Are you an INFJ or INFP? Decoding Your True Personality Type

Do you live with one foot in the physical world and one in the realm of imagination? Are you an empathetic and introspective person but struggle with explaining to others the rich inner landscape of ideas and emotions within you? If so, you may find yourself caught in the INFJ/INFP tug-of-war – two of the most idealistic personality types under the Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) system.

As sensitive souls and visionaries, INFJs and INFPs share some similarities in both letters and outward behaviors, and may appear nearly interchangeable on the surface. However, as we delve deeper into the analysis of their cognitive functions, we find that they have significant yet subtle differences, from how they process information and make decisions to how they handle their own and others’ emotions. Gaining insight into these differences can be a profoundly rewarding experience and help you embrace the gifts of your unique personality.

What are Cognitive Functions?

When it comes to differentiating between such similar personality types, understanding their cognitive functions is the key as they provide a more nuanced and precise understanding of the inner minds of each type.Cognitive functions are the mental processes used by individuals to gather information and make decisions. There are 4 cognitive processes: Feeling, Thinking, Intuition and Sensing, and they can be either introverted (directed inwards) or extraverted (directed outwards), resulting in 8 cognitive functions.

In the MBTI framework, each type is characterized predominantly by the relative dominance of 4 functions: a dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior function. Much like our dominant hand versus non-dominant hand, we have a greater level of confidence and comfort using our dominant function compared to the ones lower in our functional stack. The further we move down the stack towards our auxiliary, tertiary and then inferior function, the less control and awareness we have over its influence on us. To understand better how the cognitive function stack is determined for a particular type, you can read the detailed guide here.

Understanding the cognitive functions of INFJs and INFPs is like uncovering the hidden gears that drive their unique personalities. Each type has a unique stack of cognitive functions, which are explained below.

	INFJ	INFP
Dominant	Introverted Intuition (Ni) – relies on abstract connections, speculates about potential and potential implications.	Introverted Feeling (Fi) – relies on a deep understanding of personal values and beliefs, and a desire to live in congruence with them.
Auxiliary	Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – relies on sensitivity to the emotional states of others and feelings of harmony with the world.	Extraverted Intuition (Ne) – relies on abstract possibilities, generates novel ideas about what things can be.
Tertiary	Introverted Thinking (Ti) – uses personal framework of technical knowledge and skill to prevent/avoid/solve problems	Introverted Sensing (Si) – relies on sensory details, processes concrete details via comparing/contrasting with past experiences.
Inferior	Extraverted Sensing (Se) – maintains direct relationship to the world via physical sensations.	Extraverted Thinking (Te) – relies on knowledge of external systems, uses empirical data to make effective decisions

For a more detailed explanation and examples for each cognitive function, click here.

Distinguishing Between INFJ and INFP

Now that we have a better understanding of the cognitive functions that INFJs and INFPs use, we can examine how these functions shape their personalities and lead to the following differences in their behavior and preferences.

Analytical vs Artistic Thinking

One of the primary differences between INFJ and INFP is how they approach the world and process information. INFJs take a more analytical approach, using their dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) to understand the purpose and meaning of things, narrowing down possibilities to the most suitable ones. They look outside in, searching for the underlying patterns and themes and observing how different parts work together to form a cohesive whole.

On the other hand, INFPs lean more towards artistic and creative thinking. Guided by their values and emotions (due to their Fi), they look inside out, focusing on how they feel about things rather than their intended purpose or meaning. Furthermore, their Ne, which is exploratory in nature, also helps them generate multiple possibilities and ideas, allowing them to approach problems from a creative and imaginative standpoint.

Decisive vs Exploratory Decision Making

Another difference between INFJ and INFP is their approach to decision-making. INFJs tend to be decisive and efficient in reaching a decision. They meticulously analyze, and pare down all the available options to reach their desired goals (using their Ni, often supported by their Ti) without any perceived waste of time or resources. This makes them strategic, thoughtful, and observant in their decision-making approach.

