Page 134 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

The Members and Their Roles 117

people along four dimensions, which we will describe shortly. Each MBTI dimen-
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sion assesses a particular aspect of how we interact with the world. Each dimension
represents a continuum, with opposite descriptors anchoring both ends of the contin-
uum (e.g., extravert and introvert). Each of us has a preference—sometimes strong,
sometimes mild—for one end of the continuum or the other. The MBTI measures
these preferences along each of the four dimensions, assigns a letter code to the pref-
erence we reveal, and describes our personality type based on our particular combina-
tion of dimensions. No one is a “pure” type—each of us displays some characteristics Extraversion-
of anchor points on all the dimensions, and most of us display some flexibility in our Introversion Dimension
behavior. However, the anchor points for each dimension display markedly different The Myers-Briggs
communication and behavior preferences. Type Indicator®
The extraversion-introversion dimension assesses whether you focus on the visible dimension
outer world or your own inner world. Extraverts focus outwardly. They are sociable, concerned with
like people, often talk to figure out what they think, and generally enjoy working with whether one’s focus
others in a group. Not so introverts, who much prefer to work alone. Introverts think is the external worlds
(extraversion) or
things through and don’t share ideas unless they’ve figured out first what their posi- one’s internal,
tions are. Extraverts don’t mind being interrupted, but introverts do. Extraverts hap- subjective landscape
pily collaborate with others to make decisions, whereas introverts are comfortable (introversion).
making decisions independently. It may seem that extraverts are ideally suited for
group work and introverts are not, but introverts often thoughtfully and carefully eval- Sensing-Intuiting
uate information and can contribute a great deal to group interaction. Extraverts and Dimension
introverts operate so differently within a group that they may easily misunderstand The Myers-Briggs
one another or fail to appreciate one another’s contribution to the group. The MBTI Type Indicator®
code letter for extraversion is E and the letter for introversion is I. dimension
The sensing-intuiting dimension assesses the type of information group members concerned with the
prefer to use. Its code letters are S (sensing) and N (intuiting). Sensing individuals type of information
prefer and trust facts and figures. They operate in the here and now and are rooted in individuals use;
what they can actually apprehend through their physical senses. Intuiting individuals, sensers prefer facts
and figures, whereas
in contrast, prefer to dream about possibilities and make connections between seem- intuiters prefer to
ingly unconnected ideas and thoughts. They easily make intuitive leaps, which sensing dream about
individuals mistrust because they prefer concrete data. Intuitives see the big picture possibilities.
whereas sensors tune into the details, which bore the intuitives. Imagination, inven-
tion, and creativity are important to intuitives. In a group, these are the idea people Thinking-Feeling
who comfortably leap from idea to idea, but may be short on follow through. Sensing Dimension
individuals, however, are careful, able to provide specific facts and illustrations to The Myers-Briggs
support the big ideas and can provide the grounding that intuitives sometimes lack. Type Indicator®
Both types provide skills groups need. dimension
The thinking-feeling dimension, coded T or F, refers to how individuals prefer to concerned with how
make decisions, whether through careful analysis of objective evidence (thinkers) or individuals prefer to
empathy and subjective connection with others (feelers). Thinkers are comfortable make decisions;
with a systematic, critical thinking process. They like to analyze data and arrive at thinkers are objective
verifiable conclusions. They are task-oriented and like holding everyone to a single and fact-based,
whereas feelers are
standard. In contrast, feelers tune in readily to the interpersonal relationships among subjective and
group members and prefer to adjust the standards to meet individual circumstances. emotion-based.
Feelers worry about group harmony and will make sure a group takes individual

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