The key to a fulfilling career is knowing yourself. This guide to MBTI temperaments reveals your natural strengths, weaknesses, and career paths that truly fit.
In this insightful video, our Human Minds founder and personality coach, Tuan Le, will quickly walk you through the enlightening work by David Kiersey built upon the MBTI frameworks to uncover the 4 main personality groups in our society. Learn what is your best-fit temperament and the corresponding strengths, weaknesses and ideal career paths.
Video timeline:
00:00 – 02:44 – Introduction of the theory 02:44 – 05:22 – The Idealist Temperament 05:22 – 09:25 – The Rational Temperament 09:25 – 11:25 – The Artisan Temperament 11:25 – 14:35 – The Guardian Temperament 14:35 – 17:10 – Reflection exercise
Are you tired of wasting time on bad dates that lead nowhere or result in a downward spiral of disappointment every time? Maybe the key here is to take a step back and reflect on the more fundamental questions of what are the signs of love? What is truly important in a relationship? And How to quickly find people with similar values?
It’s certainly a big topic but given the spirit of Valentine’s day, Our Human Minds founder and personality coach Tuan Le will share his passion on this topic. This concise yet enlightening video will hopefully give you a bigger perspective on the nature of love and long-term compatibility with personality science.
Remember to pause the video and reflect (preferably with a pen and paper ) as you go along this facilitated reflection video.
Video outline:
00:00 – 02:52 Discover the components of true love with the Triangular theory of love 02:52 – 06:25 Understand the role of personalities in both short-term attraction and long-term compatibility 06:25 – 15:15 Explore the 4 group of temperaments and their core values 15:15 – 20:28 Statistics and discussion on the temperaments’ compatibilities and chemistry
Most of us have experienced disappointment and disillusionment in relationships. We met someone wonderful only to discover later that they were not as who they appear to be as there are always downsides or “the catch” that catches us off guard…
What if I tell you that’s a fact of life caused by human nature? That our egoistic fixation causes everyone including ourselves to over focus on certain aspect of the egos at the expense of other. This is a quick intro/exploratory video on the imperfect and one-sided nature of human so that hopefully we can all be more prepared and even better, embrace our next relationships and loved ones for their strengths and corresponding flaws…
Brough to you by Tuan Le, founder of OHM and a veteran personality coach and the use of Enneagram – a powerful personality frameworks on different type of ego fixation and emotional patterns.. Enjoy the video!
In the modern era of personal and professional development, various personality frameworks have become increasingly popular for helping individuals understand themselves and others. Among these, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Enneagram stand out as deep, insightful tools for long-term personal growth. However, other models like the Big Five, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and StrengthsFinder also offer unique perspectives and are popular in different settings. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of these frameworks, exploring their origins, theoretical foundations, practical applications, pros and cons to help you achieve a more discerning perspective:
1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Origins and Background
The MBTI was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers during World War II. They based it on Carl Jungโs theory of psychological types, which emphasizes different cognitive processes for interacting with the world. Their goal was to create a system that could help people understand themselves and others, especially in areas of communication, decision-making, and work preferences.
Theoretical Essence
MBTI categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on four dichotomies:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I),
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N),
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P).
Each type represents a preferred way of processing information, making decisions, and interacting with the world. It highlights the role of dominant and auxiliary cognitive functions, which are essential for self-awareness and understanding the behaviors of others.
Practical Application
The MBTI is highly valued in corporate environments, relationship counseling, and personal development. It helps individuals improve communication, enhance team collaboration, and develop emotional intelligence. Its strength lies in its focus on how people think and operate, which can provide actionable insights for personal growth. However, critics argue that MBTI lacks scientific rigor and can be oversimplifying.
2. Enneagram
Origins and Background
The Enneagram has ancient roots, believed to originate from various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including early Christian mysticism and Sufi teachings. It was modernized in the 20th century by Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, who expanded its psychological depth.