On the other hand, INFPs have an authentic love and appreciation for exploring new experiences, and aren’t necessarily fixated on finding the one “perfect” solution. They tend to generate a plethora of ideas using their Ne, often throwing every possible option at the wall to see what sticks. Their satisfaction comes from the process of uncovering possibilities that extend beyond the present reality, rather than the decision itself. This approach to decision-making is marked by an open-minded and exploratory mindset that values creativity and imagination.

Absorbing vs Mirroring Emotions

INFJs are highly attuned to the emotions of others due to their Fe, which makes them expert social chameleons. They have a remarkable ability to read the room quickly thanks to the input from their Extraverted Sensing (Se), discerning subtle changes in others’ tone, body language, and behavior, and adapt their own behavior to promote social harmony. However, this ability to absorb others’ emotions can be overwhelming and often leaves INFJs struggling to differentiate their own feelings from those of others.

On the other hand, INFPs’ Introverted Feeling (Fi) is more focused on their own values, morals, and emotions. They are not likely to alter their behavior to please others, as they prioritize their own feelings and authenticity. INFPs can still very well understand what others are going through by putting themselves in their shoes, but they only mirror the emotions of others rather than absorbing them. This makes it easier for them to maintain a healthy emotional distance and not get overwhelmed by the emotions of others. This emotional clarity also allows them to remain true to themselves and their values, often leading them to pursue creative outlets where they can express themselves freely.

Community-Oriented vs Individualistic Relationship Orientation

INFJs and INFPs approach their relationships with others in very distinct ways. INFJs, due to their Fe, are community-oriented people, guided by a vision of how relationships and society ‘ought to be’. They tend to take on a more active and assertive role in relationships, seeking to build connections and harmony, and facilitate communication. This, combined with their ability to value shared experiences of the group, often also leads them to be chosen for positions of authority and leadership roles by others, even if they do not actively seek them.

While INFJs have a stronger desire to build community, INFPs prefer more intimate connections. INFPs lead with their hearts, following their personal values and beliefs (due to their Fi). INFPs approach relationships with an idealistic and personalized focus. They prefer intimate one-on-one connections, built on profound emotional understanding and shared values. However, they may struggle with setting clear boundaries and asserting themselves, which can lead to difficulties in expressing their needs and built-up resentment.

Developing a “Sensor’s Eye” vs a “Thinker’s Mind”

Personal growth and development are important to both INFJs and INFPs, but their paths to achieving it can be quite different. Due to their inferior functions, they may struggle in certain areas and experience unique challenges. Inferior functions represent an aspirational but weak or “tip toeing” part of one’s personality. People rarely notice their inferior functions under normal conditions. However, when stressed or fatigued, these weaker functions emerge in unintended and disruptive ways. People are said to “be in the grip” of the inferior functions in this situation. Healthy INFJs and INFPs see their inferior functions not as weaknesses but opportunities to grow. Through conscious dedication, what was once a liability can be transformed into a source of strength and depth.

INFJs pursue growth through cultivating their inferior Extraverted Sensing (Se) function. In the grip, the dark side of Se takes hold, inducing escapism through overindulgence in sensory pleasures. INFJs may binge watch TV, overeat, or become shortsighted in pleasure-seeking, which they regret later when the stress subsides. To strengthen Se, INFJs must gain awareness of this unconscious tendency and learn control. Moreover, INFJs prioritize their personal insights and “gut feelings” over concrete details. Healthy INFJs aspire to strengthen Se by cultivating awareness of the external world, and being more present and responsive to external sensory stimuli. What seemed abstract must become visceral. Through practice and patience, INFJs can develop a “sensor’s eye” able to see beyond concepts to practical realities.

