Working With Different Temperaments

Everyone is the familiar with the Golden Rule, but working with the MBTI helps people to understand there’s even a effective rule to use when working with others: the Platinum Rule

The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The Platinum Rule: Treat others the way they want to be treated.

The 16 MBTI types can be grouped together into 4 distinct temperaments. Learn more about your temperament and how best to interact with others below.

The Four Type Groupings or Temperaments, adapted from the work of David Keirsey, Please Understand Me:

SJ Guardian Types (Sensing Judging Types)

ESTJ: The Guardian/Supervisor
ISTJ: Inspectors/Traditionalist
ESFJ: Providers/Team Leaders
ISFJ: Protectors/Care Givers

Focus and speak mostly of their duties and responsibilities. They’re careful to follow the rules, and respect the rights of others.

SP Artisan Types (Sensing Perceiving Types)

ESTP: Promoter/Crisis Manager
ISTP: Crafter/Problem Solver
ESFP: Performer/Entertainer
ISFP: Composer/Artist

Focus mostly about what they see right in front of them, about what they can get their hands on, and they will do whatever works, whatever gives them a quick, effective payoff, even if they have to bend the rules.

NF Idealist Types (Intuitive Feeling Types)

ENFJ: Teacher/Facilitator
INFJ: Counselors
ENFP: Champion
INFP: Healer/Visionary Seeker

Focus mostly of what they hope for and imagine might be possible for people, and they want to act in good conscience, always trying to reach their goals without compromising their personal code of ethics.

NT Rational Types (Intuitive Thinking Types)

ENTJ: Field Marshal/ Strategist commander
INTJ: Scientist/Mastermind
ENTP: Inventor/Entrepreneur
INTP: Architect

Focus mostly of what new problems intrigue them and what new solutions they envision, and always pragmatic, they act as efficiently as possible to achieve their objectives, ignoring arbitrary rules if need be.

Back to Tools