Theoretical Essence
The Enneagram categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types, each associated with core motivations, fears, and desires. Unlike MBTI, which focuses on cognitive functions, the Enneagram emphasizes the emotional and motivational drivers behind behavior. It offers a dynamic model where individuals can shift along โgrowthโ and โstressโ lines, reflecting how they adapt to life circumstances.
Practical Application
The Enneagram is often used in both personal and spiritual development, as it provides a pathway for individuals to explore deep-rooted behavioral patterns. Its holistic approach allows for personal transformation by identifying key motivations and emotional triggers. However, the lack of scientific validation, similar to MBTI, is a common criticism.
3. Big Five (OCEAN)
Origins and Background
The Big Five Personality Traits model emerged from decades of psychological research and is considered one of the most scientifically robust personality frameworks. It stems from studies in the 1940s and 50s that aimed to empirically measure personality traits.
Theoretical Essence
The Big Five model measures five core dimensions of personality:
Openness to Experience,
Conscientiousness,
Extraversion,
Agreeableness, and
Neuroticism (OCEAN).
These traits exist on a spectrum rather than as dichotomies, making it a fluid framework. The model’s strength lies in its empirical foundation, which allows for predictive power in various life outcomes such as career success and relationship satisfaction.
Practical Application
The Big Five is widely used in psychological research and clinical settings due to its strong scientific backing. However, its downside is the lack of depth when it comes to cognitive processing or inner motivations. While it provides valuable insights, it may not be as engaging or transformative for personal growth as MBTI or Enneagram.
Pros: This model is scientifically validated and widely accepted in psychology. It measures traits like Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Cons: It doesnโt offer the same depth of insights into cognitive functions or personal motivations as MBTI or Enneagram, which might make it less engaging for personal growth enthusiasts.
The DISC Personality Modelfocuses on four primary behavioral traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Originating from the work of psychologist William Moulton Marston in the 1920s, DISC is widely used in corporate environments to improve communication, teamwork, and leadership. Unlike typology frameworks like MBTI and the Enneagram, DISC assesses observable behaviors rather than deeper cognitive processes or motivations.
Dominance reflects assertiveness and control over situations.
Influence measures sociability and persuasion skills.
Steadiness evaluates consistency and reliability in behaviors.
Conscientiousness focuses on precision, attention to detail, and task orientation.
Pros: DISC is easy to understand and apply, making it popular for organizational development, leadership training, and conflict resolution. Itโs particularly effective in workplace settings where understanding behavioral differences is crucial for collaboration.
Cons: While practical, DISC lacks depth when it comes to understanding underlying psychological drivers. It doesnโt delve into cognitive functions or emotional patterns like MBTI or Enneagram, making it more suited for short-term behavior modification rather than deep personal growth.
5. StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths)
Origins and Background
StrengthsFinder, developed by Donald Clifton in the late 20th century, focuses on identifying and utilizing personal strengths to maximize performance. It is rooted in positive psychology and is widely used in business and leadership development.
Theoretical Essence
StrengthsFinder identifies 34 individual strengths and categorizes them into four domains: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking. The idea is that individuals should focus on honing their natural strengths rather than trying to fix their weaknesses.
Practical Application
StrengthsFinder is commonly used in organizational settings to optimize team performance and leadership capabilities. Its major limitation is that it doesnโt offer the same depth of self-awareness or personal growth opportunities as typology frameworks like MBTI or Enneagram.
Pros: Focuses on identifying and leveraging individual strengths, making it practical and results-oriented. Itโs widely used in business and leadership development.
Cons: It doesnโt offer the same depth of self-reflection or holistic view of personality traits and interpersonal dynamics as typology frameworks.
By combining the depth of MBTI and Enneagram with more empirical models like the Big Five, or the actionable skills of EQ frameworks, practitioners can create a balanced and effective program for self-awareness, growth, and relational success. For long-term learning, MBTI and Enneagram remain the cornerstones for deep, transformational understanding.
