Understanding what “Feelers” think about good decisions is valuable intel. In fact, it’s essential if eliminating the costs of misunderstanding is important to you. Do you lead teams, inspire organizations, influence tomorrow’s pioneers or direct the activities of an active, pacesetting family? It’s likely you can answer “yes” to more than just one of these questions. In any case, you are influencing both “Thinkers” and “Feelers.” Understand how Feelers make good decisions with their own custom mix of facts and emotions, and you’ll have essential knowledge every leader needs.
No one makes decisions in a vacuum.
We have described “Thinkers” as those who make decisions weighted more on the facts and less on the associated emotions that come along with the facts. On the other side of the table, are “Feelers,” who prefer to use just as much logic as Thinkers. But in doing so, they consult their emotions as well as the facts. Why does all this even matter?
It matters because no one makes decisions in a vacuum.
If choices by an individual or a group create a ripple effect through your home, workplace or community, doesn’t it seem right to understand the decision-makers’ reasons better?
…What elements weighed most heavily in making the decision?
…Why wasn’t another choice made that would have been easier to implement?
…How could it have taken so long to make the choice?
This is essential information if you are to eliminate misunderstandings, quell uprisings or create unified approaches to positive change. Even if you completely disagree, understanding the basis for how others make decisions is knowledge every leader or influencer needs.
Further, without an understanding of the differences between Thinkers and Feelers, how will any spouse, parent, employee, or boss treat others the way they want to be treated (#Don’tDumbDownGoldenRule) ?!
Do Feelers think any less than Thinkers?
No, on the contrary! But, since logic does push the pace of decision-making, Thinkers don’t take a lot of time to consult their feelings before coming to a conclusion. If you are a Feeler, you might think their decisions are not well thought out. After all, how can they be well thought out if emotions aren’t thoroughly considered?
Are you a “FEELER”?
You may not be fond of the term, “Feeler.” But just remember that it does not describe an emotional person who melts into a puddle at the first sign of trouble. On the contrary, if you fall into this category, own it proudly! Not everyone has the internal drive to consult the messy world of their emotions and sort through them with logic and reason.
Understanding what Feelers think and what Thinkers feel saves time and costly mistakes.
As a Feeler, can you avoid creating stress for Thinkers while you take a little longer to decide on the right thing to do?
YOU CAN. Rather than standing in the way of progress until you are totally comfortable, applaud the speed with which the decision is made. Then, you can use the extra time to evaluate the very best option for the next move?
As a Thinker, can you appreciate the way a Feeler prefers to assess a situation and determine next steps?
YES. After all, emotions are facts too. You can’t change the way you or someone else feels. The feelings involved are also facts and must be taken into account.