: The Commander 

ENTJs are powerhouse personalities in the workplace. They enjoy environments with clear goals, efficient systems, and growth opportunities. Always looking to achieve more, ENTJs are ambitious and like to be in control. 

They tend to rise quickly to leadership roles because they’re confident, decisive, and excellent at strategizing. If things slow down, they’ll often step up to create work or improve systems, whether needed or not.

However, their determination can sometimes feel overbearing, especially around people they don’t see as driven. ENTJs love collaborating, brainstorming, and sharing ideas, but they can be blunt when offering critiques. They expect a high level of performance from both themselves and their coworkers, which can be inspiring but intimidating if you’re not used to their intensity.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ENTJ at work?

• ESTJ
• ENFP
• INFP
• INTP
• ESFJ

What are the best career choices for an ENTJ?

• Dentist 
• Lawyer 
• Sales Manager 
• Business Analyst 
• Investment Banker

ENTP: The Debater 

ENTPs are energetic, innovative thinkers at work. They love brainstorming, debating ideas, and finding creative solutions. These personalities aren’t fans of rigid rules or routine tasks, so they tend to thrive in roles that offer flexibility and freedom to innovate. 

They expect their ideas to be heard and valued — hierarchical workplaces with strict guidelines are a big turnoff for them. ENTPs are comfortable challenging their managers and typically have no problem receiving constructive criticism, as long as it’s logical.

However, their love for debate and constant idea generation can be too much for some colleagues, especially those who prefer a more task-focused approach. ENTPs may also struggle to stay focused on one project, as they tend to hop from one exciting idea to the next.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ENTP at work?

• INTP
• ESFJ
• ESTJ
• ENFP
• ENTJ

What are the best career choices for an ENTP?

• Attorney 
• Politician 
• Game Designer 
• Marketing Specialist
• Sales Representative

INFJ: The Advocate

INFJs are thoughtful workers driven by their strong sense of integrity. They approach their tasks with personal responsibility and aim to produce high standards of work. Creativity also comes naturally to INFJs, letting them tackle problems in their own unique ways. 

They’re deeply motivated when their work aligns with their values and lets them make a positive difference. They also prefer a collaborative environment where everyone is treated equally, regardless of rank or title. However, INFJs can get stressed when they feel unheard or have to follow strict rules that don’t align with their values. 

And while they’re great at picking up on the emotions of others, this can also lead to burnout if they’re overwhelmed by everyone’s feelings. They sometimes need time to recharge, which might make them hesitant to speak up in group settings.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with INFJ at work

• ISFP
• ENTP
• INTJ
• ENFJ
• ENFP

What are the best career choices for an INFJ?

• Writer 
• Doctor 
• Teacher 
• Psychologist
• Social Worker 

INFP: The Mediator

INFPs are driven by purpose and meaning in their work, more than just financial rewards. They prefer a positive workplace where they can encourage healthy relationships and make a genuine difference. They often bring fresh perspectives when given space to express their ideas.

This personality type is considerate, honest, and has a strong sense of integrity. They often set high personal standards and feel fulfilled when they receive positive feedback. They can be detail-oriented and organized when they’re passionate about their work.

INFPs can take criticism personally, which may cause them to disconnect. They also dislike workplace hierarchies and conflict, preferring harmony and collaboration. While creative and insightful, they may hesitate to speak up or set boundaries, especially in leadership roles. 

Which MBTI type is most compatible with INFP at work?

• ENTJ
• ISFP
• ENTP
• ENFJ
• INFJ

What are the best career choices for an INFP? 

• Artist 
• Teacher 
• Counselor 
• Psychologist 
• Physical Therapist 

ENFJ: The Protagonist 

ENFJs are natural leaders and great team players in the workplace. They’re driven by people-focused goals, always looking for ways to help their colleagues succeed while pushing themselves to learn and grow. 

Their likable, good-natured personality makes them easy to work with, and they’re often the glue that holds teams together. ENFJs thrive in collaborative environments and are great at balancing multiple tasks with a positive attitude.

