out of preference experiences

by Shawn Bakker


Using the MBTI ^® assessment with your clients can help them understand the different ways they and others interact with people, take in information, make decisions and plan their lives. A significant step in using this information is to take the preferences of others into account and adjust one’s approach accordingly.

Most people agree that the best way to become better skilled at using the different type preferences is to experience them. Below are suggestions you can give to your clients for experiencing the 8 preferences. Have your client try some of the activities that run counter to their natural style.

Experiencing Extraversion
Jump into an activity without thinking it over. Enter into a discussion before you have your position thought out. Join a group activity that requires interacting with others.

Experiencing Introversion
Choose an activity that lets you spend time by yourself: reading, writing, or working on a hobby. In a group discussion do not immediately jump in, but reflect on what others are saying.

Experiencing Sensing
Focus on what is around you. Do not draw conclusions, look for explanations or think about what you have experienced before. Pay attention to all of your different senses.

Experiencing Intuition
Listen to your “sixth sense.” Think about things without dwelling on physical details. Describe things with the phrases “It’s like...” or “It’s as though…”

Experiencing Thinking
Look at making decisions like you would solve mathematical problems. List the pros and cons of your options. Take a detached view from the decision making process.

Experiencing Feeling
Value each individual’s experience and ideas and use them to make decisions. Try to identify individuals’ underlying values and how your decisions will effect them.

Experiencing Judging
Plan your day and live your plan. Ignore the temptation to make last minute spontaneous changes to your schedule. Finish a project before the deadline.

Experiencing Perceiving
Be spontaneous for a day, seeking to experience life rather than control it. Do not set a schedule for the day, instead, do whatever seems most important or fun at the present time. Keep some of your options flexible and open.