Personality types: discover the 16 existing ones and which one is yours!

The understanding of personality types plays a fundamental role in the development of modern psychology.

Since ancient times, human behavior has been the object of study by philosophers, doctors and psychologists, all seeking to understand how our individual characteristics shape our actions, thoughts and relationships.

Today, with advances in neuroscience and psychology, we can categorize personalities more accurately, helping with self-knowledge and social interactions.

One of the most popular tools for identifying personality types and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a system based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types.

Developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, the MBTI has become widely used in both corporate environments and psychology offices.

He classifies personalities into 16 distinct types, based on four psychological dimensions that describe how people perceive the world and make decisions.

How does MBTI work?

THE MBTI categorizes personalities into four dimensions:

1. Extroversion (E) x Introversion (I): This dimension indicates where a person directs their energy. Extroverts focus on the external world, while introverts tend to focus on the internal world of thoughts and emotions.
2. Sensation (S) vs. Intuition (N): Refers to the way a person processes information. Sensing people prefer concrete facts and details, while intuitive people focus on possibilities and patterns.
3. Thought (T) x Feeling (F): Defines how a person makes decisions. Those who prefer thinking base their decisions on logic and objectivity, while those who prefer feeling give more importance to personal values and emotions.
4. Judgment (J) vs. Perception (P): This last dimension refers to the person's lifestyle. Those who prefer judgment tend to be more organized and decisive, while those who prefer perception are more flexible and adaptable.

The combination of these four dimensions results in 16 personality types unique, each with its own characteristics, strengths and challenges. Let's briefly explore each of them:

Table

The importance of self-knowledge through personality types

The understanding of personality types goes far beyond mere psychological labels.

Knowing your type can have a direct impact on crucial areas of your life, such as personal development, career choices and relationships.

For example, if you are an introvert, you may find that environments that require a lot of social interaction drain your energy.

This self-knowledge allows you to adopt strategies to manage your energy and avoid burnout.

In a study published in the journal Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2020), researchers found that people who know their own personality characteristics well report higher levels of personal and professional satisfaction.

This is because self-knowledge provides better decision-making and more effective adaptation to the surrounding environment.

Carl Jung's famous quote sums up this concept well: "You do not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making darkness conscious."

That is, by recognizing your internal characteristics, you can make more conscious choices, both in how you behave and in how you interact with others.

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Practical applications of personality types in the workplace

In the corporate environment, the MBTI has been widely used to improve communication, increase productivity and strengthen relationships between employees.

Many companies adopt the MBTI as part of their team management strategies, as it offers valuable insights into how each individual prefers to work and collaborate.

A study of the Harvard Business Review (2019) demonstrated that companies that use personality assessments to adapt roles and tasks to employees obtain a 20% increase in productivity.

This is because employees who understand their personality type can engage in tasks that better align with their natural preferences, resulting in greater efficiency and job satisfaction.

For example, individuals with personality types such as ENTJ or ESTJ are naturally inclined to take on leadership and management roles, due to their assertiveness and organizational skills.

Already people with types like INFP or INFJ may excel in creative or counseling fields, where their empathy and creativity are valued.

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How to identify your personality type

There are many tests available that can help you identify your personality type based on the MBTI.

Among them, the most reliable is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which can be done online or with the help of a certified professional.

However, it is important to remember that these tests should be used as a guidance tool, not as a rigid definition.

As McCrae and Costa (2013), creators of the Big Five Personality Factor Model, point out, people can display traits of different personality types in different situations.

Therefore, this reinforces the idea that our personality is fluid and adaptable, even within established categories.

When answering the MBTI questionnaire, it is important not to try to “guess” which answers seem best.

Ideally, you want to be as honest as possible to capture the true essence of your preferences and behaviors. This way, the test will offer more useful and actionable insights.

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The relationship between personality and career choice

One of the most practical aspects of studying personality types is your application in career choice.

Many people struggle to find a career path that truly resonates with their interests and values.

By understanding your personality type, you can identify areas of work that align with your natural abilities and personal preferences.

For example, people with personality types like INTJ often thrive in careers that require strategic planning and complex problem-solving, such as engineering or business consulting.

Already people like that ENFJ They often find fulfillment in careers that involve leadership, teaching, or working in nonprofit organizations, where they can inspire and influence others.

Below, see some career suggestions according to personality types:

Conclusion: Discovering Your Personality Type

The study of personality types not only promotes self-knowledge, but also facilitates a greater understanding of the people around you.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where social and professional interactions play fundamental roles in our well-being, understanding ourselves and others has become more essential than ever.

Understanding your personality type can help you navigate life with more clarity and confidence, whether it's making career choices, improving your relationships, or even better managing your time and energy.

Nara Sampaio October 21, 2024