Using MBTI and what it tells us about the impact of introversion on coaching relationships: A provocation

Abstract

This article has been constructed as a provocation to stimulate debate about the role of MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) profiles on the likelihood of success within executive coaching. In this we work through the lens of introversion. Scanning the relevant literature reveals different conclusions about the roles of introversion in the development of effective executive coaching and, drawing on recent Master’s level research, this paper explores some ideas and opinions. By using Introversion as our starting point, we can discern the ways in which knowledge of the characteristics of both coach and client can have a profound influence on how we coach. We cover the influence of introversion from both the coach and client’s point of view and look to a more nuanced view of the MBTI spectrum. Part of this uncovering helped us create the Tuner-Elson heuristic model as a simple devise to explain the move from defined types to a more holistic way of coaching. Finally, the authors offer ways in which, in a practical setting, coaches and their clients and mitigate against aspects of character as outlined by the MBTI spectrum.