My apologies for the delay on this one. We had a death in the family that truly hit me harder than I anticipated. Through the past week though, I have learned much about life and the moments we share with loved ones. Moments we don’t think ever resurface. More on that later.
Alright, let’s go.
Last time, we talked about extraversion and introversion.
We focused on the biggest differences between these two dimensions of personality and eventually got to a point where we figured out where we land. While the extrovert receives and directs energy in the external world the introvert prefers a more internal approach.
Our journey continues this week as we talk about Sensors and Intuitive Types.
Sensors & Intuitives
This dimension is rooted in our preferred method of processing. This is our general approach to process information, data, our environment, and even what others say to us.
Sensors
Sensor types prefer to take in and process their information in a precise and exact manner.
Here’s a list of things to know about a sensor:
They use their five senses to assess data – sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. They enjoy actively engaging with the physical world.
The great cry of the sensor is “I want to know what is!”
They value realism, pragmatism & practical applications. They often like to get their hands dirty / do manual work.
They live in the present, enjoying what’s there; noticing color & texture; their environment is important for them.
They value vision but need to know it’s safe and well thought through before they will commit their time, money and people.
Prefer the tried and true, a successful process or procedure that they can incrementally improve over time.
They prefer to learn in sequential systematic ways: “Please build carefully on what I already know.”
Intuition
Intuitive types prefer to hear the big picture first, if they find it compelling enough they will work back towards the details. “Tell me what could be…”
Here’s a list of things to know about an intuitive:
They learn to trust their “sixth” sense, often making life decisions based on a gut feeling rather than empirical data.
They live towards the future, focusing on possibilities; the great cry of the Intuitive is, “Tell me what could be!”
They often miss the details that are right in front of them; their physical environment is less important than new ideas.
They enjoy the challenge of creating theoretical models, it doesn’t have to be real to be real and ideally no one will have done it before!
Incremental improvement isn’t fast enough, they look for innovative ways to dramatically improve the efficiency and productivity of a process or system (Lean).
They usually have three ideas running around their head at any given moment and can often go off on tangents and lose people in conversation.
They assume there is always connection, pattern and meaning behind data.
Take a look at the picture below for about 5-10 seconds.
If you are a sensing type you most likely started to make mental notes about the the things inside the scenery. The color of the flowers, the amount of birds, or even the colors of the rabbit. While an intuitive might have begun drifting away while thinking about what could be happening in this image. Could they be having a picnic and talking about the plans for tomorrow? Idk, but an intuitive would be trying to figure that out!
While communicating, sensing types prefer to learn step by step. They communicate the same way and therefore are easy to follow and understand. Intuitive types tend to look for shortcuts and when communicating they often make leaps and go off on tangents.
Here are some key words to help you solidify which one you are:
SENSING
Details
Present
Practical
Facts
Sequential
Directions
Repetition
Literal
INTUITION
Patters
Future
Imaginative
Innovations
Random
Hunches
Variety
Figurative
You should try plotting yourself on a line like this:
This should give you an idea of where you land on this dimension of personality. Over to the left if you are more of a sensing personality or to the right for an intuitive personality.
Now time for some thought experiments:
Have you made any big life decisions using your “sixth sense” or “gut feeling”?
If you answered yes then you could be an intuitive. Intuitive types have a preference for making large, drastic life decisions based on gut feelings. Sensors tend to be more methodical and plan these kinds of decisions, often times for years.
What kind of art and pictures do you have in your home?
Sensors tend to have more realistic types of work that represent reality while intuitive a might be more conceptual in nature. A intuitive might even have more abstract types of art in the home.
By now you should know where you land. A good experiment is to learn this about yourself then pick one or to insights from the lists below to work on over the next week. Once you select the insights, write them on a post it note and paste it on your bathroom mirror. I find this method truly helps us reinforce and remember ideas important to our lives.
Intuitive insights:
Build a bridge for Sensors so they can connect the present reality to the future vision.
Take the time to make sure Sensors have all the data and information they need. Let them ask the difficult questions and communicate your gratitude for their wisdom and expertise.
Details are really important, ultimately they will save you time and money!
Learn to smell the roses! Your future orientation will often mean you miss the beauty of today.
Learn to be physically, emotionally and intellectually present with your friends and family.
You will always be innovating but beware change for change’s sake.
Beware the Intuitive superiority complex!
Sensor Insights:
Don’t be intimidated by the eloquence of the charismatic communicator; ask your questions about details and practicalities!
Don’t assume what hasn’t been done before is reckless and bound to fail.
Embrace change, be fully present in shaping it rather than become a victim of it.
Don’t cage the Intuitive types, they need the freedom to dream so encourage them to do so.
Failure is an essential part of future innovation if viewed constructively.
Let Intuitive types tell you when they have an idea they want you to critique!
Learn to value the contribution you bring, you represent the majority!
Studies show that on this dimension 73% of people lean towards sensing and 27% towards intuition.
This is what the picture we see is starting to look like.
NICE! YOU did it! we’re halfway there!
We have completed our second dimension. The extraversion and introversion scales can shift slightly but generally remain the same. Now that we’ve covered the differences between extraversion and introversion, let’s take time for a few days to reflect on this. Is your assumption correct? Make sure to pick one or two of the insights above to work on over the next week and make note of the changes you find in your relationships with others.
Next time we will continue our journey into the four dimensions of personality and revisit this dimension to build a picture of who we are.
I wish you a great week of recharge and self-analysis! See you on the next one!
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