Taking Charge of Change
In previous posts we’ve discussed various aspects of type, and in this post we’ll focus on another aspect called the Quadrants Lens. We’ll examine how knowledge of this Lens can help you cope with change, something you are probably very familiar with on your reintegration journey. The Quadrants Lens is based on the first and second letters of your type code: E or I and S or N. This Lens focuses our attention on four ways of engaging with the world: through Introversion and Sensing (IS), through Introversion and Intuition (IN), through Extraversion and Sensing (ES), and through Extraversion and Intuition (EN).
Each of the four different pairings has something in common with two of the other pairings: IS and IN share Introversion, ES and EN share Extraversion, IS and ES share Sensing, and IN and EN share Intuition. Therefore, there are some similarities in how these groups approach reintegration, which you will notice in the suggestions below. Further, because neither IS and EN nor IN and ES have any letters in common, the differences between their approaches to reintegration may be easier to spot.
How can an awareness of the Quadrants Lens help you? The Quadrants Lens highlights what typically energizes you and what kinds of information you are likely to find most relevant. It may also help pinpoint situations that could prompt your resistance. This understanding can help you handle changing circumstances gracefully, as well as indicate where and when you may have to work harder to remain flexible.
People with preferences for IS tend to get their energy from their inner world and focus on facts and specifics.
During the reintegration process you may
Resist approaches that don’t respect the tried and true
Therefore it helps to
Give yourself time to verify the practical value of any change
People with preferences for IN tend to get their energy from their inner world and focus on patterns and meanings.
During the reintegration process you may
Resist approaches that don’t offer new insights
Therefore it helps to
Give yourself time to consider the innovative potential of any change
People with preferences for ES tend to get their energy from the outer world and focus on facts and specifics.
During the reintegration process you may
Resist approaches that don’t facilitate trying things out
Therefore it helps to
Give yourself the opportunity to test the application value of any change
People with preferences for EN tend to get their energy from the outer world and focus on patterns and meanings.
During the reintegration process you may
Resist approaches that don’t allow for pioneering efforts
Therefore it helps to
Give yourself the opportunity to discuss the strategic potential of any change
Being a warrior required you to adjust to changing circumstances at a pace and in a manner that was chosen by others. Now it’s your turn to set the pace and choose your path. Having a better understanding of what may facilitate progress on your reintegration journey—and what may block it—helps you move forward in a way that works best for you.
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.