“Engage and Evade - The Dangerous Dance of Extraversion/Intuition and Introversion/Sensing”
Featured ICON: Scott Savage
I was recently surprised to identify a dynamic in which I’ve danced for all of my fifty years. I was having an online conversation with my good friend Tim about an upcoming party we were holding together.
Out of the blue, the phrase, “We’ll just have to agree to disagree” came up on my screen. I’d heard him say this before, and while I agree that sometimes, it is a necessary conclusion, I was not even clear what the issues were, and he was already announcing the discussion was over - I didn’t know what to think!
I communicated my desire to explore this some more and we attempted to continue the conversation to clarify what it was that we were agreeing to disagree about. This continued for a few more minutes, with volleys back and forth through the ether. Finally we agreed that we had different values about the issue and that we could accept that, but the process had left a mark on the relationship.
I phoned my mentor Dan hoping he would support my point of view. He provided the opposite, telling me how my dogged pursuits of keeping this discussion open (my ‘N’ and ‘P’, you think?) showed that I was oblivious to Tim’s (ISTJ) need for closure and self-protection. And that Tim took my wanting to explore the issue as trying to convince him to do it my way! Thanks a load Dan for helping me see my part in the control aspect of this dance - if only I’d learned this 30 years ago!
While I was licking my wounds, a pattern became clear to me and I realized I’d seen this struggle a hundred times. I’ve seen this between my parents (ENTP and ISTP) with numerous clients (many of whom have EN or IS preferences) and with my lovely bride of ten years and myself, (ISFP and ENFP.) It is the dance of those preferring Extraversion and Intuition (EN) and those who prefer Introversion and Sensing (IS). While the other two type dimensions are surely in play, I’m certain that the clash between these dynamics are common and significant.
How it plays out.
Take the fictitious parties of (IS) Isabel, who prefers introversion and sensing, and (EN) Enrico, who prefers Extraversion and Intuition.
Some issue of potential disagreement arises; it could be anything, whether to hire an applicant, how to spend some money, who should come to the party, etc. The two briefly exchange their opinions.
The facts and conclusion are crystal clear to ISabel and she seeks to end the discussion. She has had enough and sees no need for any ‘excessive bantering’ to continue. In her mind, the thing is done and there is no need to make a mountain out of a molehill. She says something like, “that’s enough”, or “we’ll have to agree to disagree”. Or, ISabel says nothing at all and just proceeds to getting busy with other things.
The quick clarity and finality of the conclusion that ISabel found are not present for ENrico. Rather, he has something else in mind and is hoping to create a different, if yet unformed solution. The abrupt ending of the discussion shocks ENrico and disrespects his inborn desires to talk, explore and process. He is bothered and continues to engage ISabel in the discussion, pushing harder (like a pit-bull in her view) for interaction and additional ideas. She withdraws, refuses or acquiesces.
If this pattern continues, the relationship is in danger. The consequences of these misunderstandings are familiar and can include irritation, hurt, anger, and false perceptions about the other person. These reactions impact the tone of future communications, and can cause avoidance of further interaction. If ignored, this continued type conflict can even be responsible for ending the relationship
How can we make this dance work?
Reflect on past dances we have done and consider how this, or other type conflicts, may have played a part. Recognize our own biases and needs and do our best to let go of our need to prevail. Do our best to understand the needs and biases of the other and to satisfy them, rather than change them. Remember that our way is not the only way, and our answer is not the only one. Choose our battles carefully and fight them thoughtfully. Express what we need and what we want from the heart, including our fears and discomforts, so that we stimulate compassion in the other, rather than competition. Lastly, we can realize our own and the other’s strengths and limits with regard to taking steps to heal the relationship and be willing to extend the hand of invitation to rebuild it.
If we are to dance, then we should both enjoy it!
