The Sensing/Intuition scale of the Myers Briggs describes how you take in and process information. Sensors and Intuitives have fundamental differences in how they see the world, describe the things around them, and communicate with others.

Sensors tend to be practical, realistic, hands-on sorts of people. They take in information via the five senses (hence the name) and are tuned in to the present moment and what’s happening around them. They are detail-oriented and aware of their surroundings.

Intuitives tend to be abstract, imaginative, big-picture kinds of people. They take in information via a “sixth sense“–their interpretations about what’s happening rather just the bare facts. They may miss the details of their surroundings because they are thinking about what it all means. Intuitives often focus on what is possible, rather than what is actual.

The Sensing/Intuition scale is often the easiest one to read in others by listening to the way they speak. Sensors will tell you the facts: The table in the kitchen is square, white, and in fair condition. Intuitives will tell you their interpretation or what they see as possible: The table in the kitchen looks just like one my grandmother had, and with a little coat of paint it could be really charming. For an interesting exercise to demonstrate this, try the MBTI Blog Cup Exercise.

Sensors and Intuitives sometimes have difficulty communicating with each other for the same reason. When a Sensor tells an Intuitive the facts, the Intuitive is often left thinking, “Okay, but what’s the point?” When an Intuitive tells a Sensor what they perceive as the big idea, the Sensor often finds themselves wondering, “Okay, but what are we actually going to do?”

Like all of the Myers-Briggs preference scales, the Sensing/Intuition preference can help you to understand what makes a job satisfying for you. Sensors tend to prefer hands-on work where they can see a concrete or tangible result for their efforts. They also like to use skills that they feel comfortable with and prefer not to have to constantly learn on the job. Sensors are more likely to choose careers that involve physically building something or manipulating tools (construction, mechanical engineering, health care service, crafts) or careers where they are dealing with clear-cut facts and figures (accounting, bookkeeping, manufacturing).

Intuitives, on the other hand, tend to prefer work that allows them to deal with ideas, abstractions, and possibilities. Because they naturally visualize possibilities for change, they enjoy work that allows them to innovate. They also tend to be much more satisfied in occupations that allow them to learn continuously; Intuitives find it boring to use skills they feel they’ve mastered. Intuitives are more likely to choose careers that involve a creative vision (art or music, communications, business management, design) or those that allow them to turn an exciting idea into reality (architecture, research, entrepreneurship).

For more information on your own preference and appropriate careers, see the MBTI Assessment and Career Report.