Type Cues
Using the MBTI® type framework, you can better understand and accept differences in how others interact, take in information, and make decisions. The type framework can help you recognize behavior cues for the type preference(s) others are using in a particular moment. (Remember, people use all eight preferences.)
Here are characteristics of each of the eight MBTI preferences. They represent observable behavior cues you may see in others, enabling you to make choices on whether and how to flex your own style to interact more effectively.
- ei Directing and Receiving Energy
- sn Taking In Information
- tf Deciding and Coming to Conclusions
- jp Approaching the Outside World
The E–I Preference Pair ei
How do you direct and receive energy?eExtraversion
People who prefer Extraversion like to focus on the outside world. They direct their energy and attention outward and are energized by interacting with people and taking action.
- Drawn to the outside world
- Prefer to communicate by talking
- Work out ideas by talking them through
- Learn best through doing or discussing
- Have broad interests
- Tend to be sociable and expressive
- Readily take initiative in work and relationships
iIntroversion
People who prefer Introversion like to focus on their own inner world. They direct their energy and attention inward and are energized by reflecting on their own and others’ ideas, memories, and experiences.
- Drawn to their inner world
- Prefer to communicate in writing
- Work out ideas by reflecting on them
- Learn best by reflection, mental “practice”
- Focus in depth on a few interests
- Tend to be private and contained
- Take initiative selectively—when the situation or issue is very important to them
The S–N Preference Pair sn
How do you take in information?sSensing
People who prefer Sensing like to take in information that is real and tangible—what they perceive using the five senses. They pay close attention to what is going on around them and are especially attuned to practical realities.
- Oriented to present realities
- Factual and concrete
- Focus on what is real and actual
- Observe and remember specifics
- Build carefully and thoroughly toward conclusions
- Understand ideas and theories through practical applications
- Trust experience
nIntuition
People who prefer Intuition like to take in information by seeing the big picture, focusing on the relationships and connections between facts. They look for patterns and are especially attuned to seeing new possibilities.
- Oriented to future possibilities
- Imaginative and verbally creative
- Focus on the patterns and meanings in data
- Remember specifics when they relate to a pattern
- Move quickly to conclusions, follow hunches
- Want to clarify ideas and theories before putting them into practice
- Trust inspiration
The T–F Preference Pair tf
How do you decide and come to conclusions?tThinking
People who prefer Thinking like to decide things by looking at the logical consequences of their choice or action. They want to mentally remove themselves from the situation so they can examine the pros and cons objectively. They enjoy analyzing what’s wrong with something so they can solve the problem. Their goal is to find a standard or principle that will apply in all similar situations.
- Analytical
- Use cause-and-effect reasoning
- Solve problems with logic
- Strive for an objective standard of truth
- Reasonable
- Can be “tough-minded”
- Fair—want everyone treated equally
fFeeling
People who prefer Feeling like to decide things by considering what’s important to them and to others involved. They mentally insert themselves into the situation to identify with everyone so they can make decisions that honor people. They enjoy appreciating and supporting others, and look for qualities to praise. Their goal is to create harmony and treat each person as a unique individual.
- Empathetic
- Guided by personal and social values
- Assess impacts of decisions on people
- Strive for understanding, harmony, and positive interactions
- Compassionate
- May appear “tenderhearted”
- Fair—want everyone treated as an individual
The J–P Preference Pair jp
How do you approach the outside world?jJudging
People who prefer Judging like to live in a planned, orderly way. They want to make decisions, come to closure, and move on. Their lives tend to be structured and organized, and they like to have things settled. Sticking to a plan and schedule is very important to them, and they enjoy getting things done.
- Scheduled
- Organize their lives
- Systematic
- Methodical
- Make short- and long-term plans
- Like to have things decided
- Try to avoid last-minute stress
pPerceiving
People who prefer Perceiving like to live in a flexible, spontaneous way, and want to experience and understand life rather than control it. Detailed plans and final decisions feel confining to them; they prefer to stay open to new information and last-minute options. They enjoy being resourceful in adapting to the opportunities and demands of the moment.
- Spontaneous
- Flexible
- Casual
- Open-ended
- Adapt, change course
- Like things loose and open to change
- Find last-minute pressures energizing