Hereโs a version with visible, copyable links for each model and the reference section:
References:
Jung, Carl G. (1921): Psychological Types, the foundational theory behind MBTI.
Myers, Isabel Briggs & Myers, Peter B. (1995): Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type, an exploration of the MBTI and its applications.
Goleman, Daniel (1995): Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, the seminal work that popularized the EQ framework.
Marston, William Moulton (1928): Emotions of Normal People, where the DISC modelโs behavioral dimensions originated.
Riso, Don Richard & Hudson, Russ (1996): The Wisdom of the Enneagram, a modern interpretation of the Enneagram system.
Costa, Paul T. Jr. & McCrae, Robert R. (1992): Revised NEO Personality Inventory, detailing the Big Five (OCEAN) traits.
Date: 21 Aug 2024 (Wed), 9pm – 10pm Singapore time.
Have you ever felt paralyzed by the fear of being judged or rejected in your professional life? As one of the core underlying emotions and driving force behind our actions, shame and guilt are important for our survival but left unchecked can be harmful. They prevent you from taking actions to go further in your job or are simply draining your energy every day, away from your hobbies, family or even your sleep.
Working harder or learning to speak better is good, but one key strategy that people often miss out on is to actually examine the emotion itself, how it’s manifesting as our unconscious coping mechanisms. Some deal with shame by obsessing over job performance and status, while others obsess about trying to be socially kind and helpful at the expense of their own. You should realise there are people of various personalities and emotional focuses. Believe it or not, your coworkers or clients may not care about social approval as much or share the same “care language” as you do.
This enlightening webinar by our expert life coach and relationship expert, Teodora from Germany, will guide you through a journey of healthy reflection so you can break free from your energy-draining patterns.
Introduce shame as a core emotional driver impacting professional confidence.
Discuss the 3 emotional obsession or coping mechanism as a response to this emotion.
Reflection Exercise: Guide participants to identify and share their obsession/emotional patterns.
Question the necessity and impact of shame & social approval in professional life.
Overcoming Shame: Present tailored strategies for managing and transcending shame.
Introduction to Enneagram: Introduce the Enneagram as a tool for deeper self-understanding.
Q&A and Conclusion.
About the Trainer:
Based in Germany, Teodora Iulia Pฤucean is a certified Life and Relationship Coach with a Bachelor in Psychology and a Master in Conflict Resolution. With extensive experience in both the US and European markets, Teodora brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes.
Registration Form
The form has been closed. If you need assistance, kindly contact contact@ourhumanminds.com
Webinar timing: 18 Mar (Mon), 9pm-10pm Singapore time (9am EST)
Do self-limiting beliefs hold you back from unleashing your full potential? Ambitious managers and professionals, known for being hard on themselves, often struggle with these negative self-beliefs which can reinforce a cycle of low self-esteem, weak boundaries and burnout.
The key to breaking this cycle lies in objective self-awareness: firmly recognizing your strengths, and acknowledging the accompanying weaknesses. While various tools frameworks are available to aid in your self-awareness journey, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) stands out as a highly comprehensive and popular modern self-discovery framework. It’s widely used by millions of individuals and many Fortune 500 companies to enhance workplace relationships and leadership coaching.
Join our community for this exclusive crash course aimed at helping you conquer your negative self-beliefs and transform them into strengths and confidence through the secrets of the less well-known 8 Cognitive Functions.
Introduction to MBTI and Jungian cognitive functions
A quick crash course on cognitive function definitions
Reflection on how your dominant functions reveal your strengths and corresponding weaknesses
Explore practical strategies for developing your weaker functions
Q&A
The most helpful aspect is I could again a level of self-awareness and how this impacts how I engage with others and what works for me , but also a good list of tips that I can share with others who engage with me often so that they can understand how I work/think.
Denise, English instructor
Guided by a certified Type Coach Tuan Le with over 8 years of experience in personality psychology, participants will engage in lively yet intimate discussions focused on self-healing and self-exploration, emerging with deeper insights and increased self-confidence. Secure your spot now and be part of this enlightening experience.
