MBTI Preferences and Innovation

As I was preparing a presentation on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) instrument preferences and innovation this evening, I thought the topic might be of interest to readers here as well.

When we talk about innovation, it is first important to clearly define what innovation means. Many people believe innovation and creativity are synonymous, but in fact innovation refers to the implementation of ideas.

Therefore, one can be creative without necessarily innovating. Similarly, we can look at innovation as having two separate steps: the generation of an idea and the implementation of that idea.

When you break it down into those two components, it becomes clear which MBTI preference pairs play the dominant role in innovation:

Sensing and iNtuition for ideas

Judging and Perceiving for implementation

We find that MBTI preferences play a major role in the process and type of innovation produced. For example, individuals with a Sensing preference will tend to make smaller changes to incrementally build on what already exists. They use their own experiences as a basis for all changes. Whereas individuals with iNtuitive preferences will think more big picture and start generating ideas from scratch or based on underlying patterns.

Neither type of innovation is better or worse than the other. Each one comes with their own levels of risk, cost, and reward. Each situation demands a different level of innovation. This is another reason why a diverse team composed of different MBTI preferences is advantageous. With diversity comes greater depth and thoroughness of the innovation process.

I like to start most activities about type and innovation with group discussions. I suggest you put members in type alike groups (SP, SJ, NP, NJ) and have them talk through and report out on the following questions.

1) What is innovation?

2) What was your most recent innovation?

3) Name 3 impressive recent innovations in the world. What makes those innovations important?

4) Who is the most innovative person you know? What makes him/her innovative?

5) What do you believe is your strength in the innovation process? Why?

6) What do you believe is your biggest challenge in the innovation process? Why?

Each of these discussions should bring out some type-related differences. For instance, the Sensing groups may report recent innovations that were more process oriented (streamlined accounting process that reduced paperwork by 10%) whereas the iNtuitive groups may report more intangible innovations like a new branding message or shift in corporate culture.

Additionally, the non-accounted for preferences will also play a part. For example, individuals with a Feeling preference may report out more people-centric innovations versus the Thinking preference group.

I think these discussions bring about such rich experiences that they cannot be overlooked for a more structured activity.

However, if you are looking for a structured activity, I would suggest considering the Zig-Zag Model of decision making. Innovation is really just a specific form of decision making. In fact, in the book Introduction to Type and Innovation by Damian Killen and Gareth Williams, the innovation process is broken down into four steps. Define, Discover, Decide, and Deliver.

I believe the first 3 of these 4 steps match perfectly onto the Z-model.

Define = Sensing preference

Discover = iNtuitive preference

Decide = Thinking and Feeling preferences

then...

Deliver = Judging preference

To go even one step further, I highly recommend the Living Zig Zag Model exercise that is described in the new MBTI TeamBuilding Program by Elizabeth Hirsh, Katherine Hirsh, and Sandra Krebs Hirsh. In that binder, the handouts and PowerPoint slides walk you through how to turn the popular Living Type Table exercise into a Z-model exercise by visually displaying how long each individual would theoretically spend on each function in an hour.

As people physically walk from the Sensing box to the iNtuition box, etc it becomes visually apparent how certain parts of the decision-making/innovation process are being ignored and which parts are over-represented.

Once we know and understand how we make decisions and innovate, it is important to set goals for moving outside of our preferences. We can do so by asking others with opposing preferences to be our "buddy" in the innovation process. He/she can work to keep you "honest" and at times force you outside of your comfort zone. For those who prefer to work alone, perhaps visual reminders like a post-it note in your cubicle that says something like "Have I ruled an idea out too quickly?" could remind you to go back and reconsider ideas you've judged too early.

There are so many different ways to approach the topic of innovation, the I highly suggest you check out Introduction to Type and Innovation. The sections and diagrams on Ideascape (tm), Typescape (tm), and Innovationscape (tm) are incredibly valuable and far too meaty to cover in one blog post. Additionally there are further discussions on which "types" of innovation are most likely for each MBTI preference (Hint: NP's are known for the most original innovations).

So, now I will turn the question to you....what is your type and how do you innovate?

Do your ideas build upon what is already existing or start from scratch?

Do you feel your strength is coming up with the ideas or implementing them?

Where do you struggle in the innovation process?