The Soft Side of The Soft Side of Software Engineering - Software Engineering - Part IPart IType and TemperamentType and TemperamentTodd Little - INTJ
Individual Personality TypesIndividual Personality Types
– Psychological type is a theory of human personality developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung (1875-1961). He observed that human behavior is not random, but instead follows identifiable patterns.
Meyers - BriggsMeyers - Briggs
Introduced the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) sorter
David KeirseyDavid Keirsey
•Introduced the relationship of Temperament to Type.•OpenSourced the Test and the Answers•Web enabled it
Beware of the StereotypeBeware of the Stereotype
"…one can never give a description of a type, no matter how complete, that would apply to more than one individual, despite the fact that in some ways it characterizes thousands of other . Conformity is one side of man, uniqueness is the other.”
Carl Gustav Jung
Why Understand Personality Why Understand Personality Type?Type?
Individual Personality TypesIndividual Personality Types
Why worry about Type?
The point is that people are different from each other, and that no amount of getting after them is going to change them.
Nor is there any reason to change them, because the differences are probably good, not bad.
Individual Personality TypesIndividual Personality Types
– People are different in fundamental ways. They want different things; they have different motives, purposes, aims, values, needs, drives, impulses, urges. Nothing is more fundamental than that. They believe differently; they think, cognize, conceptualize, perceive, understand, comprehend, and cogitate differently. And of course, manners of acting and emoting, governed as they are by wants and beliefs, follow suit and differ radically among people.
Individual Personality TypesIndividual Personality Types
– These basic differences concern the way people prefer to use their minds, specifically, the way they perceive and the way they make judgments. Perceiving is here understood to include the processes of becoming aware of things, people, occurrences and ideas. Judging includes the processes of coming to conclusions about what has been perceived. Together, perception and judgment, govern much of an individual’s behavior.
Understanding Type Can be Understanding Type Can be Useful to Individuals and TeamsUseful to Individuals and Teams
Understand interpersonal dynamics
Tasks team members tend to prefer to do
Tasks team members tend to avoid
Team diversity to achieve better solutions
Communication effectiveness
Potential areas of weakness
How individual members experience stress
Personal growth
What Type Can Do...What Type Can Do...
Type can help you better understand yourself and help you better appreciate the diversity of others.
It does not predict– Intelligence – Maturity– Skills– Abilities
But beware of Adaptive Behavior vs. “True Type”
True TypeTrue Type
Sources of Adaptive Behavoir
•Parents
•Society
•School
•Friends
•Etc.
PreferencesPreferences
A key to Type is identifying preferences
– Preference is not absolute or “measurable”– Preference can be understood by analogy to
handedness
Type Indicator ToolsType Indicator Tools
Self-Selection of preferences
Sorting “Tests”
– Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
– Keirsey Temperament Sorter
– Many others
TemperamentTemperament
The 4 Temperaments– Idealists– Rationals – Guardians– Artisans
Temperament PreferencesTemperament Preferences
Idealist Rational Guardian Artisan
Behavior Relationship Empathic
Knowledge Analytical
Authority Responsible
Impact Risk Taking
Abilities Mentor Catalyst
Organizer Visionary
Monitor Stabilizer
Operator Troubleshooter
Values Authenticity Concepts Rules Excitement
Needs Meaning Mastery Belonging Freedom
IdealistIdealist
Empathy
Meaning and Significance
Human Potential
Authenticity
Catalyst and Unity
Integrity and Ethics
Growth
RationalRational
Knowledge and Understanding
Insight
Competence
Concepts and Ideas
Strategy
Logic
Design
GuardianGuardian
Responsibility
Membership
Traditions
Security
Useful
Service and Duty
ArtisanArtisan
NOW! Impulse
Impact
Aesthetics
Tactics
Action and Variation
Trouble shoot
Common Traits of the Common Traits of the TemperamentsTemperaments
Idealists
Rationals Artisans
Guardians
Pragmatic
Envisioning
Affiliative
Realistic
Sequential
Multidimensional What’s in it for the person
Meaning behindbehaviors
Favorite AbilitiesFavorite Abilities
Idealists
Diplomacy/AdvocacyRelationship Oriented
Guardians
Logistics/FacilitationOperations Oriented
Rationals
Strategy/DesignStrategy Oriented
Artisans
Tactics/PerformanceOpportunity Oriented
Best EnvironmentsBest Environments
Idealists
ExpressivePersonal
Guardians
OrganizedSecure
Rationals
InnovativeIntellectual
Artisans
StimulatingVariable
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
I am looking for an interesting job with a solid company. I want the job to last and have opportunity for promotion. I work effectively when given clear stated, measurable goals.