That said, their strong drive to lead can sometimes result in them overstepping, making decisions, or suggesting changes beyond their role. Their idealism can make them overly optimistic about what their team can achieve. They’re also so focused on harmony that they might hesitate to give tough feedback when it’s needed.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ENFJ at work?

• ISFP
• INFP
• ENTP
• INFJ
• ENFP

What are the best career choices for an ENFJ? 

• Advertising 
• Social Worker 
• Event Planner 
• Public Speaker 
• Customer Service 

ENFP: The Campaigner

ENFPs enjoy brainstorming new ideas and being able to explore and experiment. With their empathetic nature, ENFPs can form close bonds with their coworkers, treating them more like friends than just colleagues. They’re natural at boosting team morale and creating a positive, inspiring environment. 

However, ENFPs can struggle with focusing on long-term projects or goals, often jumping from one idea to the next before finishing the last one. They also dislike micromanagement, preferring to work independently in their own time. 

As managers, they’re more likely to encourage and inspire their team rather than enforce strict rules, but they may find it tough to be firm or give negative feedback when it’s needed. They prefer to give their employees the same autonomy they like to receive. 

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ENFP at work?

• ENTJ
• ENTP
• INTJ
• ENFJ
• INFJ

What are the best career choices for an ENFP?

• Educator 
• Journalist 
• Copywriter 
• Digital Marketer 
• Public Relations Specialist 

ISTJ: The Logistician

ISTJs are hardworking employees who do well in organized environments. They enjoy structure, respect authority, and are happy to follow well-defined processes. They have no problem taking on responsibilities and challenges, as long as they come with clear steps and order. 

In the workplace, they’re dependable, often taking on less desirable tasks because they know they can handle them and stay calm under pressure. ISTJs aren’t about chit-chat or fitting into groups — they prefer to just get their work done efficiently without distractions.

On the flip side, ISTJs can struggle with change and may find criticism hard to handle, even if it’s constructive. They also tend to stick to tradition and can be resistant to new ideas or brainstorming sessions. They prefer clear instructions and are happiest when they know exactly what’s expected of them.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ISTJ at work?

• ISFJ
• ISTP
• ESFJ
• INFJ
• ESFP

What are the best career choices for an ISTJ?

• Bank Teller 
• Accountant 
• Data Analyst 
• Police Officer 
• Strategic Planner 

ISFJ: The Defender 

ISFJs are all about dedication, service, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They don’t just do their jobs — they go above and beyond to ensure their coworkers and bosses are supported, even if it means taking on extra work. They find satisfaction in knowing they’ve helped others, and that’s often the reward they need.

This personality type loves the freedom to get the job done and left to their own devices, they can be very dependable employees. ISFJs don’t see their colleagues as competition but as a chance to collaborate and work towards a common goal. 

That said, ISFJs can be too humble, which might hold them back from getting the recognition or opportunities they deserve. They can also struggle with saying no, so they may get overloaded when coworkers take advantage. And while they get along well with almost everyone, they might avoid giving constructive feedback to keep the peace. 

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ISFJ at work?

• ISTJ
• ISFP
• ESFP
• ESTJ
• ESFJ

What are the best career choices for an ISFJ?

• Nurse 
• Librarian 
• Speech Therapist
• Administrative Assistant 
• Human Resources Officer 

ESTJ: The Executive 

ESTJs are the ultimate “get-it-done” personalities in the workplace. They’re all about structure, following rules, and ensuring that their work and the work of others meet high standards. ESTJs excel in organized environments where everyone knows their role and responsibilities. 

While they’re loyal and dedicated team members, they expect the same level of dedication from others, which can make them come across as a bit tough or blunt. They can also be inflexible, especially if someone suggests a new approach that isn’t fully thought out. 

ESTJs excel in management roles where they can organize teams and create structure, but they might struggle with adapting to change or stepping away from their “by-the-book” mentality. They also have a low tolerance for laziness and will speak their minds if they feel something’s off. 

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ESTJ at work?

• ESFJ
• ISFJ
• ESFP
• ISFP
• ESTJ

What are the best career choices for an ESTJ?

