Understanding A Persons Personality Type 

In the previous article, you were introduced to the concept of categorizing people according to their personality type. In this article, we shall take a closer look at each scale on the personality type assessment.

Scale 1 - How And Where We Get Our Energy From

(Extrovert - Introvert Scale)

The first personality type scale measures how we are energized.

Extroverts

Extroverts get their energy from external sources, such as the company of other people.

When they are feeling low, they like to recharge their batteries by mixing with friends and colleagues.

Extroverts like to communicate by thinking and working through a problem out loud. They like to talk things through with others, and enjoy group activities such as team sports.

Because they like being around other people, extroverts feel comfortable in social situations and so usually make good leaders.

Extroverts Summary

• Think aloud
• Communicate enthusiastically
• Are talkative
• Dominate conversation
• Share personal facts more readily
• Prefer face-to-face meetings
• Speak rapidly when giving information
• Are at ease communicating with groups

Introverts

By contrast, introverts gain their energy through quite solitude. These people may not necessarily dislike the company of others, but feel more comfortable being by themselves and reflecting alone.

Introverts therefore prefer to work alone, and think things through in their head or on paper, rather than ask for help from other people.

When it comes to sport, introverts prefer solo sporting activities such as climbing, tennis, swimming or golf.

However these activities are not solely confined to introverts, and may also be enjoyed by extroverts.

Introverts strongly value privacy and time when they can be alone. During these times it is not uncommon for them to read, write or meditate.

Generally speaking, introverts tend to be very intelligent and thoughtful people, although they may suffer from low self esteem and lack social skills to some degree.

At the moment, it is estimated that around 75% of people are extroverts. This is largely due to the popularization of celebrity culture, and the desire for the attention that goes with it.

However, the popularization of video games and home entertainment has seen a sharp increase in the number of introverts, especially male introverts.

At the moment this does not seem to effect women, who are predominantly extroverts.

Introverts Summary

• Reflect, then talk
• Keep feelings to themselves
• Listen more than talk
• Need to be drawn out
• Keep personal information private
• Like written memos and reports
• Pause when answering questions
• Like to communicate one-on-one

Scale 2 - What Type Of Information We Pay Attention To

(Sensor - Intuitive Scale)

The second personality type scale describes the way we prefer to receive information.

Sensors

Sensors tend to pay attention to facts and details, relying on information that is practical and useful.

Sensors therefore appreciate an understanding of why something works, especially if it is backed up by scientific or other credible sources of information.

Sensors are also very focused on the present, and what is happening to them right now. Consequently they tend to prefer satisfying their needs via immediate gratification, having a “live for today” attitude.

When making judgments, sensors like to process information via their 5 senses: sound, taste, touch, smell and sight. This means that they are best convinced when they physically do and experience something firsthand.

Sensors Summary

• Present facts evidence, examples first
• Ask lots of “what” and “how” questions
• Use lots of specific examples
• Are interested in short-term practical applications
• Like step-by-step information and detailed descriptions
• Value real-life experiences

Intuitives

The second preference on this scale is the intuitive.

Intuitives tend to focus on the longer term perspective, and the future implications of activities they engage in.

Intuitives therefore tend to discipline themselves by delaying gratifying their needs until a later date (delayed gratification).

When processing information intuitives prefer to see the whole picture first, and get the finer details later. If sensors see the trees, then intuitives see the forest.

As a result, intuitives learn best through general concepts, and simplified points or summaries.

Unlike the sensors who prefer to absorb information through their senses, intuitives prefer to go on a gut feeling, trusting their own thoughts and intuition to guide them.

About 65% of the population are categorized as sensors, the rest are intuitive, most of whom are women.

Intuitives Summary

• Present the “big picture” ideas first
• Ask lots of ”why” questions
• Talk about general concepts
• Are interested in the long-term picture and future possibilities
• Like using metaphors and analogies
• Are interested in hunches

Scale 3 - How We Make Decisions Or Reach Conclusions

(Thinker - Feeler Scale)

The third personality type scale measures how we make decisions and come to conclusions. 

Thinker

When it comes to making decisions, thinkers are driven by facts, logic and reason.

Thinkers like to look at the evidence, and then weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision or judgment.

Thinkers therefore go and do with what the facts tell them, even if they don’t like what they have discovered.

As a result, thinkers tend to be very rational individuals with an extremely open mind. Overall, thinkers strongly value the truth.

Thinkers Summary

• Use cold, hard facts and logic to persuade others
• Present meeting with goals and objectives first
• Weigh the pros and cons of each example
• Demonstrate objectivity and are often critical
• Believe feelings are only valid if they are logical
• Are task-focused

Feelers 

If thinkers could be described as head over heart, then feelers could be described as heart over head. When making a decision, feelers tend to driven by their own emotions and the feelings of others who will be effected by their actions.

For the feelers, all feelings are important and decisions are made based on these feelings, in addition to any facts. As a result, feelers tend to be more persuaded by emotional appeals, unlike the thinker who prefers persuasion via facts and evidence.

There is roughly a 50/50 split in the population between thinkers and feelers.

Feelers Summary

• Persuade others with personal, emotionally presented examples
• Start with pleasantries, then summarize areas of agreement
• Talk about the value of each alternative
• Empathize and appreciate other viewpoints
• Believe all feelings are valid
• Are relationship-focused

Scale 4 - How We Resolve Issues

(Judger - Perceiver Scale)

This personality type scale describes how we like to plan and organize our lives.

Judgers 

Judgers prefer to make decisions quickly. They like to be decisive, and have a clear plan of action to get things done in a timely manner. Uncertainty and indecision tend to frustrate the judger.

Judgers like to be in control. They have no problem stepping into a situation and taking charge, which makes them natural leaders.

Judgers also tend to be very organized, time conscious and are able to work well under pressure.

Judgers Summary

• Prefer to make decisions quickly and like to be seen as decisive
• Like to set schedules and deadlines
• Like to complete projects
• Negotiate from fixed positions and are sometimes dogmatic
• Focus discussions on content
• Like meetings to reach a conclusion
• Believe time is a fixed resource and deadlines are important

Perceivers

Perceivers prefer to hold off making decisions until they absolutely have to make them.

They prefer to keep their options open, and take their time picking the best option that’s right for them.

Perceivers therefore work best when they can be flexible with time, and are not rushed or put under pressure. As a result they don’t mind following a leader, who will make decisions for them.

Unlike the judger, the perceiver tends not to be very organized and likes to do things in their own leisurely style.

Judgers make up about 60% of the population.

Perceivers Summary

• Like to keep options open, may procrastinate
• Feel restricted by schedules and deadlines
• Prefer to start projects
• Are flexible about positions and are sometimes seen as wishy-washy
• Focus discussions on process
• Are happy for meetings to remain inconclusive
• Believe time is renewable and deadlines are elastic

Summary of the Four Personality Types

 

Energized By:

Extroverts:

Talk first, think later

Introverts:

Reflect silently before talking

 

Pay Attention To:

Sensors

Want details and specifics

INtuitives

See the big picture

 

Make Decisions By:

Thinkers

Weigh facts and evidence

Feelers

Value emotions and feelings

 

Resolve Issues By:

Judgers

Decide quickly

Perceivers

Keep options open

 

In the next article, we shall look at how to use these personality types when communicating and persuading people.

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