Introverted Sensing versus Extroverted Sensing
In this post we will shift gears away from the Judging functions (Thinking and Feeling) to focus on the Perceiving functions.
While the Judging functions are fairly straightforward—we all understand what is meant by Thinking and Feeling to some extent—the Perceiving functions are more nuanced and can be trickier to explain. The Perceiving functions establish how we take in information. In the most basic sense, Perceiving is the stimulus and Judging is the response. Perceiving functions gather information that Judging functions utilize to make decisions. Like with the Judging functions, the energy of the Perceiving functions may also be directed inward (introverted) or directed outward (extroverted).
There are four total Perceiving functions: Introverted Sensing (Si), Extroverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Intuition (Ni), and Extroverted Intuition (Ne). Here we will dive into the Sensing functions.
The Sensing Functions
Introverted Sensing (Si) and Extroverted Sensing (Se) are Perceiving functions that enable us to take in the information around us. It is not the role of the Perceiving functions to shape or control that information (that’s up to the Judging functions) but to simply absorb it. All four Perceiving functions do this in different ways.
The two Sensing functions differ in how they take in information. Extroverted Sensing operates by a “Just the facts, Ma’am” motto. It takes in the data delivered by the five senses and is involved mainly with concrete experiences. Introverted Sensing responds to inner sensations such as pain and hunger and deals in memories, comparing and contrasting its current experience to those that have occurred before.
Who Uses the Sensing Cognitive Functions?
So which MBTI types use these Sensing functions? If you’ve been following the previous posts in this series, you’re probably thinking “All of them!” And you are correct. Every person utilizes a Sensing function, with either an introverted or extroverted attitude, somewhere in their function stack (for a refresher on what is meant by the functional stack, check out this post). Here, we’ll focus on the types that have them in the Dominant or Auxiliary placement in their stack.
For quick reference, here’s a list of the MBTI types that use Sensing in either Dominant or Auxiliary position:
· Introverted Sensing (Si) as Dominant Function: ISFJ, ISTJ
· Introverted Sensing (Si) as Auxiliary Function: ESFJ, ESTJ
· Extroverted Sensing (Se) as Dominant Function: ESFP, ESTP
· Extroverted Sensing (Se) as Auxiliary Function: ISFP, ISTP
Flow State and Growth State
We will continue to look at the functions through the lens of the Flow State and Growth State. Our Dominant Function is the gateway to entering our Flow State and our Auxiliary Function is how we access our Growth State. The Flow State, as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his extensive research on optimal experience, is the complete absorption in an experience that is both challenging and optimally suited to our abilities and interests. In the realm of personality, Flow translates to the elements of our lives that put us “in the zone” by challenging us while still aligning with our personalities. Utilization of our Dominant Function in these moments is what helps us achieve Flow.
The Growth State in this context refers to leveraging our Auxiliary Function. This function has the opposite attitude (meaning the energy of it is introverted or extroverted) as our Dominant function and thus pushes us outside of our comfort zones and ushers in growth. If your Dominant function has an extroverted attitude (e.g. Extroverted Sensing or Se) then your Auxiliary function will always have the opposite, introverted attitude (e.g. Introverted Feeling of Fi). The reverse holds true—if your Dominant function is introverted, then your Auxiliary function will be extroverted.
Introverted Sensing
Introverted Sensing is a process oriented toward the inner world of memories and personal physicality and sensation. Its role is to consider the current information in the context of what has come before. It consults past experiences, traditions, routines, and bodily sensations as it retains and (re)collects information.
Si is a patient and generous function. It is an internal, subjective process that is skilled at recognizing changes and inconsistencies in its environment.
Si Highlight Reel
· Values traditions and preserves the “tried and true”
· High regard for authority
· Takes responsibilities seriously
· Draws on existing beliefs, resources, and habits
· Attention to past details can lead to having a good memory
· Can be materially frugal
· Has acute awareness of bodily sensations, may enjoy yoga or Tai Chi
· Enjoys reliving cherished traditions
· “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto
· When unhealthy can be rigid and unwilling to see the value of new information and experiences
Si Dominant Function (Flow State)
ISFJs and ISTJs use Si as their Dominant function. It is how they show up to the world first. Because of the emphasis on tradition and routine, Si has easier access to their Flow State when they create stability and predictability in their lives. When Si is healthy, it does a good job of ensuring that the memory bank it pulls from is made up of mostly positive memories. This can mean Si is truly in its element when experiencing traditions such as family holidays, reunions, and other time-honored celebrations. Si users value when loved ones take the time to create experiences that pull on their sentimental side, such as anniversaries. While it can take some time for this process to adapt to new traditions, when presented in the right way, new experiences will have the effect of “growing on” Si users. Journaling about events and discussing shared experiences with loved ones helps keep Si healthy and content.