In contrast, INFPs nurture their Extraverted Thinking (Te) to develop mastery. When in the grip of Te, INFPs tend to get hyper-critical of themselves and others, frantically solving problems or nitpicking processes. They must tame their urge to organize or “fix” everything when stressed through hypercriticism or forced efficiency. Healthy INFPs aspire to strengthen Te through developing a pragmatic “thinker’s mind.” Te demands analyzing information objectively, stepping away from personal values to evaluate options rationally and decisively. For INFPs, it means moving away from imagination to implementation by formulating feasible strategies and evaluating resources effectively.

Conclusion

Now that you know the key differences between INFJs and INFPs, where do you stand? Take some time to reflect on which tendencies feel most natural and authentic to you. Remember, self-discovery is a lifelong journey and determining your personality type is just the beginning. It can be a powerful tool to help you embrace your strengths and chart your own path in life. For INFPs, recognizing your idealism and depth of caring can help you set boundaries when needed and express your authentic feelings. Similarly, if you are an INFJ, understanding your empathy and desire for harmony can guide you towards finding balance and connecting with your own needs.

If you still feel conflicted, take the next step and read the detailed descriptions of both the INFJ and INFP personality types. It will provide you with a framework to explore the depths of who you are – and who you want to become. Use this knowledge as a springboard to continue your growth, follow your purpose, and build authentic relationships where your gifts are truly appreciated.

Architect (INTP) – Type Description

INTP is one of the 16 Myers & Briggs personality types, characterized by introversion, intuition, thinking, and perception. INTPs, also known as “architects”, are known for their intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and willingness to explore different possibilities. They are quiet and private individuals, who rely on principles and logical reasoning to understand their thoughts and ideas, and pursue knowledge. They enjoy engaging in intellectual conversations and may even get into arguments with others just for the sake of it.

INTPs are often perfectionists and are driven by the desire for personal competence. They have an innate ability to break down complex situations and come up with practical and innovative solutions with precision and accuracy. They have an optimistic outlook and a resourceful attitude, and are able to turn their ideas into reality with their problem-solving skills. However, sometimes their ideas can be so complex that they may have trouble communicating them to others. INTPs are drawn to logical systems and are often interested in science, mathematics, and technology.

Cognitive Functions of INTPs:

To gain insight into the characteristics of INTP personalities, it is helpful to understand the dominant and auxiliary cognitive functions that drive them. According to the MBTI system, each personality type has a set of cognitive functions that they use most frequently, which leads to consistent patterns and characteristics. For INTPs,

the dominant function is Introverted Thinking (Ti), and
the auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne) that supports the dominant function

Dominant Ti: An Introverted Thinking (Ti) function allows individuals to analyze and process the world around them internally through logical and objective thinking. These individuals use their naturally technical mind to identify the inner workings and mechanics of systems. Ti allows this type to disregard feeling and sensation to fully immerse in the governing logical frameworks and devise a way to gain leverage based on this understanding. They enjoy devising ingenious solutions to interesting & challenging problems.

Auxiliary Ne: Extraverted Intuition (Ne) allows an individual to generate new ideas, explore possibilities, and see connections between seemingly unrelated things. This function is always looking for ways to bring new elements into a situation, to create new patterns, to relate one thing to another in a new way.

For introverted thinkers to be productive, they must have a strong auxiliary cognitive function to provide perception and support for their thinking. Auxiliary Ne allows INTPs to consider possibilities and potential outcomes that may not have been immediately apparent through logical thinking alone. INTPs first use their dominant function, Introverted Thinking (Ti), to understand the logical structure of a situation. Then, they use their auxiliary function, Extraverted Intuition (Ne), to consider the potential impacts and outcomes of that situation in the real world, which makes them appear more rational and logical.

