Judging vs Perceiving

The last trait in the Myers-Briggs pair describes how you deal with the outer world and how you live your life on a day to day basis.  It dictates how you act out your introversion or extroversion as well.  Of the four pairs, interacting with the opposite of your type in this category is the most challenging.  A Judging type may believe that a Perceiving type is procrastinating and unable to make a decision.  A Perceiving type may believe that a Judging type is rash, reaching decisions too quickly and opinionated.  Those with a Judging trait like things neat, orderly and organized.  A Perceiving type wants spontaneity and flexibility.   

Here is how those differences look:

Judging:

• Likes to have things decided.  “Bring me solutions.”
• Is task Oriented.  “When presenting information to me focus on the details”
• Would rather schedule in advance.  “When possible, give me time to prepare”
• Prefers not to work under pressure.  “I plan work to avoid rushing just before a deadline.”
• Can get tunnel-vision.  “Sometimes I focus so much on the goal that I miss new information.”

Perceiving

• Likes options but can over analyze.  “Give me an opportunity to brainstorm for a set amount of time before asking me for a decision.”
• Plans as they go.  “Provide the opportunity for my spontaneity to come through by not itemizing every task.”
• Works in bursts of energy.  “Give me time to decompress between important tasks.”
• Thrives under pressure.  “Keep deadlines in front of me.”

Because the main output of these types is decisions and actions, the friction that occurs between the two is inevitable unless there is a respect for these differences.  Allow for the creativity and spontaneity that a Perceiver will bring to solutions, but do so in a structured format to meet the needs of the Judging types.  You will decrease disagreements and increase successful outcomes with this balance.

I would encourage you to read more about this or take the Myers-Briggs assessment when you have an opportunity.  Understanding and respecting differences will open up communication, increase problem solving, and even create some fun for you at work.