• Military Officer 
• Hotel Manager 
• Financial Officer 
• Project Manager 
• Law Enforcement

ESFJ: The Consul

ESFJs do well in collaborative environments with clear roles and responsibilities. They’re patient, hardworking, and love being part of a team where they can contribute to a greater goal. ESFJs feel most fulfilled working with others and following well-defined processes, making them dependable employees. 

This personality type enjoys building friendships at work and is always willing to help out a colleague. As managers, they find ways to bring the team together and make sure everyone has the opportunity to express themselves. 

However, their respect for traditional authority can also make them rigid, and they may resist changes that challenge their views. They can also struggle when left to work alone for extended periods, as they draw energy from teamwork. Criticism can hit them hard, and they might take it personally, even when it’s constructive. 

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ESFJ at work?

• ESTJ
• ISFP
• ESTP
• ISTP
• ENFJ

What are the best career choices for an ESFJ?

• Teacher 
• Product Manager 
• Graphic Designer 
• Childcare Provider 
• Healthcare Worker 

ISTP: The Virtuoso

ISTPs excel with hands-on work. Give them a task to solve or a machine to fix, and they’re in their element. They don’t have much patience for rigid rules or overly structured environments, preferring the freedom to figure things out on their own terms. 

They tend to work best when left alone, enjoying their independence and direct, no-nonsense approach to tackling problems. That said, they tend to get along with their colleagues, despite not being natural at small talk or expressing their emotions. 

ISTPs can come across as a bit distant — you certainly won’t engage them in water cooler chats. Their blunt communication style, while efficient, can sometimes rub others the wrong way. They also tend to lose interest once they’ve mastered something, constantly seeking the next challenge to keep them engaged.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ISTP at work?

• ESFJ
• ENTP
• ISFJ
• ISTJ
• ESTJ

What are the best career choices for an ISTP? 

• Pilot 
• Mechanic 
• Paramedic 
• Programmer 
• Forensic Scientist 

ISFP: The Adventurer

ISFPs thrive in workplaces where they can be creative and spontaneous. They love tackling hands-on tasks and enjoy solving problems in practical ways. Always willing to learn, ISFPs are happy to share that wisdom by offering advice to colleagues. 

However, ISFPs don’t like rigid structures or being micromanaged, preferring autonomy and flexibility. They often shine when working on projects that let them express their style or approach, but they can struggle with long-term planning or staying focused if they get bored.

ISFPs are friendly and charming when they put in the effort and are great at working one-on-one or in small groups. They prefer roles that let them collaborate with others while keeping things relaxed. However, their dislike of long-term commitments and managing others means they might not naturally thrive in leadership positions.

 Which MBTI type is most compatible with ISFP at work?

• ESFJ
• ISFJ
• ESTP
• ESFP
• ENTJ

What are the best career choices for an ISFP?

• Chef 
• Coach 
• Musician
• Carpenter 
• Photographer 

ESTP: The Entrepreneur

ESTPs enjoy fast-paced environments where they can tackle problems and think on their feet. Known for their boldness and charm, they enjoy experimenting with new approaches, often preferring to bypass strict rules if it means getting things done quicker or more efficiently. 

These confident personality types are also great at networking and can win over colleagues with their natural charisma — though they’re not afraid to call out laziness when they see it. They’re always keen to deliver results and like to see those around them have the same energy. 

Their quick-thinking, active nature makes them valuable in leadership roles where they can set clear, achievable goals. However, they’re not always the most sensitive to others’ emotions and may struggle with long-term planning if it feels too abstract or slow-paced.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ESTP at work?

• ISTP
• ESTJ
• INTJ
• ISFJ
• ESFJ

What are the best career choices for an ESTP?

• Detective 
• Stockbroker
• Entrepreneur 
• Fitness Instructor 
• Business Consultant 

ESFP: The Entertainer 

ESFPs bring a lively and social energy to the workplace. They’re best suited to environments where they can engage with others and keep things upbeat. ESFPs have no problem being the center of attention and enjoy sharing ideas and collaborating on practical tasks. 

