Welcome back to Beyond Personality Types, the podcast where we push past personality type labels and dive deep into practical frameworks for understanding human behavior. In this episode, hosts Linda Berens and Olivier Caudron continue their exploration of the Interaction Styles lens—a powerful approach for recognizing the subtle patterns that shape how we engage with the world and each other.
Today, you'll discover four distinct patterns of interaction: In Charge, Get Things Going, Chart the Course, and Behind the Scenes. Linda and Olivier break down what drives each style, from the need to accomplish and move things forward, to a passion for involving others, an instinct to anticipate and prepare, and the desire to integrate perspectives for the best possible outcome. They share real-life examples and team dynamics, making it easy for you to spot these patterns at work, at home, or within yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned type practitioner or just starting your journey, this episode delivers practical wisdom and fresh insight to help you honor the diversity of interaction styles—so you can foster greater understanding, compassion, and effectiveness in any group. Let's go beyond type results and discover what truly shapes our behaviors and experiences.
00:00 Drive and Motivation in Leadership
03:45 Meeting Leadership and Team Dynamics
08:27 "Structured Planning and Focused Action"
10:22 Integrative Leadership Style Explained
15:14 Optimizing Platform for Best Results
19:06 Respecting Diverse Interaction Styles
1. Introduction to the Episode
Introduction of hosts (Linda Berens and Olivier Caudron).
Overview of the podcast’s purpose: moving beyond personality indicator results.
Framing of the episode: focusing on the Interaction Styles lens.
Promise of key takeaways: recognizing four patterns in interaction styles for increased self-awareness and understanding.
2. The Four Interaction Styles Framework: Big Picture Overview
Explanation of the Interaction Styles as practical patterns in behavior.
The importance of identifying the core needs and drives behind each style.
How recognizing these patterns can help in team environments and personal growth.
3. In-Depth Exploration of Each Interaction Style
a. In Charge Pattern
b. Get Things Going Pattern
c. Chart the Course Pattern
d. Behind the Scenes Pattern
4. Practical Implications: Observing and Applying Interaction Styles
How these patterns appear in team settings and group dynamics.
Recognizing interaction styles in public figures or news events.
The importance of looking beyond surface behavior to underlying drives.
Strategies for practitioners: respecting differences, timing, energy, and creating inclusive environments.
Value of honoring and leveraging interaction styles for group effectiveness and harmony.
5. Recap and Practical Wisdom for Practitioners
Summary of each pattern’s strengths and core needs:
In Charge: drive for results
Welcome back to Beyond Personality Types, the podcast where we push past personality type labels and dive deep into practical frameworks for understanding human behavior. In this episode, hosts Linda Berens and Olivier Caudron continue their exploration of the Interaction Styles lens—a powerful approach for recognizing the subtle patterns that shape how we engage with the world and each other.
Today, you'll discover four distinct patterns of interaction: In Charge, Get Things Going, Chart the Course, and Behind the Scenes. Linda and Olivier break down what drives each style, from the need to accomplish and move things forward, to a passion for involving others, an instinct to anticipate and prepare, and the desire to integrate perspectives for the best possible outcome. They share real-life examples and team dynamics, making it easy for you to spot these patterns at work, at home, or within yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned type practitioner or just starting your journey, this episode delivers practical wisdom and fresh insight to help you honor the diversity of interaction styles—so you can foster greater understanding, compassion, and effectiveness in any group. Let's go beyond type results and discover what truly shapes our behaviors and experiences.
00:00 Drive and Motivation in Leadership
03:45 Meeting Leadership and Team Dynamics
08:27 "Structured Planning and Focused Action"
10:22 Integrative Leadership Style Explained
15:14 Optimizing Platform for Best Results
19:06 Respecting Diverse Interaction Styles
1. Introduction to the Episode
Introduction of hosts (Linda Berens and Olivier Caudron).
Overview of the podcast’s purpose: moving beyond personality indicator results.
Framing of the episode: focusing on the Interaction Styles lens.
Promise of key takeaways: recognizing four patterns in interaction styles for increased self-awareness and understanding.
2. The Four Interaction Styles Framework: Big Picture Overview
Explanation of the Interaction Styles as practical patterns in behavior.
The importance of identifying the core needs and drives behind each style.
How recognizing these patterns can help in team environments and personal growth.
3. In-Depth Exploration of Each Interaction Style
a. In Charge Pattern
b. Get Things Going Pattern
c. Chart the Course Pattern
d. Behind the Scenes Pattern
4. Practical Implications: Observing and Applying Interaction Styles
How these patterns appear in team settings and group dynamics.
Recognizing interaction styles in public figures or news events.
The importance of looking beyond surface behavior to underlying drives.
Strategies for practitioners: respecting differences, timing, energy, and creating inclusive environments.
Value of honoring and leveraging interaction styles for group effectiveness and harmony.
5. Recap and Practical Wisdom for Practitioners
Summary of each pattern’s strengths and core needs:
In Charge: drive for results
ℹ️ Introduction
In this episode, we explore the enduring appeal of Carl Jung’s eight cognitive function theory. Why has this complex system resonated so strongly, not only among Jungian analysts but also across online communities and among type enthusiasts everywhere? Together, we examine how function theory offers a sense of freedom and nuance that simpler models like dichotomies and temperaments sometimes lack.
Dr. Berens will share insights from her decades of experience, showing us why the true value of cognitive functions isn’t found in isolated definitions or labels, but in the rich, holistic patterns that make up who we are. We’ll discuss why using real names for the functions (rather than just letters) can help unlock deeper understanding—and how personality patterns are shaped by everything from culture and gender to unique life experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey into type dynamics, this episode promises to spark new perspectives on one of the most influential theories in the personality world. So, get ready to move beyond the jargon, embrace the complexity, and discover why Jung’s eight function theory continues to captivate and inspire.
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Beyond Personality Types Podcast
04:59 "Understanding Temperament and Myers-Briggs"
06:40 Understanding Cognitive Function Patterns
10:54 The Role of Extroversion and Introversion
13:35 Kansas Connection: Similar Patterns, Different Looks
17:33 "Choosing Connection Over Being Right"
21:11 Freedom in Understanding Personality Functions
25:42 "Embrace Individual Complexity"
❇️ Key topics and bullets
1. Introduction to the Podcast and Episode
Overview of the "Beyond Personality Types" podcast mission
Introduction of host Olivier Caudron and expert Linda Berens
Framing the central question: Why is Carl Jung’s eight function theory so popular in the type community?
Invitation to rethink MBTI results and understand deeper patterns
2. The Holistic Nature of Personality Types
The importance of discovering personality types holistically
Discussion of patterns in living systems and how typology fits in
3. Historical Context of Type Theories
Early community focus on MBTI dichotomies (E/I, S/N, T/F, J/P)
Introduction of David Keirsey’s temperament theory and its reception
Linda’s experiences blending different theoretical approaches
4. Jung’s Eight Function Theory and Developments
Explanation of Jung’s original dichotomies and introduction of cognitive functions
The emergence and influence of John Beebe’s work, including archetype-based roles for functions (hero, parent, child, anima/animus)
Challenges of “cracking the code” of personality type using the MBTI indicator
The complexity and variability of functions depending on their role and level of skill
5. Patterns vs. Isolated Functions
Functions look different depending on their position in the pattern
Variability introduced by life experience, culture, gender, and personal development
The limitation of defining people by a single function or letter
6. The Difference Between Dichotomies and Functions