Introverted
Intuiting with
Extraverted Feeling
STRENGTHS
With their preference for Feeling,
INFJs are quietly perceptive, emotionally deep, individuals. However, being
inner directed, and inclined to focus on their own abstract thoughts and ideas,
they may keep their great interpersonal warmth hidden from those they do not
know well. Idealistic and introspective, they focus on the deeper hidden patterns
and meanings behind surface forms and structures. However, being sensitive to
others¹ needs, they do not approach life in an unduly cool, analytical or distant
way. Having a strong sense of duty and responsibility, they believe it is important
to adhere closely to established methods and procedures. Inclined to focus on
the fundamental principles underlying a task, they will attend closely to detail,
and be committed to complete tasks on schedule and to the required standard.
While they approach problems in a theoretical and abstract way, their empathic
concern for others enables them to keep a human perspective on events.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Orientated towards the Introverted world
of abstract concepts and ideas, INFJs may sometimes need to be drawn out in
social settings. Thoughtful and considerate, they may not be the first to put
forward their own ideas, preferring instead to consider the deeper theoretical
issues before contributing to a debate or discussion. Enjoying working with
fundamental principles and theoretical concepts, they will be most comfortable
when discussing their ideas with a small group of like minded colleagues. Averse
to conflict and discord, they will work to resolve disagreements by actively
seeking compromise and consensus. When working in teams they will wish to have
a well defined role and clearly defined goals. Disinclined to discuss their
deeply held values and ideals with people they do not know well, those around
them may not always fully appreciate the true depth of their feelings. Dependable,
reliable and egalitarian in nature, they will be committed to working for the
common good.
THINKING STYLE
Although they are inclined to approach
problems from an abstract, theoretical perspective, their Feeling function means
that INFJs maintain a strong awareness of the interpersonal dimensions of the
task. More interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply perceiving
how they work, they use their Intuition to look beyond the superficial facts
in a given situation in search of deeper principles and truths. Thus, they approach
real-world practical, problems by first attempting to understand the theoretical
principles that govern the problem at hand. Approaching tasks in a clear, orderly
and methodical way, they will not lose sight of the detailed aspects of the
task. Attuned to the feelings of others, they will be sensitive to the impact
their actions will have upon those around them. Organising abstract, logical
arguments in an orderly, systematic manner, they may be at their best when communicating
on a one-to-one basis, with supportive colleagues who value their methodical,
structured approach.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Well organised, dependable and reliable,
they will be trusted to see tasks through to the end. Known for their sound
grasp of fundamental concepts and principles, colleagues will respect their
ability to approach problems in a systematic, orderly and logical manner. However,
more down-to-earth colleagues, who are less interested in the subtle nuances
of a problem, may sometimes worry that they may lose sight of practical, day-to-day
realities. Committed, co-operative, and happy to oblige, they will be respected
for their ability to persevere with tasks that require attention to detail.
However, if others take unfair advantage of their genuine offers of help, this
may generate feelings of resentment. Perceptive and sensitive to others¹ needs,
they will be viewed as thoughtful, considerate and understanding. However, their
egalitarian style and desire to manage by consensus, may sometimes be misinterpreted
as indicating an inability to take difficult, unpopular decisions.
After publishing his seminal work on psychological types in 1921, Jung did little further work in this area. However the importance of his work was recognised by the mother and daughter team, Elizabeth Myers and Catherine Briggs. Realising that if Jung's ideas were to have any practical application it would be necessary to develop an easy method for assessing a person's psychological type, Myers and Briggs published the first type indicator in 1949. Moreover, they developed the now famous four-letter type code as a short hand way of describing a person's type.In addition to providing a short-cut route for describing a person's psychological type, the four-letter code also reveals a set of complex personality dynamics which provide insights into the order in which the preferred psychological processes are likely to manifest themselves in the person's daily life.
The way to discover the dynamic relationship between these psychological processes is by examining the middle two preferences; SN for perceiving, and TF for judging, types. These are referred to as functions. For any type, one of these functions is dominant and this dominant function is used in the preferred world (external or internal as indicated by the EI preference), with Extraverts using their dominant function in the external world and Introverts using their dominant function in the internal world. Moreover, the function which the type code indicates is not preferred is called the auxiliary function. Thus, if either the S or N function were indicated as being the preferred function, then either the T or F function would be the auxiliary function.
So, introverts are more likely to exhibit their auxiliary function when relating to the outer world, whereas their dominant function will be used mainly when relating to the inner world, and will thus not be readily accessible for others to see. In contrast, because Extraverts use their dominant function in the outer world, it will be available for all to see.