ESFPs love being around people — their natural charm helps them unite coworkers and keep morale high. They’re excellent in fast-paced, dynamic settings but can get bored with too much routine or bureaucracy. Long-term planning isn’t their strong suit, but they excel at handling immediate, practical needs.

These personalities tend to avoid conflict and might struggle with overly structured tasks, preferring flexibility and freedom to adapt as things come up. They enjoy feeling appreciated and are most motivated when they're having fun while getting the job done.

Which MBTI type is most compatible with ESFP at work?

• ESTP
• ESFJ
• ISFP
• ISFJ
• ISTJ

What are the best career choices for an ESFP? 

• Actor 
• Travel Guide 
• Personal Coach
• Wedding Planner 
• Fashion Designer 

How Does MBTI Influence the Workplace?

Taking the MBTI test for fun or to learn more about yourself is pretty harmless. But what about using it to understand your coworkers? Knowing different work styles can help with team-building and communication skills — as long as the results are accurate, and that’s where the controversy comes in.

MBTI clearly states that their test isn’t meant for hiring decisions, yet some companies still use it to build their “ideal” teams. So, what’s the issue, and why do critics argue that MBTI doesn’t belong in the workplace? 

Let’s dig into how MBTI is being used professionally, and whether there are any real benefits. 

Personality tests as hiring tools

Companies have often used personality tests for development, coaching, and team building. Back in 2008, Psychology Today reported that around 80% of Fortune 500 companies use these tests for these reasons. But using them for hiring? That’s a whole different ballgame. 

Even the official MBTI website advises against it:

The MBTI assessment is not designed to be used for hiring purposes. It does not measure ability, competence, or skill — rather it focuses on self-understanding and personal/professional growth and development. 

Besides, personality is fluid, to an extent. No profiling or personality testing method will accurately predict long-term behavior or job fit. Plus, putting people into “one or the other” boxes isn’t precise enough — it can easily take someone with a 52% extraversion score and a candidate who’s 100% extraverted and lump them into the same category. 

That said, personality tests can be a helpful part of the process. Myers-Briggs has a list of case studies, including companies like Nokia, JetBlue, and Marriott, who’ve used personality tests for team building and leadership development. 

Companies like St Luke’s Hospital & Health Network used the Myers-Briggs CPI 434 test (which measures personality traits for employee selection) to assess leadership qualities in finalists for managerial roles. They saw significant improvements in employee retention rates, which positively affected their ROI. 

But they didn’t base decisions solely on the results, here’s what they had to say:

The CPI 434 data are not and should not be the sole determinant in the hiring process. Obtaining CPI 434 results became an additional piece of the process put in place to more effectively measure the true leadership skill sets of a potential new manager. 

So — 

Should the MBTI test be used for hiring? No. 

Can personality tests be a handy tool for figuring out your strengths and weaknesses in the workplace? Absolutely.

Team-building with MBTI testing

Using MBTI as a hiring tool has obvious setbacks, but it could be a game-changer when it comes to team-building. Having your team members take the MBTI assessment can give you a clearer picture of their different personalities and preferences. It can help you understand how people work best and how their unique styles can complement each other.

For example, one coworker might have a more direct communication style, while someone else may prefer a more thoughtful approach. When you pinpoint these differences, you can avoid misunderstandings and improve communication. 

MBTI can also highlight team strengths and blind spots, leading to open discussions about optimizing what’s working well and finding areas that may need improvement. It’s about creating a team that’s not just more harmonious, but also more productive.

These benefits sound great in theory, but how does MBTI for team-building actually play out in real life? I did some online forum digging to see what people had to say. 

Some had positive experiences:

While others were less than impressed:

Strengths and skills of MBTI types

The question remains: can knowing your MBTI results help you tap into your workplace strengths? Sure, the MBTI test has its critics, but research shows that certain traits really do align with specific skills — especially when it comes to leadership. 

According to a study, certain personality MBTI traits are linked to leadership behaviors. For example, results showed that extroverts are natural motivators. They’re great at rallying the team and driving enthusiasm and are more likely to inspire a shared vision than introverts.