Guardian
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
I am looking for a position that is suitable to my level of expertise and one that is intellectually challenging. I do my best work when I am given an objective and told to solve the problem.
Rational
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
I want a job with lots of variety and action. I do great when you give me a project and turn me loose. And, oh yes--there had better be some challenge to it.
Artisan
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
I’m looking for a job in an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life. I am happiest when I can empower others to be their best. And, I must be able to grow.
Idealist
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
This widget’s going to set the world on fire. It’s fun and exciting.
Artisan
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
We’d better be sure all of the concepts underlying the construction of this widget are consistent with good design.
Rational
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
I’m concerned that some people will use this widget unethically.
Idealist
Which Temperament is…Which Temperament is…
There should be some rules regulating the use of this widget.
Guardian
Distribution of TemperamentDistribution of Temperament
US General Population
Engineer Ratio to US Population
Management Ratio to US Population
LGC Sample Ratio to US Population
Guardian 47% 79% 122% 94%
Rational 16% 220% 138% 191%
Artisan 21% 75% 50% 61%
Idealist 16% 73% 64% 83%
TypeType
Combination of the following.– How you gather information– How you make decisions– How you are energized– Lifestyle preference
The Mental ProcessesThe Mental Processes
How yougather
information
S or N
S=SensingN=Intuiting
How youmake
decisions
T or F
T=ThinkingF=Feeling
Both are used, one is preferred Both are used, one is preferred
(S)ensing (S)ensing & i& i(N)tuiting(N)tuiting
When people are using Sensing, they know the facts, understand the planning stages, and work out implementation details
When people are using Intuiting, they see the big picture, forge into new areas, and develop new possibilities
Both are used, one is preferred
(S)ensing (S)ensing & i& i(N)tuiting(N)tuiting
Sensing Information gathered through
concrete use of the five senses– Sensing– Details– Present– Practical– Facts– Sequential– Directions– Repetition– Enjoyment– Perspiration– Conserve
Intuiting Information gathered by way of
context, linking, and totalities– Intuition– Patterns– Future– Imaginative– Possibilities– Random– Hunches– Variety– Anticipation– Inspiration– Change
(T)hinking (T)hinking & & (F)eeling(F)eeling
When people are using Thinking, they discuss issues in a logical way, consider pros and cons of various alternatives, and spot the inconsistencies in a plan
When people are using Feeling, they understand what is important to people, acknowledge the human side of decision making, and help others accept decisions
Both are used, one is preferred
(T)hinking (T)hinking & & (F)eeling(F)eeling
Thinking Decisions based on logic
and objective considerations– Thinking– Head– Objective– Justice– Cool– Impersonal– Criticize– Analyze– Precise– Principles
Feeling Decisions based on
personal, subjective values– Feeling– Heart– Subjective– Harmony– Caring– Personal– Appreciate– Empathize– Persuasive– Values
OrientationsOrientations
How youare
Energized
E or I
E=ExtravertingI=Introverting
LifestylePreference
