How MBTI Personality Types Care for Others
Melissa, MBTI Marketing Manager
First and foremost, if you work in the healthcare industry in any capacity, THANK YOU! While the work you do is important on any day, right now you’re risking more than usual on the front lines of this pandemic.
You’re keeping our communities safe.
While putting yourself at risk.
That’s pretty self-less.
And we who are not in the healthcare industry really appreciate what you do every day. So thank you from all of us at The Myers-Briggs Company.
MBTI Personality types in healthcare
What personality types tend to go into the healthcare fields? While there are an incredible number of different types of jobs in the healthcare industry, people whose personality type has the middle letters SF tend to be drawn to healthcare frequently (ESFJ, ESFP, ISFJ, ISFP).
Why is that?
People with the middle letters SF are often referred to as the “customer service people.” They want to know who, what, where, when and why and how they can help others. They’re present-time oriented (as opposed to future-time oriented like people who prefer Intuition) and when making decisions they focus on people more (as opposed to those who prefer Thinking and focus on systems and data more).
Keep in mind though, that in American culture those with preferences for E, S, T or J are more likely to be in supervisor or manager positions. That’s because American culture tends to prefer and value Extraversion over Introversion, Sensing over Intuition, Thinking over Feeling, and Judging over Perceiving.
Below are a few of the personality types drawn to occupations in healthcare from the MBTI Type Table for Occupations manual:
Family or General Practitioner
Most common types: ISTJ, ESTJ, INTJMost likely to self-select into this occupation: INTJ (4.33)
Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technician
Most common types: ESTJ, ISFJ, INTPMost likely to self-select into this occupation: INTP (2.71)
Medical Assistants
Most common types: ISFJ, ESFJ, ESFPMost likely to self-select into this occupation: ENFJ (1.71)
Medical and Health Services Managers
Most common types: ISTJ, ESTJ, ENFPMost likely to self-select into this occupation: ENTJ (3.45)
Licensed Practical Nurses
Most common types: ISFJ, ESFJ, ESFPMost likely to self-select into this occupation: ESFP (1.57)
Registered Nurses
Most common types: ISTJ, ISFJ, ESFJMost likely to self-select into this occupation: INFJ (2.59)
Nursing Aides or Orderlies
Most common types: ISFJ, ESFP, ESFJMost likely to self-select into this occupation: ISFJ (1.55)
Pediatricians
Most common types: ISTJ, INTJ, INFP, INTPMost likely to self-select into this occupation: INFJ (4.64)
Respiratory Therapists
Most common types: ENFP, ESTJ, ISFJMost likely to self-select into this occupation: ENTP (2.63)
How different MBTI personality types care for others
Regardless of what occupation you’re in, most people have the capacity, empathy and ability to care for other people.
Whether it’s caring for a child, a parent, a significant other or friend, or a patient or customer, your MBTI personality type gives you certain strengths in your ability to see problems, make people feel at ease and comfortable, and find solutions.
Below are how each personality type best shows compassion and caring for a patient (or friend, sig. other, etc.):
INTJ
INTJs are competent, effective and innovative. They imagine new possibilities and can inspire patients and anyone they’re taking care of with their vision. They help patients conceptualize what they can expect in the future.
INFJ
INFJs can tune in to patients and anticipate ways to increase their comfort. They visualize how the future can be brighter and make decisions from a moral perspective. They strive to create harmony and to be productive.
ISFJ
ISFJs are empathetic and kind, consistent and steady. They’re considerate of each patient’s feelings and respond to their specific needs. They prefer to work quietly behind the scenes to make each person feel comfortable.
ISTJ
ISTJs provide comfort by using their talent for planning and structure. They’re able to listen intently and are great at paying attention to detail. They’re highly reliable and resolute in helping patients face setbacks or challenges.
ISTP
ISTPs are able to adapt to patients’ practical needs as they emerge. They develop great skill and accuracy in using technical equipment. Patients tell them they’re straightforward and direct, and that they listen well.
ISFP
ISFPs are calm, friendly, and service oriented. They’re flexible in responding to patients’ needs and they like to please others. They willingly provide practical support. They’re known for being sensitive and able to listen patiently.
INFP
INFPs are idealistic and use empathy and creativity to develop options for patients. They treat patients with authenticity and respect. They want to make a different and like to make a genuine connection with patients.
INTP
INTPs provide comfort by remaining flexible and open to the needs of their patients. They’re motivated to find answers and to master cutting-edge technology to support their patients.
ESTP
ESTPs have a positive approach to life which is often infectious. They’re fun to be around and create an action-oriented atmosphere. Their patients rely on their practicality and ability to respond quickly in an emergency.
ESFP
ESFPs are lively, personable and warm in the care they provide. They’re the first to crack a joke or relax a tense situation by doing something amusing. They’re resourceful and their can do attitude helps patients feel calm and at ease.
ENFP
ENFPs are energetic, fun and like to look ahead to the future and are often positive about what the future holds. Their bedside manner exudes flexibility, kindness and a sense of humor to help their patients get through difficult times.
ENTP
ENTPs love learning and are confident in their ability to master new areas of expertise quickly. They’re open-minded and willing to try new approaches to help our patients, provided their approaches are backed by sound logic.
ESTJ
ESTJs are consistent and reliable, which contributes to the comfort of patients. Their conscientious, practical presentation of specific aspects of care provides patients with a clear picture of what their treatment entails.
ESFJ
ESFJs are outgoing and exude warmth. They help patients feel that they matter and pay attention to details that made a difference in their patient’s comfort. They give patients a feeling of consistency in uncertain times.
ENFJ
ENFJs focus on creating harmony, but can also get patients to focus on what matters most for them. They tune into patients’ needs, helping them to feel their best. Their genuine concerns ensures their patients know they’re being well taken care of.
ENTJ
ENTJs are able to inspire patients with confidence that things are under control. Their patients know they’ve examined the medical situation from every angle and are prepared for any complications that may arise.