Synergistic Systems MBTI and LIFO Method David Glowatzke

Synergistic Systems MBTI and LIFO Method David Glowatzke (2008)

Faizan MehboobShahzaib HashmiUmair Mehmood DarThe theory of psychological type was introduced in the 1920s by Carl G. Jung.

The MBTI tool was developed in the 1940s by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Cook Briggs.

Jung had theorized that there are four principal psychological functions by which humans experience the world

MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator)

It is a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions

MBTI is a valuable system based on Personality types.

This research is ongoing, providing users with updated and new information about psychological type and its applications. Millions of people worldwide have taken the Indicator each year since its first publication in 1962

MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator)

MBTI Personality Types

Favorite world: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).

Information: Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N). Decisions: When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).

Structure: In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

MBTI Personality Types

The goal of knowing about personality type is to understand and appreciate differences between people. As all types are equal, there is no best type but usually one of these types is dominant in people supported by the other three types.

The MBTI instrument sorts for preferences and does not measure trait, ability, or character. The MBTI tool is different from many other psychological instruments and also different from other personality tests.

The best reason to choose the MBTI instrument to discover your personality type is that hundreds of studies over the past 40 years have proven the instrument to be both valid and reliable. In other words, it measures what it says it does (validity) and produces the same results when given more than once (reliability).

MBTI (Why use it?)

LIFO (Life Orientation)In 1967, first the LIFO Survey originated as a positive and structured tool to supplement organizational development efforts and group dynamics training.

A practical methodology that describes human behavior and its drivers based on the work of Erich Fromm and Carl Rogers

It helps people to understand their behavioral preferences, as well as how to improve themselves, and improve relationships by studying the interaction of each others personal styles and strengths.

The LIFO method has been used for over thirty years in over 30 countries around the world and in more than 18 different languages.

The LIFO Method consists of a paper-based and on-line survey and support materials that can be used for team and individual development

Identifies four distinct styles with different drivers and motivations that generate different behavior patterns. LIFO (Life Orientation)The LIFO Orientations Survey provided four classifications of human behavior, to help people to identify their strengths and talk about them - and those of others - in an objective way.

The classifications, patterned on Fromm's identification of four main behavioral styles, are:Supporting-Giving Controlling-Taking Conserving-Holding Adapting-Dealing

LIFO ClassificationBehavioral Styles (Supporting)Characteristics: trying to be responsive and co-operative likes to feel others think of them as trustworthy belief that others are fundamentally good feels personally responsible for any difficulties reluctant to engage in emotional confrontations.

Typical behaviorslistens to what people have to say appreciates others' problem-solving abilities encourages others when they meet difficulties removes obstacles to others' achievements anticipates others' needs; and taking care of them in advance co-operates and collaborates to make a task easier or more fun gives advice when asked emphasizes the importance of having goals and values Behavioral Styles (Controlling)Characteristics:important to get things accomplished, quickly believes that problems can be solved by dedication, energy and imagination likes to seize opportunities trusts their own instincts loves a challenge believes in taking responsibility handles conflict confidently: actively enjoys working towards resolution.

Typical behaviorscommunicates desires clearly to eliminate confusion tells others exactly where they stand expresses confidence that the other person can deliver what is requested makes decisions quickly takes action to show what is needed gathers resources to tackle a task willing to take risks confronts differences as they arise takes the initiative acts independently.

Behavioral Styles (Conserving)Characteristics:likes to minimize loss, optimize gains interested in getting things done accurately and thoroughly attention to detail likes rigorous documentation and information retrieval systems very attentive to facts and accurate information in conflict situations slow, deliberate and analytical approach prefers long-term solutions to immediate relief.

Typical behaviors:establishes a clear structure for projects sticks to policies and procedures analyses carefully what is involved before taking action documents what happens makes sure instructions are clear adheres to schedules and budgets double-checks facts and details keeps calm and objective in a crisis behaves consistently.

Behavioral Styles (Adapting)Characteristics:loves to be liked and admired enjoys working with others and tuning into their needs likes networking understands that social acceptance is key to getting things done is flexible and willing to try new experiences likes to negotiate, happy to give and take positive and optimistic.

Typical behaviors:expresses appreciation for others' efforts is sensitive to others' feelings takes time to build harmonious and friendly relationships listens to new ideas in a positive way is willing to see the other side of an issue is enthusiastic often sees the lighter side of situations adjusts behavior according to what other people need The LIFO Method as a training or coaching tool has many benefits.Leads to a path towards effective and lasting high performance Is non-threatening accepts people as they are

The LIFO method will enable you to focus on how best to use your strengths. LIFO can give you:powerful strategies for more effective leadership greater personal productivity increased influence with key people help with working effectively in your team.LIFO BenefitsIndicates behavioral strengths and weaknesses in normal and stressful circumstances Identifies gaps in skills Identifies potential stressors Identifies ineffective strategies. It focuses on: maximizing your strengths managing your potential weaknesses has a common language values individual difference

LIFO BenefitsSix Developmental Strategies for Performance ImprovementConfirmingBuild confidence and self-esteem by understanding and appreciating your unique values, goals, and strengths.

CapitalizingSeek situations that bring out the best in you, which allow you to use your own special strengths to the fullest.ExtendingLearn to be more versatile in your approach to people and problems by using your least preferred strengths more frequently.

BridgingImprove your communication with people who are different from you by matching your approach to their most preferred ways of communicating.Six Developmental Strategies for Performance ImprovementSix Developmental Strategies for Performance ImprovementModerating Avoid overusing your most preferred strengths so you dont waste time and energy or have a negative impact on others.

SupplementingGet help from people with different strengths and viewpoints to fill in your blind spots and provide a wider perspective in planning and solving problems.LIFO for OD practitioners and leadersWorking with LIFO practitioners, leaders will get help in developing new behaviors which will lead to better leadership and encourage high performance. They will also understand much more about how to achieve the outcomes they want. Team members, their peers, their seniors, important clients - each will have a unique preferred behavioral style. LIFO training enables leaders to know when to pull on a different behavioral style to get the desired result.

LIFO enables leaders to get a strong feel for the real culture of their organization. LIFO workshops empower people to be honest about current issues - so leaders must be prepared to take action!Implementation of MBTI & LIFOUse MBTI as the primary intrapersonal learning tool. Use LIFO Method as the primary interpersonal learning toolIn this case, Use LIFO Method first due to the simplicity of the program. Use MBTI second as a follow-up program to expand insights

MBTI identifies Who you are and LIFO identifies what you do

Use MBTI with executive level management. Use LIFO Method throughout the organization.

Use LIFO Method as the primary group learning tool. Use MBTI as the primary one-on-one coaching tool.

MBTI examines self-perception and LIFO method explore self-perception and how behavior impacts othersImplementation of MBTI & LIFOConclusion

MBTI and LIFO are known as synergistic systems and when used together, they strengthen communication, teamwork and productivity which results in Organization development.