Attitude Pairs: Using Type to Get Your Way

By Hile Rutledge

A powerful but underused lens in type are the Attitude Pairs (EJ, IJ, EP and IP). In a recent OKA workshop, participants self-selected into their Attitude Pair groupings and discussed the following question: “In a group setting, how do you go about getting your way or getting your ideas adopted?”

The following data came out of each of the four groups:

Extraverted Judging (EJ)

Extraverts tend to have a focus on the outer world and then a preference for Judging tends to manifest itself in an effort to structure, order and control the world in which they are engaging. Note how this group gets its ideas adopted by speaking up.  This group also clearly expects an argument—much of the data here speaks of presenting data and opinions to marshal forces and win the points.  EJ—talk first and talk loudest and sound sure.

Introverted Judging (IJ)

Introverts tend to have an internal focus, so engagement with the outside world (the world of organizations and teams and projects) is an energy drain. As a Judger, however, when the Introvert does engage with the world around her, she does seek to structure, order and control it.  This combination of preferences is illustrated well by this group who holds back, listens, assesses behind the scenes, and then eventually (note the final bullet) speaks up, engages the argument and lays out the solution at hand.

Extraverted Perceiving (EP)

Extraverts tend to have a focus on the outer world and then a preference for Perceiving tends to manifest itself in a drive to open up discussion, ask questions, be curious and keep things flowing. Note that these EPs are eager to establish and maintain an open flow of ideas and data, and—unlike the Judging groups—are not that committed to winning anything or convincing anyone. Note the final point is that they are willing to change their minds if the data are convincing enough. This is a group out to connect and keep things open and flowing—more interested in the process than the product.

Introverted Perceiving (IP)

Introverts tend to have an internal focus, so engagement with the outside world (the world of organizations and teams and projects) is an energy drain. As Perceivers, when they do connect with the outer world, they tend to drive to open up discussion, ask questions, be curious and keep things flowing. This group tends work toward the adoption of their ideas but to do so with great flexibility—having pre and post-meeting conversation and avoiding the open confrontation.  This group tends to have an internal drive or goal that is coupled with an apparent flexibility (apparent on the chart)—as determined as the EJ, but far more indirect.

For a handout that includes the exercise above, and a case study using this exercise with an intact team, visit:  Applying Psychological Type: Attitude Pairs