16 Personalities – Understand yourself and others better
The 16 Personalities are a fascinating model to better understand yourself and other people. It helps you recognize backgrounds, comprehend behavior, and perhaps also bring out what truly lies within you more clearly. In the NLP podcast by Stefan and Marian the two discuss the connection between this popular personality test and the NLP metaprograms.
Table of Contents
What are the 16 Personalities?
The 16 Personalities model is based on the typology of Carl Gustav Jung and was later developed further by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) . It divides people into 16 different personality types – each with unique strengths, preferences, and challenges. The test is now widely available and free online. It is particularly popular because it explains complex psychological patterns in an easily understandable way.
Each type is represented by a combination of four letters – for example ENFP or ISTJ. Each letter stands for a dimension that describes how you perceive the world and interact with it. This combination provides surprisingly precise insights into communication, motivation, and interpersonal dynamics.
C. G. Jung and the origins
The roots of this model go back to C. G. Jung who coined terms like introversion and extraversion . He distinguished between thinking, feeling, sensing, and intuitive types. From these concepts, Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs developed the MBTI in the 1940s – the foundation of the modern 16 Personalities. Although the model does not directly stem from NLP, it shares many fundamental ideas with neurolinguistic programming: Both deal with perception, thinking, and behavior.
The four letters and their meanings
The four dimensions of the 16 Personalities together form a concise personality profile. Every person has a preference in each category that defines their type:
- E or I – Extraversion vs. Introversion: Extroverts (E) recharge their energy through social interaction, while introverts (I) regenerate it through withdrawal and inner reflection.
- S or N – Sensing vs. Intuition: S types (Sensors) perceive the world through their senses, being practical and realistic. N types (Intuitives) think abstractly, seeing possibilities and patterns behind the visible.
- T or F – Thinking vs. Feeling: T types (Thinkers) decide logically and analytically, while F types (Feelers) decide based on values, harmony, and emotions. Both approaches are valuable – effective in different contexts.
- J or P – Judging vs. Perceiving: J types prefer structure, planning, and decisions, while P types remain flexible and keep options open. J closes off – P stays open to new experiences.
By combining these four dimensions, 16 types emerge – from the structured ISTJ to the creative ENFP to the visionary INFJ. Each type describes typical thinking, feeling, and action patterns that influence our lives – in work, relationships, and personal development.
The fifth dimension: A and T
Some modern versions of the test add a fifth category: A (Assertive) and T (Turbulent). It describes how stable or sensitive someone is in response to stress:
- Assertive (A): self-confident, stress-resistant, satisfied with what has been achieved.
- Turbulent (T): reflective, self-critical, ambitious, emotionally sensitive.
This expands the model to 32 types – an additional nuance that is especially valuable for professional and personal development. Assertive types often rest in themselves, while Turbulent types constantly seek improvement. Both qualities are resources when used consciously.
The interface to NLP and metaprograms
In NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) it is less about fixed types, but about dynamic patterns – so-called metaprograms. These describe how people process information, motivate themselves, and communicate. An example: "Toward" or "Away from" motivation – whether goals attract you or problems drive you. The difference from the 16 Personalities model: NLP views behavior as context-dependent, while 16 Personalities describes more stable personality traits.
Nevertheless, there are many parallels. For example, the N (Intuition) corresponds with the NLP metaprogram "Overview", while the S (Sensing) is similar to "Detail Focus". Understanding both models helps to perceive oneself and others more distinctly – and to adjust communication purposefully.
Application in everyday life, work, and relationships
Knowing your personality type can transform your self-perception and relationships. In the workplace, it helps to assemble teams better, understand leadership styles, and defuse conflicts. Companies like Schott AG even developed 16 of their own leadership trainings – a tailored program for each type.
In partnerships, the model creates understanding for differences: An N-type thinks in possibilities and visions, while an S-type prefers to stay grounded in reality. Feelers (F) perceive emotions more strongly, while Thinkers (T) prefer to act based on logic. These insights enable empathy instead of friction – you recognize that your counterpart simply perceives the world differently.
The model also offers valuable impulses in coaching. It makes visible why people tick differently, what language they need to feel understood, and which environments give or drain them energy.
Conclusion: Understanding types, connecting people
The 16 Personalities are not boxes, but maps. They show how diverse people are – and that every combination has its value. Whether you are more of a structured analyst, a creative free spirit, or a harmonious idealist: every profile has strengths, challenges, and development potential.
In conjunction with NLP, a deeper understanding emerges of how you and others function. This leads to more tolerance, clearer communication, and genuine connection. Because those who understand the differences can utilize them – in work, in relationships, and for personal growth.
Tip: Take the free 16 Personalities test online and read your profile. Observe yourself – not to categorize yourself, but to discover yourself.
"Understanding is the beginning of every change."
Frequently asked questions about the 16 Personalities
What are the 16 Personalities?
The 16 Personalities is a personality model based on the typology of Carl Gustav Jung It combines four dimensions – Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving – resulting in 16 different types such as ENFP or ISTJ. Each type describes typical thinking, feeling, and action patterns.
How does the 16 Personalities test work?
The test consists of a series of questions that capture your preferred way of thinking, feeling, and acting. At the end, you receive a combination of four letters (e.g., INFJ or ESTP) that describes your personality. The test is available for free online and usually takes less than 15 minutes.
What are the four letter categories?
- E / I – Extraversion vs. Introversion: Energy from people or from retreat.
- S / N – Sensing vs. Intuition: Focus on facts or on possibilities.
- T / F – Thinking vs. Feeling: Decisions based on logic or on values.
- J / P – Judging vs. Perceiving: Structured and planning or open and flexible.
These dimensions combine to form 16 unique personality types.
What does the fifth dimension – A and T – mean?
In newer versions of the model, there is an additional category: A (Assertive) stands for self-assured and balanced, T (Turbulent) for sensitive, reflective, and ambitious. It refines the personality profile and shows how you deal with stress, pressure, and emotions.
What is the difference between 16 Personalities and NLP?
The 16 Personalities model describes stable personality preferences, while NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) dynamic patterns and strategies is examined. NLP helps to change behavior situationally, while 16 Personalities focuses more on self-understanding and communication. Both approaches complement each other excellently.
How can I use 16 Personalities in everyday life?
When you know your type, you can better understand what motivates you, how you communicate, and what you need to feel comfortable. In work the model helps with teamwork and leadership, in relationships it promotes empathy and understanding. It is also a powerful tool in coaching or personal development.