Personality types - 16 personalities
Personality types are a concept that is used to describe and classify different traits, characteristics and behaviors of people. They help us understand who we are, how we react to different situations and how we interact with others.
Underlying the idea of personality types is the assumption that people have preferences and tendencies in different aspects of their personality. These preferences can relate to the way we receive energy (extraversion or introversion), the way we gather information (through sensory perception or intuition), the way we make decisions (logical or emotional), and the way we relate to the outside world (organized or spontaneous).
These preferences form different combinations that define a person's particular personality type. For example, we might have an extroverted type that uses sensory perception, emotional judgments, and an organized approach to the world. Or we can have an introverted type that uses intuitive perception, logical solutions, and a spontaneous way of interacting.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological tool that is used to determine a person's personality preferences. It consists of four dichotomies: Extroversion (E) versus Introversion (I), Sensing (S) versus Intuition (N), Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F), and Organization (J) versus Presence Preference (P).
Quick access to the 16 personality types:
MBTI personality types
According to the MBTI, each combination of the dichotomies represents a specific personality type.
The types in question that you mentioned are described as follows:
1. ISTJ (Logistician)
This type is organized, disciplined, and responsible. They are focused on facts, are practical and prefer structuring the world around them.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Administrative Officer
- Accountant
- Engineer
- Project manager
- Architect
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Responsible and reliable; |
X Sometimes focus too much on detailsе; |
✓ Well organized and structured; |
X Not as open to new ideas or change; |
✓ Cautious and practical; |
X Can be overly conservative or stick to tradition; |
✓ Committed to their duties; |
X Can be extremely critical of themselves and others. |
✓ Good analytical skills. |
2. ISFJ (Defender)
These people are responsive, traditional and caring. They are attentive to the needs of others and are sensitive to the emotions of others.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Social worker
- Librarian
- Nutritional therapist
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Responsive and caring; |
X Can be overly cautious and unyielding; |
✓ Sensitive to the needs of others; |
X Have difficulty expressing their own needs and boundaries; |
✓ Loyal and committed; |
X May be overly self-critical and doubt their abilities; |
✓ Good listeners and empathetic; |
X Sometimes overwhelm themselves by putting others' needs before their own. |
✓ Excellent at creating and maintaining harmony in relationships. |
3. INFJ (Lawyer)
This type is richly imaginative, idealistic and considerate of others. They have strong intuition and are motivated by personal meaning and values.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Psychologist,
- Creative writer,
- Social worker,
- Career development consultant,
- Spiritual mentor.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Attentive and empathetic; |
X Can be overly critical of self and others; |
✓ Inspired and idealistic; |
X Sometimes feel nervous or overwhelmed by the emotions of others; |
✓ Cautious and practical; |
X Can be overly self-critical and doubt their decisionsя; |
✓ Seek harmony and well-being; |
X Have difficulty setting boundaries and protecting their needs. |
✓ Motivated to help others and work to make a difference in the world. |
4. INTJ (Architect)
These people are strategic thinkers, intellectual and independent. They are analytical and have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Engineer,
- Computer programmer,
- Financial analyst,
- Entrepreneur,
- Scientific researcher.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Analytical and rational; |
X Can be overly critical or really critical of others; |
✓ Inspired and imaginative; |
X Not as open about emotions or the impact of those emotions on them; |
✓ Goal-oriented; |
X May be overconfident or self-pitying; |
✓ Innovative and strategic thinkers; |
X Sometimes feel isolated or clumsy in social situations. |
✓ Able to see deep connections and the big picture. |
5. ISTP (Virtuoso)
This type is adaptable, practical, and calm. They are good at solving problems in real time and enjoy hands-on work.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Auto Mechanic,
- Pilot,
- Firefighter,
- Military,
- Sports coach.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Logical and analytical; |
X Can be too reserved and closed to emotions; |
