In previous posts we’ve discussed various aspects of type, and in this post we cover another aspect called the Dominants Lens. We examine how knowledge of this Lens, which can offer insights into what people find stressful, may help you navigate the ups and downs of your reintegration process in order to maximize your sense of optimism and personal control. The Dominants Lens, unlike the other Lenses we’ve discussed, uses just one letter from the four-letter type code; your Dominant will be one of the two middle letters. The Dominants Lens’ four groupings are Dominant Sensing (S), Dominant Intuition (N), Dominant Thinking (T), and Dominant Feeling (F).
How can an awareness of the Dominants Lens help you? The Dominants Lens indicates what you tend to need to feel comfortably in charge of your life, as well as points to potential stress triggers. This information can help you let loved ones, colleagues, support professionals, friends, and others know how to support you during a transition to keep you moving forward with perspective and balance.
People with Dominant Sensing (ISTJs, ISFJs, ESTPs, ESFPs) can become stressed when they are faced with vague theories and too much ambiguity.
To regain your focus on what is practical and fact based, you may want to look at
How to draw from and build upon past experience to make sense of the current situation
Others can help by offering information that
Shows how new ideas could be applied to make everyday tasks and activities easier
People with Dominant Intuition (INFJs, INTJs, ENFPs, ENTPs) can become stressed when they are faced with too many details and specifics.
To regain your focus on what is possible and innovative, you may want to look at
How to reimagine the details to create a “big picture” plan for the future
Others can help by offering information that
Shows how what is already available in the environment can be used to launch new and inventive approaches
People with Dominant Thinking (ISTPs, INTPs, ESTJs, ENTJs) can become stressed when faced with too many emotional demands and an absence of competence.
To regain your focus on what is dispassionate and rational, you may want to look at
How to explore strong reactions, your own and those of others, to verify probable causes and thus approach upsets more intelligently
Others can help by offering information that
Shows how the efficacy of any strategy is improved by considering its impact on relationships
People with Dominant Feeling (ISFPs, INFPs, ESFJs, ENFJs) can become stressed when faced with too much conflict and an absence of purpose.
To regain your focus on what is affirming and meaningful, you may want to look at
How to determine what is most important and uplifting for you and for your significant others
Others can help by offering information that
Shows how a logical understanding of what’s happening can contribute to the well-being of all involved
During deployment you dealt with many stressors, and even though returning home was something you looked forward to, you are likely finding challenges awaiting you at home as well. Knowing about the Dominants Lens can help you understand your stress triggers, point to how to regain your equilibrium, and better enable you to enlist support from others as you make the journey from warrior to civilian.
Elizabeth and Katherine Hirsh are coauthors of several publications, including Introduction to Type® and Teams, MBTI® Teambuilding Program: Leader’s Resource Guide, Introduction to Type® and Decision Making, and the MBTI® Decision-Making Style Report.