In this article, you will discover:

  • What Thinking (T) means in the MBTI
  • How to identify whether this preference applies to you
  • How to grow and develop if you have a preference for Thinking (T)

 

You will also learn a lesser-known fact: there are two types of Thinking (T).

Many people hesitate about their preference because they are not aware of the differences between these two forms of Thinking.

 

That is why, in our MBTI training programmes, we include both types of Thinking (T).

 

What is Thinking (T)?

What is Thinking (T) in the MBTI?

Thinking (T) is one of the two MBTI preferences that influence our natural way of evaluating situations and making decisions. The opposite preference is Feeling (F).

From birth, we develop a natural preference, either for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F). This preference shows up very early in life and becomes the one we use unconsciously, spontaneously, and with ease, without any particular effort.

Thinking (T) refers to a way of making decisions based on logical criteria and rational reasoning.

 

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

 

Jung showed that there are two distinct types of Thinking (T):

  • Introverted Thinking (Ti);
  • Extraverted Thinking (Te).

 

Myers and Briggs focused solely on Thinking (T) and Feeling (F). Jung’s approach is richer and more dynamic, and it helps participants much more effectively to validate their MBTI® profile.

 

Key characteristics of Thinking

What are the main characteristics of people with a Thinking (T) preference?

People with a preference for Thinking (T) base their decisions on logical reasoning and objective criteria.

  • They rely on logical arguments and are not very receptive (sometimes even strongly resistant) to subjective reasoning.
  • They tend to be rational.
  • They often believe that there is always an objective reason behind every decision.
  • They are said to make decisions in a “detached” way, meaning they deliberately distance themselves from emotional or subjective aspects.
  • They may sometimes give the impression of being impersonal or lacking empathy.
  • They tend to focus more on what is not working than on what is working well. They do this naturally, out of a concern for efficiency, so as not to waste time and energy discussing what already works.
  • They may sometimes come across as cold, direct, or harsh.

 

A common trap for many Feeling (F) types is to see Thinking (T) types as disrespectful.

In reality, Thinking types often show respect and care for the relationship by expressing what they think in a direct and straightforward way.

 

Differences between Extraverted (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti)

What is the difference between Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti)?

The differences between Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti) are significant.

Extraverted Thinking (Te) is oriented towards the external world:

  • People who have developed Extraverted Thinking (Te) tend to communicate their reasoning, decisions, and viewpoints openly and directly to those around them;
  • They expect their interlocutors to do the same;
  • They like decisions to be made and for everyone to stick to them;
  • They appreciate living and working in a structured environment where agreed decisions are respected;
  • They plan and organise activities easily, doing so in a rational way so that everyone works according to the same logic, shared processes, and a coherent set of objectives;

 

Introverted Thinking (Ti) is oriented towards the inner world:

  • People with this preference tend to internalise their decisions and keep the results of their logical reasoning to themselves.
  • From an early age, they tend to ask many questions, as they seek to understand and identify logical reasons.
  • As a result, they develop a strong ability to detect what is illogical and have a fundamental need to live and work in a way that is consistent with their own logic.
  • Imposing a decision that goes against their logic is a major source of difficulty when collaborating with them.
  • When faced with people they perceive as illogical, they may appear harsh or even sarcastic.
  • They do not naturally communicate their reasoning or decisions.

 

The two approaches therefore differ markedly:

  • People with a preference for Extraverted Thinking (Te) often have a strong appreciation for authority.
  • People with a preference for Introverted Thinking (Ti) have a strong need for their freedom of thought to be respected.

 

Readers who wish to explore Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti) in much greater depth will find a more comprehensive description in our book on MBTI types: "Vous êtes unique, vos interlocuteurs aussi".

 

Am I T or F?

How can I tell whether I prefer Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)?

To identify whether a person has a preference for Thinking (T), we pay close attention to the way they express themselves:

  • Do they communicate their point of view in a logical way?
  • Are they more responsive to objective arguments or to subjective ones?

We also observe other aspects, such as:

  • Their reactions in emotionally charged situations;
  • How they respond to conflict;
  • The criteria they use to persuade others, or those they are most sensitive to when making decisions.

 

The distinction between Extraverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti) is an important element to consider, as these two functions involve very different ways of communicating, responding to emotions, and making decisions.

 

Common confusions between T and F

Beware of common confusions

It is quite common for people with a preference for Introverted Thinking (Ti) not to recognise themselves as Thinking (T) types. This often happens because most descriptions of Thinking (T) found in books or online are, in fact, descriptions of Extraverted Thinking (Te).

Another frequent confusion is the belief that Thinking (T) types are factual, concrete, and realistic. This description fits ST (Sensing–Thinking) profiles, not NT (Intuitive–Thinking) ones. As a result, NT individuals may struggle to recognise themselves as Thinking (T) types.

These misunderstandings can be avoided by clearly explaining the differences between Te and Ti. Working with a certified MBTI practitioner who is able to use these distinctions—rather than speaking only in general terms about Thinking (T)—is essential to prevent such confusion.

 

We have also regularly encountered Feeling (F) types who recognise themselves in the tendency to give feedback more easily on what is not working than on what is going well. This is generally a sign of high stress rather than a contradiction of their natural preference.