Note: This form will close 1 day before the event or when the participant limit have been reached.
Registration has now been closed. You may check out the next training here.
Onlinewebinar: 6 March (Wed), 9-10pm Singapore time
Are you often feeling drained by the nonstop social demands, yet people still seem unhappy? Or are you sometimes confused about why people avoid you, even though you are such a reasonable boss? Focusing on playing by the social rules and mastering external people skills is certainly important, but it’s not sustainable in the long term if a manager lacks true self-awareness. In a prolonged, close working environment, familiarity can breed liking but also contempt if conflicting behavioral patterns are not addressed.
In this exclusive presentation by certified coach and typology expert Teodora Paucean, we will firsthand explore the importance of self-awareness in leadership and teamwork. Teodora is a seasoned Life and Relationship Coach with a wealth of experience in guiding individuals in the dynamic landscapes of both the US and European markets.
Agenda:
The speaker’s professional background and the reasons behind her passion to become a life coach.
Why self-awareness is the true long-term solution for a harmonious and productive workplace.
What are the best tools to enhance self-awareness?
What is the difference between MBTI and Enneagram, and when should you use each framework?
Practical advice for dealing with difficult workplace conflicts and challenging individuals.
Any other questions the audience might have.
Please submit the form below to reserve your slot and receive the Zoom/Recording link. The form will be closed on 5 Mar midnight or when the max number have been reached.
The registration form has been closed.
Please write to contact@ourhumanminds.com for any assistance.
This is a recorded webinar, please request for the link via the registration form below.
If you’re feeling frustrated with the dating scene, you’re not alone. Trying to find the right partner can be both fulfilling and dating experience. There’s no easy formula, just like anything worthwhile in life, but there is a way to equip yourself with the right mindset so you can select better as well as be much more understanding with your partners & special people in your life..
Typology or personality science is a powerful tool that categorizes people into personality patterns, allowing you to overcome psychological biases and lack of information to see the core of another person. In this expert-led session, we will learn and discuss:
Agenda:
Introduction: the role of personality in relationship compatibility
Compatibility vs acceptance, what’s more important?
The biggest hindrance to understanding: ego and naive realism
Introduction to Jungian Function & Temperaments as essential tools for people reading
Statistics and discussion of different temperament pairing and happiness
Q&A and sharing
About the trainer: Tuan Le is a passionate veteran in personality psychology. A certified typology coach, he has spent over 8 years learning and later training the public in the psychological frameworks such as MBTI, Enneagram, Socionics…. He is passionate about fostering better self-awareness and interpersonal understanding through objective and deeper understanding of personalities. Read more
Submit the registration form below to receive your link:
The Enneagram, a personality system with roots in ancient spiritual traditions, stands as a profound tool for self-discovery and personal growth, much like the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). What makes the Enneagram unique is its rich history, with numerous contributors shaping its complexity over centuries. If the MBTI focusses on cognition or the information-processing aspect of the mind, the Enneagram provides a road map to understand the deeper emotional drives. If MBTI is the skeleton, Enneagram is like the beating heart of the individual.
If you are a visual learner, you can also watch the video version. Otherwise, please continue below.
Enneagram presentation by Teodora Paucean
From a modern psychological perspective, the Enneagram highlights each person’s expertise in a particular coping mechanism. By revealing insecurities and fears, this system offers a roadmap for growth. The Enneagram posits that each individual carries a “lost message” from childhood โ something crucial for their emotional development that they may not have received.
For instance, if someone needed to hear that they were worthy of love but didn’t, they might grow up feeling the need to constantly prove their worth to others.
Contrary to the misconception that the Enneagram puts people in boxes, it encourages flexibility and understanding. Rather than dictating who one is, it reveals patterns and suggests avenues for personal growth. The Enneagram defines personality as a protective mask comprising fears, beliefs, and reactions, emphasizing the importance of discovering one’s true self or essence beyond this mask.