The study also pointed out that intuitive types (with N rather than S as the second letter, like INTJs or ENTPs) are more inclined to think big and challenge the way things are done. These personality types can adapt in uncertain times, making them ideal for leadership roles where visionary thinking is key.

Additionally, the study found that perceivers (P, not J as the fourth letter, like INFPs or ENFPs) shine when questioning the status quo. In dynamic workplaces, they’re also often found motivating their colleagues and thinking long-term. 

Don’t think your job is the right fit for you? Take a look (there’s a handy quiz inside): I Hate My Job: What to Do, and When to Quit?

MBTI trends in South Korea 

Fun fact: Rezi HQ is based in Seoul, South Korea. It was actually my colleagues' stories about the MBTI craze in the country that inspired this article (and yes, we all know our personality types). So, why is the trend so popular, and has it been taken too far? 

In South Korea, using blood types and zodiac signs to determine someone’s personality has always been popular, but now MBTI has joined the mix as the latest trend. MBTI really took off during the pandemic in 2020, when people were stuck at home and looking for something fun to share with friends. 

But what started as a casual trend soon spilled over into the workplace. Job postings started popping up where employers openly stated they preferred certain MBTI types and discouraged others — especially introverts. 

Check out this job ad from a café in the Mapo District:

We hire people based on their MBTI results. People who have MBTI results that start with Es, please apply for this job. ENTJs and ESFJs are not allowed to apply. We also welcome people with Is, but not INFPs, INTPs, and INTJs.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, hiring people based on their MBTI results instead of their skills and qualifications is problematic. MBTI has faced criticism for being unreliable, with many calling it nothing more than pseudoscience or likening it to zodiac signs.

And test critics aren’t the only ones skeptical about the new trend. A survey with 1,990 jobseekers found that 61% are against using MBTI in the recruitment process, and 75% believe that the test doesn’t accurately reflect their personality or behaviors. 

MBTI testing could ultimately lead to less diversity in the workplace, which is especially concerning in a collectivist culture like South Korea. If companies make hiring decisions based on MBTI types, they could miss out on fresh ideas and perspectives by focusing too much on personality labels rather than talent.

Is the Myers-Briggs Test Accurate?

The accuracy of MBTI continues to spark debate among psychologists and researchers. Some people find it helpful to understand themselves, while others feel like they don’t fit neatly into the categories. 

A literature review looked at 221 studies on MBTI, with seven meeting their inclusion criteria. Results showed that the Extravert-Introvert, Sensing-Intuition, and Judging-Perceiving scales had reliabilities of 75% or higher and the Thinking-Feeling scale had a reliability of 61%. 

According to the Myers & Briggs Company, the MBTI has an internal consistency reliability of 70%, which means that people usually get similar results if they take the test again. However, not everyone agrees on how well MBTI captures the complexities of personality.

And don’t just take it from me — the Myers & Briggs website itself points out the limitations of the online test. Take a look at these official statements: 

• All personality assessments use a model (some based on theory, some lacking a theory) to summarize large groups of individuals in a relatively small number of useful descriptors.
• The genuine MBTI® assessment is copyrighted and only accessible by individuals who are MBTI certified and available through MBTIonline.com. You may find free questionnaires based on Jung and Myers and Briggs’ theory that talk about the four preference pairs. But free personality assessments typically lack evidence showing they are reliable and valid measures.
• What the MBTI assessment does not do is describe your whole personality or identity. It is also worth remembering that personality is not the only thing that influences our behavior. For example, we all have different motivations, experiences, values, hobbies, skills, and cultures that shape us.

A big issue is that personality traits don’t really work in strict “either/or” terms, like extrovert or introvert. Most of us fall somewhere in between, but the MBTI forces you into one category or the other. 

Plus, research has shown that around 50% of people get different results if they repeat the test, even just a few weeks later. So, it’s clear that MBTI might not be measuring personality in a way that’s consistent or reliable over time.

Another problem is that the MBTI relies on self-reported data. You’re answering questions about yourself, but people don’t always see themselves accurately. Sometimes, you might answer in a more socially acceptable way or what you want to see yourself as, which can skew the results. 

