Type and Decision Making

Personality type indicators are one way that you can help guide individuals and teams through a systematic decision making process based on personal styles.  A popular model for decision making that leverages personality type is the zig-zag model or Z model.

Below is a summary of how each type prefers to implement a decision:

Extraverts typically will

–         Feel comfortable taking a visible role

–         Prepared to alter a decision to meet external demands

–         Delegate liberally

Introverts typically will

–         Feel comfortable working behind the scenes

–         Be reluctant to alter a decision to meet external demands

–         Delegate sparingly

 

Sensing types will typically

–         Focus on attaining tangible goals

–         What to have or follow precise instructions

–         Feel motivated by connecting current actions to immediate benefits

iNtuitive types will typically

–         Focus on attaining conceptual goals

–         Want to have or follow general guidelines

–         Feel motivated by connecting current actions to future possibilities

 

Thinking types typically will:

–         See efficiency first

–         Support the decision maker by supporting the decision making process

–         Be tough when necessary to keep things on track

 

Feeling types typically will

–         Seek cooperation first

–         Support the decision making process by supporting the decision maker

–         Be encouraging when necessary to keep things on track

Judging/Organizaing types will typically

–         Establish time frames and identify milestones

–         Expect to follow through and stick to the plan

–         Minimize the interruptions and diversions in the interest of achieving the outcome

 

Perceiving/Adapting types will typically

–         Introduce broad parameters and suggest optimal outcomes

–         Expect to adapt and make adjustments to the plan

–         Respond to interruptions and diversions in the interest of enriching the outcome

I was laughing as I pulled this list together.  I am in the process of a major life decision and I have found myself delegating liberally, connecting current actions to future possibilities, encouraging others to see opportunities and making adjustments to my plan constantly.  There is no denying that I am an ENFP.  Do any of these examples relate to your personal style?