In this article, you will discover:

  • What Sensing (S) is in MBTI
  • How to identify whether you have this preference
  • How to develop if you have a preference for Sensing (S)

 

You will also discover a fact that many people are unaware of: there are two types of Sensing, and many people hesitate about their preference because they do not know the difference between these two forms of Sensing (S).

 

What is Sensing (S)?

What is Sensing (S) in MBTI?

Sensing is one of the two MBTI preferences related to how we naturally and preferentially take in information. Its opposite preference is Intuition (N).

From birth, each of us has a natural preference, either for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N). This preference develops very early in life and becomes the one we use most often, unconsciously, spontaneously, with ease and without particular effort.

Sensing (S) refers to perceiving information “through the filter of the senses”, that is, in a factual, concrete and down-to-earth way, without seeking to interpret the information. It relies directly on our senses: what we see, hear, touch, and so on.

The concept of Sensing (S) 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 Sensing:

  • Introverted Sensing (Si)
  • Extraverted Sensing (Se)

 

Key characteristics of Sensing (S)

What are the main characteristics of people with a preference for Sensing (S)?

People with a preference for Sensing (S):

  • Perceive information through their senses, without adding interpretation or connotations; they take things as they are, without making associations of ideas;
  • Are factual;
  • Tend to be concrete and naturally down to earth;
  • Approach situations with a strong sense of realism; they are grounded in the real world;
  • Deal with problems or carry out tasks in a sequential way, starting at the beginning and progressing step by step;
  • Are pragmatic, preferring what is tangible and concrete to what is abstract;
  • Are mainly interested in the practical aspects of things.

 

Their language is often concrete, reflecting their preference for what is clear and directly understandable.

 

Differences between Extraverted and Introverted Sensing

What is the difference between Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Sensing (Si)?

The differences between Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Sensing (Si) are significant.

 

Extraverted Sensing (Se) is activated through contact with the external world.

People with this preference:

  • Are particularly sensitive to what is happening around them;
  • Perceive their environment quickly;
  • Tend to be spontaneous, lively and reactive;
  • Have a time reference anchored in the present; they enjoy living fully in the here and now;
  • Appreciate freedom, play, and sometimes challenges;
  • Their “survival game” is to test limits, to see how far they can go; this can show up in all areas of their life.

 
Introverted Sensing (Si) is oriented towards the inner world.

People with this preference:

  • Naturally rely on their factual memory when making decisions or responding to events;
  • Like to draw on past experience and tend to repeat methods that have proven effective;
  • Have an excellent memory for facts and concrete details;
  • Have a time reference anchored in the past;
  • Value past experience, conventions and traditions;
  • Tend to be reliable and structured in their approach;
  • Generally have a strong need for belonging;
  • Their “survival game” is complaint: by complaining, they unconsciously hope to draw attention to themselves and, in doing so, to be acknowledged and included in the group.

 

Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Sensing (Si) therefore differ considerably from one another.

 

People with Extraverted Sensing (Se) often tend to recognise themselves less easily in the Sensing profile. The reason is quite simple: most descriptions of Sensing actually refer to Introverted Sensing (Si).

 

This pitfall is avoided in our MBTI training by clearly explaining both forms of Sensing (S).

Readers who wish to explore this further will find a much more detailed description of Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Sensing (Si) in our book on MBTI® applications: “Vous êtes unique, vos interlocuteurs aussi!”.

 

Am I S or N?

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

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

  • Is their communication concrete?
  • Do they use factual, down-to-earth language?
  • Or, on the contrary, do we notice imagery, metaphors, or sudden shifts in topic, as Intuitive types naturally tend to do?

We also observe other aspects, such as:

  • Certain natural behaviours in everyday life,
  • The way they respond to change,
  • Elements related to decision-making.

 

A person’s language (concrete or figurative) and the way they structure their message (starting from facts or from the bigger picture) provide fairly reliable indications of a preference for Sensing (S) or Intuition (N).

 

Common confusions between S and N

Be mindful of common confusions between Sensing (S) and Intuition (N)

It is quite common for Extraverted Sensing (Se) types to believe they are Intuitive. This often happens because most descriptions of Sensing (S) available are, in fact, descriptions of Introverted Sensing (Si).

In the same way, people with Introverted Intuition (Ni) may sometimes see themselves as Sensing types, as the majority of descriptions of Intuition (N) tend to focus on Extraverted Intuition (Ne).

These misunderstandings are often avoided by clearly explaining the differences between Se and Si, as well as between Ne and Ni.

 
Another frequent source of confusion

Another common situation involves Se types who, under the influence of their environment, have developed the habit of functioning like Si, rather than embracing their true nature.

