10 Unique Talents of the Sensing-Perceiving Myers-Briggs® Personality Types
Are you someone who craves adventure, variety, and a life full of opportunity and stimulation? Are you drawn to the vivid details of the world around you? Do you prefer to seize the moment and make the most of it rather than hypothesize about what could happen 10 or 20 years from now? If so, you may be a sensing-perceiving personality type. SP personality types have many unique gifts to bring to the world. This article is going to shine a light on some of their special talents and abilities. I hope you enjoy it!
Before we Begin
The unique skills that we’ll be talking about in this article stem from the use of a mental process called Extraverted Sensation, or “Se” for short. SP personality types use Se to objectively absorb the tangible world around them, notice concrete details, react quickly, and spot opportunities.
The sensing-perceiving personality types have an “SP” in their four-letter type code. ESFPs, ESTPs, ISFPs and ISTPs are all Sensing-Perceivers.
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10 Unique Talents of the Sensing-Perceiving Myers-Briggs® Personality Types
#1 – They Are Extremely Observant
Sensing-perceivers are extremely aware of what’s happening around them. They are always scanning their environment for opportunities for action, novelty, or enjoyment. They highly value aesthetics, whether those appear in nature, the arts, or in individuals. They notice things that pass other people by because they are so tuned into the details around them. Because these types are so observant, they often pick up on little clues about other people’s intentions. They quickly notice changes in body language, eye movement, and tone of voice which makes it very hard to hide something from a sensing-perceiving type!
#2 – They Are Highly Realistic
Not likely to be distracted by fantasy, Sensing-Perceivers are extremely pragmatic and aware of what’s real. While other types might get lost in speculation and “what-if” musings, sensing-perceivers are always bringing their attention back to what is relevant right now. They notice when something is awry in the current moment, when something doesn’t fit, and when a solution is ill-suited for the problem at hand.
“He is conspicuously well adjusted to reality. That is his ideal, and it even makes him considerate of others….He has no reason to act in any way contrary to the reality of things as they are. This manifests itself in all the externals of his life. He dresses well, as befits the occasion; he keeps a good table with plenty of drink for his friends, making them feel very grand.”
– Carl Jung, Psychological Types
#3 – They Know How to Have Fun
One of the hallmark traits of these personality types is their desire for action and experience. They want to be physically engaged with what the world has to offer – music, art, textures, thrills, food, dizzying heights of adventure. They are always on the alert for a new experience that could delight their senses. They also want to give others a good experience and they get a thrill from seeing people’s eyes light up as a result of their actions or the experience they’ve shown them.
#4 – They Are Gifted with Tactics
Sensing-perceivers have a knack for figuring out the best immediate actions to achieve a desired goal. They can “read” the current situation and make quick decisions that are in line with the objective at hand. While perceivers are often labeled as “indecisive”, Sensing-Perceivers can be extremely decisive in crisis scenarios or make-or-break situations where a pragmatic, immediate solution is needed.
#5 – They Are Adaptable
Chameleon-like in their ability to adapt to their environment, Sensing-Perceivers try to make the best of whatever situation they are in. They know how to “read the room” and make small adjustments to get comfortable in that atmosphere. This does not mean that they adjust who they are. It simply means that they know how to tell what’s expected and what the overall “vibe” of the atmosphere is and how to integrate themselves into it. They are usually able to adjust to changes quickly and they try to find the best ways to enjoy whatever hand life has dealt them.
#6 – They Have a Gift for Negotiation
Because Sensing-Perceivers are so skilled at reading even the slightest non-verbal cues, they are quick to notice what people are willing to give/take and what their self-serving interest might be. They are able to quickly vary their responses according to what is going on around them and they are good at applying just the right amount of pressure in situations to get the most desirable outcome.
#7 – They are Bold
Restless and impulsive, Sensing-Perceivers want to go “where no man has gone before”. They seek to be brave, to face their fears, and to test the limits of what they are capable of.
#8 – They Are Gifted with Improvisation
Always adapting to the needs of the moment, Sensing-Perceivers are quick to compose or perform on the spur of the moment. Sometimes this means solving an immediate problem, having a perfectly-timed wisecrack, or using their skills in the world of acting, dance, or comedy.
#9 – They Have Accurate Observations
Sensing-perceivers are able to impersonally recall details when necessary. Because they objectively absorb the details of the world around them with such accuracy, they can describe impartially exactly what happened in a given situation. They would make excellent eyewitness accounts in court scenarios.
#10 – They Can “Merge” with Their Environment
Sensing-perceivers have a unique ability to become in synch with their physical environment. Like the tennis player who is able to become “one with the ball”, SP types are able to focus not only on what’s happening around them but move in graceful responsiveness to the changes in their vicinity. This allows them to achieve their physical objectives, whether that be to hit a ball, dance, wrestle, or even sing along with other people in harmony.
Something to Remember:
Not all SP types will have the same strength with Extraverted Sensation. ESFPs and ESTPs tend to use this mental process the most readily and constantly. ISFPs and ISTPs respond to the world using this process as well, but it may not be as instantly obvious because this preference will tend to serve the needs of either Introverted Thinking (for ISTPs) or Introverted Feeling (for ISFPs) first.
Other Articles You’ll Enjoy:
The Unique Intelligence of ESFPs, ESTPs, ISFPs and ISTPs
10 Things You’ll Relate to if You’re an ESTP
10 Things You’ll Relate to if You’re an ESFP
ISTP In-Depth Personality Profile
ISFP In-Depth Personality Profile
What Are Your Thoughts?
Did you enjoy this article? Do you have any experiences or insights to add? Let us know in the comments!
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