Using MBTI type to explore differences and the implications for practice for therapists and coaches: are executive coaches really like counsellors?

Passmore, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0832-7510, Holloway, M. and Rawle-Cope, M. (2010) Using MBTI type to explore differences and the implications for practice for therapists and coaches: are executive coaches really like counsellors? Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 23 (1). pp. 1-16. ISSN 0951-5070 doi: 10.1080/09515071003679354

Abstract/Summary

This study investigated a relationship between personality types and preferred methods of coaching. A total of 278 UK-based coaches completed an on-line survey, with 212 completing the section on Myers Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) data. The results indicated that coaches were significantly more likely to have an intuitive (N) preference than a sensing (S) preference when compared to the wider UK population. Coaches were significantly different from UK counsellors in the balance between thinking (T) and feeling (F) preferences, with coaches being guided more by thinking preferences and counsellors using feeling preferences more often. Investigation on differences on the use of coaching models and MBTI types revealed that differences were not statistically significant. Statistically significant relationship between MBTI type and career roles: coaching or counselling, were found. The article highlights the implications of personality preferences for the selection and training of coaches.