Motivating Personality Types – Get More Engaged Employees
Read what you should pay attention to in order to achieve more motivated employees.
By Thomas Bering, CfL, October 2020
JTI – Jungian Type Index – is a personality test based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types. In essence, Jung's theory posits that all people can be grouped into 16 personality types based on certain fixed psychological preferences.
JTI is a method for exploring which preferences are strongest in an individual. Within the JTI framework, personality is described in terms of four polarized dimensions, each containing two preferences. These preferences outline the way a person naturally prefers to be in the world.
As an individual, you naturally lean toward one preference or the other, and these preferences are defining for both your approach to the external world and your inner life.
The somewhat oddly placed capital letters in iNtuition and oPfattelse, and the “missing” J in Judgement, are due to the Danish adaptation of the terms: Judgement = J, Perception (oPfattelse) = P, and iNtuition = N. N is chosen to avoid confusion with Introversion = I.
In the image above, the eight preferences are shown. As an individual, you favor one preference over the other in each of the four polarized dimensions. That is, if you have a preference for extraversion, you cannot simultaneously be introverted.
The JTI personality test examines a person’s preference in each of the four dimensions, resulting in a type code that consists of the four letters associated with those preferences.
Below you will find a description of each of the 16 JTI personality types. When reading these descriptions, please note:
Click on the type code you wish to read more about:
The ISTJ type consists of responsible, meticulous, and punctual individuals. They have a firm grip on reality, ensuring security and precise control over facts and details, consistently letting their rational assessment guide their actions. They do not let impulses dictate their endeavors, whether personally or professionally; once they commit, they see it through systematically and persistently.
ISTJs set high standards for both themselves and others in terms of responsibility, effort, integrity, and structure.
When you get to know them, you may find that beneath the surface they harbor personal and deeply rooted thoughts, though in social interactions they often appear neutral and reserved.
ISTJs are forthright in expressing what they believe must be said. They expect others to do the same and generally maintain that actions speak louder than words in both life and work.
The ISTP type is made up of realistic, action-oriented, and adaptable individuals.
An ISTP may appear socially reserved and come off as a detached, passive observer, only to suddenly burst into action and take charge when unforeseen problems or crises arise that require handling.
ISTPs are independent and less concerned with planning or organizing others. They are most comfortable in the physical world of facts and enjoy diving into the challenges that this world offers, sometimes in ways that may seem bold or even reckless, such as in extreme sports.
They are keen on understanding how things work and how facts should be organized, often using their observational skills and logic to solve problems. Yet when something becomes routine, they easily revert to a passive observer role until the next challenge awakens their initiative.
The ESTP type consists of action-oriented, alert, and straightforward individuals. In both life and work, they are down-to-earth, adaptable, and tolerant, and are generally seen as open and direct.
They tend to form an accurate picture of a situation as it really is, using common sense to find flexible and pragmatic ways to handle challenges. Their open and agile approach often makes them effective problem solvers, inspiring a similar readiness for solutions in others.
ESTPs focus on facts and experience, and they have little time for theorizing or abstraction until practical results have been demonstrated.
They typically have high energy levels but dislike spending time on tasks that don’t immediately capture their interest or seem meaningful. Situations where nothing happens or where planning and routine overshadow action can trigger restlessness in ESTPs.
The ESTJ type is characterized by practical, logical, and decisive individuals. They have a strong grip on the realities of life and work, and are excellent, down-to-earth planners who tackle tasks with robust—and if necessary, assertive—determination.
They prefer to work with facts, have little patience for airy speculations, and once they have drawn a conclusion or made a decision, they rarely waver unless presented with new, logical arguments supported by tangible facts.
ESTJs systematically use their skills and experience to get things done and achieve results, and they show little tolerance for chaos, inefficiency, or time wasted on activities that don’t yield concrete outcomes.
They set high expectations for themselves and others, eagerly taking charge to ensure that tasks are completed effectively.
The ISFJ type comprises loyal, reliable, and considerate individuals. They have a firm hold on reality and facts, are attentive to details, and possess a keen awareness of others’ needs and feelings. As soon as they see that something useful can be done, they quietly assume the responsibility to act.
