Introverted
Feeling with
Extraverted Intuiting
STRENGTHS
Thoughtful and considerate, INFPs
are quietly perceptive, emotionally deep, individuals. However, being inclined
to focus on the Introverted world of abstract thoughts and ideas, they may keep
their great interpersonal warmth hidden from those they do not know well. Flexible
and free-thinking, they will examine new situations from novel, theoretical
perspectives. Quietly curious and introspective, they focus on the deeper hidden
patterns and meanings behind surface forms and structures. Using their Intuition
to look beyond the obvious known facts in a given situation, they will be motivated
to get to the heart of theoretical issues. Thus, they often prefer to work either
on their own, or with a small group of supportive, like-minded colleagues. Open
and accepting of others' idiosyncrasies, and valuing autonomy, they are inclined
to feel stifled by rigid systems and procedures. They will have a tight circle
of close friends, who will value their authenticity and genuine concern for
others' welfare.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Being orientated towards the Introverted
domain of subjective mental events and feelings, INFPs may sometimes need to
be drawn out when in the company of others. Perceptive, thoughtful and considerate,
they may resist being the first to express their own deeply held personal views
and opinions. Sensitive to othersı feelings, they will not needlessly criticise
colleagues in meetings and discussions. Averse to conflict and discord, they
will work to resolve disagreements by actively seeking compromise and consensus.
They are likely to resist organising colleagues, preferring instead to work
alongside people in an egalitarian manner. Flexible and free-thinking, they
will be open to othersı points of view. Tending only to express their deeply
held values and ideals to close friends, others may not always be aware of the
true depth of their feelings. Thus, they are likely to be at their best when
communicating on a one-to-one basis, with colleagues who value their theoretical,
open-minded approach to problems.
THINKING STYLE
INFPs are known for their creative, abstract,
theory-driven approach to problem solving. More interested in understanding
why things work, rather than simply perceiving how they work, they will look
beyond the superficial facts and data in search of deeper hidden truths. However,
this does not mean that they will lack interest in solving practical, real-world
problems. Rather, it means that they approach such problems by focusing on the
theoretical concepts that underpin the problem at hand. Inclined to focus on
the broader picture, attending to the detailed requirements of a task may not
come naturally to them. They will be committed to completing tasks that catch
their imagination; working in bursts of great enthusiasm and energy. With their
preference for Feeling, they will be attuned to the impact their actions will
have upon those around them. Quite able to function effectively in groups and
committees, they may feel most at home brainstorming ideas with one or two like
minded friends and colleagues.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Colleagues will value their quietly supportive,
co-operative, egalitarian interpersonal style. However, their egalitarian style,
and desire to manage by consensus, may be misinterpreted by some as indicating
an inability to take difficult, unpopular decisions. Perceptive and sensitive
to othersı needs, they will be viewed as thoughtful, considerate, understanding
and helpful. However, if others try to take unfair advantage of their goodwill,
and genuine offers of help, this may generate feelings of resentment. They are
likely to be viewed as deep thinkersı who may sometimes be prone to flights
of fantasy. More down-to-earth colleagues, who are less interested than them
in the subtle nuances of a problem, may sometimes fear that they lose sight
of practical, day-to-day realities. Avoiding dogmatism, they will be seen as
free-thinking, open-minded individuals. Inclined to become engrossed in their
own thoughts, some may view them as being a little disorganised or absentminded
at times.
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.
