Emotional intelligence is often described as the ability to understand yourself and connect meaningfully with those around you. One of the most powerful tools to grow this kind of awareness is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®).
Think of MBTI as a gift — a way of discovering not just how you show up in the world, but how you can honor and support the people around you. It’s a balance of what you take in and what you give back.
The Gift of What You Take
The first two MBTI dichotomies focus on how you gather energy and process information:
- Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I): Do you take energy from engaging with others, or from reflecting inwardly? Recognizing this helps you recharge in ways that sustain you — and helps you respect how others recharge differently.
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N): Do you take in information through tangible details and facts, or by connecting patterns and possibilities? Understanding this helps you lean into your natural strengths while appreciating different approaches to problem-solving.
When you recognize how you take in energy and information, you’re practicing self-awareness — the foundation of emotional intelligence.
The Gift of What You Give
The next two dichotomies reflect how you share yourself with the world:
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F): Do you give by responding with logic and analysis, or with empathy and values? Both are essential, and emotional intelligence grows when you learn to balance and honor both approaches.
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P): Do you give structure and decisiveness, or flexibility and openness? These preferences shape how you interact with others and how you help them navigate the world around them.
What you give is what others experience — your leadership, your communication style, your presence. The more intentional you are in your giving, the stronger your relationships become.
MBTI as a Two-Way Gift
This balance of taking and giving makes MBTI more than just a personality tool. It’s a gift of emotional intelligence:
- To yourself: You gain clarity about your natural preferences, so you can grow with intention and care for your own needs.
- To others: You become more attuned to differences, more flexible in your approach, and more empathetic in your leadership.
When you honor both sides — what you take and what you give — you create a cycle of understanding that strengthens every interaction.
Final Thought
MBTI reminds us that growth and leadership aren’t just about who we are, but about how we connect. The gift lies in the exchange: the energy and insights you take in, and the empathy and guidance you give back.
By embracing MBTI as a lens for emotional intelligence, you’re not just leading yourself — you’re helping others flourish too
Ready to Go Deeper? Join Ladder Down
If this exploration of MBTI sparked something in you, imagine what it could unlock in a room full of purpose-driven professionals. One of our Ladder Down sessions is dedicated entirely to MBTI—where you’ll uncover your preferences, dissect the layers of each dichotomy, and explore how they shape your emotional intelligence and your ability to lead with empathy and clarity.
Ladder Down offers two dynamic tracks:
Both tracks blend leadership development, business acumen, and personal growth—creating space for you to rise, reflect, and connect.
To learn more or register, visit the Programs section of our website. We’d love to welcome you into a community where your strengths are celebrated and your growth is supported.
