Conflict resolution through MBTI

Written by Anna Hessellund Diedrichsen

Abstract

Conflicts between stakeholders cannot be avoided. Stakeholders can be individuals that are affected or may affect a decision, activity or output of project management according to PMI standard . The application of Myers–Briggs Type Indicator(MBTI) will support conflict resolution and effective communication across stakeholders and provide insightful knowledge to the project manager about how to approach and connect individuals. The MBTI assessment is an instrument to understand personality differences, preferences, strengths and blind spots . It presents how an individual receives information, makes decisions, interacts etc. An assessment of more dimensions which can be combined is performed, and the MBTI finally assigns an individual to one of the 16 different types. The dimensions considered are Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs Feeling and Judging vs. Perceiving. MBTI gives the power to the project manager of using effectively tailored communication style with the purpose of understanding each personality to predict and avoid conflicts.

Limitations of MBTI must be critical addressed in terms of concern about reliability and validity. Firstly, the accuracy of MBTI is questioning since individuals may get different results when retaking the test. Secondly, MBTI arises critique using a binary measurement , hence not advanced enough. Important to state is that a project manager’s interpretation and prediction of an individual must not be limited to the MBTI result. Human are complex and needs changes, however the essential personal preferences are only likely to change minimally over time.

MBTI is suitable for conflict resolution in project teams.

Application of MBTI in Conflict Resolution

Project, Program and Portfolio Management

Project management