„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Keirsey and Bates Temperaments
The Keirsey and Bates Sorter classifies people by temperament rather than by type.
Based on Jungian definitions, the sorter lists the four temperaments as sensing perceiver
(SP), sensing judger (SJ), intuitive thinker (NT), or intuitive feeler (NF). Sensing
perceivers and sensing judgers each make up between 35 and 40 percent of the
population, while intuitive thinkers and intuitive feelers each constitute between 10 and
15 percent.
Sensing Perceiver (SP). An SP, or sensing perceiver, constantly seeks adventure
and freedom and is open to whatever is new and changing. This person lives for the
moment and makes an excellent negotiator. In a work setting, he or she may deal well
with vendors and may be useful in keeping the staff abreast of new products and new
releases. Such a person often is known as a troubleshooter who likes to resolve crises
and to rally the support of others in solving a problem. Hot-line programs are often well
served by people with SP temperaments.
Sensing Judger (SJ). A sensing judger (SJ) believes in rules, regulations, and
rituals. He or she works best in a formalized, structured situation and often is well
qualified to institute the structure that is needed in the workplace. A sensing judger
would make a good librarian, inventory controller, scheduler, or administrator. He or she
thrives on setting standards, whether in reference to resource selection or the day-to-day
operating procedures of a department.
Intuitive Thinker (NT). A person who wants to understand, control, explain, and
predict events is an intuitive thinker (NT). He or she is an intellectual purist and a selfmotivated
learner. An intuitive thinker can best serve an organization as a visionary and
planner. He or she is a determined learner and will pursue something until it is mastered.
An intuitive thinker makes an excellent system designer because of his or her conceptual
ability and may be well suited to customer support because of a need to strive for
resolution. Newsletter production may also be a good outlet for an intuitive thinker’s
skills.
Intuitive Feeler (NF). An intuitive feeler (NF) is enthusiastic and often has strong
communication and interaction skills. Such a person often excels at public relations and
can be effective as a liaison to other companies or departments. An intuitive feeler also
often makes a good teacher, especially on the elementary level, because of his or her
patience and understanding. Such a person is excellent at setting the atmosphere
necessary for quality learning and training.
The Pfeiffer Library Volume 6, 2nd Edition. Copyright ©1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer ❚❘ 135