Using Type to Support Yourself and Others During Times of Change Written by Justin M. Deonarine, I/O Psychologist In our current environment, we are still facing changes as the situation evolves. While most of the disruptive change has ended, we still have to make adjustments as new challenges arise. Some individuals find change stimulating and energizing, and will respond in a creative manner. However, given that the change is being forced on us, others may feel helpless and struggle to adjust with each change. Both types of individuals will need support in some way, and will likely need to provide support to others. How can you, as an MBTI Certified practitioner, help others understand and respond to their own needs? What about the needs of others that they will need to respond to? Below are some points to help your clients focus on when it comes to helping themselves and others. Responding to your own needs Extraversion / Introversion Request that information be presented in a way that works for you. Whether you would prefer verbal or written discussion of the challenges at hand, be sure to make your preference known. Take the opportunity to express your concerns and suggestions. Be mindful that you are doing it at the appropriate time and method, but don’t keep your perspective to yourself. Sensing / Intuition Request the type of information that works best for you. Are the specifics missing from the conversation? Do you have a clear idea of what the big picture looks like? Be sure to share what information you think could help guide decisions. Your experience and research could result in a better approach overall. Thinking / Feeling Dive deeper into the decision-making process that is being used. Are the criteria being used fair? Has there been any overlooked criteria? Ask about the alternatives that were considered, as well as the pros and cons of the decision. Ask about how the decision will impact people. Judging / Perceiving Ask what goals and timelines have been set for the plan. What are the parameters that you have to work within? Are there opportunities to revisit and update the plan? Feel free to collect information about possible changes to the plan, but follow the plan until the next checkpoint. At that time, bring up the potential improvements to the plan. Responding to the needs of others Give those with preference for Extraversion… The opportunity to collaborate with others throughout the change process. A chance to develop ideas aloud. Give those with preference for Introversion… A chance to develop ideas internally before responding. The opportunity to work their way through the change process with a familiar group initially. Give those with preference for Sensing… Enough specific and concrete information about the why and how. Step-by-step information and explanations. Give those with preference for Intuition… The framework about the existing how and why. A chance to review the information and create different possibilities. Give those with preference for Thinking… Logical reasons for the decisions made. Be sure to cover the pros and cons of the decision. An overview on the other options that were considered. Give those with preference for Feeling… An overview on how this may impact the people involved. The chance to connect with others and understand their perspectives and priorities. Give those with preference for Judging… Clear goals, timelines and structures. A sense of completion and closure to each step along the way. Give those with preference for Perceiving… The opportunity to add new, relevant information throughout the process. The freedom to remain flexible when solving problems.
