Have you considered sending your employees for interactive Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) workshops? Heavily influenced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, the MBTI is a popular personality assessment. It is not only widely used as a vehicle of personal growth but also as an invaluable tool in the corporate world.

Reeracoen’s MBTI Workshop

More than 88 percent of Fortune 500 companies utilise the MBTI, whether it be for recruitment or employee retention! Likewise, Reeracoen recognises the value of having our employees trained by MBTI-certified instructors.

During Reeracoen Group’s Management Camp 2023, an external consultancy firm was hired to conduct specialised MBTI training. Besides discovering their types as well as that of their colleagues, our managers learnt how to interact with different MBTI types in various scenarios.

Our managers were subsequently split into groups and tasked to "sell" chocolates in a manner which appealed to different MBTI types. The winning team won via a needs-based consultation replete with personalised recommendations—they were the only ones who decided to ask what the customer wanted in his chocolate before pitching.

Therefore, the MBTI framework is truly a powerful catalyst for organisational growth! Here are 3 ways in which your company can utilise the MBTI to upgrade your workforce:

1. Building Effective Teams

Potential candidates are individuals with complex personalities. When used in tandem with interviews and other tools, the MBTI will help you assess candidates more holistically during the recruitment process. You can evaluate the candidates' behavioural tendencies in a work setting—and determine whether they will gel with the rest of the team.

Furthermore, the MBTI comes in handy when building your dream team. To have every team member of a similar temperament is not ideal. For instance, a team primarily made up of Thinkers may have difficulty empathising with their clients or being tactful. There should be a harmonious balance of MBTI types on each team; each type has unique gifts to offer.

2. Improving Communication

Moreover, the MBTI can help to improve communication amongst existing teams. With a deeper appreciation of how different MBTI types think and talk, your employees can then tailor the way they interact to suit their colleagues’ preferred communication styles. Thus, the MBTI aids teams in working cohesively, which in turn causes productivity to increase.

This personality assessment tool is particularly relevant for managers who wish to motivate their team members. Work motivation varies from type to type. The Intuitive Feelers (ENFP, ENFJ, INFP, INFJ) are highly motivated by meaningful work relationships, an aspect which other types may not value as much.

3. Cultivating Top-Notch Leaders

You can also use the MBTI as a vital tool for leadership development. The leadership style of your managers will be heavily dependent on their respective MBTI types. Are they charismatic and passionate leaders with a larger than life personality? Or are they sensitive leaders who lead with a quiet strength? The MBTI framework will enable your managers to understand themselves better—and equip them with the skillsets to lead effectively.

A Note of Caution

For best results, avoid introducing the MBTI framework in teams where interactions have been acrimonious and hostile. This is because knowledge of the MBTI may potentially be employed as a weapon to undermine other team members, rendering it counter-productive. Address the underlying causes of conflict first.

While you’re conducting MBTI workshops for your employees, drive across the message that the MBTI is merely an instrument to help them understand diverse individuals and their preferences. Caution your employees against labelling—and any discriminatory behaviour which may flow from it. For example, just because inconsistency is a common weakness of the ESFP type does not mean all ESFPs are flighty (or change their minds at a snap of a finger).

Looking to hire?

We’ve put together a comprehensive toolkit to help you successfully hire the right person for your open positions.

To receive Your Guide to Recruiting Top Talent, please fill in this Inquiry form and let us know in the Message Box!

Read more:

Accelerate HR 2023 Highlights

Should Your Company Use ChatGPT?