Instructions for Leading a Myers-Briggs Session

Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) based on the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. The MBTI is a self-assessment report consisting of multiple choice questions designed to indentify personality type. Dr. Mathew Bennet, in his description of the MBTI for the Ventana Center for Psychotherapy, called the administration of the test "exceptionally easy." That said, there are a few guidelines to follow to make sure you present the test in a clear, ethical manner.

General Guidelines

• In order to administer the MBTI in an ethical manner you must follow particular guidelines. First of all, you must clearly identify the test and the theory on which it is based to respondents. Describe the test as measuring healthy personality differences, and stress to respondents that all personality types are valuable. Present the personality types in nonjudgmental terms and as tendencies, preferences, or inclinations, rather than absolutes. Stress that type is a preference, rather than an ability, and that a person can act outside of his or her preference. Finally, it is essential to distinguish between the research on personality types and anecdotal evidence.

Administering the MBTI

• You must tell respondents that the MBTI is voluntary and confidential; be sure to stress that it is not a test, and that you will not use the results to label or limit the respondent. Inform all respondents of the results of their tests, especially if you're administering the MBTI for research purposes. Give the test in its entirety in one session. Be sure to use the most recent MBTI manual to score the test.

Feedback

• Plan a feedback session that follows specific criteria. Give the results of the MBTI directly to respondents, not through email or mail. Present the feedback session as the beginning of a process. Provide descriptions of all sixteen personality types and be sure to present personality type results as a working hypothesis used to help the respondent make a self assessment. If the respondent disagrees, explore the respondent's hesitations. The MBTI results should not be used to counsel someone away from a career path.

Qualifications for Administration

• The MBTI is a restricted assessment tool that requires qualification to administer. A practitioner becomes qualified through either previous academic training or by completing courses specifically designed to meet MBTI qualifications and guidelines. Although it's not necessary, a practitioner may choose to become an MBTI Master Practitioner by successfully completing an MBTI Certification Program---accruing continuing education credits and a minimum of 40 hours of practical administration.