ISFJs are meticulous, conscientious, and committed to ensuring that everything is done correctly and on time. They do not impulsively dive into commitments or relationships, but once they have undertaken something, it takes a significant effort for them to withdraw.
They find deep meaning and satisfaction in supporting and helping others, both professionally and personally, often serving as a quiet, stabilizing force in their environment.
Outwardly, they usually appear calm and composed—even in crises—but those who get to know them well often discover that ISFJs are lively, intense, and frequently very humorous.
The ISFP type consists of patient, flexible, and gentle individuals. They have a strong, personally anchored set of values regarding life and work, sometimes with an artistic inclination. They want their actions to be meaningful and significant in line with what they believe in, though their inner values and warmth are reserved for those they know well.
ISFPs tend not to rely on many grand words, preferring to let their actions speak for themselves. They are usually adept at perceiving what needs to be done in the moment and then quietly doing it. When they believe in what they do, they work conscientiously until they nearly achieve perfection.
In everyday life, they appear with a quiet, tolerant reserve and modesty. While generally adaptable and harmony-seeking, their flexibility ends the moment they feel that some of their inner loyalties or values are being threatened—in which case, they stand their ground.
The ESFP type is characterized by sociable, lively, and spontaneous individuals. They live in the moment and thrive when they feel fully engaged in what’s happening, often eager to involve as many people as possible in the fun.
They are tolerant and genuinely interested in others, placing high value on interpersonal relationships and doing everything they can—with contagious enthusiasm—to create and maintain harmony. Their ability to read the mood of the moment, combined with an open and flexible attitude, often helps defuse tense situations and reconnect people.
ESFPs generally aren’t drawn to abstract ideas or theories unless they have experienced their practical value firsthand. In both life and work, they rely little on planning and structure, instead trusting their ability to spontaneously sense what needs to be done and simply act.
The ESFJ type consists of caring and punctual individuals. They quickly see what needs to be done and act on it while remaining observant of others’ needs and feelings. They are sensitive to the nuances of interpersonal interactions and ensure that things are handled in a way that caters to people’s needs and fosters harmony.
ESFJs come across as tactful, warm, and sympathetic, while also being diligent and conscientious in fulfilling their responsibilities. They thrive best in environments where communication and interaction allow for human warmth rather than being brief and impersonal.
They are preoccupied with what is right and wrong and are usually loyal to established traditions, authorities, and rules. However, within certain limits, they are willing to go to great lengths to accommodate others—even when there is disagreement—if it helps maintain harmony and positive relationships.
The INFJ type comprises supportive, insightful, and determined individuals. They are highly independent and individualistic, often brimming with ideas that arise from their inner world of fantasy, inspiration, and possibilities.
They are deeply engaged with human development, often exhibiting great empathy and a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics. In interactions, INFJs typically come across as sympathetic and tolerant, yet reserved and sometimes even somewhat distant or dreamy.
While they are less inclined to directly articulate their visions, insights, and goals, they can strongly influence and inspire others through their quiet persuasiveness, loyalty, and inner strength.
They are persistent and meticulous in fulfilling their commitments. When they set their mind to something—or when they perceive that important values are being compromised—they can become unwaveringly determined and action-oriented, often surprising those who have only seen their gentle, harmony-seeking side.
The INFP type is characterized by idealistic, imaginative, and independent individuals. They are deeply rooted in their inner values and convictions, using these beliefs to evaluate most aspects of life, including themselves.
In both life and work, they continually seek new opportunities to manifest their inner vision, and they are not content unless what they do feels meaningful in relation to higher ideals.
INFPs are generally more demanding of themselves than of others, and they typically come across as sociable, flexible individuals who do not feel a strong need to control or impose their values on others.
However, their independence and sensitivity to new possibilities can sometimes lead them to “go all out” in ways that surprise others. When their strong inner values are engaged or challenged, they may unleash a drive that renders them steadfastly resolute—often to the astonishment of those who have only seen their adaptable and easygoing side.
