What MBTI Type is Santa Claus?

A Typewatching Caution:

All guesses of someone else’s MBTI preferences are projections that say more about the guesser than they do the subject being considered. If pop culture, political figures, and other such real-time folks who are in the news everyday are the recipients of our projection–getting spun positively for the things we like and at times viciously for those things that displease us–imagine what we as a collective do to Santa Claus! This thought is offered as a disclaimer and a backdrop urging you to take what I have written here (and the Type projections of anyone you ask) with a pound of salt.

So, what Type is Santa Claus?

Picturing the late 20th century, American pop culture image of Santa, these would be the preferences I see:

Temperament of Santa

I can see the argument for NF. Santa is a poster child for personable and touchy-feely, right? But I would argue Santa is an SJ. Look at this man’s project management skills. Toys for everyone in the world delivered all in one night–on time and under budget? Come on, only an SJ could pull that one off. Besides he makes a list and checks it twice. NFJs may make the list, but check it twice? Never. Santa’s an SJ.

Extravert

Most of the shows and images we see of Santa show a gregarious and expressive man, frequently in the company of others. Can you imagine the network that man must have? No Introvert would have such a thing unless he lived in total stress, and that jolly old elf certainly has a stress-free life 51 weeks out of the year.

Feeler

Santa has to be a Feeling decider. Don’t be fooled by the naughty and nice list. That is not an objective, logical decision process. Feelers can and do make the naughty or nice conclusion. But really, have you ever seen data that suggest that anyone has ever made it to the naughty list? There were many years that I deserved switches and coal, but I got the G.I. Joe with the Kung-Fu Grip instead. Santa has shown more mercy than justice in my view. Santa is an F, a dominant Extraverted Feeler, in fact.

I would argue that Santa, were he to take the MBTI assessment, would validate ESFJ, which we refer to as Host/Hostess of the World, also known as the ambassadors of the world–perfect for Father Christmas!

Advanced Training for Type Practitioners

In 2020, OKA is continuing its expanded series of advanced Type application workshops, which includes a number of interactive, online training options as well. Whether you are pursuing your MBTI Master Practitioner credential or are merely a Type user and enthusiast, we hope to see you studying Type here at OKA sometime soon. Keep in touch with OKA, and we’ll keep you in touch with the world of Type and the MBTI assessment.

OKA wishes you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2019!

Read about Santa’s Emotional Intelligence here

Read about Santa’s Narrative Intelligence here