Using MBTI Typing as a Coaching tool

There are some sceptics of personality/ psychometric assessments and a lot of the stigma I think is because many of them focus on there being some results and profiles meaning you are more employable or a "stronger leader". One of the reasons I resonate with the Myers-Briggs assessment is that there is no good or bad type, simply 16 types based on the individual's preferences. Thinking specifically on how you get your energy, how you make decisions, how you process information and how you approach the outside world. The types are summarised by typical characteristics below.

I have undertaken MBTI Step 1 and Step 2 assessments both stand alone and as part of the coaching process for a client of mine or a colleagues, and always find this a worthwhile experience for the individual. For me this is down to several factors.

1. The client undertaking an assessment questionnaire and exploring types through facilitated discussions to find their "Best- fit type" The assessment itself has a fairly accurate success rate, but this doesn't mean it always is right. The discussions you have with somebody about how they make decisions, or how they best like to be managed or take in information is enriching for both the client and coach, but also it makes sure the client is happy and comfortable the profile sums them up perfectly. I am always happy to explore a few profile summaries with my client to make sure they find the one that fits them as they are.

2. The reports offer comprehensive summaries of the way you like to do things as a person and the tasks and situations you may struggle with- which aids self-awareness and provides the opportunity to develop yourself. The fact this is just preferences based too is very liberating. I may prefer to work in a more spontaneous way, but that doesn't mean I can't use a spreadsheet or work to a deadline, I just might feel more energised and more motivated following my preference for example. If one of my coaching clients is finding something particularly difficult- say they are finding they are needing more detail in a project and they aren't sure why this is, if they discover they have a strong Sensing preference, and realise they are working for more of an Intuition based manager, one of their actions can be to assert that preference and find ways to ensure they get what they need in quite an easy way.

3. The reports suggest ways that you may come across to others, and how you can communicate better to avoid being misunderstood. After I did my own MBTI a few years ago, I particularly recall reading that my over-enthusiasm can be misunderstood and can come across as overbearing. This immediately made me remember a time when I was so excited someone was getting married I offered to send them contacts and was asking them lots of questions. After this, I felt the person was avoiding talking to me about it at all. I didn't have any intention of helping them with their wedding, or taking over anything- but my excitement for them made me think of planning mine, and I railroaded them in one conversation. This has really made me more aware of when I need to be enthusiastic- for example when cheering on my clients in coaching, and when I need to sit back and support quietly. Clients always find the tips very helpful, they aren't judgemental and they offer constructive feedback to work through and refer back to time and again.

4. Depending on why we are coaching, the client may be looking to increase their self-awareness and MBTI can be such a good tool for this. Coaching brings up questions for clients throughout, and they can find themselves on a real self discovery journey as they reflect on sessions and their thoughts and actions between sessions. As a coach, it helps me understand my client better too- and we can work together on understanding why they might be struggling with something, using the profile as a guide or insight.

As an OD Professional, I have researched and worked with different learning and development tools and above are just some of the reasons MBTI is my absolute favourite. There is no right or wrong way to be, and that is how it should be.

I am a qualified MBTI Instructor and have a personal account with them. If any of my clients would like to undertake this assessment there is an additional cost for this which I can arrange through Myers-Briggs for you. I offer this as a standalone service for those who are interested in completing their MBTI without coaching too. Please get in touch if you are interested, as always I am happy to talk with you about it.