Type and Decision Making

This month’s type topic is about leveraging the MBTI® to improve your decision making style.  Many of you may be familiar with the type decision making model (also known as the zig-zag model or Z-model).  CPP’s newest book, Introduction to Type and Decision Making by Katherine and Elizabeth Hirsh expands on this popular and easy to use model.  The book reviews 5 core decision making processes from a type lens:

1. Approaching a decision-making opportunity
2. Generating decision options
3. Committing to a decision option
4. Implementing a decision
5. Reflecting on a decision

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 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 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?