MBTI: An Example of Personality Typing
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular framework for understanding personality differences. It is based on research by Carl Jung, Katherine C. Briggs, and Isabel Briggs Myers.
Four Basic Personality Areas
- Extraverted (E) or Introverted (I):
Where do you get your energy?- E: From external sources, social interaction, and activity
- I: From within, reflection, and solitude
- Sensing (S) or iNtuitive (N):
How do you absorb information?- S: Through the senses, focusing on facts and details
- N: Via instincts, patterns, and possibilities
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F):
How do you make decisions?- T: Using logic and objectivity
- F: Using personal, subjective values and empathy
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P):
How do you approach the external world?- J: Prefer organized, scheduled, and structured environments
- P: Prefer flexible, adaptable, and open-ended environments
Myers-Briggs personality types. (Source)
MBTI with Software Engineers
Based on: Capretz, Luiz Fernando. “Personality types in software engineering.” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 58.2 (2003): 207-214.
Research shows that the distribution of MBTI types among software engineers is very different from the general US population.
MBTI distribution in the general US population:
| Type | ISTJ | ISFJ | INFJ | INTJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | 11.6% | 11.6% | 1.5% | 2.1% |
| Type | ISTP | ISFP | INFP | INTP |
| % | 5.4% | 8.8% | 4.4% | 3.3% |
| Type | ESTP | ESFP | ENFP | ENTP |
| % | 4.3% | 8.5% | 8.1% | 3.2% |
| Type | ESTJ | ESFJ | ENFJ | ENTJ |
| % | 8.7% | 12.3% | 2.5% | 1.8% |
MBTI distribution among software engineers:
| Type | ISTJ | ISFJ | INFJ | INTJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | 24% | 2% | 1% | 7% |
| Type | ISTP | ISFP | INFP | INTP |
| % | 8% | 5% | 2% | 8% |
| Type | ESTP | ESFP | ENFP | ENTP |
| % | 8% | 1% | 3% | 7% |
| Type | ESTJ | ESFJ | ENFJ | ENTJ |
| % | 15% | 4% | 1% | 4% |
Notable MBTI Differences in Software Engineers
Research highlights significant differences between the MBTI profiles of software engineers and the general US population:
- ISTJ: About twice as common among software engineers (24% vs 12%).
ISTJs are detail-oriented, logical, and reliable—traits that fit well with the demands of software development. - ISFJ: About five times less common among software engineers.
ISFJs tend to be more focused on harmony and personal values, which may be less emphasized in technical roles. - INTJ: Roughly three times more common among software engineers.
INTJs are strategic, independent, and enjoy solving complex problems—qualities highly valued in engineering. - ESFP: About eight times less common among software engineers.
ESFPs are outgoing and spontaneous, preferring hands-on activities and social interaction, which are less central in most software roles.
Why is this the case?
Software engineering tends to attract people who:
- Prefer working independently or in small groups (Introverts)
- Value logic, structure, and detail (Thinking, Judging, Sensing)
- Enjoy solving complex problems and thinking abstractly (Intuitive, Thinking)
- Appreciate clear goals and organized environments (Judging)
Example:
An ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) may thrive in roles requiring careful analysis, attention to detail, and methodical problem-solving—traits highly valued in software development.
An INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) might excel at designing system architecture or developing innovative solutions, thanks to their strategic and analytical mindset.
Applying MBTI Insights to Team Leadership
Understanding MBTI profiles can help managers:
- Tailor communication:
- Introverts may prefer written updates or one-on-one meetings.
- Extraverts may enjoy group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Assign tasks:
- Judging types often excel at planning, meeting deadlines, and organizing work.
- Perceiving types may be better at adapting to change, handling uncertainty, and generating creative ideas.
- Motivate teams:
- Thinking types respond well to logical arguments, clear goals, and constructive feedback.
- Feeling types appreciate recognition, team harmony, and supportive environments.
- Build balanced teams:
- Mix personality types to cover strengths and weaknesses.
- For example, pair detail-oriented ISTJs with big-picture INTJs, or add Perceiving types to encourage flexibility and innovation.
Example:
If your team is mostly INTJs and ISTJs, you may need to consciously encourage brainstorming and creative risk-taking, or recruit more Perceiving types to foster adaptability and openness to new —
Disclaimer: AI is used for text polishing and explaining. Authors have verified all facts and claims. In case of an error, feel free to file an issue.