Before discussing any other matters, it is imperative to bring awareness to the basics of our human mental functions. Although the theory has been around for more than 90 years, the majority of people still believe that we are mere physical organisms. While I learnt my lesson not to discuss my allegiance to Darwinism openly, it is clear that many have half knowledge on the matter.
Nonetheless, the assumption is that humans are made of three parts - Body, Soul and Spirit. We are more than a walking blob of hydrocarbons. We have our thoughts and emotions. (Although I agree to a large extent that many fellow countrymen in the heartlands are functioning a little more than reflex).
Based on Carl Yung's work, we have four cognitive functions. Of these four, we have one preference, the rest are auxillary. Unfortunate for my part of the world, these functions are inaptly termed as SENSING, INTUITION, THINKING and FEELING. Half of the MBTI practitioners I know have no idea how to explain these functions in order to profile accurately.
It is important to be aware of these functions. In our daily dealings and interactions, it is inevitable that we encounter conflict. Conflict with others and with ourselves alike. In fact, many a times, I find that I wondered who I really am. To deal with this conflict, it helps that we understand these four cognitive functions in order that we are first at peace with ourselves and with conflict.
Therefore, I wish that readers, familiars or strangers alike, take this post as a trigger if you so happen to chance upon it and explore the inner world before creating chaos and conflict in the outer world.
Of these four functions, two concerns how we absorb information about our world, two concerns how we make decisions and determines our actions. Actions change our outcomes and affects our spouses, parents, children and everyone around us. Actions form habits and leaves legacies. Perspectives determine our bent, our inclinations and our direction. Therefore, these functions are vital to our lives. Understand and use them wisely. They can make us or break us.
In absorbing information, the dichotomy consists of SENSING and INTUITION. When we recieve information about our environment and our relationships with others, we can be sensing or intuitive.
When we are sensing, we retrospect and focus on details. We bring to remembrance the past, the 'if only' and the minute details. We allow ourselves to formulate decisions based on details and singularities. Those of us who prefer using sensing as an information gatherer like to read the news, listen to advice from others, especially the elders. They concern themselves with their five senses. We like little nuggets of facts. We tend to say:"The facts of life are these and that is all that matters to me."
When we are intuitive, we are forth - seeking and focus on universal patterns and truths. We ignore the present facts and focus on possibilities. We tend to have our heads in the clouds, dreaming and visioning. We know that the world is imperfect but choose to ignore them and think of how the world can be different. Those who prefer intuition like theories and ignore the news. We see the big picture of things; collecting a lot of information in the hope that there is a consistent pattern or truth. We tend to say:"I have already made up my mind. Don't confuse me with the facts."
The dichotomy implies that those who prefer SENSING will disagree with those who prefer INTUITION. Therefore, conflict arises at the elementary level - perspectives. In fact, since everyone has both SENSING and INTUITION, in the times when a SENSING person uses his INTUITION, he can disagree with himself and become indecisive. Internal conflict.
Perhaps more familiar amongst leaders, managers and administrators is the decision - making dichotomy. They are FEELING and THINKING. Again, these are unfortunate terms. FEELING implies an inclination towards people - people relationships and values. It does not naturally mean that a FEELING person is incapable of thinking.
At the same time, THINKING implies an inclination towards object - forces relationships and tasks orientation. It does not mean that a THINKING person is incapable of emotions. In fact, a THINKING type may fall prey to his own emotions and become reactive rather than respond.
Similarly, this dichotomy implies that those who prefer FEELING will disagree with those who prefer THINKING. Even with similar perspectives, differences bring about different decisions and therefore different actions. This leads to different consequences and therefore conflict.
There are a lot that we may derive from this. Here, it suffices at this point to simply acknowledge that while everyone has the same four cognitive functions, different people has different preferences. This leads to different perspectives. For example, one may say:"Why fix something that is not broken." Another may say:"There is always room for improvement." The differences also creates different decisions. One may say:"We must therefore improve staff training." Another will disagree:"We must thus simplify the industrial processes."
The differences, the conflict and the disagreement should not be taken at a personal level. Disliking and hating one another due to disagreements are childish and brutish reactions. I may arrive at a decision because I prefer THINKING at the moment. But what assures me that I will never favour my FEELING functions? Will I then hate myself?
Having explored this, perhaps we can better work with one another in the workplace. Perhaps we can learn to see things from another's perspective in the home. Our identities must not stem from our behaviour and preferences. Our personal preferences change with time. Our identities should not. Our behaviour change with our main cognitive function. Our spirits should not.
In light of this, we should strive to explore ourselves. In all our encounters, dealings and interactions, we should explore using both SENSING and INTUITION for different perspectives. In making decisions, we should explore using both THINKING and FEELING. Then we should also learn of the different outcomes and reflect upon our own metacognition.
Perhaps then, we can stop being mere brutes. Perhaps then, we can start being humans.
No comments:
Post a Comment