Strengths

Like all personality types, INFPs have a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Some of strengths of INTPs include:

Creative problem-solving: INTPs are logical and analytical thinkers, which makes them great problem-solvers. Their dominant Ti helps them methodically assess a situation and come up with creative solutions to problems. They have an instinctive feel for what will work and what won’t, hence, they are often good at anticipating potential problems and being prepared for them.
Independence and perseverance: INTPs prefer to work independently and don’t need much supervision. Their strong thinking function equips them with mental resources required for completing tasks without being micromanaged. INTPs are also very dedicated and focused, able to concentrate better than most types because they limit their search to only what is relevant to the issue at hand.
Intellectual insights: INTPs are probably the most intellectually profound of all the types. Their dominant Ti gives them intellectual curiosity and creative brilliance, while their auxiliary Ne brings a deeper insight and understanding of situations that cannot be reached by thinking alone. With both of these qualities combined, INTPs are able to think in extremely complex ways.
Objectivity: INTPs are committed to seeking truth and objectivity. They strive to eliminate errors and inconsistencies, without being swayed by other people’s ideas. This allows for some truly profound contribution in systems and theories that can be felt a long time after their lifetimes.

Weaknesses

INTPs may have some potential weaknesses that could impact their personal life, relationships, as well as their performance in their workplace. These weaknesses may include the following.

Neglecting routine and mundane tasks: Just like other Ne-dominant types, INTPs are weak with sensory and practical details,being so absorbed in their thoughts and ideas that they neglect routine matters such as paying bills, meeting deadlines etc. This can also result in them not conforming to basic societal or workplace expectations which they may think as trivial or boring.
Difficulty with reading and using emotions: INTPs may struggle with understanding and expressing their emotions, as well as of others, mainly due to Feeling being their inferior function. They also avoid engaging in small talk and may come across as disinterested or aloof. This can make them appear unapproachable in social situations, and they may have trouble building and maintaining relationships, both personally and professionally.
Perfectionism: INTPs’ perfectionism can lead to high standards and a drive for excellence, but it can also hold them back and prevent them from taking action. Their Ti sometimes pushes them to over-analyze every possible solution while trying to find the perfect one. They become obsessed with getting everything “just right”, and this significantly hinders progress in their endeavors
Intellectual Pride: INTPs base their self-image on being ingenious, autonomous, and resolute. However, their pride in their own ingenuity can sometimes generate hostility and defensive responses from others. They may also be a bit snobbish at times, showing impatience with others who are less endowed with intellectual ability or less driven.

Career choice

It is important for INTPs to choose a career that aligns with their interests and allows them to use their strengths and skills. They may also benefit from careers that allow them to work independently and have the freedom to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems.

Scientists and engineers: INTPs may enjoy careers in scientific research, where they can use their logical thinking skills to understand complex systems and processes. They may also use their creativity and ability to generate new ideas, owing to their auxiliary Ne, to come up with innovative hypotheses and projects. INTPs are naturally drawn to technology, so a career in innovative fields like computer engineering is a great fit too.
System Architects and designers: INTPs are interested in understanding the patterns and structures of systems in relation to their immediate context. Their Ti helps them piece individual pieces together to envision how a complex system would work, which may lead them to careers related to architecture or design.
Musicians: INTPs do not restrict their analytical thinking and intuitive skills to science and engineering fields only; they also make excellent musicians. Many INTP musicians say that they can actually “hear” the music in their mind before they have even composed a song. They may use their highly developed analytical and intuitive skills to identify the elements of a song that would make it effective, and then figure out ways to improve or enhance those elements.
Entrepreneurs and business managers: INTPs have a passion for ideas and can excel in a business career by leveraging their analytical instincts and innovative spirit. Their intuition, coupled with their ambition, can drive them to success in the business world.

Some careers that may not be the best fit for INTPs include those that involve a lot of social interaction, public speaking, and emotional intelligence, as they tend to be more logical, reserved and introverted. Some examples include sales, customer service, marketing, and human resources.

Relationships

INTPs approach relationships in a rational and calm manner. They value independence in their relationships, and appreciate when their partner gives them the space they need to pursue their own interests and goals and would be more than happy to do the same for their partners.

