In this article, you will discover:

  • What Intuition (N) means in the MBTI® framework
  • How to determine whether you have this preference
  • How to enhance your development if you are an Intuitive

 

You will also learn an often-overlooked fact: there are two types of Intuition, which is why many people hesitate when identifying their preference, simply because they are not familiar with the differences between these two forms of Intuition (N).

 

In our MBTI training, we include both types of Intuition (N), as this distinction helps you identify your MBTI type more accurately.

 

What is Intuition?

What is Intuition (N) in the MBTI?

Intuition (N) is one of the two MBTI preferences that determine our innate way of perceiving information. Its opposite is Sensing (S).

From birth, we all have a natural preference, either for Intuition (N) or for Sensing (S). This preference develops very early in life and becomes the one we use most spontaneously, fluently, and without conscious effort.

Intuition (N) refers to a way of perceiving information in a global, imaginative, metaphorical, and conceptual manner. It seeks to derive meaning from information rather than focusing on its literal content. Sensing (S), by contrast, involves a more factual, practical, and literal perception of information.

The concept of Intuition (N) originates in the work of Carl Jung, whose book Psychological Types inspired the development of the MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator).

 

Jung identified two distinct forms of Intuition:

  • Introverted Intuition (Ni)
  • Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

 

Key traits of Intuitive types

What are the main characteristics of people with a preference for Intuition (N)?

People with a preference for Intuition (N):

  • Take a global, big-picture approach;
  • Tend to be more abstract;
  • Can appear somewhat disconnected from factual realities; they often have their head in the clouds rather than their feet firmly on the ground;
  • Are more theoretical and conceptual; they are more inclined to live in the abstract world of ideas than in the concrete world of tangible things;
  • Need an overall perspective in order to integrate more detailed information;
  • Start with a synthesis and a global approach when dealing with a problem or carrying out a task;
  • Are more able to grasp the purpose or end goal of a task than the specific steps required to complete it.


Their language is often metaphorical and context-dependent, meaning that a word can take on different meanings depending on the circumstances.

Intuitive types, particularly those who have developed Extraverted Intuition (Ne), have a mind that works through associations: a word, an event or an object can trigger a chain of related ideas. They enjoy wordplay and often jump from one idea to another.

 

They naturally and easily make interpretations and inferences; they do not relate to information in its raw form alone, but add meaning to it as they perceive it.

 

Difference between Extraverted and introverted Intuition

What is the difference between Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Intuition (Ni)?

The differences between Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Intuition (Ni) are significant.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne) is activated through contact with the outside world:

  • People with this preference are particularly stimulated by what is happening around them.
  • Their imagination is sparked by incoming information.
  • As a result, they often come up with new ideas during meetings, while walking, or in everyday situations.
  • They can be highly creative and feel a constant desire to embark on new projects of all kinds.
  • In their thinking, they move very easily between past, present and future.
  • They can sometimes be disconcerting, in that a decision once made can always be revisited each time (often many times) new ideas emerge.

 

Introverted Intuition (Ni), by contrast, is oriented towards the inner world:

  • The perception of people with this preference is not stimulated by the external environment.
  • They need time alone to define and clarify their vision.
  • Introverted Intuitives project themselves easily into the future, enjoy taking a step back to develop a vision, and then focus on following it through.
  • Unlike Extraverted Intuitives, Introverted Intuitives show a high degree of consistency and stability in their approach.
  • They tend to be less creative and more strategic.
  • Their language can be more abstract or obscure.
  • They are often perpetually dissatisfied, as their attention is constantly drawn to what could come next; what has just been achieved interests them far less than future projects. Living in the present moment can therefore be even more challenging for them than for Extraverted Intuitives (Ne).

Extraverted and Introverted Intuition thus differ in many respects.

 

Descriptions of Intuition often focus primarily on its extraverted form, which explains why many Introverted Intuitives struggle to identify their MBTI type and frequently mistake themselves for Introverted Sensing types.

 

We address these confusions by presenting both forms of Intuition clearly to our participants.

Readers who wish to explore Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Intuition (Ni) in greater depth will find a much more detailed description in our MBTI book: "Vous êtes unique, vos interlocuteurs aussi".

 

Am I (S) or (N)?

How can I tell whether I prefer Sensing or Intuition (N)?

To recognise whether a person has a preference for Intuition (N), attention is paid to the way they express themselves:

  • Do they use abstract language, with images or metaphors?
  • Do they begin with an overall synthesis, or are they more factual and sequential when expressing an idea?
  • What kind of details do they provide?
  • Do they stick to raw information, or do they add interpretations to it?

We also pay attention to other aspects, such as:

  • Certain natural behaviours in everyday life,
  • The way the person reacts to change,
  • Elements related to decision-making.

 

Paying attention to the type of vocabulary used (abstract or concrete) and to the way ideas are structured (starting from the global picture or from factual elements) is often a valuable indicator for determining whether a person has a preference for Intuition (N) or Sensing (S).

 

Common confusions between S and N

Beware of common confusions between Intuition (N) and Sensing (S)

It is quite common for people with a preference for Extraverted Sensing (Se) to believe they are intuitive. This often happens because most available descriptions of Sensing (S) actually describe Introverted Sensing (Si).

