1. An Introduction to the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Boston Debate League
Team Retreat
February 21-22 2013

2. Objectives
• To introduce the theory and framework behind the
MBTI, including concepts and definitions of terms.
• To strengthen individual and group processes of
communication, problem-solving and decision-making.
• To increase each individual’s awareness of his/her
interpersonal style, communication patterns, and
strengths to the team.
• To encourage the recognition and use of valuable
individual differences within the team to improve
quality and performance.

3. Four Preference Scales
• Extraversion - Introversion
• Sensing - Intuition
• Thinking - Feeling
• Judging - Perceiving

4. You decide …
… how accurate
the report is for you

6. Extraversion - Introversion
• Extraverts are energized
by the outer world of
people and things
Introverts are
energized by the inner
world of thoughts and
reflections.

7. The Extravert ...
• Is often friendly,
talkative, easy to
know.
• Feels pulled
outward by external
claims and
conditions.
• Acts, then (maybe)
reflects.
• Gives breadth to life

8. The Introvert ...
• Is often reserved,
quiet, hard to know.
• Feels pulled inward
by external claims
and intrusions.
• Reflects, then
(maybe) acts.
• Gives depth to life

9. Some Key Words
E
Active
Outward
Sociable
People
Many
Expressive
Breadth
I
Reflective
Inward
Reserved
Privacy
Few
Quiet
Depth

10. Sensing - Intuition
• Sensors take in information
by way of the five senses -
sight, sound, feel, taste and
smell.
Intuitives
process information
by way of a “sixth
sense’ or hunch.

11. The Sensor ...
• Starts at the
beginning, takes a
step a time.
• Likes specifics, facts,
details and examples.
• Looks at specific parts
and pieces.
• Lives in the present,
enjoying what’s there.

12. The Intuitive ...
• Starts in anywhere, leaps
over steps.
• Likes concepts, ideas,
themes and possibilities.
• Looks at patterns and
relationships.
• Lives toward the future,
anticipating what might
be.

13. Some Key Words
S
Details
Present
Practical
Facts
Sequential
Directions
Repetition
N
Patterns
Future
Imaginative
Innovations
Random
Hunches
Variety

14. Thinking - Feeling
• Thinkers decide on the
basis of logic and objective
considerations.
Feelers decide on
the basis of personal,
subjective values.

15. The Thinker ...
• Goes by logic,
decides with the head.
• Concerned for truth,
justice.
• Spontaneously finds
flaws, criticizes.
• Good at analyzing
plans.

16. The Feeler ...
• Goes by personal
convictions, decides
with the heart.
• Concerned for
relationships,
harmony.
• Spontaneously
appreciates.
• Good at
understanding people.

17. Some Key Words
T
Head
Objective
Justice
Impersonal
Criticize
Analyze
Principles
F
Heart
Subjective
Harmony
Personal
Appreciate
Empathize
Values

18. Judging - Perceiving
• Judgers prefer to live
in a planned, orderly and
systematic way.
Perceivers prefer to
live in a flexible, adaptable
and spontaneous way.

19. The Judger ...
• Likes definite order
and structure.
• Likes to have life
under control.
• Feels comfortable
establishing closure.
• Handles deadlines,
plans in advance.

20. The Perceiver ...
• Likes going with the
flow.
• Prefers to experience
life as it happens.
• Feels comfortable
leaving things open-ended.
• Meets deadlines by
last minute rush.

21. Some Key Words
J
Organized
Structure
Control
Decisive
Deliberate
Plan
Closure
P
Flexible
Flow
Experience
Curious
Spontaneous
Wait
Openness

22. When combined …
… your four preferences
Extraversion or Introversion
Sensing or iNtuition
Thinking or Feeling
Judging or Perceiving
indicate your preference type

25. What the Number Scores Mean
1-9 = slight preference
10-19 = moderate preference
20-35 = clear preference
Over 35 = very clear preference