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.

If you’re a true Myers Briggs nerd (as I’m afraid I am) you find yourself trying to type people wherever you go–and that includes in the movie theater! Here are my thoughts on the Myers-Briggs type of some of our most famous summer movie heroes:

Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: ENTP.
Quick-witted, clever, and relentlessly risk-taking, ENTPs are drawn to academic pursuits but often feel a need to indulge their lust for adventure. The dual personalities of the tweed-suited professor and the wisecracking tomb raider fit together perfectly when you realize that Indy is a enterprising, inventive ENTP.

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City: ENFP.
Charming, romantic, and restless, ENFPs seek a meaningful connection with others. They love to relate, appreciate the spiritual and heartfelt, and often long for a sense of romance that is only seen in movies. Because of the ENFP’s deep romanticism, they can often seem fickle as they search for a relationship that feels as true and eloquent as they expect. Like Carrie’s relationships with Mr. Big, Aidan, and a whole cast of others, an ENFP’s romances often don’t proceed in the usual fashion–but they are always exciting.

Miranda Hobbes, Sex and the City: INTJ.
Organized, self-reliant, and determined, INTJs often claim they don’t need anyone else. Content to exist much of the time in the world of logical, predictable work, INTJs sometimes have trouble opening up to the erraticism of romantic relationships–especially when their objective analysis of their partners is not appreciated. When won over, however, INTJs are often fiercely loyal partners, willing to defend their loved ones until the end.

Samantha Jones, Sex and the City: ESFP.
Girls just want to have fun, at least when they’re ESFPs. Spontaneous, lively, and charismatic, ESFPs move quickly from one entertainment to the next. Commitment just doesn’t seem important to many ESFPs, who’d rather be open to the next fun thing to come along, whether it’s a man, a bag, or a fabulous new nightclub.

Charlotte York Goldenblatt, Sex and the City: ESFJ. Traditional, caring, and attentive to detail, ESFJs are the cornerstones of family life. They enjoy the tasks of taking care of a family and believe that happiness comes with the customary milestones of adult life: marriage, children, and home. ESFJs often feel strongly tied to a religious beliefs and enjoy keeping up the traditions of their family heritage, whether by wearing a tartan plaid to a Scottish gathering or cooking a Chanukah meal.

The Thinking/Feeling scale of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator inventory fundamentally describes how you prefer to make decisions. This scale has powerful implications in career choice. Thinkers tend to prefer work that is logical and makes sense, where Feelers prefer work that seems personally meaningful.

When making decisions, Thinkers like to rely on logic and reason. The best decision to a Thinker is one that is objective and supported by data. Thinkers are likely to reason through the logical consequences, weigh the pros and cons, and analyze the options before coming to a conclusion. Thinkers tend to become frustrated when other people don’t respect decisions that they perceive as reasonable.

Feelers, on the other hand, prefer to make decisions in accordance with their values, relationships and personal concerns. The best decision to a Feeler is one that seems like the right thing to do, and one that other people can support. Feelers can become frustrated if forced to make decisions based only on the “bottom line” or on detached analysis without any concern for the people and moral issues involved.

Keep in mind that most of us make both Thinking decisions and Feeling decisions depending on the situation; this scale is not about what we are capable of, but what we prefer. If you are not sure of your preference, think about what kind of decisions are easiest to make for you. Do you prefer decisions that can be logical and objective, or do you prefer decisions that allow you to consider your values and the feelings of others? If confronted by a choice between a more logical decision and a more popular one, which one would you be more inclined to choose?

Once you have determined your preference, you have a powerful clue about what sort of work you will find satisfying. Thinkers are often found in engineering, finance, science, and business. They prefer a work environment that allows them to use their analytical skills without a lot of politics or personal drama. Thinkers often enjoy working with people, but they like colleagues who are intelligent and competent and keep things professional.

Feelers, on the other hand, are often found in education, health care, nonprofit work, management, and personal service. Feelers enjoy their work most when they believe in the cause and see a positive impact on other people. Feelers like a work environment that is free of conflict, with warm and supportive colleagues. They can become discouraged if they feel unappreciated or do not see a socially beneficial result of their efforts. They do best when they are motivated by their personal values.

For more information on the right careers for your personality type, try taking the MBTI assessment with the Career Report.