Similarly, individuals with Introverted Intuition (Ni) sometimes see themselves as Sensing (S) types, as the majority of descriptions of Intuition (N) are in fact focused on Extraverted Intuition (Ne).

We frequently help clarify these misunderstandings by explaining in detail the differences between Se and Si, as well as between Ne and Ni.

 

Discovering and accepting one’s true profile is often a relief. It marks a key step towards greater calm and effectiveness, by finally being aligned with one’s deeper nature.

 

Intuition in the workplace

How does Intuition (N) show up at work?

Intuitive (N) profiles need to understand the meaning behind a task or a piece of work.

Being given a task explained in a purely concrete, factual and sequential way, without understanding its purpose or context, can be difficult for them.

People with Extraverted Intuition (Ne) stand out for their ability to quickly connect seemingly unrelated pieces of information, show creativity, and come up with solutions that no one had previously considered.
Individuals with Introverted Intuition (Ni), on the other hand, need to step back and develop an overall picture before taking action. They are often recognised for their long-term strategic vision, as well as for their consistency and reliability.

 

Managing Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Intuition (Ni) in the same way is unlikely to suit either of them.

Here as well, clearly distinguishing between Ne and Ni is essential.

 

How to improve as an Intuitive

How can I improve my skills or productivity by using my Intuition (N) preference?

Here are three key ways to develop yourself as an Intuition (N) profile:

  • Offer your support when your big-picture perspective can add value
    Make use of your global approach, your ability to connect ideas and to identify patterns behind raw information, in order to support colleagues in situations where this perspective can truly make a difference.
     
  • Avoid overusing your Intuition (N)
    Accept that others may communicate in a more factual and linear way.
    Be aware that broader, more strategic reflections can sometimes be perceived as a significant loss of time before moving into action.
     
  • Draw strength from differences and learn from colleagues with a Sensation (S) preference
    Avoid judging them as lacking abstraction or as being overly down-to-earth.

 

Coaching an Intuitive type

What are the coaching focus areas for an Intuition (N) preference?

The coaching focus areas for an Intuition (N) preference depend greatly on its orientation.

Overall, Introverted Intuition (Ni) types are often invited to develop their ability to:

  • Live more in the present moment
  • Let go
  • Be less demanding of themselves

 

Extraverted Intuition (Ne), on the other hand, will work on:

  • Consistency, and sometimes greater rigour
  • Their ability to stay focused on projects through to completion, rather than constantly following new ideas

 

The coaching methodology also needs to be adapted to meet the specific needs of each type of Intuition (N).

 

Communicating more effectively with an Intuitive

How to communicate more effectively with Intuition (N) types

  • Communication tends to be more effective when it starts with a broad, overall perspective
  • Excessive detail and overly factual language are generally less helpful
  • Allowing space for metaphorical and image-based language also supports clearer exchanges.

 

With Extraverted Intuition (Ne) profiles:

  • A more spontaneous approach is often appreciated
  • Idea-sharing and brainstorming-style conversations tend to be particularly effective
  • It is useful to allow for their need to revisit — sometimes unpredictably — decisions that were previously made.

 

With Introverted Intuition (Ni) profiles:

  • Reliability is an important element of communication.
  • Consistency and rigour help create a sense of clarity and trust.
  • They generally benefit from having enough time to form an overall vision before being asked for their input.

 

More broadly, communicating well with an Intuition (N) type often involves stepping back from common stereotypes. They are not eccentric or unrealistic individuals disconnected from the real world.

 

Links with other models

What are the links with other personality models?

Taibi Kahler’s Process Communication®

Our experience in Process Communication® training has not revealed any specific correspondence between the MBTI® preference for Intuition (N) and a particular Process Communication® type.

However, it may seem reasonable to assume that an intuitive person could find it easier to develop the Imaginer profile in Process Communication®.

 
Linda Berens’ Interaction Styles®

Types with a preference for Intuition (N) can be found across all Interaction Styles®: In Charge®, Get Things Going, Chart the Course®, and Behind the Scenes.

Intuition is therefore not associated with a single style, but cuts across all four categories.

 
David Keirsey’s temperaments

Individuals who combine Intuition (N) and Feeling (F) belong to the Idealist temperament:

  • They seek harmony and meaning, both in their professional and personal lives;
  • They value a leader who supports them and helps them grow;
  • Their natural survival behaviour is to idealise their environment, sometimes to the point of minimising the existence of conflict, whether at work or in their private life.

 

By contrast, those who combine Intuition (N) and Thinking (T) belong to the Rational temperament:

  • They need to develop their expertise and achieve mastery in their fields;
  • They are drawn to complex, theoretical environments and intellectually demanding tasks;
  • They prefer to work under the guidance of a competent leader with strong intellectual abilities;
  • Their survival behaviour is known as the Robot: it is characterised by a strong reliance on “cold logic” and emotional detachment, which can give the impression of a dehumanised individual operating in a mechanical way.

 

The other MBTI preferences

What Are the Other MBTI Preferences?

Discover the MBTI preferences:

Extraversion (E) Introversion (I)
Sensing (S) Intuition (N)
Thinking (T) Feeling (F)
Judging (J) Perceiving (P)