Thinking vs. Feeling

In Myers and Briggs' personality typing, the Thinking/Feeling dichotomy describes how a person makes decisions.

Thinking Types

Thinkers make decisions rationally based on facts and objective criteria, and use logical analysis to solve problems. They like to have very clear rules about what is right and what is wrong and dislike fuzziness. They value the truth, justice and fairness above all. Work environments that are not meritocracies can be very challenging for them.

People with this preference are motivated by achievement and the accomplishment of specific tasks. They like work that requires order, critical analysis, or finding inconsistencies in a system. They are often frustrated by the “people” part of life, self-selecting into work areas and situations that place emphasis on rules and logic over people and feelings.

Interactions with a Thinker tend to blunt and businesslike. They step back from emotional problems in favor of offering an impersonal analysis—truth over tact, logic over feelings. Once a decision is made, it is made, and the Thinker will not dwell on emotions about it. They can come across as rather cold and unemotional in their approach.

Feeling Types

Feelers make decisions based on their personal value system and social considerations. They pay attention to their own moral compass and the feelings of others to determine right from wrong, and are less interested in the cold, hard facts. Connections and relationships are incredibly important to them.

People with this preference are motivated by the desire to understand and help people. They choose work based on what or who is important to them, and they like to support others. They tend to be amiable, empathetic and harmonious. They are often frustrated by the impersonal and adversarial parts of life and find conflict situations very challenging.

Interacting with a Feeler tends to be personal and tactful. They step back from the facts of a situation in favor of someone’s experience of it—tact over truth, feelings over logic. Feelers consider the effect of their actions on other people, and feel unappreciated in settings that do not provide positive reinforcement.