Understading differences

The “engine room” of personality type revolves around two functions: the way in which we gather information and the way in which we make decisions.

It stands to reason that if people gather information in different ways and make decisions in different ways, they will be different. While this is obvious it is not always appreciated, leading to unnecessary misunderstandings. The bottom line is that people see the world differently and think about things differently.

One of the benefits of understanding personality types is to understand what those differences are. Understanding how we differ helps us to appreciate those differences and use them constructively. Instead of regarding those who differ as strange, we see the value in their offering a different perspective to our own thereby proving a more complete picture of the situation and wider possibilities for decisions.

Much seemingly random behaviour is actually quite orderly and consistent, being due to basic differences in the way individuals prefer to use their perception and judgement.

PERCEPTION involves all the ways of becoming aware of things, people, happenings or ideas.
JUDGEMENT involves all the ways of coming to conclusions about what has been perceived.

If people differ in what they PERCEIVE and in how they reach CONCLUSIONS, it is only reasonable that they will differ in their reactions, interests, values, motivations and skills.