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<h1 align="center"><font color="#660099">Welcome to TypeQuest and the MBTI</font></h1>
TypeQuest is a consultancy that uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator<font size="2">® </font> (MBTI<font size="2">® </font>), and Psychological Type studies, in programs to improve interpersonal communication, understanding, relationships, management skills and team-building. These programs are offered in Vancouver BC Canada and Seattle WA. <br /><br />
<strong>It appears that your web-browser does not handle "frames".</strong> So we have put together this alternative "no-frames and no-frills" page, all in text, so that you, too, may learn a little about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Psychological Type, both in theory and in TypeQuest practice. <br />
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<a name="type"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">What is 'Type'?</font></h2>
TypeQuest's field is "Psychological Type". Psychological Type is about how each of us, in his or her own way, exercises natural psychological "preferences" to adapt and respond to the world and the people and the information around us. We each have a set of preferred mental tools that we are comfortable using. In action, these make up our Psychological Type. And our Type makes us seem similar to other people — or quite different from them.<br />
Your own Psychological Type affects everything you do, from your learning style to your loving style, and much more. Type influences the way you are at home, at work, and under stress. Type certainly influences the way you deal with people.<br />
In a key message, one of the architects of the MBTI, Isabel Briggs Myers, said: "Each of us is born with different gifts." The MBTI enables you to understand better the gifts of Type that you and other people have, and to cope constructively with the differences.<br />
On our website, you'll be able to explore Psychological Type in an introductory way. You can also find out more about the MBTI. And find out more about TypeQuest and the programs it offers.<br />
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<a name="mbti"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">Introduction to type and the MBTI</font></h2>
The pioneering Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, explored the theory that what looked like random behaviours in people were not truly random, but followed identifiable patterns. These patterns vary from person to person, according to the individual's own psychological makeup: their "Psychological Type". Their psychological <em>personality,</em> if you like. <br />
Each "type" has its own set of preferred behaviours and mental functions. Psychological Type is about how each of us, in his or her own way, uses these preferences to relate to the environment and the people and the information around us.<br />
Your psychological type affects everything you do: your learning style, your teaching style, your management style, your counselling style, your parenting style, your loving style, your sexual style, your style of communication, your style of humor, the way you are at home, at work, and under stress. Type influences the way you plan, the way you react to things, the way you solve problems, and the way you deal with people.<br />
Carl Jung's theories — as they apply to normal, everyday people — were explored and expanded, and interpreted, and made usable, by two Americans: mother and daughter, Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. They spent 40 years at it. Their goal was to help people to be happy and effective in whatever they chose to do. One result of their work and study was the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator<font size="1">®</font>, which has been constantly tested and validated and refined ever since. <br />
We use the MBTI<font size="1">®</font> in TypeQuest's workshops. It will help you figure out which of 16 different psychological types is "the real you". And that's just the <em>first</em> step. <br />
From there, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator offers a significant catalyst to develop greater understanding of yourself and others, to develop more fruitful ways in which you interact with others (and they with you), to improve communications, to develop smoother family and couples relationships, and to assist in career planning. The MBTI is also an excellent foundation for other personal development programs.<br />
You can use the information and learning from TypeQuest's workshops to understand better your interactions with other people, and understand how they react to you and interact with you. The MBTI can thus guide you to greater understanding of yourself and others, and to reduced conflict and tension. You can understand better what makes you tick, appreciate your strengths and contributions, and perhaps look at areas for growth and change. <br />
The MBTI has important applications at work: in management and supervisory training and development, in team-building and in the development of leadership, managerial style, and interpersonal skills. It is also a solid foundation for other work-related human resources programs. The MBTI is used by top companies and agencies in Canada. <br />
At work, most people tend to gravitate to jobs and careers that make use of the strengths of their preferred type. This is not a "law". All psychological types work in, and are successful in, virtually all jobs. But people do <em>tend</em> to "self-select" into jobs that allow them to make their best use of their most preferred and most "natural" psychological functions and type. Understanding of type will help you to work better with and for others, and to get the most out of them, out of work teams, and out of yourself.<br />
Type in practice is dynamic and complex. It is not a black-and-white system of defining, or labelling or predicting. People are dynamic individuals, not just "types". <br />
Type gives us, though, a very useful analysis of patterns. It provides a useful first step toward understanding ourselves and others, making allowances for others; learning how to communicate better with them; understanding our own behaviours, and uncovering our blind spots. From there, we can take steps to polish off our rough edges. And to understand and accept other people's rough edges.<br />
