Cognitive Styles is more than type dynamics, so let’s take a look at INTP and ESFJ.

Back when I started working with the type code, I thought these two type patterns were really different. After all, they have opposite preferences. In addition since I came into type through being introduced to Keirsey’s temperament theory in my Master’s degree in Counseling, I could easily see how they were opposites from a temperament perspective.

These differences were clear to me, at least the Essential Motivator (aka temperament) ones were. Those with INTP patterns have a need for competency and knowledge, a talent for Strategy, and tend to use abstract, conceptual language and take Pragmatic, independent roles in getting things done. Those with the ESFJ pattern, have a need for being responsible and a place to contribute, a talent for Logistics, and tend to use concrete, tangible language and take Affiliative roles.

Then we identified the Interaction Style differences of Behind-the-Scenes for INTP and Get-Things-Going for ESFJ. While both styles share a preference for Informing language, they are different in their core drives and aims. Behind-the-Scenes styles are driven to wait until they have enough data to integrate before they act and Get-Things-Going styles are driven to involved and be involved.

So why did I as an INTP get along so well with those with ESFJ patterns like my neighbor, Jean Kyler. Jean came to work with me as I began to grow the business in the early1990’s and she kept enthusiastically saying to me, “We have so much in common!” As I learned about type dynamics and especially the Beebe model of the pattern of archetypes that the eight cognitive processes fill, I realized that we were sharing primary processes of Reviewing (Introverted Sensing), Interpreting (extraverted iNtuiting), Connecting (extraverted Feeling), and Analyzing (introverted Thinking), but in the reverse configuration. What Jean leads with (Connecting), I aspire to and what I lead with, Jean aspires to (Analyzing).

But, there is more. Now I know we share the Enhancing™ Cognitive Style, so we tend to think about things in much the same way. It is clear that our intentions were always to improve and make things better. The content of what is being improved will vary according to the other aspects of our personalities and I will always be grateful for the ways Jean helped me improve the way things worked in the office in such a supportive way. We shared a drive for accuracy and noticed inconsistencies. This showed up as we worked on various projects. We tended to be patient with the thoroughness each of us took. We enjoyed the way we looked at information and filtered it by making comparisons what we knew. For me, most of the comparisons were to the models I used in all parts of the business and for Jean, the comparisons where more about her previous experiences, but still she referenced the frameworks she had learned and I reviewed my experiences. We felt at ease with the process so were more open to listening to each other. And we had fun together.

So what about the other type patterns and their Cognitive Styles? Here are the type codes:

Cognitive Styles and Type Codes

For more information about what other types have in common using the Cognitive Styles, I suggest you read my previous post, explore the free 30 minute online course prepared by Chris Montoya, codeveloper of this lens, or join us in November for our first Cognitive Styles workshop. We look forward to hearing your thoughts so feel free to contact me at info (at) lindaberens.com.