J or P
J=JudgingP=Perceiving
Both are used, one is preferred Both are used, one is preferred
(E)xtraversion (E)xtraversion & & (I)ntroversion(I)ntroversion
When people are Extraverting, they are aware of the environment, maintain their networks, and take action
When people are Introverting, they pay attention to the infrastructure, conceptualize the problem, and look deeply into issues
Both are used, one is preferred
(E)xtraversion (E)xtraversion & & (I)ntroversion(I)ntroversion
Extraversion Stimulation comes from the
outer world of people and things– Extroversion– Active– Outward– Sociable– People– Many– Expressive– Breadth
Introversion Stimulation comes from the
inner world of thoughts and reflections– Introversion– Reflective– Inward– Reserved– Privacy– Few– Quiet– Depth
(J)udging (J)udging & & (P)erceiving(P)erceiving
When people are using Judging, they generate systems, provide organization, and act decisively
When people are using Perceiving, they are open to new ideas, provide insight, and react with flexibility if the system breaks down
Both are used, one is preferred
(J)udging (J)udging & & (P)erceiving(P)erceiving
Judging Style is decisive, planned
and orderly– Judgment– Organized– Structure– Control– Decisive– Deliberate– Closure– Plan– Deadlines– Productive
Perceiving Style is flexible, adaptable,
and spontaneous– Perception– Flexible– Flow– Experience– Curious– Spontaneous– Openness– Wait– Discoveries– Receptive
Clarity of PreferencesClarity of Preferences
Clear Moderate Slight Slight ClearModerate
Extraversion Introversion
Clear Moderate Slight Slight ClearModerate
Clear Moderate Slight Slight ClearModerate
Clear Moderate Slight Slight ClearModerate
Sensing Intuiting
Thinking Feeling
Judging Perceiving
Web ResourcesWeb Resources
The Tests– Keirsey Temperament Sorter
http://www.advisorteam.com/user/ktsintro.asp
– Fudjack/Dinkelaker Functional Preferences Instrument http://tap3x.net/indicators/5level2a.html
Keirsey Home Page– http://www.keirsey.com
Type PreferencesType Preferences
Self-Selected Type
Temperament Sorter
My Best Fit Type Is
EI
SN
TF
JP
Relationship of Type to Relationship of Type to TemperamentTemperament
Idealists NF
Rationals NT
Guardians SJ
Artisans SP
Distribution in US PopulationDistribution in US Population
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ16% 12% 3% 4%ISTP ISFP INFP INTP6% 5% 4% 5%
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP5% 6% 6% 5%
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ10% 10% 3% 3%
Distribution of EngineersDistribution of EngineersRatio relative to US PopulationRatio relative to US Population
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ112% 37% 100% 283%ISTP ISFP INFP INTP106% 53% 91% 177%ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP96% 39% 51% 160%ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ126% 29% 68% 321%
Distribution of ManagementDistribution of ManagementRatio relative to US PopulationRatio relative to US Population
ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ153% 57% 92% 186%ISTP ISFP INFP INTP69% 27% 72% 56%ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP81% 21% 46% 89%ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ207% 61% 64% 314%
MBTI Types for IT Staff MBTI Types for IT Staff (Myers and McCaulley)(Myers and McCaulley)
INTJs represent just 4% of the population, yet form about 10% of computer staff.
The other main types in computing are ENTJ, ISTJ, and ESTJ.
