The 16 personality types are derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a popular psychometric tool developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, based on the typological theory proposed by Carl Jung. The MBTI categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences in four dichotomies:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dimension describes how individuals focus their energy. Extraverts tend to be outgoing, sociable, and energized by interacting with others, while introverts are more reserved, introspective, and recharge by spending time alone.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dimension reflects how individuals perceive information. Sensing types rely on concrete information obtained through the five senses and prefer to focus on details and practical realities. Intuitive types are more abstract and imaginative, focusing on patterns, possibilities, and potential meanings.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This dimension describes how individuals make decisions. Thinking types tend to prioritize logic, analysis, and objectivity when making decisions, while feeling types prioritize empathy, values, and subjective considerations.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dimension reflects how individuals approach the outside world. Judging types prefer structure, organization, and decisiveness, seeking closure and planning ahead. Perceiving types are more flexible, adaptable, and open-ended, preferring to stay open to new information and experiences.

By combining these four dichotomies, we get 16 unique personality types, each represented by a four-letter code. Here are the 16 types:
- ISTJ: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
- ISFJ: Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
- INFJ: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
- INTJ: Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging
- ISTP: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
- ISFP: Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
- INFP: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
- INTP: Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving
- ESTP: Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
- ESFP: Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
- ENFP: Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
- ENTP: Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving
- ESTJ: Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
- ESFJ: Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
- ENFJ: Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
- ENTJ: Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging
It’s important to note that while the MBTI is widely used, it has also faced criticism regarding its scientific validity and reliability. Some psychologists argue that personality is more fluid and complex than what the MBTI suggests and that it oversimplifies human behavior. Despite this criticism, many individuals and organizations find value in using the MBTI as a tool for self-awareness, team-building, and personal development.
