All preferences are equally valuable and each type brings an important point of view when people interact. A mixture of types is best for a work group or team because many views are represented.

MBTI® type indicates a person’s preference but not his or her ability or character. Personality type should be used as a way of understanding yourself and for assisting you in making choices. However, it should not be used as the only tool for choosing careers, partners, jobs, schools, etc.

The most important aspect of the Myers-Briggs® type theory is that every type has value. Although each type approaches situations differently, and another person’s approach may not be what you would choose, each way can be effective.

For example, let’s say you have a friend named Mario. Mario’s type may lead him to like doing things at the last minute, while you are uncomfortable if everything isn’t scheduled and planned in advance. Mario may feel constrained when he has to plan far in advance. You are not right and Mario wrong. Mario is not right and you wrong. Different ways, based on different personality types, work for one of you and not for the other.

Of course if you and Mario have to work on a project together, or live in the same family, your differences can be irritating to one another. This is when knowing about personality type can help. You can accept his way as valid and he can accept yours. You can accept that Mario has certain gifts and you have others. Then you can negotiate compromises to be able to live or work together in harmony.

What Each Preference Can Offer