There are two ways to decide about something. In the view of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI – based on the work of Carl Jung in Psychological Types) these are called Thinking and Feeling. The two ways for deciding are:

  • According to rational criteria tends to have to do with linear plans and priorities (labelled “thinking”)
  • Deciding on the basis of what fits well with our sense of rightness tends to have more to do with our connection with others (labelled “feeling”)

Why does this matter?

Firstly it helps us when we are making decisions with others.

We can understand that the others involved aren’t just being cold and clinical (a common criticism of thinkers) or irrational and vague (a common criticism of feelers). Those who decide rationally can take account of people and those who decide with their sense of rightness are not vague at all – they often have a precise sense of the way ahead.

Secondly it helps us to consider the other way of making decisions.

Those who decide by thinking (like me) will be helped by remembering to think of the people involved – especially in how decisions are implemented. Those who decide on the basis of their sense of rightness will be helped with implementation if there are useful schedules so that everyone knows what they are meant to be doing when.

Taking account of both these ways of deciding will lead to better decisions whenever we make them.