Make It Easy
Make It Easy
We have been discussing personality types as defined by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Our next two preferences are Thinking and Feeling. Many frustrations and misunderstandings come from this set of opposites. Thinkers and feelers
have unique logicThey are often misunderstood as "logical and emotional." But both have their own distinct logic. A person with Thinking logic is objective and analytical, using what they consider to be impartial and unbiased standards. They use phrases like "bottom line" and "at the end of the day." A person with Feeling logic is more subjective. How does this affect the team? How will another person feel about this? Rather than linear analysis, Feelers use a context of empathy and sympathy to gauge the situation before them.
Let's look at an example where an employee will be disciplined. The Thinker will say, "They didn't follow the rules." Or "This action will benefit the bottom line." Or "It is the best course of action for all concerned."
A Feeler will say, "Did we give them enough chances to improve?" Or "Let's make sure it isn't their birthday." Or "They have gone through a lot, maybe we should wait." The one time a Feeler will not hesitate is when the employee has caused a great deal of pain to others in the organization. Even then, the Feeler will be sad and uneasy over the action.
This does not imply that the Thinker doesn't have feelings. They will be upset over the action, but they will consider it an inevitable action that will save the organization and therefore many other jobs.
Both types object to the other type. The Feelers will be sensitive to comments and decisions made by the Thinkers. Feelers might see Thinkers as cold and calculating, misinterpreting the detached mode of operating as 'not caring.' Thinkers might see their opposites as using too much sentiment to make decisions, thus putting the long-term health of the organization at risk.
Both types bring valuable insights to the table. To make good business decisions and support the emotional health of the company, use the strengths of both types of logic.
Beth Terry is president of Pacific Rim Seminars.
This column is excerpted from her upcoming book,
101 Ways to Make Your Life Easier. Send questions
on management, customer service and other issues
to beth@bethterry.com.