When we turn to the MBTI functions, the Tangy Orange orientation is clearly aligned with the sensing function—it is all about reality as both the source of information and the arena in which the Purposeful Tangy Orange person will be operating (just the opposite from Azure Blue). There is also a tendency to see reality as a not very pleasant place in which to operate (Enneagram: type 6). Think of the external threat category in a SWOT analysis (along with the internal weakness category). In planning meetings, one is likely to see the extraverted Azure Blues focusing on internal strengths and external opportunities in reaction against the more “negative” appraisals of those with an extraverted Tangy Orange orientation.
At the more Golden Yellow end of Tangy Orange, we find introverted advocates for longer-term strategic planning with an emphasis on the systematic collection and organization of data to achieve specifiable and measurable goals. Conversely, at the Ruby Red end of Tangy Orange, we are likely to find extraverted advocates for short-term tactical planning with an emphasis on “just-in-time” data gathering and analysis. There is sometimes an introverted variation on “just-in-time” data gathering; this involves a focus on the action science and action learning processes that we described regarding the Rainbow orientation. The emphasis in a reddish and extraverted Tangy Orange orientation is on action rather than on learning, where the yellowish and introverted Tangy Orange orientation is on learning rather than action.
For those oriented toward Purposeful Tangy Orange (whether extraverted or introverted), the major source of joy (and energy) comes from building this effective plan (be it strategic or tactical). Whatever the latest planning fad, it will be cheerfully employed, be it an old-fashioned GANTT chart, a much newer OKR template, or deployment of Hoshin-Kanri software. The Tangy Orange person is likely to focus their attention and the attention of others with whom they work on finding the resources to get a job done. The introverted Tangy Orange is the person who asks if the soldiers have sufficient ammunition and training before they leap out of the foxhole. The extraverted Tangy Orange is the person who asks the soldiers if they have a plan of action for leaping out of the foxhole.
David Kolb’s (1984) description of convergence fits the bill here. Convergence is about moving something from an idea state to a state of actual production. This is the work of an engineer who moves the design of a bridge to the actual plan for constructing the bridge. There is first the assembly of all relevant and valid information regarding conditions impacting the bridge (introverted Tangy Orange leaning toward Golden Yellow); then there is the formulation of a plan to build the bridge (extraverted Tangy Orange leaning toward Ruby Red). The strength that a Purposeful Tangy Orange provides an organization is seeing the perils and pitfalls underlying any plan (leaning towards Golden Yellow), while also encouraging the organization to move forward with this plan (leaning towards Ruby Red). It takes courage to move forward with full knowledge of the challenges that are likely to be faced. In many ways, the Tangy Orange person is the most courageous of the various types we have identified.
