The Judging/Perceiving scale of the Myers Briggs describes how you prefer to organize your life. This preference has implications in how you structure your home life, as well as the sort of work environment you prefer.

Judgers appreciate structure, planning, and predictability. They are schedulers and list-makers, and like to know what’s coming. They gain tremendous satisfaction from completing projects, and focus on meeting deadlines and expectations. Judgers like a structured work environment and prefer to know the “right” way to do things. They also prefer an environment where the authority structure is well defined. They dislike surprises, last-minute changes, and uncertainty. Judgers are typically decisive, orderly, and organized.

Perceivers, on the other hand, prefer spontaneity and flexibility. They enjoy unpredictable situations and are excited by surprises. Perceivers prefer not to work according to a schedule, preferring to attack projects as the mood strikes. When working on a long-term project, they often work right up until the deadline. They may earn a reputation as procrastinators, but actually do their best work when under pressure. Perceivers typically become frustrated in very structured environments, and do well to avoid work environments with excessive bureaucracy, regulations, and standard operating procedures. They are more inspired in environments where they can go with the flow.

You can often see this preference in a person’s choice of work environment. Because Judgers prefer structure and organization, they are more likely to be found in a traditional setting: a large, established company or a government position. They will be most satisfied when their role is clearly defined. Perceivers, on the other hand, are more likely to be found in smaller or less conventional organizations where the roles are more fluid and the rules and regulations less established. When Perceivers do work in structured environments, they enjoy roles that allow them to be active and dynamic and address crisis situations.

The Judging/Perceiving preference can be observed in others by watching their behavior. Judgers usually appear more organized, make plans in advance, and like to make decisions quickly. Perceivers are more likely to do things on the spur of the moment and avoid making a decision, preferring to keep their options open. Judgers will often be found making lists and checking off items as they are completed. Perceivers are found wherever their inspiration takes them!

For more information on your type, see the Myers Briggs Type Indicator assessment.