Chapter 1: The Impact of MBTI® Training

MBTI® serves as a psychometric instrument rooted in Carl Jung's theories.

Fatima Majdoub is a certified trainer in MBTI® and incorporates the Whole Brain® Model, created by Ned Hermann, into her sessions. A few years ago, I participated in her level 1 workshop, and it profoundly shifted my perspective on myself and those around me. Currently, her training is only offered in French and Arabic.

For those who might doubt the efficacy of this psychometric tool, some context is essential. The MBTI® framework is based on 25,000 questionnaires and two decades of research, boasting an accuracy rate between 80% and 90%.

Most people are familiar with the 16 personality types presented by MBTI®. Our brain preferences are embedded in our genetics, such as being naturally inclined toward introversion or extraversion. However, there is a deeper layer to consider—one that goes beyond simple online tests or casual mentions of personality types in dating profiles.

Moreover, individuals exhibit two primary MBTI® aspects: the type they are born with and the one influenced by their environment. This means that while we are born with a specific MBTI® type (which Fatima can often identify just from photographs), our surroundings can lead us to adopt a slightly different type over time.

Everyone's innate MBTI® type typically evolves every ten years, although significant stressors can accelerate this change, particularly during the formative years of 0 to 7. The evolution generally follows this pattern: from birth to 10 years, one acts according to their innate type; from 10 to 20 years, adaptation to environmental demands begins; then, from 20 to 30 years, cultural integration occurs; and from 40 onwards, new cognitive functions begin to emerge.

When we discuss these functions, we refer to the two middle letters of each type: 'S' for sensing, 'N' for intuition, 'F' for feeling, and 'T' for thinking.

Among the 16 personality types, four are aligned with the Whole Brain® Model. These types are inherently capable of developing all cognitive functions but often find themselves scattered in focus. I fall into this category, which is unsurprising given my ADD diagnosis a few years later—but that's a separate narrative.

Returning to the theory, it's noteworthy that personality can shift and evolve within a type, though the core functioning remains constant. Strikingly, maintaining closeness to one's original type is considered the healthiest lifestyle choice. A drastic shift in how the brain prefers to function due to negative circumstances can lead to psychological issues.

Interestingly, a shift towards introversion or extraversion is less impactful than changes in core functions (S/N and N/T). Altering your brain's preferred functions can feel as unnatural as trying to write with your non-dominant hand.

Let's explore the fundamentals of each type's letters:

• 'E' for Extraversion vs 'I' for Introversion: This pertains to your source of energy. Do you need solitude to recharge after socializing, or do you feel invigorated by networking?
• 'S' for Sensing vs 'N' for Intuition: This refers to the type of information you instinctively seek. Do you need concrete examples when presented with a theory, or do you make decisions based on abstract concepts?
• 'T' for Thinking vs 'F' for Feeling: This relates to your decision-making style. If you lean toward feeling, you may make choices based on emotional resonance rather than logic.
• 'J' for Judging vs 'P' for Perceiving: This describes how you engage with the external world. Do you view it through a lens of order and structure, or do you prefer to go with the flow?

Overall, exploring the MBTI® basics is a fantastic avenue for understanding one's cognitive processes and enhancing emotional intelligence. It offers a valuable framework for comprehending the behaviors of others, fostering greater empathy. Additionally, MBTI® can be effectively utilized in organizational settings to enhance team dynamics—provided it is applied flexibly.

It also aids in understanding children, allowing for educational styles that align with their preferred cognitive functions. The difference this understanding makes can be quite remarkable.

Reflecting on one's childhood through the lens of MBTI® becomes almost unavoidable. For instance, if your foundational type is heavily influenced by the 'F' feeling function, but you grew up with parents who prioritized 'T' rationality, feelings of isolation may have arisen. Many participants experienced healing as they unpacked these dynamics during the training.

Fatima's extensive experience allows her to recognize our facial micro-expressions, which reveal our current type. By observing our behaviors and the language we use, she quickly assesses our innate type, current type, and personal evolution.

Witnessing her teach us how to identify core personalities was nothing short of captivating. (It's worth noting that her use of micro-expressions is based on Paul Ekman's research.)

What insights have you gained about your own type, and how has it influenced your compassion towards others?

The first video titled "How The Myers Briggs Personality Test Can Change Your Life" explains how understanding your personality type can lead to profound personal growth and improved relationships.

The second video titled "Understanding team dynamics with MBTI" delves into how MBTI can enhance workplace collaboration and team effectiveness.

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