How the MBTI assessment can add impact to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Each time I learn about a new training program or seminar, I am struck by how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) theories map onto the training program or system. Several months ago, one of my colleagues who happens to be a certified facilitator of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People program explained how the MBTI can add so much more depth to that program. I've asked her to share a few insights here and she graciously agreed.

Please welcome Guest Blogger and CPP's Regional Consultant in the West- Pamela Valencia.



I want to share some insight that I have into blending self assessments with “off-the-shelf” training classes like the 7 Habits of Highly Effective. I have been a certified facilitator of the program for several years. Habit number one is “Be Proactive”. Briefly, this is the habit of self-awareness, understanding your influence and finally the emotional bank account. The habits themselves are divided up into two sections. The first three habits are about the “self”. Habits four through six are about relationships. Habit number seven deals with self-renewal.

When you are working to groups or individuals to further develop their management, leadership, high potential “skills”; (beyond understanding employment laws, correctly filling out a corrective action, time cards and scheduling) there is the skill of relationships. Trust, respect, communication, motivation, influence, teaching, and teamwork are all important skills of a leader. We joke that when it comes to changing ourselves with any “bad habit” and say that “self-awareness” is the first step. We do this because we know it is true.

The first habit “be proactive” explains that in any situation there is time to choose your response. No matter how difficult the circumstances, we always have the power over ourselves to choose how will respond versus react. For example in customer service classes, when you are delivering the message that you are unable to provide a service, it is suggested that you provide options. This assists the customer to think about their options as opposed to reacting with emotions. Being proactive is being responsible for one’s self. In this habit, it is suggested that people may blame other people or events that occurred previously in their life as an excuse for how they choose to react. If you want to be highly effective, taking responsibility for your self and being accountable to the fact have the power to choose to positively impact others in any given situation.

Now, just how do we positively respond to this stimulus? Why would we be tempted to react to someone in an emotional, negative way? A way to provide better understanding and lift the veil on “why” lies in understanding personality type. It provides a frame of understanding and actual credence to the fact that we have a natural preference for how we take in information and relate to the world. Being proactive is in essence being open to that understanding and respecting the difference of others. By introducing how differently we are (naturally) and how these differences come across through communication, project management, conflict, stress, decision making, etc; we are able to further assist in the relationship building that is required in successful leadership or team dynamics. In between stimulus and response is the space where we choose to think and decide how we want to respond. We can choose to think about and look at personality type (a neutral ground) on how to best strengthen the relationship, maintain respect and trust.

I grew up with a brother who has the opposite personality type to my own. My perception was predominately that of immaturity (he is younger after all) and caused frequent “reaction” on my part. Now, I know that it is our personality type differences that bring the best to our relationship. Understanding more about personality type, assists in more effective relationships.