MBTI Training in Denver, Colorado – How to adapt to Js (planners) and Ps (spontaneous ones) in the workplace

 One of the reasons I love talking so much about MBTI Training in Denver, Colorado is that when you understand the differences in styles you get that people are not TRYING to drive you crazy, and it’s not personal!

The MBTI Dichotomies

As I sit down to write this month’s newsletter on the last work day of the month, I am aware that some people may judge me as a “P’ – which by the way, does NOT stand for procrastinator! Although to the Js of the world it can seem that way.

In the world of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, there are 4 dichotomies, which ultimately lead to 16 different personality style combinations. Hence, you are either:

E (Extrovert) or I (Introvert)

S (Sensing) or N (Intuitive)

T (Thinking) or F (Feeling) or

J (Judging) or P (Perceiving)

Today I am inspired to write about the difference between the Js and Ps.

Are you sure you know whether you are a J or a P?

In our MBTI Training in Denver, Colorado we spend time addressing the differences between our natural preferences and our adaptive behavior. Because there is a bias in the workplace (and indeed in the “American Mainstream Culture”) towards the ESTJ side of the dichotomies, those who have INForP as part of their style are sometimes misunderstood – by themselves and others!

We ask people to think about how they behave as their most natural “shoes-off” self. Not what you do to adapt in the workplace (or at home).

J = Judging. This does not necessarily mean judgmental. Think of it as discernment. Js generally like to come to closure and move on in what they consider to be an efficient way.

Js – naturally like to plan. I had one J in a workshop one time explain that when he went grocery shopping he had the list planned out by aisle so that he didn’t have to backtrack. That gave him a tremendous amount of satisfaction!

 P = Perceiving. This does not necessarily mean perceptive. Ps generally like to keep their options open and consider different possibilities for solutions before making a final decision.

Ps generally would find the planner way of being in the world too confining. Ps want to be able to be inspired in the moment to back track in the grocery for hot fudge and ice cream! The freedom and spontaneity of the moment is what works for Ps.

 Early Starting Vs. Pressure Prompted

You can probably guess that the J and P way of being in the workplace could cause some challenges.  Js tend to be “early starting” meaning that when they get a deadline they start on it right away, usually moving forward in a logical fashion day-by-day.

 Many Ps on the other hand are what we would call “pressure prompted.” The best way that I can describe this is that Ps mull over ideas, but it is at the last minute that they get a burst of inspiration and the project comes together with insight and creativity.

 As you can imagine, one style of working could stress the other out!

 Advice for the Js –  

State your needs clearly. If you need periodic status reports for a project to make you feel comfortable, agree to those with others ahead of time. Develop trust for those who work differently. This often comes with time and experience with someone. Learn to be accepting of those who have a flash of insight and creativity at the last minute!

 Advice for the Ps –

Rely on your natural adaptability. Understand that your way of working may be stressful for your more structured peers. Talk about how to work with their needs for planning AND your need to be spontaneous. Create shorter deadlines.  Try tricking yourself into breaking a project up into shorter segments and schedule a meeting or have an “accountability” buddy to keep you on track. That way you save yourself some of the stress (for yourself and others) of completing a big project at the last minute.

 Js and Ps actually can balance each other out very well in the workplace if they can understand and appreciate different ways of doing things.  One way is not right!  

Js bring grounding, structure and stability to a work environment. Ps bring energy, innovation and adaptability. Both are necessary!

 Understanding different MBTI personality styles creates a foundation of trust and positive communication for your team. To schedule an MBTI Training in Denver, Colorado and beyond, please give us a call!

303 532-4939

For your growth!

Jeannie Gunter, MA
President, Transformative Training
contact@transformativetraining.com