INTPs enjoy engaging in intellectual and meaningful conversations with their partner, but may struggle with understanding and expressing emotional needs. They are even-tempered and easy to get along with, but have a tendency to be preoccupied with their own ideas, leading them to forget important dates or events in their relationships, which can become a source of conflict. With maturity and self-awareness, INTPs can learn to balance their logical and emotional sides in their relationships, and act with consideration while showing emotional needs and appreciation more skillfully.

As parents, INTPs do not impose their own expectations on their children, and treat each child as a rational individual with their own rights and privileges. They encourage their children to take responsibility for their own lives and to make their own decisions.

In conclusion, INTPs are individuals who are not just curious, but are driven to uncover the wisdom of the world and share it with others. They possess a unique blend of analytical and logical thinking paired with an innate drive to uncover the deeper truths and principles of the world around them. Independent and self-motivated, INTPs are driven to push beyond the surface level of understanding, bring next-level performance and innovation to the workplace or even mankind with their ingenuity!

Quick Exercise to Find Your MBTI Type

By following through each of the 4 sections below, you will be able to clarify your MBTI type as well as gain a quick overview of the 4 dichotomies. This is not meant to be a definitive MBTI test, but rather to accelerate your understanding so you can arrive at that aha moment to acknowledge your own type faster as you journey through the learning of the MBTI and Jungian functions.

Tips to achieve the best results:

As we tend to strive to become more balanced with age, we often “stretch” our cognitive preference under the situational stress of work and social demands. To identify what is “natural”, it’s best to contemplate about what naturally come to you when you were younger (as a teenager or young adult) and when you feel truly at home & being yourself. Also, think about it in term of your consistent behaviors across time and not the “ought to”, “ should” adaptive behaviors.

Introversion – Extroversion (I – E)

Learn about the fundamentals through the video above.
Are you able to decide on your preference based on the video?
If you are still undecided or want better clarity, go to step 3 below.
Go through the clarification table (you might need a pen and paper)
Give one tick either on the left or right of each pair of statements.
Give two ticks if you strongly believe with the statement.
If it’s too difficult for you to decide , you may leave it blank.

Tick if applies to your more			Tick if applies to you more
Regarding your overall attitude towards society or socially endorsed values and systems
	Have a general dislike and often question popular ideas, standards, or tastes	Seek to achieve socially approved concepts and objectives, prioritizing the needs of the group
Quantity vs quality (hobbies, jobs, social circle…)
	Prefer quality, being picky (job, relationship…)	Want to experience it all, the more the merrier
Generalist versus specialist
	Often take pride in being a specialist and expert in a niche field	Often prefer working in more generalist position with variety of tasks like management and people-facing roles
How you gain energy
	Energized by thinking and contemplating about a single topic alone or working one-on-one	Energized by interacting with and managing several on-going activities and people
Your approach to sharing and communicating
	Reserved and private, thoughtful, contemplative, share only if necessary, you find people share too much	More ready to share personal info and enjoy brainstorming and responding quickly to others

7. Tabulating results:

The total number of ticks on the left is your score on Introversion.

The total number of ticks on the right is your score on Extroversion.

Whichever side has more ticks represents your degree of preference.

INtuition – Sensing (N – S)

Learn about the fundamentals through the video above.
Are you able to decide on your preference based on the video?
If you are still undecided or want better clarity, go to step 3 below.
Go through the clarification table:

Tick if applies to your more			Tick if applies to you more
When given a new task, how would you want to receive the information?
	Prefer maximum details, specifics, step-by-step instruction to ensure clarity	Prefer to know the big picture and end goals first and as little details or instruction if possible
The type of information you tend to notice first
	Notice what is apparent through the 5 senses or concrete, factual details	Notice patterns, concepts, ideas, metaphors, implications, possibilities, hidden meaning
Are you more pragmatic or visionary?
	You tend to notice and trust what is tangible and measurable and your past experience	You are more energized by imagining what could be and possibilities in the future
Your problem-solving approach and strengths
	Better at identifying the most efficient common-sense approach & focus on optimizing existing processes	Taking pride in generating many ideas or unconventional method to understand and solve problems

4. Tabulating results:

The total number of ticks on the left is your score on Sensing

The total number of ticks on the right is your score on iNtuition

Whichever side has more ticks represents your degree of preference.