MBTI Types of Software MBTI Types of Software Developers– (Steve McConnell)Developers– (Steve McConnell)
ISTJ is 25-40% of all software developers
Introversion – 50-66%
Sensing/Intuiting – 50-50
Thinking – 80-90%
What STs SeekWhat STs Seek
Team Tasks STs Seek: Monitoring progress with statistics, graphs, and charts Managing costs and schedules Showing measurable results Detailed conversation shedding light on how something
specific works Using proven methods to increase productivity Solving practical problems immediately Figuring out ways to complete or build something that’s
been started
What STs AvoidWhat STs Avoid
Team Tasks STs Avoid: Proceeding with a plan that’s not well thought out Using untried and unperfected methods Brainstorming with no immediate practical outcome Hypothesizing about the future Not concentrating on work Participating in self-awareness activities
What SFs SeekWhat SFs Seek
Team Tasks SFs Seek: Using tried and true methods Friendly, sociable work relationships Finding practical ways to help out with the work and
others Applying their experience to practical jobs Treating each other fairly Developing charts that document each person’s skills
or needs Reviewing plans and materials others have formulated
to see what works best
What SFs AvoidWhat SFs Avoid
Team Tasks SFs Avoid: Using new and untested procedures Debating the merits of various theories Analyzing and predicting the outcomes of strategic
models Criticizing in an open forum, especially in relation to a
team member they know Treating people as interchangeable parts of a machine
What NFs SeekWhat NFs Seek
Team Tasks NFs Seek: Increasing harmony, improving relationships & interaction
in the team Innovation and thinking up new ways to improve
performance, creative brainstorming, conceptual/theoretical discussion
Working with systems & systems thinking Doing work that provides growth for self and others Finding creative ways to communicate effectively Doing things that matter to people Working with diversity to improve output
What NFs AvoidWhat NFs Avoid
Team Tasks NFs Avoid: Working with costs, detailed schedules, detailed figures Performing control functions like accounting Setting up hierarchies and authority chains Playing politics Having to defend small details to a basically
sound/creative idea or plan
What NTs SeekWhat NTs Seek
Team Tasks NTs Seek: Positioning the team for the future Linking systems, strategies, and models, discussing
theory and concepts; integrating Developing goals, and general approach to achieve
the goals Finding opportunities for organizational growth and
development Conducting long-term impact studies of complex
problems Debating challenging questions
What NTs AvoidWhat NTs Avoid
Team Tasks NTs Avoid:
Finishing someone else’s work
Engaging in popularity contests
Working with administrative details
Performing repetitious tasks
Participating in self-awareness activities
Discussions which don’t appear to be related to a particular purpose
Teams - A DefinitionTeams - A Definition
A team is a small number of people with complimentary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable
High Performance TeamsHigh Performance Teams
Clear, common purpose
Diverse, complimentary skills
Set of compelling, measurable goals
Continuously develop critical competencies
Understand each others’ skills, roles and responsibilities
Commitment to interpersonal support and communication
Predictions about TeamsPredictions about Teams
Similar types tend to understand each other sooner
Different types are slower at the understanding
High similarity = quicker decisions, but the process will be one-sided
Low similarity = decisions made more slowly (and possibly more painfully), but are likely to be better
Opposites on all four preferences may have special problems in achieving understanding
Members who share two preferences from each of the opposites may become “translators”
Predictions about TeamsPredictions about Teams
One person with a different type from everyone else may be seen as out of step
“One-sided” teams should use behaviors from other types
Good decisions will be made when:– basic facts and realities have been addressed (S)– new possibilities have been discovered (N)– unforeseen inconsistencies and consequences have been
accounted for (T)– important values have been protected (F)
Questions to ask about Team Questions to ask about Team DynamicsDynamics
What are the anticipated team strengths?
What kinds of task will the team be drawn to?
What temperaments and preferences are missing?
What are likely blindspots?
Who is alone?
Who is likely not be be listened to?
What conflicts can be anticipated?
Who is likely to feel the most frustration?
What is needed for the team to be successful?
Decision Making DynamicsDecision Making Dynamics
To include Sensing ask:– What has past experience shown us?– What can be verified?– What is observable?– What is going on right now?
Decision Making DynamicsDecision Making Dynamics
To include Intuiting ask:– How do the facts relate?– What interpretations can be made?– What patterns exist?– What are the possibilities?
Decision Making DynamicsDecision Making Dynamics
To include Thinking ask:– What are the logical consequences?– What are the pros, cons, and interesting
alternatives?– What will be most effective?– What goal is being served?
Decision Making DynamicsDecision Making Dynamics
To include Feeling ask:– How can we communicate well with each other?– What exceptions for others need to be made?– What are other people’s feelings about what we
think?– What important principles and values are being
served?