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<a name="basics"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">The basics of psychological type</font></h2>
Any two of us may differ in psychological preferences in four important areas of psychological tasks:
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<li> <a href="#info">How people take in information</a></li>
<li> <a href="#decisions">How people make decisions</a></li>
<li> <a href="#focus">How people focus their energy</a></li>
<li> <a href="#world"> How people relate to the world around them</a></li></ul>
We humans are "smart computers". We are wired by nature to take in information, then to process and derive meaning from it, and then to react: to do something, or to do nothing. Together, these processes of perception and judgment take up a lot of our mental activity and energy each day. <br />
Perception determines what we see in a situation. Our judgment decides what we do about it, or don't do. So it's understandable that basic differences in the way people do their perception and judgment result in differences in behaviours and actions.<br />
<a name="info" />• Let's start with a look at <strong>"How people take in information."</strong> There are two distinct — and contrasting — ways of taking in information.<br>
One is the familiar process of "sensing". We become aware of things through our senses: sight, hearing, taste, etc. <br />
The other is taking in information through the process of "intuition". Here, our unconscious mind adds value or information to the "facts" coming in from our senses. We're talking here about "sixth sense" and "gut feel".<br />
Each of us uses both sensing and intuition processes every day. But we do tend to prefer one way of taking in information over the other. <br />
For the preference for sensing, we use in MBTI a short-hand tag of "S". For a preference for intuition, we use the tag "N". (We'll explain later why it's not "I".) <br />
Here, we have just glanced at the surface of one single field: how we absorb information. There are three other areas up on the list. And we each have similarly contrasting preferences in each of those.<br>
In all these four fields, these individual preferences — and the dynamic ways in which they interact — make up our own basic psychological type, our psychological personality. You will learn in TypeQuest workshops that there are 16 basic psychological types — although there are wide variations among individuals who are of "the same type".<br />
Each of you who reads this webpage has a psychological type. But that does not mean you are type<em>cast,</em> or that you are <em>stereo</em>typed. In the eyes of MBTI, you are individuals in your own right.<br />
<a name="decisions" />• Now let's look at<strong> "How people make decisions".</strong> Some people make decisions only after clinical, detailed analysis of all the facts and options, and all the pros and cons and bottom-lines of each option. Whether at work or at home, they spend a lot of time carefully deliberating, inside their heads. Indeed, we may well say that "they decide with their heads." You'll often hear such people say: "The logical thing to do is . . ." <br />
Other people make decisions in what looks like a much looser, or more wide-ranging, way. They may look at facts, certainly, but they also deal in feelings. They value subjective factors such as whether the outcomes of the options are agreeable or disagreeable, and how the bottom-lines affect people. In short, they tend to decide more with their hearts. You'll often hear them say: "What I feel is . . . "<br />
Neither way of making decisions is "right" or "wrong" in itself. Each is a perfectly <em>rational,</em> valid way of reaching conclusions. We usually apply both methods when we come to decisions. But we prefer to use head or heart more than the other, and sometimes much more.<br />
In MBTI short-hand, we call the decide-with-the-head process "Thinking decision-making", and give it the letter "T". We call the decide-with-theheart process "Feeling decision-making", and give it the letter "F".<br />
So far, we have identified four combinations: ST (Sensing plus Thinking decision-making); SF (Sensing plus Feeling decision-making); NT (Intuition plus Thinking-decision making); and NF: (Intuition plus Feeling decision-making). In people, each of these combinations <em>begins</em> to lead to a different kind of identifiable personality. <br />
<a name="focus" />• Let's move on to <strong>"How people focus their energy".</strong> Some people tend to focus internally. In MBTI, we call them Introverts. Their main interests are in the inner world of concepts and ideas and reflection. Others tend to focus more on the outer world of people and things and action. We call them Extraverts (a traditional spelling that goes back to Carl Jung's original theories of type.)<br />
We each of us use both focuses. But, when circumstances permit, the introvert prefers to focus his or her perception and judgment internally, on thoughts and ideas. The extravert prefers to focus on the outside environment. <br />
We use the letter "I" for the introverted preference. (That's why we used "N", rather than "I", for Intuition.) And we use the letter "E" for the extraverted preference.<br />
<a name="world" /> • Finally, let's consider the two contrasting ways of <strong>"How people relate to the world around them".</strong> One we call the "perceptive" orientation, or P, and the other the "judging" approach, or J. There is a time to perceive (to take in information) and a time to judge (make decisions). Most people, though, find one approach or the other, P or J, more comfortable and more natural. And it becomes their preferred approach to the outer world.<br />
The J person tends to prefer to create and live in an ordered environment. Words like "structured" and "controlled" come to mind. Js tend to "plan their work and work their plan." They often come across as "decisive". The P individual tends to prefer a flexible, wait-and-see environment. Words like "spontaneous" and "adaptable" and "open-minded" come to mind.<br />