Feeling – Thinking (F-T)

Learn about the fundamentals via the video above.
Are you able to decide on your preference based on the video?
If you are still undecided or want better clarity, go to step 3 below.
Type clarification table:

Tick if applies to your more			Tick if applies to you more
What approach should often be given a higher priority for the most satisfactory outcome?
	First step back & analyze the situation impersonally	First consider how it impacts each person involved or your own value system
The thought processes that come to you naturally
	Critique, evaluate & identify flaws for improvement	Notice & mention what is working well to build on it or offer moral support
In problem solving, what do you think naturally is the best way to work with others
	Primarily focused on achieving set goals/outcomes	Primarily focused on developing & preserving connections with others
In presented with differing points of viewers and opinions
	Comfortable asking probing questions to understand and generally comfortable with arguments	Avoid disagreements to preserve the relationship and harmonious atmosphere unless necessary to argue or fight back

4. Tabulating results:

Total number of ticks on the left is your score on Thinking

Total number of ticks on the right is your score on Feeling

Whichever side has more ticks represents your degree of preference.

Judging – Perceiving (J-P)

Learn about the fundamentals through the video above.
Are you able to decide on your preference based on the video?
If you are still undecided or want better clarity, go to step 3 below.
Go through the clarification table below:

Tick if applies to your more			Tick if applies to you more
Your overall philosophy and approach to life
	Value order, predictability, structure, and milestones	Value going with the flow, see how things go, adaptability and flexibility
When plan for a trip or project
	More comfortable when schedules are set and fix, milestones and deadlines are adhered to with minimal unexpected changes	Prefer loose deadlines with plenty of room for improvisation and last-minute adaptation and energy bust
Inclination for multi-tasking
	Rather focused work on a single topic or project until finish	Like juggling and multi-tasking with short bursts of inspirations
Preference on starting and finishing projects
	Prefer more measured and steadier pace from start to finish, especially with an emphasis on early start and timely finish	Excited by starting a new project but perform best with deadline and last-minute motivation to finish

4. Tabulating results:

Total number of ticks on the left is your score on Judging

Total number of ticks on the right is your score on Perceiving

Whichever side has more ticks represents your degree of preference.

I hope this exercise has been helpful and educational for you. How is your result? Do you have any feedback on its accuracy? Leave a comment below!

Mediator (INFP) – Type Description

INFP, often nicknamed the Healer or Mediator, stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. It is one of the 16 personality types in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a popular psychological tool used to measure personality traits. INFPs are known for their deep sense of inner values, empathy towards others, and their ability to understand complex ideas. INFPs tend to be open-minded and nonjudgmental, and value authenticity and individuality in themselves and others.

INFPs are introverted and tend to focus inward, seeking to understand their own feelings and values before turning outward to engage with others. They are often described as sensitive, compassionate, and open-minded, and are drawn to artistic endeavors. They are highly creative and have the ability to see multiple perspectives. INFPs are perceiving, meaning they tend to be open-minded and flexible, and may struggle with decision-making & procrastination. However, they are often highly imaginative and can bring a unique and original perspective to their work and relationships.

Cognitive Functions of INFPs:

To better understand where INFP’s characteristics come from, it’s important to understand the main cognitive functions of this type. In the MBTI system, each personality type has a specific set of dominant and auxiliary cognitive functions that people use most frequently, resulting in stable cognitive patterns and characteristics. For INFPs,

the dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi), and
the auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne) that supports the dominant function

Dominant Fi: INFPs use their dominant Fi function to process information, which colors strongly who they are and their overall perspectives about the world. Healthy Fi users are very in touch with their own emotions and may have a strong sense of personal ethics and morality. They may be private and selective about who they share their feelings with, and they may struggle with expressing their emotions in a way that others can understand.

