MBTI and Feedback
“Nice job - your report provided us with exactly what was required to make the decision.”
“Thank you. I personally appreciated the effort you put into getting that report just right. You worked very hard and it really helped us reach a decision”.
How would you have responded to either piece of feedback?
If the first one was too blunt and you warmed to the second, then you may have a preference for Feeling in MBTI terminology. If the second was gushing and “over the top” for you and you thought that the first statement was more fitting, perhaps your MBTI preference is for Thinking.
In giving and receiving feedback, the MBTI dimension of Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) is crucial. HOW we communicate praise or corrective feedback to someone else, will impact directly on their motivation. The language we use is vital Those who have a preference for Thinking will provide direct and corrective feedback most easily; whereas Feeling types will be more comfortable offering positive and supportive feedback. However we need to take into account, others’ preferences when giving feedback rather than just focus on what we prefer to do.
Ts like to be recognised for the outcome of a job well done and that it is expressed succinctly by someone they respect; on the receiving end of critical feedback, Ts want to hear it frankly and objectively. Whereas Fs like appreciation for their personal contribution and want genuine thanks – they can spot insincerity! Corrective feedback should be given to Fs more gently and in a supportive way.
How do we want to get the feedback? Verbal or written…….remember I’s (Introversion) preference for thinking inside their head and S’s (Sensing) preference for detail and practicalities - both these types may like time to read and digest the information. Therefore it will be important to choose your written words carefully. Whereas E’s (Extroversion) like to talk their thoughts aloud with others and N’s (Intuition) see things in broad terms. N’s will like to be appreciated or recognised for their creativity and insight.
What aspect of our type can get in the way of giving or receiving good feedback? Some points have been covered earlier in this article – here are a few more:
“Extraverts” like to get things out in the open but as they think their words out loud, their first words may not contain the message they want to convey ; “Introverts” may tend not give information out unless asked and even then, may think they have communicated something when they haven’t as they have been pondering it inside their head for sometime!
Finally, those with a “J” preference (Judging) like closure and want to move on so potentially may see feedback as something that needs to be done straightaway and may not take sufficient time to consider the consequences of giving feedback. Those of us with a “P” preference have a tendency towards procrastination and an easy-going attitude – so feedback might not happen at the appropriate time at all!
Confused? Think, plan and act – and remember the other person!
Reference material: MBTI Type and Communication (CPP Inc.); Knowing Me, Knowing You by Malcolm Goldsmith and Martin Wharton.
If you wish to learn more about Taylor Clarke MBTI workshops contact Margaret Finnie margaret@taylorclarke.co.uk
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