Appreciating Differences - Jack Falt - Ottawa area, Ontario, Canada

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Booklet Review by Jack Falt

Hartzler, Margaret T., Robert W. McAlpine & Leona A. Haas. Introduction to Type and the 8 Jungian Functions, Mountain View, CA: CPP, Inc., 2005, ISBN none, 42 pp, Resources listed.

While there always have been eight Jungian functions, in the last few years there is more emphasis on distinguishing between the extraverted and introverted expressions of the four main functions. Perhaps, instead of listing the sixteen types with four letter, we should at least give each of the eight functions separate names as Linda Berens does. While this would be a more accurate reflection of the type, the ease of using just four letters for each type probably means that it will not likely happen in the near future.

This booklet addresses the need for a published handout that can be given out to participants as it also relates the eight functions to other areas as well: career decision making, communication, critical problem solving, leadership, change, and conflict.

The basic type concepts are described giving one sentence descriptions of each of the functions showing how the extraverted version is distinct from the introverted version. Jung’s type dynamics is described using the top four functions. Then Beebe’s hierarchy is given with his archetypal names.

One page descriptions of each of the eight functions are given, including examples of its use in daily life.

The booklet then goes on to demonstrate how all eight functions need to be accessed in the process of career decision making. In the communication section, examples of the focus of the eight functions and how they come across to others. The eight functions are used in critical problem solving in: defining the problem, developing decision criteria, developing possible alternatives, evaluating possible alternatives, selecting the best alternative, and implementing the solution.

Leadership involves using the right function for specific purposes, and so a leader should to be able to call upon any of the functions as the need arises. When dealing with change, each of the functions reacts differently as they approach change, and also they resist change in their own way. Finally, the ways to use the different functions to manage conflict are described, and questions to ask in conflict situations are given.

This booklet is a welcome addition to the Introduction to Type® series. The dilemma facing facilitators is that there are so many booklets that would be useful to clients, it is hard to choose which one to use.

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