If you look back over this page, you'll see that we have listed four sets of contrasting preferences: S and N, T and F, E and I, J and P. In traditional MBTI short-hand, we can describe people by their expressed preferences: INTJ, ENFP, and so on. There are 16 different combinations of letters — giving us the 16 different "psychological types".<br />
<em>Caution:</em> So far we have barely begun to scratch the outer surface of psychological preferences, and have explained nothing about their dynamic interactions. Please try not to guess from the information above which type is the "real you". Come to one of our TypeQuest workshops, and learn much more.<br />
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<a name="best"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">Is there a 'best' type?</font></h2>
Are you left-handed or right-handed?<br />
Not a question that most of us have to think hard about before answering. If we have two hands, we use both hands, every day, and we can use them pretty well. But, for example, we do each have a preferred hand for writing. We may have a very strong preference for one hand, and rarely use the other. A few of us may be more even in our preferences, and verge on being ambidextrous. Generally speaking, though, we prefer to use one hand for writing, or using a toothbrush, or turning a key in the front door. It's simply more comfortable and "natural" and less stressful when we use our <em>preferred</em> hand.<br />
There is no "right" or "wrong" hand to use. Most of us reach for things naturally, without stopping to figure out which hand to use. We just reach out. And we say — without feeling bad or in any way "wrong" about it — that we're left-handed or right-handed. We are that way, and we stay that way. We may learn to use our non-preferred hand well. But (short of losing an arm) once a right-hander always a right-hander; once a left-hander, always a left-hander. <br />
<strong>It's just the same with psychological type.</strong><br />
There is no wrong type or right type, no good type or bad type, no best type or worst type, no "normal" type and no "abnormal" type.<br />
<strong>The best type to be is the type you are.</strong><br />
We all have and use facets of all 16 psychological types every day, but each of us has our preferences. And our individual collection of preferences we call our own psychological type. It becomes a vital influence in how we live our lives.<br />
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<a name="programs"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">TypeQuest programs</font></h2>
TypeQuest offers workshop and individual programs in both personal and worklife development. Here's our menu:<br /><br />
<strong>Introduction to Psychological type</strong><br />
To get started in MBTI, we recommend our basic <em>Introduction to Psychological Type</em> workshop. It runs for a full day (6¼ hours, including breaks and lunchtime). Or it can be split into two half-days. There's plenty of action and interaction.<br />
This introductory workshop works very well with a group of 12-16 (or more) people. That's because with a large group, there's a better chance of having a wide range of "types" present, and everyone can see them in action.<br>
However, we can also do sessions for individuals, couples, families, or groups smaller than 12-16 people. These we tailor to your needs and the number of people, and each session can run anywhere from 2 - 4 hours.
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In all cases, we guarantee <em>professional confidentiality</em> for individuals, couples, workshop groups and families. <br /><br />
<strong>TypeQuest personal services</strong><br />
A popular way to explore the MBTI is through our personal services format: a session of two hours or so, in which you get an introduction to the MBTI, determine your own "true type", and learn about how your type relates to and with other people in your life.<br>
These smaller sessions work very well for one person or for a couple interested in the areas of personal growth, interpersonal communications, and personal/couples relationships. We can also offer smaller sessions for families and small groups.<br />
Again, we guarantee <em>professional confidentiality</em> for individuals, couples, workshop groups and families. <br /><br />
<strong>Followup MBTI programs</strong><br />
We also offer follow-up workshops and programs on: <ul> <li> Type at Work</li>
<li> Type and Stress</li>
<li> Type and Teams</li>
<li> Type and Couples</li></ul>
These programs vary in length, and are often tailored to meet your needs. They can be full- or half-day workshops, or take the form of followup discussions of 2 - 4 hours for groups, individuals, couples or families. For each, a prerequisite is that you have been through our <em>Introduction to Psychological type</em> program, or that you have been through a recognized similar program within the last 12 months. <br /><br />
<strong>TypeQuest's job-related programs</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Management skills</li>
<li>Supervisory skills</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Team-building</li></ul>
In these areas, TypeQuest uses proven assessment tools and programs from <a href="http://www.hscanada.com" target="_blank">Human Synergistics Canada</a>, a branch of <a href="http://www.humansyn.com/" target="_blank">Human Synergistics International</a>. We recommend that these programs and simulations be used in conjunction with the MBTI, but they can stand alone.<br />
Human Synergistics training and development programs have been, and are, used by hundreds of leading companies and agencies and Fortune 500 firms. The programs offered by TypeQuest often include the use of 360-degree feedback, for which information is gathered in advance. And we take each participant through private briefings and preparation before the actual workshop.<br />
The Human Synergistics programs we use include LSI and LSI 360°, LSI Stylus, and the Management Effectiveness Profile System (MEPS). <br />
TypeQuest also offers a range of team-building programs and exercises including the Human Synergistics Group Styles Inventory (GSI). Our initial team-building program uses one of a number of Human Synergistics "team survival" simulations. As a followup, we offer an exellent Business Turnaround simulation, in which your team is challenged to rescue a failing company.<br />