How to Persuade STsHow to Persuade STs
Show me that it works Indicate how it saves time and money Demonstrate a good cost-to-benefit ratio Show how the results can be measured Allow me to try it before I buy it Offer specific applications and benefits Answer all my questions
How to Persuade SFsHow to Persuade SFs
Indicate its practical results for people Show how it will clearly benefit me and those I care about Use personal testimonies from those who have benefited
from it Show that it provides immediate results Set it in a personal context Show respect to me and others in your presentation Explicitly state the benefits; don’t just imply them
How to Persuade NFsHow to Persuade NFs
Tie it to a mission or profound purpose Show how it will enhance relationships State how it helps people grow and develop Give me an ideal to reach for Highlight the contributions of people Show how it gives new insights, possibilities, and
perspectives Point out how it will help me or others find meaning Talk about how enjoyable it is
How to Persuade NTsHow to Persuade NTs
Show that it has intriguing and fascinating potential Be a credible source of information Discuss its research base Highlight its theoretical background Demonstrate how it fits a strategy or core goal Show how it will increase competency Indicate its broad and far-reaching possibilities
Type DevelopmentType Development
Type Evolution– Dominant Birth - 12– Auxiliary Teens– Tertiary Twenties-Thirties– Inferior 35+?-Never?
INTJ (Introverted-iNtuiting-Thinking-Judging)– Dominant Introverted iNtuiting– Auxiliary Extraverted Thinking– Tertiary Introverted Feeling– Inferior Extraverted Sensing
Type DevelopmentType Development
ISTJ 1. Sensing 2. Thinking 3. Feeling 4. Intuiting
ISFJ 1. Sensing 2. Feeling 3. Thinking 4. Intuiting
INFJ 1. Intuiting 2. Feeling 3. Thinking 4. Sensing
INTJ 1. Intuiting 2. Thinking 3. Feeling 4. Sensing
ISTP 1. Thinking 2. Sensing 3. Intuiting 4. Feeling
ISFP 1. Feeling 2. Sensing 3. Intuiting 4. Thinking
INFP 1. Feeling 2. Intuiting 3. Sensing 4. Thinking
INTP 1. Thinking 2. Intuiting 3. Sensing 4. Feeling
ESTP 1. Sensing 2. Thinking 3. Feeling 4. Intuiting
ESFP 1. Sensing 2. Feeling 3. Thinking 4. Intuiting
ENFP 1. Intuiting 2. Feeling 3. Thinking 4. Sensing
ENTP 1. Intuiting 2. Thinking 3. Feeling 4. Sensing
ESTJ 1. Thinking 2. Sensing 3. Intuiting 4. Feeling
ESFJ 1. Feeling 2. Sensing 3. Intuiting 4. Thinking
ENFJ 1. Feeling 2. Intuiting 3. Sensing 4. Thinking
ENTJ 1. Thinking 2. Intuiting 3. Sensing 4. Feeling
N
T
S
F
Type DevelopmentType Development
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Ego
Personal Conscious
N
T
S
F
Type Development - ChildhoodType Development - Childhood
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Ego
Personal Conscious
N
T
S
F
Type Development - TeensType Development - Teens
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Ego
Personal Conscious
N
T
S
F
Type Development - TwentiesType Development - Twenties
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Ego
Personal Conscious
N
T
S
F
Type Development – Mid LifeType Development – Mid Life
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Ego
Personal Conscious
Dominant Functions at Their Dominant Functions at Their Worst Worst (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTP, ESFP)(ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTP, ESFP)
When Sensing is Dominant: May be experienced as …
overemphasizing short term results
unwilling to develop broader, significant change strategies
over-focused on detail at the expense of the main intent
unwilling to depart from own linear path
snap decision-making
Dominant Functions at Their Dominant Functions at Their Worst Worst (INFJ, INTJ, ENFP, ENTP)(INFJ, INTJ, ENFP, ENTP)
When Intuiting is Dominant: May be experienced as …
unrealistic and out of touch, in own world
over-emphasis on future possibilities
non-action oriented
impatient with those who ask for detail or evidence for their concept or idea
