Overview – Sensation vs. Intuition

Each person has an individual combination of sensory perception and intuitive processing and varying degrees of preferences.

• Sensation refers to the ability to gather information through facts, the physical senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
• Intuition involves the processing of information through ideas, abstract thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to perceive connections beyond what is immediately apparent.

Preferences vary and are context-dependent. While some individuals may have a stronger inclination towards relying on either sensory perception or intuitive insights, the majority of people tend to employ a combination of both approaches.

Through improved self-awareness, as well as effective communication and teamwork with people of other preferences, the strengths of both processing mechanisms can be harnessed.

Each individual uses both sensation and intuition. Some people lean more towards sensation while others lean towards intuition.

Sensation

The Jungian function “Sensation” primarily relies on the five senses to perceive and process information from the external world:

• Sensors is attuned to perceiving concrete details, facts, and practical information. They excel in gathering and analysing information that can be seen, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled. This makes it possible to engage with the present moment and make decisions based on tangible evidence.
• Sensors tend to focus on the present, concrete facts and and learn from experience. They are very interested in details. They prefer to work with information that is directly perceivable and practically applicable.
• Sensors tend to think practical, linear and sequentially. They rely on factual knowledge and past experiences to guide their decisions.
• They like to take a step-by-step approach to problem-solving. They make detailed down-to-earth plans and take concrete steps to implementation.
• Sensors thrive in structured environments, appreciating routine and stability as it provides a sense of safety and predictability.
• Their attention to detail and focus on the present moment enables them to excel in tasks that require precise execution.
• Sensors can be creative with concrete activity – through hands-on work as well as art, music, or other activities. Sensors can be practical through implementing actionable steps towards a solution.

The sensation function is used to record and process sensory details and facts and implement them practically.

Intuition

The Jungian function of “Intuition” is characterised by interpretation, pattern recognition and grasping deeper meanings:

• Intuitive people perceive information intuitively. – They can recognise patterns, identify meanings, form interpretations and see possibilities.
• They are often drawn to the big picture, future-oriented thinking, and explore potential connections and implications beyond what is immediately evident.
• They tend towards conceptual understanding and generalisations.
• They often rely on hunches, gut feelings, and spontaneous insight to navigate the world.
• Intuitives generate innovative ideas, make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and envision potential developments. This open-mindedness enables them to consider unconventional or speculative ideas that lie outside the realm of immediate practicality. Such forward-thinking may challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is considered possible.
• Intuitives have a talent for inspiring others with their imaginative ideas.
• Intuitives can be creative with concepts, ideas and understanding. Intuitives can be practical by envisioning solutions without knowing the exact way to get there.

The intuition function can see patterns, make connections and derive meaning. It is used in generalisations, ideas and visionary thinking.

Summary: Sensation vs. Intuition

Typical Behaviour in the Workplace

Collaboration between Sensors and Intuitives

Both perceiving functions are needed for the healthy development of an organisation. Leadership should ensure space in the team for both viewpoints. Ideas are not worth much, if they cannot be implemented. Similarly, understanding the details and taking practical action requires meaningful goals.

A balanced approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and team organization can be accomplished by harnessing the strengths of both Sensors and Intuitives.

Challenges of Sensors

Understanding is limited without connection to a broader context. Relying solely on factual details and past experiences can result in overlooking crucial insights. Facts and details may turn out to be unimportant, misleading or devoid of a larger meaning. Accurate comprehension goes beyond collecting facts – it involves discerning what is relevant or irrelevant.

Sensors tend to prioritise what is directly practically applicable. They favour proven methods and established practices. This emphasis on practicality can stifle the exploration of new ideas, leaving Intuitives feeling restricted. At the same time, Sensors may find it difficult to take into account “intuitive” objections, of people who appear to have not done their homework.

Sensors benefit from working with individuals who can provide fresh perspectives, and come up with ideas and visions beyond the immediate reality.

Challenges of Intuitives

Intuition and grand visions can miss the point or turn out to be delusional, if it is not grounded in reality. Big picture thinking may be lofty and unrealistic if not backed up with facts, logic and evidence. Strategies may need to be adjusted if something unexpected happens.

Intuitives may feel a sense of limitation when Sensors confront them with a focus on practicality.

Intuitives will benefit from collaborating with individuals who can ground their ideas to reality and provide the necessary structure and execution.

Practical Communication

Through communication you can build a bridge between Sensors and Intuitives. Practice your own mental flexibility and be extra careful to make your communication clear.

While Preparing:

• Become aware of your own preferences in perception, when you are proposing something or criticising a proposal
• Try to look at things through the other set of glasses.
• Think about both: The big picture and the minute details.

In dialogue:

• Make explicit what is important for you.
• Try to cater to the other person’s system of perception.
• Appreciate the other’s point of view and inner process.
• Look at the topic together
• Consider both abstract possibilities as well as details and practical implementation.

When trying to understand ideas of other people, do not jump to conclusions, but make sure that you first establish a common ground:

• Rephrase what they said: “I understand the following…”
• Ask questions: “What do you mean when you say X?”

