[Ailist] Efficacy of the MBTI

[Cheri Torres]

David, Bill, and all--

Bill, you initiated a great question, I think, that obviously stimulated
people's reflection on why they like using the MBTI.  

David, you gave a great set of resource on the MBTI, thanks!

A question occurred to me as I was reading through your response, David,
about the notion of "types" in general.  Whenever I have used MBTI or
Temperaments I've used it simply to support the notion of having diverse
styles at the table, recognizing and valuing the strengths of each
temperament.  In reading through your email, David, I wondered whether there
was a way to introduce this notion of identifying and valuing differences
and styles without ever labeling at all.

Here's my hesitation: as soon as we "recognize" the style, there is an
inclination to "fill in the blanks", make assumptions, etc., because "oh,
that person is an INFJ."  On the one hand, this may help us to appreciate
them and value the contribution, but it has the potential to narrow how we
experience the value they can add.  It may stop us from inquiring, looking
for the strengths and values because we've already assessed it. In addition,
I see tendencies in people change depending upon who they are interacting
with (for example, if I'm around a bunch of "P's", I'll go "J" in a
heartbeat in a very short time, but if I'm with a bunch of "Js" I may feel
things are moving too quickly.)  Too much individual emphasis, I think, is
placed on MBTI and it loses the whole notion of social engagement and the
dynamics of relationships.

I have this same concern about Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Social
Intelligence (SQ)--lots of emphasis placed on individuals being "intelligent
enough" to figure it out on their own--rather than learning about artful
inquiry.  What is being pointed to be EQ and SQ I find valuable; what
concerns me is how it is taught, addressed, etc.  (As always, it's not the
tool, it is how it is used.)

Does my concern make sense to others?  Have others found a way through this?

Thanks for intriguing conversation here. 

CHeri
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