Sensing vs Intuitive
The S-N dichotomy is the ‘input’ scale - ie how we take in information.
Sensing types prefer the known, the factual, the actual, the concrete. They are present-oriented and prefer a grounded approach taking in information that has practical application and may see concepts and theoretical models as a bit airy-fairy.
Intuitive types prefer seeing possibilities, shapes and patterns. They like to ‘see around corners’ and will prefer information that has general principles and scope for change. They are future-oriented and like juggling possibilities and see factual material as a little dry.
| Sensing types | Intuitive types |
|---|---|
| Detail-driven, see and sense things | Like broad brush, big picture |
| Live in the here and now | Live mostly in the future |
| Adapt quickly make it a practical task | Interested in the new and unusual |
| Like factual, actual, the concrete | Like ideas and concepts |
| Are practical and realistic | Do not like routine |
| Dislike anything perceived as woolly | Attracted to the theory not the practice |
| Sensing types may see Intuitive types as | Intuitive types may see Sensing types as |
|---|---|
| Woolly, up in the clouds | Unimaginative |
| Unrealistic and impractical | Uncreative |
| Over complicated | Overly factual, resistant to change |
| Too theoretical | Lacking vision and big picture focus |
| Difficult to pin down | Jumping immediately to the task |
| Too many pictures not enough facts | Too many facts not enough pictures |
| Managing Sensing types | Managing Intuitive types |
|---|---|
| State the topic clearly factually | Talk about implications |
| Prepare facts and examples | Talk about possibilities |
| Present information step-by-step | Use analogies and metaphors |
| Stress practical applications | Brainstorm options |
| Finish your sentences | Engage their imaginations |
| Draw on past concrete experiences | Don’t overwhelm them with details |
| Make it actual not future-oriented | Make it future-oriented |
Team Map
Discover the ratio of Sensing vs Intuitive types in your team.
Interactions
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Extraverts vs Introverts
The extravert-introvert dichotomy is all about where we draw our energy from.
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Thinking vs Feeling
The T-F dichotomy is the ‘output’ scale - ie how we make decisions.
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Judging vs Perceiving
The J-P dichotomy is is how we live our lives and is the one scale that can change through choice.