The Greatest Strength (And Worst Weakness) Of Each Myers Briggs Personality Type
What's yours?
Have you ever taken an online personality test?
Understanding human personalities are far from an exact science. Each person is affected by a unique blend of interactions, events, and experiences. This blend ultimately shapes our worldviews and gives each of us a one-of-a-kind personality. Something that Myers Briggs sums up into four little letters when you take a test to find out your own.
Each of the 16 Myers Briggs Personality Types has a distinct personality, complete with a combination of strengths and weaknesses. The Myers Briggs Personality Types range from ISTJ to ENFP and are measured by four parameters: Introversion vs. Extroversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving.
Knowing which type you are can be vital, especially when you’re trying to identify situations that are easy (or difficult) for you to deal with. Ultimately, our personality type can either help or hinder our abilities to handle what life throws at us.
It may help us feel confident like we’re on top of the world and nothing can stop us. Maybe it allows us to be really productive at work and empowers us to ask our boss for a raise. Or perhaps we’re able to feel really connected with our family and friends.
Or maybe we’re lucky enough to have a new relationship that’s going really well. But it’s not always like this. Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly. That raise we were thinking of asking for? Not so easy if we’re always forgetting to check our emails.
Similarly, we may not feel as secure in our relationships with friends and family if we’re prone to arguing with them. And that new relationship won’t be going so well if we’re too independent to answer their texts or too busy to commit to plans.
RELATED: People With This Personality Type More Likely To Cheat, Says Study
The bottom line is, nobody’s perfect: we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and they influence us in unique ways. Our personality type is a major influence on how we handle each situation we find ourselves in. This is why some of us seem to excel in a particular context, while others may find themselves at a loss for what to do.
If you know which Myers-Briggs Personality Type you are, see if our description of your greatest strength and worst weakness matches your expectations. And if not, see if you can guess which type you are based on each type’s strengths and weaknesses.
1. ISTJ (Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
ISTJs are very organized and know how to follow through on their plans. This can be great when they need to adhere to a work schedule or keep a promise.
However, their tendency to focus on facts and details may get in the way of them being able to relax and have a good time.
2. ISFJ (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
ISFJs are incredibly hard-working and committed to reaching their goals. They’re willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them to do the best job possible.
This drive and passion also translates into perfectionism, which can be problematic in certain situations. If they are too concerned about getting everything right, they may get stuck and have trouble moving forward to newer tasks.
3. INFJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
For INFJs, creativity is definitely a strong point. Their ideas and imaginations may seem endless, and this can lead to greatness.
INFJs also tend to be sensitive to conflicts. Though they try their best to avoid causing discord with others, conflict is inevitable, and it can have a profound impact on INFJ’s stability.
4. INTJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
INTJs are highly intelligent, and they usually apply this intelligence to make the world a better place.
On the flip side, they set high standards for both themselves and the people around them. INTJs may have a hard time accepting situations in which these standards are not met.
5. ISTP (Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
What stands out in the personality of ISTPs is their remarkable ability to solve problems. Whenever a problem arises, they are sure to be thinking of potentially workable solutions.
They are also typically relaxed around others, and this could invite others to take advantage of them if they’re not careful.
6. ISFP (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
ISFPs are naturally helpful, and this is a great strength. They are always checking up on others to make sure they are doing well.
However, their sensitivity to conflict could cause problems for them, especially in high-pressure situations.
7. INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
INFPs have a genuine love for life, despite all the curveballs, it may throw at them. They can easily adapt to the problems that arise in their lives without getting upset or overwhelmed.
If INFPs feel like they made a mistake in a certain situation, they have a hard time forgiving themselves. Their perceived mistakes can really mess with their mood.
8. INTP (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
The minds of INTPs are incredibly logical, and this can come in handy in a variety of situations. If you need help with a math problem or riddle, consulting INTP would be wise.
INTPs run into trouble when it comes to analyzing emotions. Their “emotional toolkit” may be lacking, and this could cause problems when INTPs are trying to form emotional connections with others.
9. ESTP (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
ESTPs have boundless energy, and they often focus this energy toward solving problems.
Sometimes, their need for constant action gets the best of them, particularly when they engage in risky behaviors. In these situations, ESTPs may be too preoccupied with seeking a thrill to consider the consequences of their actions.
10. ESFP (Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
ESFPs interpersonal skills are a great strength for them. They have the ability to understand emotions very well and are skilled in collaborating with others.
For ESFPs, these skills are often accompanied with a desire for attention. If this gets out of hand, they can drive themselves crazy trying to gain the attention and approval of others.
11. ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
ENFPs take a genuine interest in people. They usually have no trouble finding ways to connect with and relate to others.
In contrast, they have trouble taking direction from sources of authority. If they don’t keep this in check, it could cause serious problems, especially with work supervisors.
12. ENTP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
ENTPs love a great challenge, especially when it puts their intelligence to the test. They’re likely to enjoy activities such as debates and trivia games.
A weakness of ENTPs is their tendency to become bored with routines. In extreme cases, this could make it difficult for them to keep a steady job or carry out repetitive everyday tasks.
13. ESTJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
If you need something to be done efficiently, ESTJs are the ones you should call on to facilitate this. They can organize large groups of people and break down complex tasks into manageable steps.
Just because ESTJs know how to manage effectively doesn’t mean they don’t get carried away sometimes. If the pressure to accomplish the task gets to them, they could become forceful and pushy, potentially creating conflicts with the people they are trying to manage.
14. ESFJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
ESFJs have a great desire to help others. They thrive when placed in leadership roles and try their best to act as role models.
After helping others, ESFJs desire appreciation for their good deeds. They may become upset if their helpfulness goes unnoticed.
15. ENFJ (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
ENFJs are very skilled in connecting with others. Their intuition guides them when it comes to assessing others’ feelings and desires.
On the other hand, they can be very outspoken, and this could lead to trouble if their statements end up getting under the skin of others.
16. ENTJ (Extrovert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
ENTJ thrives when they are leading the pack. They can weigh potential courses of action and make decisions rather easily.
However, they are also perfectionists, and this could get in the way of their abilities to effectively lead others.