The Nine Enneagram Types
At the core of this system are the distinctive description of the nine Enneagram types. To better understand and remember them, we group them into three triads โ Heart, Head, and Gut.
The Heart Triad
Types 2, 3, and 4 focus on self-image and the desire for love, revealing deep-seated fears of unworthiness or inadequacy.
Type 2: The Helper
The Helper, or Type 2, embodies the caring and interpersonal personality. Twos are characterized by their empathy, sincerity, and warm-hearted nature. Friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, they often go out of their way to support others, driven by a deep need to be close to people. At their best, healthy Twos display unselfishness and altruism, fostering unconditional love for both themselves and others.
On the downside, the Helper faces challenges when their desire to be needed results in neglecting their own well-being. The tendency to people-please might lead to self-neglect and difficulty in recognizing personal needs. Healthy Twos strike a balance between caring for others and maintaining self-care.
Type 3: The Achiever
The Achiever, or Type 3, is the adaptable and success-oriented individual. Threes exude self-assurance, attractiveness, and charm. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they are often focused on personal advancement and success. At their best, healthy Threes embrace self-acceptance, authenticity, and serve as inspiring role models.
However, the Achiever encounters challenges when their drive for success transforms into an obsession with their image. Workaholism and excessive competitiveness may hinder genuine connections with others. Healthy Threes understand the importance of balance, achieving success while maintaining authenticity and healthy relationships.
Type 4: The Individualist
The Individualist, or Type 4, possesses a romantic and introspective nature. Fours are characterized by self-awareness, sensitivity, and reserved tendencies. They are self-revealing, emotionally honest, and often have a personal and unique approach to life. At their best, healthy Fours are inspired and highly creative, capable of transforming their experiences.
On the flip side, the Individualist faces challenges when their introspection turns into self-indulgence and self-pity. The desire for uniqueness may lead to feelings of disdain and detachment from ordinary ways of living. Healthy Fours appreciate their individuality while understanding the importance of connecting with others and avoiding excessive self-focus.
The Head Triad
Types 5, 6, and 7 centers around security and safety, with each type adopting strategies to cope with anxiety.
Type 5: The Investigator
The Investigator, or Type 5, represents the intense and cerebral personality. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious individuals who focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent and innovative, they may become detached and preoccupied with their thoughts. At their best, healthy Fives are visionary pioneers, offering new perspectives ahead of their time.
However, Investigators encounter challenges when their intense focus leads to isolation and detachment. The pursuit of knowledge may result in eccentricity and a sense of nihilism. Healthy Fives balance their intellectual pursuits with a connection to the world, avoiding excessive withdrawal.
Type 6: The Loyalist
The Loyalist, or Type 6, is the committed and security-oriented individual. Sixes are reliable, hardworking, and responsible, often running on stress while complaining about it. Healthy Sixes become internally stable, self-confident, and self-reliant. They courageously support the weak and powerless at their best.
On the contrary, the Loyalist faces challenges when their commitment turns into excessive anxiety and defensiveness. Unchecked self-doubt and suspicion can hinder personal growth and relationships. Healthy Sixes maintain a balance between vigilance and trust, fostering internal stability and supporting others without succumbing to overwhelming fear.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
The Enthusiast, or Type 7, embodies the busy and productive personality. Sevens are versatile, optimistic, and spontaneous, seeking new and exciting experiences. Playful and high-spirited, they may, at times, become overextended, scattered, and undisciplined.
However, Enthusiasts encounter challenges when their pursuit of excitement leads to superficiality and a lack of discipline. Overextension and constant activity may result in exhaustion. Healthy Sevens understand the importance of balance, channeling their enthusiasm into meaningful pursuits while avoiding impulsive and superficial behaviors.
The Gut Triad
Types 8, 9, and 1 highlights the pursuit of autonomy and independence. These types resist external control and, in unique ways, strive for personal integrity, peace, or protection from harm.