This way of operating—often reinforced by education—is unconscious and can gradually lead to exhaustion without them realising it.

 

Becoming aware of this mode of functioning outside one’s natural preference is a crucial step towards regaining well-being and effectiveness, by finally aligning with one’s deeper nature.

 

Sensing in the workplace

How does Sensing (S) show up at work?

Sensing (S) types tend to favour the practical and pragmatic aspects of tasks.

They usually avoid what feels overly theoretical or abstract, as well as activities they see as a waste of time and energy—especially when these do not lead to tangible results.

People with Extraverted Sensing (Se):

  • Stand out for their ability to react quickly and spontaneously;
  • Like to see immediate results in their work;
  • Appreciate dynamic environments where action takes centre stage.

People with Introverted Sensing (Si):

  • Are known for their attention to detail, factual memory, and legendary reliability;
  • Excel in tasks that require precision and careful follow-up;
  • Base their decisions on past experience, maintaining what has consistently worked well.

 

How can I develop as a Sensing type?

How can I improve my skills or productivity by using my Sensing (S) preference?

Here are three key ideas for developing as a Sensing type:

  • Offer your support when your pragmatism can be useful
    Use your practical, down-to-earth approach to support colleagues in situations where it can truly make a difference.
     
  • Avoid over-relying on your Sensing preference
    Accept that others may communicate in a more abstract way. Recognise that broader, more strategic thinking is often necessary before taking action.
     
  • Learn from differences
    Draw nourishment from these differences and learn from colleagues who have a preference for Intuition (N), rather than judging them as dreamers who waste the organisation’s time and energy.

 

Coaching a Sensing type

What are the coaching focus areas for a Sensing (S) type?

The coaching focus areas for a Sensing (S) type largely depend on the orientation of that preference.

Overall, Introverted Sensing (Si) is often encouraged to:

  • Develop greater ability to let go and increase flexibility;
  • Be less rigid when facing changes that may challenge ways of working that have proven effective in the past;
  • Cope better with more “chaotic” situations without losing effectiveness;
  • Manage their need for belonging more effectively and avoid falling into patterns of complaint.

 

Extraverted Sensing (Se) will tend to work on:

  • Continuity and stability (avoiding unexpected shifts in priorities);
  • Following rules and procedures more consistently rather than favouring spontaneous action;
  • Avoiding behaviours aimed at testing limits;
  • Better managing motivation when faced with boredom or a lack of concrete, tangible and immediate results.

 

More broadly, Sensing (S) types often have the following development areas:

  • The ability to approach problems in a more global and holistic way;
  • Developing a strategic perspective;
  • The ability to synthesise information rather than becoming overly focused on factual details.

 

Communicating more effectively with a Sensing type

How to communicate more effectively with Sensing (S) types

  • Be concrete and factual;
  • Avoid metaphors;
  • Always start with facts, rather than with a summary or abstract overview.

 

With Extraverted Sensing (Se) profiles:

  • Adopt a more spontaneous approach;
  • Prioritise immediate action;
  • Propose tasks that deliver tangible results quickly.

 

With Introverted Sensing (Si) profiles:

  • Demonstrate reliability;
  • Be thorough and precise;
  • Take their experience into account.

 

Links with other models

What links exist with other personality models?

Taibi Kahler’s Process Communication®

Our experience of training in Process Communication® has not highlighted any specific link between the MBTI® Sensation (S) preference and a particular Process Communication® type.

That said, it may seem consistent to assume that a person oriented towards Sensation (S), especially with a preference for Se, may find it more difficult to develop an Imaginer profile in Process Communication®.

 
Linda Berens’ Interaction Styles®

Profiles with a preference for Sensation (S) can be found across all Interaction Styles®: In Charge®, Get Things Going®, Chart the Course® and Behind the Scene®.

Sensation (S) is therefore not associated with any single Interaction Style®, but is present across all four Interaction Styles®.

 
David Keirsey’s Temperaments

Se types are associated with David Keirsey’s Artisan temperament:

  • They are drawn to action and to concrete, fast results.
  • They value leaders who are directly involved, lead by example, and participate actively.
  • Their survival game consists of testing limits and exploring how far things can go, both in professional and personal contexts.

By contrast, Si types belong to the Guardian temperament:

  • They have a strong need for reliability and for commitments that are honoured over time.
  • They prefer to rely on a structured, consistent leader who respects their commitments.
  • Their often strong need for belonging may sometimes be expressed through complaints, which can unconsciously serve to draw attention to their place within the group.

 

The other MBTI preferences

The other MBTI preferences

Discover the MBTI preferences:

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