overlooking of important practical details
Dominant Functions at Their Dominant Functions at Their Worst Worst (ISTP, INTP, ESTJ, ENTJ)(ISTP, INTP, ESTJ, ENTJ)
When Thinking is Dominant: May be experienced as …
overly-cautious and risk-adverse
too conservative
over-deliberating at the expense of action
a stumbling block due to over-criticism, over-analysis
rigid and dogmatic about own thinking
Dominant Functions at Their Dominant Functions at Their Worst Worst (ISFP, INFP, ESFJ, ENFJ)(ISFP, INFP, ESFJ, ENFJ)
When Feeling is Dominant: May be experienced as …
relying too much on “gut feel” making decisions too much based on the way
people and things emotionally effect them emotional reactions worn on sleeve at the expense
of wiser reflection sees their inferences of others and their feelings as
fact defensive and over-reactive
Experiencing Stress Experiencing Stress (ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTP, ESFP)(ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTP, ESFP)
Doom and gloom attitude; end of the world; no possible way out; “The sky is falling”
Hopelessness and denial
When Sensing is Dominant and Intuiting is Least Preferred:
Experiencing Stress Experiencing Stress (INFJ, INTJ, ENFP, ENTP)(INFJ, INTJ, ENFP, ENTP)
Detail-bound; stubbornly preoccupied with irrelevant facts and fine print
Overindulgent; “Eat, drink and be merry”
When Intuiting is Dominant and Sensing is Least Preferred:
Experiencing Stress Experiencing Stress (ISTP, INTP, ESTJ, ENTJ)(ISTP, INTP, ESTJ, ENTJ)
Little things set you off; emotions are out of control and inappropriate to stimulus; may be hyperactive
Feel worthless, guilty; take failure personally
When Thinking is Dominant and Feeling is Least Preferred:
Experiencing Stress Experiencing Stress (ISFP, INFP, ESFJ, ENFJ)(ISFP, INFP, ESFJ, ENFJ)
Demand that blame be allocated; criticize; “You should have…”
Dominate and railroad others; treat people as pawns or mere numbers
When Feeling is Dominant and Thinking is Least Preferred:
Individuation – Integration of the Individuation – Integration of the Inferior FunctionInferior Function For an INTJ, this may involve developing an
interest in ESFP-type activities– Enjoying relationships for their own sake, rather
than in joint pursuit of some scientific objective– Taking up sporting pursuits simply to enjoy them,
without feeling the need to develop ever greater skill and competence.
– Spending more time with the family and enjoying life
– Developing a much greater appreciation for people, despite their lack of competence or intellectual ability
Prayers for the TypesPrayers for the Types
ISTJ Lord help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 11:41.23 am c.s.t.
ISTP God help me to consider people's feelings, even if most of them ARE hypersensitive.
ESTP God help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they're usually NOT my fault.
ESTJ God, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if You need some help, just ask
ISFJ Lord, help me to be more laid back and help me to do it EXACTLY right.
ISFP Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if you don't mind my asking).
ESFP God help me to take things more seriously, especially parties and dancing.
ESFJ God give me patience, and I mean right NOW!
Prayers for the TypesPrayers for the Types
INFJ Lord help me not be a perfectionist. (did I spell that correctly?)
INFP God, help me to finish everything I staENFP God, help me to keep my mind on one th-
Look a bird- ing at a time.ENFJ God help me to do only what I can and trust you for the rest.
Do you mind putting that in writing?INTJ Lord keep me open to others' ideas,
WRONG though they may be.INTP Lord help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.ENTP Lord help me follow established procedures today.
On second thought, I'll settle for a few minutes.ENTJ Lord, help me slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdo
Prayers for the TypesPrayers for the Types
Amen