You have two choices. Both have pros and cons. How do you decide which you are going to choose? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) T (thinking) and F (feeling) preference pair helps us better understand what we value and what is more impactful to us. Thinkers are analytical. Feelers decide using relationships. My Star Trek analogy for this is that thinkers are akin to Mr. Spock and feelers are akin to Deanna Troi. For non-science fiction readers, Mr. Spock is a Vulcan whose culture values logic and Deanna Troi is an empath due to her being half Betazoid.
If you make your decision based on cause and effect, you probably prefer thinking. You tend to take yourself and emotion out of the equation and objectively weigh the pros and cons to solve the problem. You are likely seen as reasonable and potentially tough.
If the feelings of the people who are affected are prominent in your decision-making, you probably prefer feeling. You tend to put yourself into the other person's shoes to best identify and honor people. You are supportive and try to create harmony. You are likely seen as compassionate and potentially tenderhearted.
Both preferences are fair but value different perspectives. People who prefer thinking tend to treat everyone equally. People who prefer feeling tend to treat everyone as individuals.
People who understand their preferences will have an easier time making decision. People who understand the preference of others, in their work groups for example, will better be able to focus on the other person's values and address those.
For example, if you are a thinker and you are delivering a proposal that is logical and is fair to everyone, you may not understand why your feeling supervisor is not committed to your idea. If part of your analysis includes addressing the needs of the feeling preference of your supervisor, your proposal will address the benefits to others and how it can help the cohesiveness of all - taking individual needs into account. Think in terms of the needs of the one versus the needs of the many. This preference pair values the collective versus the individual differently.
In the workplace, both preferences are important but can be misunderstood by people. Thinkers would reason that their decisions make sense but can be seen as "cold" and value mutual respect of colleagues. Feelers value the harmony in teams over the analysis. Thinkers may not understand why feelers are "wasting time" learning the preferences of others while feelers may not agree that expedience is not worth potentially hurting other peoples' feelings.
Without a strong understanding of the differences in values and what that can mean in work groups, discord can erupt which can cause big problems. With a little help understanding the other person's perspective and priorities, we can create respectful workplaces that are fair to everyone as individuals.
To learn more your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator from a certified MBTI Practitioner, email Mako & Associates at DeeAn@MakoEd.com or text/call 206-992-7484 to develop customized training opportunities.