 

Thinking in professional setting

How does Thinking (T) show up at work?


Thinking (T) profiles:

  • Give priority to rational considerations in their decision-making;
  • Manage conflict by relying on logic;
  • Express their point of view in a direct way in order to improve working relationships;
  • Tend to avoid what they perceive as overly irrational or overly emotional.


People with Extraverted Thinking (Te):

  • Generally demonstrate strong skills in organisation, planning and logical decision-making;
  • Appreciate authority;
  • Expect everyone to follow established rules and procedures in order to achieve agreed objectives.

 

People with Introverted Thinking (Ti), on the other hand:

  • Typically show a strong ability to identify very quickly when something is not logical;
  • Display much greater flexibility towards rules that do not make sense to them;
  • Accept authority only when it appears legitimate, which for them means that it aligns with their internal logic.

 

How to develop as a Thinking type

How can I improve my skills or productivity by using my Thinking (T) preference?

Here are three key areas for development for Thinking (T) profiles:

  • Offer support when a logical approach can be helpful:
    Use your rational and logical perspective to support colleagues in situations where it can truly add value, for example by helping to avoid inconsistent decisions that rely too heavily on subjectivity.
     
  • Avoid overemphasising your Thinking (T):
    Acknowledge that others may make decisions based on their impact on people or according to their value system.
     
  • Learn from differences:
    Take the opportunity to learn from colleagues who have a Feeling (F) preference, rather than viewing them as weak, lacking in candour, or as idealistic “soft thinkers” who supposedly do not belong in a professional environment.

 

Coaching a Thinking type

What are the coaching focus areas for a Thinking (T) preference?

The coaching focus areas for a Thinking (T) preference depend largely on its orientation.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) is often encouraged to:

  • Learn how to communicate personal viewpoints more clearly;
  • Express ideas in a more tactful way;
  • Feel more at ease when interacting with emotionally expressive people;
  • Take a step back from rationality and logic in order to better align with organisational rules and frameworks.

 

Extraverted Thinking (Te) may focus on:

  • Developing greater perspective and patience when facing environments perceived as chaotic, or decision-making processes that feel irrational or overly slow;
  • Learning to motivate others by taking colleagues’ feelings into account, rather than relying primarily on authority or position.
     

More broadly, individuals with a Thinking (T) preference often benefit from:

  • Developing empathy;
  • Becoming aware that logic is only one aspect of decision-making;
  • Acknowledging that they may sometimes be perceived as cold, harsh, condescending, or even disrespectful.

 

For a Thinking (T) preference, it is important to recognise the richness and complementarity offered by Feeling (F) profiles.

 

Communicating more effectively with a Thinking type

How to communicate more effectively with Thinking (T) profiles

In general, effective communication with a Thinking (T) profile is supported by:

  • A logical line of reasoning;
  • Rational and structured actions;
  • Avoiding overly subjective arguments;
  • Limiting emotional expression in discussions.

 

With Extraverted Thinking (Te) profiles:

  • Logical decisions tend to be appreciated;
  • Communication is clearer when it is direct;
  • Consistency with agreed rules is important;
  • Decisions are best framed with organisational objectives in mind.

 

With Introverted Thinking (Ti) profiles:

  • Logical consistency is essential;
  • Coherent reasoning supports understanding;
  • Asking questions helps clarify their internal logic;
  • Their personal logical framework benefits from being taken into account in decision-making;
  • Respect for their independence of thought is fundamental.

  

Links with other models

What are the links with other personality models?

Taibi Kahler’s Process Com®

During our experience delivering Process Com® training, we have repeatedly observed that individuals with a Thinking (T) preference often feel uncomfortable when interacting with the “Empathic” profiles in Process Com®.

In addition, we have more frequently noted the presence of the Analyst profile among individuals who have developed Extraverted Thinking (Te).

 
Linda Berens’ Interaction Styles®

Types with a preference for Thinking (T) combined with Intuition (N) are represented across all Interaction Styles®:

  • In Charge®
  • Get Things Going
  • Chart the Course®
  • Behind the Scenes

By contrast, types that combine Thinking (T) and Sensing (S) appear only in the following Interaction Styles®:

  • In Charge®
  • Chart the Course®

 

David Keirsey’s Temperaments

Types that combine Thinking (T) and Intuition (N) correspond to the Rational temperaments in David Keirsey’s model:

  • They seek intellectual stimulation;
  • They value working with a manager perceived as intellectually sharp and highly knowledgeable;
  • Their “survival game” is the Robot: in this mode, they may appear lacking in sensitivity or empathy and may adopt very mechanistic behaviours.

 

Types that combine Thinking (T) and Extraverted Sensing (Se) belong to the Artisan temperaments:

  • They are motivated by action;
  • They need enjoyment at work;
  • They are driven by tangible results;
  • They favour leadership through example and concrete action;
  • When operating from their “survival game”, they may test limits.

 

Finally, types that associate Thinking (T) with Introverted Sensing (Si) fall within the Guardian temperaments:

  • They have a strong need for reliability and predictability;
  • They value structured, responsible and dependable leadership;
  • They may express complaints when their need for belonging is not met.

  

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)