MBTI (10) : Comparing the MBTI to Alternative Personality Assessments: Which Is Right for You?


The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. While the MBTI has its strengths, some individuals may be interested in exploring alternative personality assessments that offer different perspectives on personality and behavior. In this article, we will compare the MBTI to three popular alternative assessments: the Big Five, Enneagram, and StrengthsFinder, to help you determine which one is right for you.


The Big Five is a widely accepted alternative to the MBTI, measuring individuals on five broad dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Unlike the MBTI, which assigns individuals to one of 16 personality types, the Big Five offers a more continuous view of personality, allowing for greater variation and complexity. If you're looking for a more nuanced understanding of your personality traits, the Big Five may be the right choice for you.

Another popular alternative to the MBTI is the Enneagram, which categorizes individuals into one of nine personality types based on core motivations and fears. The Enneagram is often used for personal growth and self-awareness, helping individuals understand their core desires and how they relate to others. If you're interested in exploring your motivations and fears, and how they shape your personality and behavior, the Enneagram may be a good fit for you.

The StrengthsFinder assessment is another popular alternative to the MBTI, which identifies an individual's top five strengths from a list of 34 potential strengths. The assessment is often used in career counseling and team building, helping individuals better understand their unique talents and how they can contribute to the workplace. If you're looking to identify your strengths and how they can be applied to your career or relationships, the StrengthsFinder may be the right choice for you.

So, which assessment is right for you? It depends on your goals and interests. If you're looking for a broad view of your personality traits, the Big Five may be the best choice. If you're interested in understanding your core motivations and fears, the Enneagram may be a good fit. And if you're looking to identify your strengths and how they can be applied to your career or relationships, the StrengthsFinder may be the right choice.

In conclusion, while the MBTI is a popular and well-known personality assessment tool, it's not the only option available. By comparing the MBTI to alternative assessments like the Big Five, Enneagram, and StrengthsFinder, individuals can gain a better understanding of their unique personality traits and how they can be applied to their personal and professional lives. Ultimately, the best assessment for you will depend on your goals, interests, and preferences.