Si Auxiliary Function (Growth State)
For ESFJs and ESTJs, developing Si is the key to their personal growth. Helping others create positive memories can be one way of uniting the dominant Fe or Te functions with Si. Si also helps ESFJs and ESTJs to slow down and consider the long-term effects of their decisions, as well as establish habits and routines that prevent rash decision making by focusing on the details that matter. Practicing self-acceptance, being honest about past mistakes (Si can help prevent you from reliving them), and being thoughtful about how your actions affect the experiences of those around you (and how they will remember their interactions with you) are all ways to integrate Si for growth.
Examples of People with an Introverted Sensing Dominant Function:
· Rosa Parks (ISFJ)
· Jimmy Carter (ISFJ)
· Angela Merkel (ISTJ)
· Dwight D. Eisenhower (ISTJ)
Extroverted Sensing
Extroverted Sensing (Se) may more closely resemble what comes to mind when we first hear the term Sensing. It has a more direct relationship with the senses and its energy is directed outward which allows it to interact with the world in more overt and demonstrable ways. Extraverted Sensors tend to have high levels of energy and are quick to act.
Most interested in that which can be directly experienced, Se has the ability to process real-time feedback about the people, places, and happenings around them. This is one of the sharpest contrasts between people who lead with Se and those who lead with a function that requires time to post-process, such as Fi. We live in a culture that values quick action and because of that, many Se types find the world to be as responsive to them as they are to it. (There is a strong argument to be made that our world as it currently stands would benefit greatly from putting less emphasis on quick action and more emphasis on deliberate, thoughtful action but that is an argument for another post).
Se Highlight Reel
· Fast-acting, real-time response to external stimuli
· Se-driven types generally have gregarious natures and playful spirits
· Can have excellent senses of humor
· Enjoys sensory experiences that push limits such as athletics, playing musical instruments, or driving fast cars
· Needs activity and stimuli, too much stillness or time spent in planning mode can zap Se energy
· When undeveloped, can be prone to rebellion & lack impulse control
· When unhealthy, can be overindulgent and fall victim to addictions, including food substances, and “the rush” of dangerous activities
Se Dominant Function (Flow State)
For Se to work at its best, ESFPs and ESTPs need to keep life interesting. Choosing daily activities that push them to their limits allows them to enter the Flow State. Se is one of the easiest functions to observe in this state because it is often very visible (unlike Si Flow which thrives in the realm of memory-making and the cherishing of tradition). Every sports apparel advertisement you’ve seen that shows an athlete “in the zone” is playing on Se Flow. This may also look like a surgeon in an operating room or a violinist in a concert hall. ESFPs and ESTPs benefit from finding activities that can keep them present in the moment, utilize their natural skills, and challenge their limits. Channeling their Se in this way helps them become less reactive and more responsive. They find a deeper sense of their own integrity here.
Se Auxiliary Function (Growth State)
ISFPs & ISTPs can use Se to grow by asking the question “What action can I take now?” It allows the slow-to-act Fi of ISFPs and the painstakingly deliberate Ti of ISTPs to activate what’s going on inside of them and bring it out to the rest of the world. Se will help you take action on the new skill you want to learn, try out new styles, or get tasks done and off your to-do list. Se helps ISFPs and ISTPs move out of their comfort zones while still honoring their inner sense of what is true to them (whether it’s feeling or data).
Examples of People with an Extroverted Sensing Dominant Function:
· Beyoncé (ESFP)
· Richard Branson (ESFP)
· Madonna (ESTP)
· Franklin D. Roosevelt (ESTP)
Got questions? Leave a comment below or email me!
For a deeper dive into these functions, check out the Personality Hacker book by Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge and Dr. A.J. Drenth’s books My True Type and The 16 Personality Types!