So why is it so popular? Well, the descriptions you get for each type are often flattering and vague enough that many of us feel we could fit into several categories. This is known as the Barnum effect, something you might be familiar with if you follow astrology or fortune-telling. 

So, what’s the verdict? While the MBTI can offer some interesting insights to help you understand yourself better, it’s not a perfect tool and has plenty of limitations when it comes to accuracy.

Alternatives to the Myers-Briggs Personality Test

While the Myers-Briggs test might be the most popular, it’s not the only personality test that can give you some interesting awareness. If you’re curious to dive even deeper, there are plenty of other options worth exploring. 

Just remember, like Myers-Briggs, these tests have their fair share of fans and critics, so it’s best to treat them as a fun way to learn more about yourself — not a perfect analysis of who you are.

Here are my picks for the top three MBTI alternatives: 

• Big Five Test: The Big Five (also called the OCEAN test) breaks down personality into five core traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. These traits form the acronym OCEAN. This test is widely regarded as one of the most scientifically validated personality assessments, often considered more reliable than the MBTI.
• StrengthsFinder: The StrengthsFinder assessment helps identify your top five strengths from 34 possible themes across four domains, like Strategic Thinking and Relationship Building. While it’s great for personal growth, some argue the results are too broad and can fall into the Forer effect.
• Enneagram Personality Test: The Enneagram categorizes people into nine personality types and uses a nine-point diagram to show how these types interconnect. While not heavily backed by scientific research, it’s a popular tool for personal reflection and understanding emotional responses.

Final Thoughts 

While the MBTI has its flaws and skeptics, it still offers value — especially when approached with the right mindset. Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother never intended for the test to be a rigid label or a definitive measure of someone’s worth or abilities. Instead, they saw it as a way to show individual strengths, helping people understand themselves better and find the right fit in their careers and relationships. 

Yes, it’s not the most scientifically reliable tool, but it’s still useful for sparking conversations about personality, preferences, and how we relate to others. Think of it as a way to gain some interesting insights about yourself and your coworkers — not as the final word on who you are. 

FAQ

What does the Myers-Briggs test tell you?

The Myers-Briggs test helps you better understand your personality by identifying preferences in how you perceive the world and make decisions. 

It assigns you one of 16 personality types based on four key areas: how you interact with others (introversion vs. extraversion), how you process information (sensing vs. intuition), how you make decisions (thinking vs. feeling), and how you approach structure (judging vs. perceiving). It’s a tool for self-awareness, helping you explore strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and career paths.

How is MBTI used in the workplace?

In the workplace, managers can use it to understand team dynamics, pair people with complementary strengths, or improve collaboration. It’s also useful for helping individuals find roles that match their personality type, increasing job satisfaction and productivity. However, it’s more about understanding differences and preferences than making decisions based solely on type.

Is MBTI scientific?

The MBTI has faced criticism for lacking strong scientific backing. While it’s rooted in Carl Jung’s psychological theories, it doesn’t meet the same standards of reliability and validity as other psychological tests. That said, it remains popular for personal and workplace development, even though it’s often considered more of a self-reflection tool than a hard science.

What do psychologists think of MBTI?

Psychologists are split on MBTI. Some appreciate it for promoting self-awareness and improving communication skills in workplaces. However, many criticize it for oversimplifying personality and fitting people into vague or inaccurate categories. While it’s widely used, many psychologists prefer personality models with stronger empirical support, like the Big Five, which measures traits more reliably over time.

Is it ethical to use MBTI in the workplace?

Using MBTI in the workplace can be ethical as long as it’s used responsibly. It shouldn’t be the sole factor in hiring or promotions, since it doesn’t fully capture someone’s skills or potential. When used as a tool for self-awareness and team building, it can be a positive force, but relying too much on personality typing risks limiting opportunities based on stereotypes.

What is the perfect MBTI type for the workplace?

There’s no “perfect” MBTI type for the workplace, since every type brings unique strengths. What matters is how well someone fits a role and the work environment. For example, extroverts might thrive in collaborative settings, while introverts excel in focused, independent work. The key is understanding how to leverage each type’s strengths rather than aiming for a specific personality profile.