Type preferences in the workplace – #2 Sensing and INtuition
Swiss psychologist Carl Jung first proposed that we are “all different, but predictably so” – ie that we have innate (in born) preferences that drive our behaviours – how we interact and respond to situations. Many of the personality type questionnaires used today have their roots in his work – more explanation in my blog Personality Types and the MBTI ®.
Here I take one dimension of type as described in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® and highlight how it can impact in the workplace. Even if you don’t know your MBTI® type you can have a go at working it out from here – see at bottom of article for information on my profiling service:
Sensing and iNtuition are the labels used for the two preferences for how we like to process information: our preference is either for detailed, factual, practical information taken in through our senses (Sensing); or we might favour more conceptual, ‘big picture’ or future based thinking, making connections and noting what might be (Intuition).
In the workplace we might notice the following preferences for working environment and communication:
| SENSING | INTUITION |
| Prefer to draw on past experience and skills
Follow instructions step by step and go by the ‘agenda’ Like evidence and specific facts Enjoy practical tasks Present answers in detail and require detailed factual information to operate well |
Enjoy new challenges and problems to solve
Follow their inspirations Welcome change and future visioning Happy with conceptual and theoretical information Like innovative tasks where they can use their imagination Present an overview/general answers |
In summary:
Sensor motto: “Give me the specifics”
Intuitor motto: “Let’s explore the possibilities”
Here are a few tips for each type to operate effectively and accommodate for other type
| If you have a preference for Sensing | If you have a preference for iNtuition |
| Recognise the strengths in working with complementary types – your practical realism can be enhanced through ideas, insight and connections.
Give an overview first before delving into the detail Welcome ideas and suggestions and allow time for discussion to explore broader concepts Don’t shut down initial ideas and enthusiasm with practical concerns, allow thoughts to be vocalised and explored |
Recognise that your opposite type will ground your ideas and vision in the present and provide input into practical considerations
Give factual information and specific examples Bring some structure to meetings/conversations Back up ideas and suggestions with information on how they will work in practice
Remember the S’s concerns are not negativity – they are about practical realism – help them understand how your ideas work |
Discover your own full MBTI type and get feedback to inform your self awareness of strengths and development points – click here for more information on my service.