Type Dynamics - Exploring the Inferior Function
posted by agammy
If you have any clients who are looking to do more with type, the next thing you can explore with them is Type Dynamics.
In case you aren’t familiar with Type Dynamics, it’s basically a structure that opens the door to a three dimensional (and more accurate) picture of each type. Really understanding type is more complicated than simply understanding the differences between E and I or S and N - it’s understanding the interaction of the entire four letter combo that provides the key to a deeper and truer understanding of an individual’s personality.
For example: as an ENTP, my Dominant Function is Extraverted Intuition - which consists of scanning the environment for options, new and stimulating ideas, and exciting possibilities (I remember in high school, a boyfriend accused me of always keeping my options open . . . I wish now that I could direct him to my Type Dynamics Manual) - and my Inferior Function is Introverted Sensing, or considering the limitations imposed by reality (reality can be so cruel. . . )
Type Dynamics says that even though I share 3 of my 4 letters with an ESTP, we can still be extremely different because an ESTP’s Dominant Trait is Extraverted Sensing and their Inferior Trait is Introverted Intuition (so our strengths and weaknesses are practically inverted.) This also explains why most of the time, I see eye-to-eye with one of my best friends (an ESTP) but he frequently gets on my nerves when I feel like he is missing the big picture.
One especially useful element of Type Dynamics is accessing and understanding one’s Inferior function. Attempting to become more comfortable using one’s non-preferred function is a great skill to introduce to any of your clients - especially those who are really looking to grow. Accessing and using the Inferior Function is a way to expand a client’s understanding of unused perspectives and skills, as well as increase their appreciation of the strengths and usefulness of those skills. The goal of this process of course is to enhance self-understanding, and ultimately increase the choices your clients have on their developmental paths.
Introduction to Type Dynamics and Development has some interesting exercises that help your clients access their Inferior Functions - lifted straight from the book, here are some basic strategies to help you get started -
- Find some good role models and observe them - for example, you might notice how a Thinking type responds in a particular situation, or notice what kind of data is important to a Sensing type.
- Ask individuals with preferences opposite yours to be consultants. If you have an important decision to make, check it out with your consultant. Typically, the consultant will immediately come up with questions, information, or perspectives that have not occurred to you.
- One way to begin focusing on non-preferred areas is through leisure activities or hobbies - situations in which your lack of development won’t cause you embarrassment or lead to serious mistakes
One word of advice - be patient when doing this, and remember - it takes time and hard work to more fully develop one’s use of the Inferior. (This is especially something Intuitives should remember, because they are more likely to believe that gaining insight will automatically change their behavior, getting frustrated when they discover it’s not that easy.)
Experiencing a new function will lead to more conscious awareness of that mental process and recognition of the trait’s value, so it is a very useful tool to have.
