Another component of a personality is how someone makes a decision. This is determined by the category of Thinking versus Feeling. Everyone uses a combination of these when making a decision, however, we also all have a dominant method. Please do not confuse feeling with being emotional either. I have known some feeling types that were not emotional in the least, and some thinking types that were truly driven by emotion!
A "thinking" personality approaches decisions in an almost scientific manner. Options are researched, pros and cons weighed, and may not regard the impact on the people involved in the decision. They may be considered uncaring . A "feeling" type makes decisions based on their moral code. They prefer harmony and may focus less on the difficult parts of the decision when communicating.
Given these differences, working together to make a decision can be challenging; but as always, respecting each other's difference will make the experience successful. Here are some tips on how to work together:
Communicating with a "Thinking" Type:
- Be factual and direct when communicating decisions or plans to a "Thinking" type
- Avoid using any version of the word feeling. Instead us words such as believe, know, understand.
- Do not assume that a "Thinking" type has not emotions - it is just not the primary thought when reaching a decision.
Communicating with a "Feeling" Type:
- Relationships are important to a "feeling" type and leads to acceptance and collaboration. Take time to get to know them.
- Allow them to take the human impact of a decision into account.
- Make sure and confirm areas of agreement to show collaboration and alignment of problem solving goals
- Remember that "it's not what you say but how you say it." A feeling type will pick up on non-verbal queues as much as verbal queues.
As with the other traits(I/E, S/N), blending the two approaches will allow you to develop a well round solution and find a communication style that will address the different types in your work setting. Respecting the difference will reduce conflict, especially in heated matters, and speed resolution.
My next blog will complete the traits and also discuss how the traits work together. See you then!
