Introverted
Sensing with
Extraverted Feeling
STRENGTHS
Sensitive to others' needs, ISFJs
are kind, considerate and thoughtful. Having a strong sense of duty and responsibility,
they are committed and loyal to their colleagues and friends. Pragmatic and
detail-conscious, they approach problems in a systematic, methodical way. Having
an Introverted focus of attention they will actively seek time on their own
so that they can complete their tasks free from the distraction of other people.
Although they tend to focus on hard facts and practical realities, they do not
view life from a cool, detached or overly analytical point of view. Rather,
having a deep respect for others' feelings, they are supportive, co-operative
and altruistic. Realistic and down-to-earth, they respect established systems
and procedures. Loyal and committed, they focus on the practical, detailed requirements
of the task at hand, which they will be motivated to complete on schedule and
to the required standard. Willing to offer help, they are usually happy to listen
to others' points of view.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
With their emphasis on Feeling, ISFJs are
helpful, co-operative and keen to work for the common good. Due to their inner
directed nature, they have a tendency to observe those around them in a quiet,
thoughtful manner. While not in the least cool or distant, they may nonetheless
on occasion need to be drawn out in social settings. Not inclined to force their
own views on others, they will be valued for their quiet, thoughtful comments
and observations. When working in teams they will wish to have a clearly defined
role, and to be set well defined, practical and achievable goals. When managing
others they will try to do so by seeking consensus, as they dislike discord,
disagreement and disharmony. Dependable and reliable, they will focus on getting
things done in ways that maintain good working relationships. They are likely
to be at their best when communicating on a one-to-one basis with colleagues
who value their practical realism and structured approach to problems.
THINKING STYLE
Using their Sensing function directly to
perceive the known facts in a given situation, ISFJs recognise the importance
of attending to the important details that others may sometimes overlook. Pragmatic
and realistic, they will be concerned to find practical, achievable solutions
to real-world problems. Considerate and thoughtful, their decisions will take
into account the personal needs of their colleagues and friends. Orderly and
methodical in their work, they may become frustrated with colleagues whose work
does not meet their own high standards. Dependable and reliable, they do not
seek change for change¹s sake. Rather, they will carefully examine new systems
and procedures to consider whether they offer clear benefits over tried-and-tested
methods. Marshalling facts in an orderly and systematic manner to support their
arguments, they like to take things one step at a time. Thus, they may prefer
to work through their ideas on paper, rather than brainstorming them with colleagues.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Well organised, dependable and reliable,
they will be trusted to see jobs through to the end. Loyal and committed, they
will be respected for their ability to persevere with tasks that require a structured,
organised approach. However, some colleagues may on occasion misperceive their
unassuming nature, and their detail-conscious, pragmatic realism, as indicating
a lack of imagination. Helpful, courteous and co-operative, they will have a
strong customer service orientation. Thoughtful, considerate and happy to oblige,
others may on occasion try to take advantage of their kindness and good-will.
Willing to listen, and sensitive to others¹ feelings, their colleagues will
value the quiet support and encouragement they offer. Modest, and not inclined
to be outspoken or opinionated, more assertive colleagues may at times mistakenly
overlook their quiet, insightful observations. If colleagues take unfair advantage
of their genuine offers of help, this may generate feelings of resentment or
even anger.
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.