The ENFP type is marked by versatility, creativity, and dynamism. They are in relentless pursuit of new opportunities and insights, engaging with others in an expressive, warm, and affirming manner, and are eager to be liked and recognized.
They typically possess deep empathy, insight, and a keen interest in the potential and growth of others.
ENFPs are imaginative, freedom-loving, and adventurous individuals, prone to jumping from one new project to the next with spontaneous and often contagious energy and enthusiasm.
They are at their best when they can engage in stimulating discussions about new ideas and exciting possibilities with others. However, they have little patience for rigid routines or minutiae, and when something loses its novelty, they can quickly lose motivation and begin searching for fresh inspiration. They also tend to resist strict structures and hierarchies, sometimes even rebelling if something is imposed that conflicts with their values and beliefs.
The ENFJ type comprises enthusiastic and inspiring individuals. They are people-oriented and focused on human potential, driven by a desire to share their convictions so that everyone can unite to achieve lofty goals and ideals. Their expressiveness, sensitivity, and warmth in interpersonal relationships often give them considerable influence.
Grounded in strong values, ENFJs are most comfortable on the interpersonal stage, where their aim is to foster unity and collaboration around causes they believe in.
They thrive when engaging in meaningful activities with others that contribute to a larger, forward-looking purpose. However, they can quickly become bored and lose their spark if forced to concentrate excessively on details or analysis with little human interaction.
The INTJ type consists of independent, goal-oriented, and resolute individuals. They see a wealth of possibilities, holding clear and determined views on how to bring these opportunities to life, and they pursue their plans with great decisiveness and drive.
Highly self-reliant, INTJs tend to execute their ideas in their own way once they have thoroughly thought them through—even if that means disregarding others’ wishes when necessary.
They are typically strong conceptual thinkers and structured system builders with a keen sense of organization, always spotting opportunities for improvement in various areas. They are often perceived as ruthlessly focused on their goals in both work and personal life.
In communication and interaction, they value competence and factual focus above all else, and they readily engage in discussions if others challenge them analytically or contribute new ideas. Otherwise, they quickly lose interest and withdraw.
The INTP type consists of analytical, intellectually curious, and reflective individuals. They have a penchant for delving deeply into problems or projects that interest them, sometimes becoming so absorbed in their ideas and reflections that they seem distracted or even oblivious to their surroundings.
Driven by a desire to explore and understand concepts on an abstract level, INTPs prefer to forge their own path rather than focus on implementing their ideas practically. They are more interested in organizing their thoughts than in structuring external situations or managing people.
Typically calm and reserved, they tend to withdraw when others attempt to engage them in small talk, yet they can become quite animated when discussing topics with like-minded individuals.
The ENTP type is characterized by inventiveness, enthusiasm, and independence. They are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and challenges that stimulate their wealth of ideas and sharp intellect.
Curious about everything new, they are rarely content with the status quo and often challenge both individuals and organizations by deconstructing concepts to see if they can be reassembled in innovative and improved ways—both literally and metaphorically.
ENTPs enjoy intellectually challenging themselves and others, and they can be verbally sharp—sometimes even provocatively so. They quickly transform an idea into a new project and are willing to take risks, often juggling multiple endeavors simultaneously.
As typical agents of change, they are not overly concerned with steady stability in either work or personal life and maintain a measured attitude toward routine tasks. When faced with too much monotony and mundane details, they tend to react by restlessly seeking new challenges.
The ENTJ type is comprised of logical, forward-thinking, and decisive individuals. In both their personal and professional lives, they are inclined to seize new opportunities, convert them into actionable plans, and then organize—and preferably lead—their execution.
ENTJs let few obstacles hinder the realization of their plans once they have committed to them. They are resolute, working in a structured, systematic, and, when necessary, assertively aggressive manner to achieve their goals. Once they have made up their mind or reached a decision, they stick to it firmly unless new, compelling logical arguments persuade them otherwise.
They are critical, enjoying intellectual challenges and vibrant discussions, and they respect those who can engage with them on their logical and analytical turf.
Read what you should pay attention to in order to achieve more motivated employees.
Read about the theory behind the JTI profile and gain insight into how it should – and should not – be used.