✓ Able to adapt to changing circumstances; |
X Tend to take risks and seek excitement; |
✓ Good at problems involving mechanics and practical skills; |
X Can neglect social aspects or the needs of others; |
✓ Able to work under pressure; |
X Sometimes have difficulty with cooperation or emotional closeness. |
✓ Independent and practical. |
6. ISFP (Adventurer)
These people are flexible, sensitive and compassionate. They appreciate harmony and beauty in the world around them and are creative and expressiveи.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Artist,
- Fashion designer,
- Graphic designer,
- Musician,
- Photographer.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Creative and expressive; |
X May be prone to perfectionism and self-criticism; |
✓ Sensitive and empathic; |
X Difficult to maintain boundaries and can become overwhelmed by the needs of others; |
✓ May see the beauty in their surroundings; |
X May have difficulty making decisions or hesitateт; |
✓ Adaptive and spontaneous; |
X Sometimes feel neglected or unacknowledged. |
✓ Empathetic and committed to relationships. |
7. INFP (Mediator)
This type is idealistic, tolerant and considerate of others. They are highly motivated by their values and have a deep inner world.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Psychotherapist,
- Writer,
- Art teacher,
- Philosopher,
- Charity coordinator.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Inspired and idealistic; |
X Can be overly sensitive and feeling the emotions of others; |
✓ Empathetic and understanding; |
X They have difficulty dealing with conflict or criticism; |
✓ Have a strong conscience and moral values; |
X Can be overly self-critical and have difficulty in self-assessmen; |
✓ Creative and expressive; |
X Sometimes lapse into passivity or isolation. |
✓ Humanitarian and willing to help others. |
8. INTP (Logician)
These people are analytical, inquisitive and logical. They seek to understand the reasons behind every thing and have a strong desire to discover the truth.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Researcher,
- Architect,
- Programmer,
- Physicist,
- Mathematician.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Analytical and logical; |
X Can be extremely critical of self and othersе; |
✓ Good problem solvers; |
X Not as open to emotions or their impact on them; |
✓ Reserved and independent; |
X May be isolated and have difficulty in social situations; |
✓ Seek knowledge and understanding; |
X Find it difficult to engage emotionally or express their feelings. |
✓ Able to see deep connections and logical systems. |
9. ESTP (Entrepreneur)
This type is energetic, action-oriented and practical. They are good at adapting to new situations and like to have fun.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Sports Coach,
- Sales representative,
- Hairdresser,
- Extreme sports guide,
- Referee.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Energetic and acting; |
X Can be impatient and intolerant of restrictions; |
✓ Good at solving problems in real time; |
X Prone to recklessness or excessive risk taking; |
✓ Good communicators and expressive; |
X Can be prone to conflict and aggression; |
✓ Accept risks and do well under pressure; |
X Have difficulty with long-term planning and engaging in more stable relationships. |
✓ Adventurous and adventurous. |
10. ESFP (Artist)
These people are spontaneous, energetic and sociable. They enjoy life, are expressive and have a knack for inspiring others.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Actor,
- Model,
- Stage director,
- Dancer,
- Event organizer.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Expressive and lively; |
X Can be unstable and feel frustrated by routine; |
✓ Sensitive to the needs and wants of others; |
X Have difficulty expressing deep or complex thoughts; |
✓ Social and sociable; |
X Tend to avoid conflict and have difficulty establishing boundaries; |
✓ Charismatic and fun; |
X Sometimes focus too much on their own needs and wants. |
✓ Creative and spontaneous. |
11. ENFP (Activist)
This type is energetic, creative and impactful. They have strong intuition and are motivated to change the world around them.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Journalist,
- Psychological consultant,
- Creative writing teacher,
- Social entrepreneur,
- Motivational speaker.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Exciting and inspiring; |
X Can be overly emotional and experience large mood swings; |
✓ Intuitive and creative; |
X Difficult to maintain focus and complete tasks; |
✓ Empathetic and sociable; |
X Can get lost in many ideas and become distracted; |
✓ Strive for personal growth and change; |
X Have difficulty accepting criticism and dealing with stress. |
✓ Energetic and enthusiastic. |
12. ENTP (Negotiator)
These people are analytical, resourceful and logical. They are curious and like to challenge the status quo and the ideas of others.
