Meet MBTI^® Certification Training Expert & Instructor Michael Segovia

CPP Insider: Hi Michael. Thank you for taking some time to answer our questions.

Michael Segovia: You're welcome.

CPP Insider: Could you please provide us with a brief summary of your experience with the MBTI^® tool?

Michael Segovia: My experience with the MBTI tool is fairly extensive. I have directed CPP's qualifications processes and represented CPP on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI^®) Common Exam Revision, Exam Procedures, and Type Community committees, and facilitated workshops on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, FIRO-B^®, and Strong Interest Inventory^® instruments in the United States, China, Russia, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

CPP Insider: What is your type (if you're comfortable to share), and how do you think your type impacts your facilitation style?

Michael Segovia: My verified type is INFP, and I think that my need to make a difference and make sure everyone is getting what they want from my training is representative of my type. I'm an Expressive, Planful INFP, and I think it shows when I facilitate. Feedback from participants is that my accommodating and thorough approach helps them feel comfortable and open to learning new things.

CPP Insider: We understand you have delivered hundreds of MBTI Certification programs and will be delivering 18 for CPP in 2010. Do you ever get tired of talking about the MBTI instrument?

Michael Segovia: I am actually very excited for next year. No matter how many MBTI programs I have delivered, there is a newness to each program that keeps me motivated. Each MBTI Certification program participant brings his or her own unique perspective to the learning experience that keeps me on my toes and makes it constantly fascinating.

CPP Insider: What is your favorite aspect of delivering MBTI training classes?

Michael Segovia: I love the new energy and excitement participants exhibit when they begin to uncover the power behind the MBTI tool. They see that it is so much more than the sum of its parts. As a result, the possibilities for using psychological type become abundant and meaningful.

CPP Insider: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of delivering MBTI training classes?

Michael Segovia: In each program, I want to make sure every participant gets what she or he needs not only to pass each exam, but also to use the MBTI tool as professionally, ethically, and practically as possible. I put pressure on myself to give participants the time and experience they need to make this happen, and sometimes that pressure can be challenging.

CPP Insider: Can you recall a favorite facilitation experience, and what makes it stand out in your mind?

Michael Segovia: I love doing the team applications module of the MBTI Certification program. In a recent public program, I had several HR employees from the same company. These individuals hadn't previously truly affirmed what each team member contributed to their overall team. By understanding and applying MBTI type theory, they were able to identify and acknowledge each other more clearly. It was moving experience and a real-life, eye-opening example for everyone in the room.

CPP Insider: We understand you deliver a lot of programs internationally, which brings its own challenges and rewards. When delivering a certification training outside the United States, are there any specific factors you have to take into consideration?

Michael Segovia: I have a lot of experience around the world as a facilitator, participant, and attendee, and I know that culture plays an important role in type. We know that all types exist in all countries, but the expression of each type can differ based on cultural influence. The CPP MBTI Certification program addresses this directly with its module on multicultural issues. CPP has collected data on cultures around the world, and I've seen firsthand the use of the MBTI tool in the U.S., India, Russia, China, South Africa, Korea, Dubai, and more. I'm amazed how relevant and powerful the MBTI tool is around the globe.

CPP Insider: Speaking of visiting different cultures, where are your favorite places to travel around the world?

Michael Segovia: Paris, El Nido (Philippines), Cape Town, Florianapolis (Brazil), Saugatuck, Provincetown, Grand Canyon, Budapest, Egypt. I've trained in most of these places and elsewhere.

CPP Insider: What do you like to do when you're not training?

Michael Segovia: I tend to be a quiet observer of people and situations. I enjoy time by myself or with one other person. Working out, playing tennis, and anything that keeps me fit needs to be part of most every day for me. I usually follow a day of certification training with a good workout in the gym.

CPP Insider: Do you have advice for people considering the MBTI Certification program?

Michael Segovia: The MBTI Certification program will give you the tools you need to start using the MBTI tool right away. We have reviewed and evaluated extensive feedback from participants over the years and created a program that is a wonderful blend of real-world application and psychological type theory and research.

Once you have decided to attend, come into the experience with an open mind and be ready to learn a lot. Once the program is over, be sure to start using what you have learned right away. Additional learning and experience using the MBTI tool will improve your skill in applying it.

CPP Insider: Do you think the MBTI tool can help you outside a training setting?

Michael Segovia: The MBTI tool helps me in many aspects of my life. It gives me be a better understanding of how to relate to colleagues at work, personal relationships, everyday encounters, and so on. I recognize my motivations, stressors, likes, and dislikes by understanding my preferences and the preferences of others.

CPP Insider: And, last question: What is your favorite food?

Michael Segovia: Mexican! Believe it or not, I include my preference for Mexican food as a way to describe MBTI out-of-preference facets (MBTI Step II??? assessment???day 4 of the program). You have to see it!

If you are interested in learning more about CPP's MBTI Certification program, click here. You can contact Michael Segovia at msegovia@cpp.com.