Human Synergistics also has programs to probe and measure a company's "organizational culture". We can help your company take a "reality check" on its current culture, and pinpoint areas for change that will help your organization better attain its vision.<br />
Ask about TypeQuest's job-related workshops, using the MBTI and/or Human Synergistics programs. These workshops can also be scheduled on or around weekends, to reduce the time lost from work.<br />
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<a name="aboutus"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">About us</font></h2>
The principals and facilitators in TypeQuest are <strong>Donald MacLachlan</strong> and <strong>Barbara Sigerson</strong>.<br />
Both are qualified MBTI facilitators, who earned their credentials in 1996 through Canada's leading MBTI trainer, <a href="http://www.psychometrics.com" target="_blank">Psychometrics Canada</a>.<br />
For those who already know something about psychological type, Don is an INTJ and Barbara an ENFP. Which leads them to start their workshops with this greeting:
<blockquote>"We are the Odd Couple. We have very different personalities. We are of quite different psychological types. Reflecting those differing psychological types, we react in different ways to the same things, to the same information and to the same people. We each have our own distinct preferences and tendencies. We each have our own strengths and not-so-strengths. In some areas we complement each other; in other areas, we tend to clash. Through better understanding of each other's psychological type, we find we can work together better as a couple and as a team. We find we understand better where other people are coming from — our bosses and our workmates and our customers and our family members and friends. It makes it easier for us to deal with other people. We hope the MBTI will start you on the road to better understanding of your own psychological type and that of others. And show you how you can use that knowledge to your benefit and theirs." </blockquote>
While they do MBTI workshops and discussion groups together, Barbara also specializes in relationships for individuals, couples and families, and often uses the MBTI for confidential counselling. Don has a special interest in the application of the MBTI in the workplace, and is also a qualified facilitator for the workplace and management programs of Human Synergistics International. [For more info, check out <a href="#programs">our programs</a>.]<br />
Don also holds a membership in the Association for Psychological Type. <br />
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<a name="contactus"><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">How to contact us</font></h2>
<strong>Mailing address:</strong><br /><br />
Typequest<br />
2162 Kent Avenue S.E.<br />
Vancouver BC V5P 4X2<br />
Canada<br /><br />
Phone: 604-321-3599<br />
Fax: 604-321-0478<br /><br />
<strong>E-mail:</strong><br />
<a href="mailto:donald@typequest.com">Don MacLachlan</a><br />
<a href="mailto:barbara@typequest.com">Barbara Sigerson</a><br /><br />
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<a name="rules"></head><h2 align="center"><font color="#660099">Ground rules: Terms of Use</font></h2>
<strong>Privacy policy</strong><br />
Typequest may gather e-mail addresses and identifying information from users of this website. It will use such information only for internal purposes and to communicate with you. Your identity and your e-mail address will not be passed on to any third party for any purpose. <br /><br />
<strong>Use of cookies</strong><br />
The TypeQuest.com website does not use cookies. (Cookies are pieces of code that a website transfers to your hard-drive for record-keeping purposes. Cookies can make the web more useful by storing information about your preferences and choices on a particular website. The use of cookies is an industry standard.) If the TypeQuest.com website introduces cookies, users will be informed, in detail, in advance.<br /><br />
<strong>Website statistics</strong><br />
TypeQuest may make aggregate information about its website traffic available to third parties for business purposes. Information that personally identifies you will not be part of this data.<br /><br />
<strong>Other sites and services</strong><br />
If by way of a link on the TypeQuest.com site you move to website or service outside our control, these other sites may send their own cookies or use other programming to identify you, collect data or solicit or extract personal information. Your use of their website will be subject to their privacy policy, if any, and not that of TypeQuest.com.<br /><br />
<strong>Manner of application</strong><br />
The TypeQuest.com website's privacy policy does not extend to anything that is inherent in the operation of the Internet and therefore beyond the control of TypeQuest, and is not to be applied in any manner contrary to applicable law or governmental regulation.<br /><br />
<strong>Changes to this policy</strong><br />
Fromt time to time TypeQuest and its website may introduce new products and services to the users. TypeQuest reserves the right to modify the privacy policy at any time, and will notify users, via the website, of any change in policy. You can <a href="mailto:donald@typequest.com">e-mail us</a> with any questions. <br /><br />
<strong>Copyright</strong><br />
The entire contents of this website is the copright property of TypeQuest Inc. So is the design of the website and the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of Typequest.com. (© TypeQuest Inc. 2002-3) TypeQuest® is a registered trademark of TypeQuest Inc. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc. <br /><br />
<strong>Disclaimer of Liability</strong><br />
By using, visiting or referring to this website you agree to indemnify and save harmless TypeQuest Inc., its principals, its employees, its facilitators, its website operators, its partners and its agents, and the estate and dependents of any thereof, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, actions, causes of action, costs and expenses. <br />
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