Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed in Small Business? Find Out with the MBTI Personality Test

Overview of MBTI Personality Types 

The MBTI test was invented in the 1940s by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types. The test is designed to identify an individual's personality type based on four dichotomies:

• Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
• Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
• Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
• Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) 

There are 16 personality types that can be derived from the four dichotomies, each with its own unique combination of characteristics. Here's a brief overview of each personality type and its strengths and weaknesses: 

• ISTJ (The Inspector): Practical, dependable, and organised, but may need help with adapting to change. 
• ISFJ (The Protector): Caring, responsible, and loyal, but may have difficulty making decisions. 
• INFJ (The Counselor): Insightful, empathetic, and strategic, but may be overly idealistic. 
• INTJ (The Mastermind): Logical, strategic, and independent, but may struggle with emotions and social interactions. 
• ISTP (The Craftsman): Adaptable, analytical, and independent, but may avoid commitments and be impulsive. 
• ISFP (The Composer): Creative, empathetic, and flexible, but may struggle with criticism and conflict. 
• INFP (The Healer): Idealistic, compassionate, and imaginative, but may struggle with decision-making and practical tasks. 
• INTP (The Architect): Analytical, logical, and curious, but may be overly critical and struggle with emotions. 
• ESTP (The Dynamo): Energetic, spontaneous, and persuasive, but may have difficulty with planning and long-term commitments. 
• ESFP (The Performer): Outgoing, adaptable, and enthusiastic but may need help with criticism and follow-through. 
• ENFP (The Champion): Enthusiastic, creative, and empathetic, but may struggle with focus and practical tasks. 
• ENTP (The Visionary): Innovative, analytical, and independent, but may need help with follow-through and detail-oriented tasks. 
• ESTJ (The Supervisor): Efficient, practical, and responsible, but may struggle with flexibility and adapting to change. 
• ESFJ (The Provider): Sociable, caring, and supportive, but may have difficulty with conflict and criticism. 
• ENFJ (The Teacher): Charismatic, empathetic, and strategic, but may struggle with setting boundaries and self-care. 
• ENTJ (The Commander): Assertive, strategic, and confident, but may be overly critical and struggle with empathy.

The following section will explore how small business owners can apply their MBTI personality type to their businesses. 

Applying MBTI Personality Types to Small Business Owners 

Understanding your personality type is the first step in applying the MBTI Personality Test to your small business. To learn about your personality, it's best to take part in an instrument test by a trained professional. Once you know your personality type, you can understand how you best make decisions, interact with others, and approach problem-solving. This understanding can be especially valuable for small business owners, as it can help you play to your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses.

Introverted small business owners

As a small business owner, your personality type can influence many aspects of your business. For example, introverted small business owners may have a different approach to marketing than extroverted ones, and analytical thinkers may approach decision-making differently than more spontaneous individuals.  

Extroverted small business owners

As an extroverted small business owner, you may be great at networking and promoting your business, but you may struggle with tasks that require more introspection or attention to detail. Conversely, if you're an introverted small business owner, you may excel at jobs requiring focus and analysis but need help with networking or public speaking. 

Moreover, understanding your personality type can also help you improve communication and collaboration with employees or partners. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can identify areas where you may need assistance or support and work with others with complementary skills and strengths. 

In the next section, we will explore some of the benefits of using the MBTI Personality Test for small business owners. 

Benefits of Using the MBTI Personality Test for Small Business Owners 

There are several benefits to using the MBTI Personality Test as a small business owner. By gaining a deeper understanding of your personality type, you can: 

• Greater self-awareness: The MBTI Personality Test can help you become more self-aware by highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge can help you make better decisions and improve your overall performance. 
• Enhanced decisioning: By understanding your personality type and how it affects your decision-making style, you can make more informed and effective decisions for your business. 
• Improved communication: Understanding your personality type can help you communicate more effectively with your employees or partners. By recognising the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and others, you can tailor your communication style to fit the needs of the individual better. 
• Increased satisfaction: When you are in a role that aligns with your personality type, you are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and, ultimately, business success. 
• Better relationships: By understanding your personality type, you can better understand the needs and preferences of your customers. This can help you tailor your marketing and sales strategies more effectively and successfully.   

In the next section, we will examine some examples of how different personality types can manifest in small businesses. 

Examples of MBTI Personality Types in Small Business 

Every small business is unique, and the personality types of its owners can significantly impact how the business is run. Here are some examples of how different personality types can manifest in various types of small businesses: 

Sole Traders 

As a sole trader, you are responsible for all aspects of your business. This requires high self-motivation and independence, making personality types such as ISTP, ESTP, and INTJ well-suited for this type of business. These types tend to be analytical, action-oriented, and self-reliant, which can be advantageous as a sole proprietor. 

Freelancers 

Freelancers are typically self-employed and work on a project-by-project basis. This type of work requires flexibility, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Personality types such as INFP, ENFP, and ENTP can thrive in this type of work, as they tend to be creative, adaptable, and independent. 

Consultants 

As a consultant, your job is to provide expert advice and guidance to your clients. This requires a high level of expertise and credibility, which can be facilitated by personality types such as ISTJ, ENTJ, and ESTJ. These types tend to be analytical, decisive, and well-organised, which are important traits in consulting. 

Tradies 

Tradies are skilled tradespeople who typically work in construction, plumbing, electrical, or similar trades. This work requires attention to detail, precision, and hands-on skills. Personality types such as ISTP, ESTP, and ESFP can excel in this domain, as they are practical, hands-on, and detail-oriented.

Creatives 

Creatives work in advertising, graphic design, and art, requiring a high level of creativity and innovation. Personality types such as ENFP, INFP, and ENTP can excel in this work, as they tend to be imaginative, creative, and open-minded. 

Photographers 

Photographers require a combination of technical skills and artistic ability. This type of work requires attention to detail, patience, and a good eye for composition. Personality types such as ISTJ, ESTP, and INFJ can be well-suited for this type of work, as they tend to be detail-oriented, practical, and have a strong sense of aesthetics. 

Myers-Briggs Test FAQs 

What is MBTI? 

MBTI stands for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality assessment tool used to categorise people into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences in four dichotomies: Extraversion-Introversion, Sensing-Intuition, Thinking-Feeling, and Judging-Perceiving. 

How accurate is the MBTI? 

The MBTI has been criticised for lacking scientific evidence and reliability. While it can provide some insight into personality preferences, it is not a definitive measure of personality. 

Can your MBTI type change over time? 

While your MBTI type is based on your preferences, which may shift slightly over time, your type is generally considered stable throughout your life. 

Can the MBTI be used for hiring or career guidance? 

While some companies and career counsellors may use the MBTI for hiring or career guidance, it is not recommended to use it as the sole basis for making decisions. It is better used as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth.   

How can I find out my MBTI type? 

You can take an online MBTI assessment or consult with a certified MBTI practitioner. However, remember that results may not always be accurate or consistent. 

Understanding your personality type is essential to being a successful small business owner. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Test is a valuable tool for identifying your strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur. By specifying your personality type, you can understand how your personality affects your decision-making, communication, and collaboration with employees or partners. Additionally, the MBTI Personality Test can help improve self-awareness, decision-making abilities, productivity, and job satisfaction.