Talking with Each Other

Tips for Sensors (when speaking to Intuitives)

Have you ever felt frustrated with people bringing impractical or unrealistic ideas? Do you find it challenging to spark interest for practical suggestions or ensure that fact-based objections are taken into account? – You may be operating from the Jungian “sensation” function, encountering people who are are intuitive.

When communicating with Intuitives, it is important to consider abstract concepts and imaginative ideas. Intuitives thrive on exploring possibilities and connecting seemingly unrelated concepts. Engage Intuitives in discussions that involve brainstorming, exploring alternative approaches and anticipating developments.

Encourage Intuitives to share their insights and perspectives, as this can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively with Intuitives:

• Start with the main idea, then gradually break it down to detail.
  • Start with the big picture and how it is relevant.
• Discuss meaning, goals and overarching vision
  • Guiding questions for overarching meaning
    • “Why?”
    • “For what purpose?”
    • “Which bigger idea / goal is this a part of ?”
  • Guiding questions for engaging future possibilities and intuitive hunches
    • “What would be possible if…?”
    • “How would it feel if we can …?”
    • “What is your first impression / idea regarding …?”
• Engage their imagination
  • Spark curiosity with ideas and suggestions
  • Relate to the ideas of your discussion partner
  • Focus on future possibilities
• Relate detailed info and specific tasks to an overarching idea or concept
  • Give abstract ideas / theoretical concepts / big ideas / larger plans
  • Explain also in abstract, general terms
  • Please explain the context or category to which this topic belongs.
• Explain how short term plans and actionable to-dos are part of a larger plan
  • Show how A (grand vision ) requires B (detailed steps relating to current situation)
  • Find headlines for the detailed tasks
• Be prepared to present your ideas with enthusiasm and conviction
  • Include generalizations – If you do so ensure that this is a common understanding!
  • Use metaphors or analogies to make your point clear.
  • Present in a way that sparks imagination.
  • Use a presentations / visual aids to help illustrate the main idea and relate it your detailed proposal.
• Make sure you understand how the specific information and tasks relate to a bigger idea
  • Which bigger idea is relevant for you?
  • Can you ensure that the specific information and actionable to-dos are part of a larger whole
  • Avoid understanding what the other person says in a too literal way – focus on the meaning behind their words
• Be patient with Intuitives’ tendency to jump around different, seemingly unrelated topics.
  • Be patient with changes of topics by intuitives – Try to follow their train of thought for a while before relating it to something important to you.
  • Be open-minded, and try to understand their perspective
• Turn your fact based objections into constructive suggestions (which consider the big picture)
  • Rather than “This will not work because [facts]” use something like “I would like to support you with your goal and suggest we review the following points [facts] further to achieve [desired positive outcome].

Provide purpose and vision – focus on future possibilities.

Tips for Intuitives (when speaking to Sensors)

Have you ever felt frustrated when your ideas were met with skepticism or dismissed as unrealistic? Do you find it challenging when your ideas are quickly shot-down by questions for details and facts? – You may be an intuitive person who is dealing with people coming from the sensory function.

When communicating with Sensors, it is important to be specific and concrete. Sensors pay attention to details and prefer step-by-step instructions. When presenting your ideas and concepts, provide concrete evidence and point out practical applications.

Encourage Sensors to share their insights and perspectives, as this can unveil important information and enable practical implementation.

Here are some tips on how to communicate effectively with Sensors:

• Give details first before relating it to bigger ideas
  • Start with something which is directly relatable and relevant.
• Make sure that you relate ideas and concepts to the practical reality
  • Guiding questions: “How specifically?” / “What exactly?”
  • Give practical examples for your concepts and plans
  • Explain in simple, tangible terms
  • Explain what this means specifically.
  • Avoid abstract concepts without giving concrete examples
• Use facts and evidence to back up your ideas and viewpoints.
  • Engage Sensors through facts (what can you see, hear, sense) and through hands-on activities (what can you do)
• Break down vision and long term plans into short term plans and actionable to-dos – liking them to the current situation
  • Make sure you convey how your bigger idea translates into specific tasks
  • Provide a short term plan.
  • Show how to get from A (current reality) to B (grand vision)
• Be organised and present your ideas in a linear, sequential order.
  • Be specific in what you want
  • Use clear and concise language
  • Avoid generalisations, metaphors or analogies. Consider that a Sensor may (mis-)understand you by interpreting what you say very literally.
  • Present in a structured and organised way.
  • Organise your ideas in a linear way of proceeding.
  • You may use a written presentation / visual aids or diagrams to ensure you present in a structured way and provide a back-up of facts and details
• Make sure you understand how your visions and ideas relate to specific informations and tasks
  • Which specific informations / tasks are relevant for you?
  • Can you ensure that the theme is backed-up by facts and evidence?
• Be patient with Sensors’ tendency to get deeper and deeper into one topic.
  • Try to follow their train of thought for a while before relating it to something important to you.
  • Be open-minded, and try to understand the other perspective
• Turn your intuition based objections into constructive suggestions (which consider facts and details)
  • Rather than “I cannot see this working out like suggested.” use something like “As we are working towards your goal and I suggest that I will get back to you you a list of detailed points for considerations and further problem solving.”

Be as specific and concrete as possible.