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When William Shakespeare’s Hamlet was first performed in 1601, the last words of advice Polonius had for his son Laertes was “To thine own self be true.” More than 400 years later, these words of wisdom ring true for managers and supervisors across the globe.
Since the launch of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) in 1980, employers have been trying to understand the personalities and needs of their employees to enhance workplace relationships and improve overall morale.
Personal Experience
I completed my first MBTI assessment as a graduate assistant in the Carolina Program Union at the University of South Carolina in 1986, where I worked with two professional staff members, four graduate assistants, and 100 student volunteers. A giant grid with all personality combinations was posted on the office bulletin board. We were encouraged to learn more about our own personality prior to seeking out the personalities we were working with on a project, committee, or program. We kept the grid in place for the entire school year, and I believe it did help us have a better understanding and yes, appreciate one another!