Type 1: The Reformer
The Reformer, or Type 1, is characterized as the principled and idealistic type. Individuals of this type are known for their strong ethical values and conscientious nature, always guided by a clear sense of right and wrong. Reformers often take on the roles of teachers and crusaders, driven by a continuous desire to improve the world around them. Their organized and orderly approach, coupled with a meticulous attention to detail, reflects their commitment to maintaining high standards. Healthy Ones exhibit wisdom, discernment, realism, and nobility, embodying moral heroism at their best.
On the flip side, the Reformer faces challenges when their pursuit of perfection transforms into excessive criticism. The fear of making mistakes can hinder their progress, and their well-organized nature might border on rigidity. Acknowledging and managing repressed anger and impatience becomes crucial for a balanced and healthy Type 1. Despite their noble intentions, an overemphasis on perfectionism may inadvertently distance them from others.
Type 8: The Challenger
The Challenger, or Type 8, exudes self-confidence, strength, and assertiveness. Eights are characterized by their protective and resourceful nature, often making decisive and impactful decisions. Healthy Eights transform into self-masters, channeling their strength to positively impact the lives of those around them. In their prime, healthy Eights showcase heroism, magnanimity, and sometimes even historical greatness.
However, the Challenger encounters difficulties when their assertiveness turns into excessive pride, hindering their ability to connect with others. The need for control may result in confrontations and a reluctance to show vulnerability. Healthy Eights recognize the importance of balance, utilizing their strength for the greater good without succumbing to dominating tendencies.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker, or Type 9, embodies an easygoing and self-effacing personality. Nines are characterized by their accepting and stable nature, fostering an environment of trust. Good-natured, kind-hearted, and easygoing, they play the role of supporters, often going along with others to maintain peace. Heathy Nines exhibit indomitable qualities, bringing people together and resolving conflicts seamlessly.
On the downside, the Peacemaker faces challenges when their desire for peace transforms into complacency. The reluctance to address conflicts head-on can hinder personal growth, and the tendency to minimize issues may lead to unresolved problems. Healthy Nines embrace their innate ability to unite people and address conflicts, realizing the significance of balancing their easygoing nature with assertiveness when necessary.
Conclusion
The Enneagram, with its profound insights into human behavior, serves as a guide to breaking free from limitations, understanding one’s triggers, and fostering compassion towards oneself and others. It invites individuals to embrace their unique paths of growth, acknowledging that it’s a gradual process rather than an overnight transformation.
It offers a nuanced understanding of personality, combining ancient wisdom with modern psychology. While the Enneagram provides valuable insights, we emphasizes caution against extremeโor overuse, just like with any other typology systems. It should serve as a tool for self-education, not as an excuse for negative behavior. Cultivating awareness, acknowledging triggers, and promoting personal growth are essential steps in the journey.
Recorded webinar: request for it via the form below.
Have you come across intimidating and bossy people at work? If they consistently display this behaviour, itโs more likely they are not intentionally but itโs just their personality type. In this webinar, we will use the Enneagram framework to dissect these typesโ characteristic and hidden emotional drives. They would be a lot less scary if you truly understand what makes them tick!
The Enneagram is a popular framework distilledfrom ancient religious and philosophical wisdom that provide a structured ways to categorise personality types based on unconscious emotional drive and pain points.
This session will be led by Teodora Paucean, a veteran relationship coach from Germany, for an enlightening crash course to improve your confidence in dealing with the more assertive personalities at work and personal life.
Agenda:
Member introduction.
This history of Enneagram and its relevance in relationships.
An overview of the 4 Assertive types: Type 3 – the Achiever, Type 7 – the Enthusiast and Type 8 – the Challenger and Type 1 – the Perfectionist.
Understand each typeโs emotional drives and fixations
Practical strategies to deal with each type.
Q&A
Slots are limited. Confirm your attendance via the form below, to receive the Zoom link, handouts and recording of the session.
Registration Form
Submit this form to receive the link (if slots still available) and the session recording via email.
