Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to develop a continuing education department

Myers-Briggs concepts are useful for understanding and managing individual and group strengths, preferences, and "blind spots." Requirements of the work to be accomplished can be matched to the strengths and preferences of the individual or group. Work groups can be selected to enhance individual strengths and to counterbalance blind spots. This article describes the experience of one hospital-based continuing education department that uses the Myers-Briggs Personality Trait Inventory to explore department members' strengths and preferences. Understanding individual preferences has helped group members to understand, anticipate, and work with one another. The ideal mix of profiles challenges and stimulates both the individual and the department. Maximizing diversity increases the potential for conflict between individuals with opposite preferences; recognizing strengths and blind spots, willingness to talk about work style differences, and a little humor all make peaceful coexistence possible.