Making Decisions - Sensory & Intuitive Decision Making

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) shows that people make decisions in different ways. Depending on whether they have a preference for taking in information in a Sensory (S) way or Intuitive (N) way and whether they make decisions based on Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).

To make really good quality decisions, its best to take each of these points of view into account. Here are five steps that can help:

1) Understand the issue in detail

If you're preference is Intuitive, you also need to ask Sensory type questions so that you can make a realistic appraisal of the issue. People with an sensing function like tried and tested practical examples. Examples of ‘Sensing type' questions might be :

What are the facts?

What has worked or not worked previously?

What resources do you have available to you?

How much will it cost?

What's the contingency plan?

Who is going to do ‘it' and by when?

What could stop it from working? (Looking at all the possible risks)

2) Look at the possibilities

If you're preference is mainly Sensory, explore the Intuitive aspects of the issue. Look at it from all angles, and try to envisage all of the possible solutions. Examples of ‘Intuitive type' questions might be:

What other ways are there to look at this?

What is implied by looking at the information?

If we were to think out of the box, what is something that we haven't thought of yet?

Name five different ways to approach this issue?

3) Hone in on the best option to achieve the result

If you're preference is Feeling, check out using a Thinking approach. Use your judgment to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each possible solution that you've identified. Make a short list of the best three and then choose the one that you think is likely to be the most successful (or most cost-effective). Examples of ‘Thinking type' questions might be:

What are the pros and cons of each course of action?

What's the end goal?

If we could have the result that you want without thinking about the people involved what would that be?

4) Predict its impact on the people involved

In contrast, if you're preference is Thinking look to ask yourself Feeling type questions. Imagine the implications of putting your chosen solution (and the alternatives) into action. Examples of ‘Feeing type' questions might be:

How can I support the people involved here?

Will it help rather than hinder them?

Step into the other persons shoes and see it from their perspective. How will they feel about this decision that you are about to make? How will it affect them and others like them?

5) Make your decision having viewed ALL four positions.

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