The 6 Things We Value - Part 3: The Feeler

Here is part three of the series learning about what we value. Today's post is about what the Feeler type values. Keirsey quotes Leon Festinger from his book A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance that "our values dominate our thoughts" (pg. 140). That's why it's so important that we learn what our students value and what we ourselves value. It will help to know what dominates their thoughts and how it differs from our own. Most of the teacher applications will deal with emotional interactions or conversations. This type is usually excited to learn about anything and everything. So you focus will be more on their emotional wellbeing and lessons they can learn and philosophies of life.

1) Feelers Value Being Enthusiastic 

Feelers are the most emotional. Keirsey says their emotions are "easily aroused and quickly discharged" (pg. 141). This type feels their emotions so strongly, it's good that they are very positive and try to be happy. They are enthusiastic about their ideas or talking about anything that they are interested in. They are often contagious in their energy and can inspire their groups or friends that they are working with and talking to. But they can also be sad when they feel things are unfair or their idealism isn't met up to and they are disappointed. This can cause them to be in a dark mood or lash out in anger.

Teacher Application:
Understanding that this type is very emotional can help you deal with their mood changes. They will be mostly happy, but if they have been treated unfairly or what they see as ideal is met up to, can cause them to change moods for a darker mood or anger. You can help them deal with these upsets and look for the positives or the lessons. This could help them recover from those moods. They also make good leaders in what they are passionate about because they can inspire and help their group catch their enthusiasm about the project.

2) Feelers Value Trusting their Intuition

This type trusts their intuition over anything else. They can see reason, what authorities might say, but they will wait for what their feelings and first impressions will tell them. Feelers trust their intuition because they are very perceptive. They are very good at identifying and looking at the person or situation. They will put themselves into it or try to put themselves in someone's shoes. They do this so much so that they can start talking like someone or using their gestures as they talk to someone (pg. 141).

Teacher Application:
Know that this type will not do something or be okay with something unless they feel they should or that it is okay for them to do it. They will often not know why they feel bad about something, it's just their "feeling". Don't brush this off as silliness, they are probably perceiving something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Try to help them put it into words, this will help you with your frustration and help to solve what problems there are for the child.

3) Feelers Value Yearning for Romance

This type has romantic ideals about pretty much everything. They look for all the possibilities and what the best of those for themselves. This can sometimes cause them to be disappointed when things don't work out how they want it or to romanticize relationships and then be disappointed when the others don't meet up to the expectation.

Teacher Application:
You will see these romantic notions are put into their stories and how they interact with others. Help children when they are disappointed by things not being as wonderful as they hoped or their relationships with others not being all they wished. Give them perspective and help them learn and find positives in what they experience.

4) Feelers Value Seeking Identity

This is one of the most important things to Feelers. They wish to find their true Self. Unlike the other types, who can have ideas of who they are and what they are about, Feelers are on a constant search to find "Who" they are. They will try very hard to find what will truly speak to their intuition of who they are and what their purpose is. They will have goals and do many things, but they are looking for that missing piece. They will usually have a self realizing moment of when they discovered "who" they are.

Teacher Application:
Feelers might feel out of place because they don't truly feel they know themselves. Support them in trying different things and help them to know that they have a purpose. Let the know that it's okay that they don't know what they might be yet and that it gives them the opportunity to try and experience different things. This can lend itself nicely to learning different lessons and subjects.

5) Feelers Value Prizing Recognition 

This type of recognition is not recognition of things they've done, but more recognition of their true self. If someone can truly see them for who they truly are, they will be appreciated and valued. Feelers think that everyone is unique and special and being recognized for those differences means so much to them.

Teaching Application:
Try to see what makes your child unique and show them that you can see that in them and that you value that in them. This will bolster them and help them see what is unique in themselves. Give them chances to use what makes them different. Help them to know that they may feel out of place, but these differences are what makes them able to help others.

6) Feelers Value Aspiring to be a "Sage" 
"The Sage is the most revered role model for the Feelers- that man or woman who strives to overcome worldly, temporal concerns, and who aspires to the philosophic view of life" (pg. 145). Feelers want to help and make the world better. They wish to become as idealistic a person as they can be, humble, and trying to devote their lives to doing the best things (in their perspective).

Teacher Application:
Help Feelers to learn different philosophy ideas and see ways they can help others. Give them the chance to do those things for others.