- Suitable occupations for this type:
- Lawyer,
- Project manager,
- Marketing consultant,
- Political analyst,
- Entrepreneur.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Charismatic and inspirational; |
X Can be too confrontational and argumentative;; |
✓ Logical and analytical; |
X Tend to be sloppy or irresponsible in completing tasks; |
✓ Good in challenging and complex situations; |
X Have difficulty maintaining long-term commitments; |
✓ Creative and innovative; |
X Can be impatient or rash in their decisions. |
✓ Good at negotiating and debating. |
13. ESTJ (Executive)
This type is practical, decisive, and organized. They have a strong sense of duty and are good at managing resources and organizing people.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Business Manager,
- Finance Director,
- Senior civil servant,
- Military officer,
- Property agent.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Organized and good at planning tasks and projects; |
X Does not tolerate disorderliness and disorganization, can be overly critical and strict; |
✓ Practical and realistic, good at managing resources and finances; |
X Not always flexible and adaptable to changing situations; |
✓ Responsible and reliable, prefer stability and security; |
X Can be too detail-oriented and miss big goals and visions; |
✓ Good leaders and managers, with strong command and decision-making skills; |
X Sometimes focus too much on tasks and may neglect interpersonal aspects. |
✓ Systematic and disciplined, follow procedures and rules. |
14. ESFJ (Consul)
These people are helpful, sociable and caring. They care about others and are focused on maintaining harmony in the community.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Teacher,
- Hospital nurse,
- Event organizer,
- Local community member,
- Partner in a small business.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Attentive and helpful, good at understanding and supporting others; |
X Can be overly concerned with others' opinions and have difficulty setting their own boundaries; |
✓ Friendly and communicative, focused on cooperation and harmony in relationships; |
X Sometimes avoid conflict and may lack decisiveness in difficult situations; |
✓ Dedicated and caring, often looking out for the needs and well-being of others; |
X May be overly devotional to others and forget to look out for their own needs and desires; |
✓ Organized and good at planning events and projects; |
X Sometimes lack innovation and flexibility, preferring familiar and proven ways of doing things. |
✓ Diligent and disciplined, work hard to achieve their goals. |
15. ENFJ (Coach)
This type is inspirational, empathetic and responsible. They are good communicators and leaders who strive to develop the potential of others.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- Psychologist,
- Social worker,
- Teacher of literature,
- Journalist,
- Mentor.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Inspirational and motivating, easily connect with others and support them in their personal growth; |
X Can put others' needs before their own and become overwhelmed with responsibilities; |
✓ Empathetic and understanding, have strong interpersonal skills and are good listeners; |
X Sometimes focus too much on harmony and can avoid conflict; |
✓ Visionary and intuitive, see big goals and strive to achieve them; |
X May be sensitive to criticism and lack confidence in their own decisions; |
✓ Good communicators and speakers, able to inspire and influence others; |
X Sometimes lack precision and detail, prefer general context to specific details. |
✓ Supportive and committed to the community, often choose professions where they can help people. |
16. ENTJ (Commander)
These people are decisive, strategic thinkers and influential. They have vision and leadership skills and are goal-oriented.
Suitable occupations for this type:
- CEO,
- Politician,
- Lawyer,
- Management consultant,
- Entrepreneur.
Positive and negative traits:
Positive traits: | Negative traits: |
---|---|
✓ Leaders and leaders, have strong management and organizational skills; |
X Can be too dominant and assertive, which can worsen relationships with others; |
✓ Ambitious and results-oriented, achieve their goals and accomplish tasks; |
X Not as open to new ideas or changeи; |
✓ Analytical and rational, distinguished by logical thinking and ability to plan strategically; |
X Express strong confidence in their ideas and decisions, which may make them impervious to alternative views; |
✓ Enterprising and decisive, not afraid to take risks and make difficult decisions; |
X Can be impatient and insufficiently patient with others who do not conform to their standards and expectations. |
✓ Effective communicators, able to influence others and guide their teams. |
A little theory:
The Mayer-Briggs theory is a model for describing personality types developed by mother and daughter, Catherine Cooks Briggs and Isabel Mayers, in the 1940s. They based their work on the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's earlier research on analytical psychology.
The Mayer-Briggs theory is based on the assumption that people have preferences in four main categories: Extraversion/ Introversion (E/I), Sensing/Intuitive (S/N), Thinking/Feeling (T/F), and Judging/Perceiving (J/P). The combinations of these preferences are summarized into 16 different personality types.
Since then, the Mayer-Briggs theory has been further developed by various psychologists and professionals in the field of organizational psychology and personnel selection. It is widely used in staff training, professional development, communication skills and teamwork. It is also frequently used in psychological counseling, family therapy, and other areas where understanding and analysis of personality are important.
The Meier-Briggs Typology is considered a tool for self-discovery and understanding of individual preferences and behaviors. However, it should be noted that this theory has its critics who point to its lack of scientific validity and insufficient empirical support. Some research studies have questioned the accuracy and reliability of the methodology and, in particular, the very tests that are used to determine personality types.
However, the Mayer-Briggs theory continues to be widely disseminated and used in many contexts because of its simplicity and easily understood model for describing personality differences.
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