Type and Stress Our type preferences can give us information about how we will react in times of stress This can be valuable to identify the early signs and maybe do something about it!

Dominant Functions According to the theory, each type has a favourite part This typically forms the core of our identity and motivation Dominants for the Introverted types: ISTJ and ISFJ – Sensing INTJ and INFJ – Intuition ISTP and INTP - Thinking ISFP and INFP - Feeling Dominants for the Extraverted types: ESTP and ESFP – Sensing ENTP and ENFP – Intuition ESTJ and ENTJ - Thinking ESFJ and ENFJ - Feeling

Dominant Functions Looking at your report – or your booklet Identify: your strengths what you are proud of what may cause you a challenge Looking at your strengths – What would it be like if you overdid them?

What’s stress like for you? What causes you to get stressed? What is your initial reaction to stress? What happens if the stress continues? How can you (or others) help in times of stress?

Type Exaggeration ENFP Normal functioning Some stress Pretty out of control Described as ‘off the wall’ by ENFPs INTP Normal functioning Some stress Pretty withdrawn Is anyone there? How it feels inside Usually when we start getting stressed we don’t notice – and we may not until explosion point – shouting crying or physical symptoms. The info you have noted and summarised on next slides can be your early warning signs. Time to take a break, breathe deeply, take a walk, talk to a trusted colleague. Also don’t make important decisions in exaggerated state – as we don’t have our usual perspective.

First Stage of Stress

ISTJ and ISFJ in stress At their best, they Are selective – choosing right facts Have excellent recall of facts and events Are sure and certain Reflect before acting Communicate perspective In exaggerated state, they Can become fixated on finding the ‘right’ fact Are obsessed with minute detail Are dogmatic Can become paralysed Shut down ISTJ quote – When I’m stressed out I get rigid. I mean rules and standard operating procedures are always important to me but usually I know when its time to be flexible to make exceptions and I do. But when I’m stressed it’s strictly by the book

ISTP and INTP in stress At their best, they Engage in a persistent search for the truth Exhibit depth of concentration Are logical Are objective Are self motivated In exaggerated state, they Engage in obsessive search for truth Become lost in concentration Accept nothing but logic Become totally detached Become driven – like a machine out of control INTP quote – When I’m stressed I just totally withdraw and focus on what I’m doing or thinking. EG – I can become obsessed with finding the right word in a sentence and spend hours searching a thesaurus. If anyone complains I just think – see no one else cares about doing things right, they’re so sloppy. And then find hundreds of examples to prove their sloppiness

INTJ and INFJ in stress At their best, they Are problem solvers Are visionary See connections not obvious to others Find patterns Provide in-depth theory In exaggerated state, they Are arrogant – have ‘the’ answers Visions detached from reality Are over complex – everything is connected Force data to fit Driven inward: won’t ask for help INTJ quote – When I’m stressed I just shut down, won’t take in any information. I’m so sure I’m right and everyone else is wrong. I just plough ahead like a bulldozer to do what I know needs to be done, If anyone’s in the way – too bad

ISFP and INFP in stress At their best, they: Are empathisers Think people matter, including themselves Are independent Are sensitive Are idealistic In exaggerated state, they Are rescuers Carry the weight of the world on their shoulders Isolate self Are hypersensitive Are demagogic – only their ideals matter

ESTP and ESFP in stress At their best, they: See, then think, then do or say Are active Are talkative, sociable Are straightforward and clear Pay attention to detail In exaggerated state, they Speak and act without thinking Are hyperactive – jogging around the office Talk nonstop without listening to others Are blunt and curt Are pedantic ESTP quote – When I’m stressed I’m a total space cadet – running from one task to another, never finishing anything. I just have to be active, and I want everyone to be equally active.

ENTP and ENFP in stress At their best, they: Form global pictures Are innovative Are enthusiastic See possibilities Are flexible Maintain a fast pace In exaggerated state, they Obsessed with links between things Want to be different for the sake of novelty Are frantic Dither – so many options, can’t decide Have irrational sudden changes Are unable to concentrate or focus ENFP quote – When I’m stressed I’m so distractible I don’t even finish my sentences. It’s like I’m just whirling around like a headless chicken

ENTJ and ESTJ in stress At their best, they: Are cool headed Are rational Are clear and concise Are logical Are analytical In exaggerated state, they Are cold and detached Insist everything must be rational Oversimplify for the sake of clarity Insist on logic Dominate by dissection Are very critical ESTJ quote – When I’m stressed I just take charge, tell everybody what to do and how to do it. My kids say oh no it’s back to boot camp again. And if anyone gets in the way I just run them over

ENFJ and ESFJ in stress At their best, they: Are encouraging Are interested in others Seek to create harmony Are outward looking Are people and relationship motivated In exaggerated state, they Can be insistent – you will enjoy this Can be intrusive Ignore problems to keep surface harmony Lack focus Feel overburdened: over identify with others ESFJ quote – When people around me are stressed I can get carried away in making them feel better. I hear myself saying all the clichés – It’s not as bad as it looks, things will look better tomorrow, It’s all for the best. And doing things for people, even if they haven’t asked. People get annoyed

Second Stage of Stress ‘In the grip’

Experiencing Stress ESTP/ESFP/ISTJ/ISFJ Doom and gloom attitude; end of the world, no possible way out; "The sky is falling“ - Hopelessness or denial ENFP/ENTP/INTJ/INFJ Detail-bound; stubbornly preoccupied with irrelevant facts, fine print Overindulgent; "Eat, drink, and be merry“ ENTJ/ESTJ/INTP/ISTP Little things set them off; emotions are out of control and inappropriate to stimulus; may be hyperactive Feel worthless, guilty; take failure personally ENFJ/ESFJ/INFP/ISFP Demand that blame be allocated; criticize; "You should have...“ Dominate and railroad others; treat people as pawns, mere numbers