Due to their dominant Fi function, INFPs may rely on their own internal compass to guide their actions and decisions and may often go against social norms or expectations.

Auxiliary Ne: Auxiliary Extraverted Intuition (Ne) allows an individual to generate new ideas, explore possibilities, and see connections between seemingly unrelated things. This function is always looking for ways to bring new elements into a situation, to create new patterns, to relate one thing to another in a new way. This function also makes an individual sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and great at understanding and empathizing with people.

The combination of dominant Fi and auxiliary Ne creates a person who is both idealistic and innovative, constantly seeking new ways of expressing and fulfilling their own values. Such people are likely to be imaginative, original, and independent in their thinking and action. They will be very interested in exploring new possibilities and in creating their own unique solutions to problems.

Strengths

Like all personality types, INFPs have a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Some of strengths of INFPs include:

Creativity and innovation: INFPs tend to be highly creative and innovative, as they are able to generate new ideas and explore possibilities. Their auxiliary Ne equips them with skills to anticipate potential outcomes and plan for the future.
Flexibility and adaptability: INFPs are flexible and adaptable. Their dominant Fi combined with auxiliary Ne helps them adjust their approach to fit changing circumstances or needs. They think on their feet and come up with novel solutions to problems.
Strong values and principles: People with a dominant Fi may be guided by strong values and principles, and may be driven to express and fulfill these values in their work. They may be committed to ethical and moral standards, and may be motivated to make a positive impact on the world.
Empathetic and Compassionate: INFPs help people stay connected to their humanity and promote complete self-acceptance. They are deeply empathetic and compassionate towards others and have a strong sense of justice and fairness.

Weaknesses

INFPs may have some potential weaknesses that could impact their personal life, relationships, as well as their performance and effectiveness in their workplace. These weaknesses may include the following.

Difficulty with decision-making: People with a dominant Fi and auxiliary Ne may have difficulty weighing the pros and cons of different options and making decisions. Due to their dominant Fi, they may struggle to choose a course of action that aligns with their values and principles. This may interact with their auxiliary Ne, which may cause them difficulty in narrowing down their options from a wide range of possibilities.
Difficulty with structure and routine: People with auxiliary Ne may struggle with structure and routine, as they may prefer to work in a more flexible and open-ended way. INFPs may find it difficult to follow established procedures, protocols, and rules.
Difficulty with teamwork and collaboration: A dominant Fi and auxiliary Ne may cause difficulty in collaborating with others, as INFPs have a tendency to be independent and self-directed in their thinking and actions. Their Fi may make it difficult for them to adapt their values and ideas to fit the perspectives of others. They may also have difficulty with authority and hierarchy for the same reason, and may resist being told what to do or how to do it, especially when it doesn’t align with what they believe in.

However, in the right environment with the right people, INFPs tend to get along well with others and are often quite understanding of different opinions.

Career choice

INFPs may be well-suited for careers that allow them to express their individuality & align with their personal values (because of Introverted Feeling) and creativity and ingenuity in problem solving. (to suit their extraverted Intuition – Ne) . Overally, they truly enjoy and excel in listening & understanding deeply and use that understanding to help others heal and grow through creative impactful communication. Some common and suitable careers for INFPs include:

Counselor/therapist or social work: INFPs may be drawn to careers that allow them to help others and make a positive impact. They may be well-suited for roles as therapists or social workers, where they can use their empathetic and compassionate nature to help and guide others.
Writer or artist: INFPs may be imaginative and creative and may enjoy expressing themselves through writing or art. They may be well-suited for careers in these fields, where they can use their talents to create original and meaningful works.
Educator: INFPs may be passionate about learning and exploration and may enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. They may be well-suited for careers as educators, where they can inspire and guide others to learn and grow.
Marketing: More career-oriented INFPs can find satisfaction in the promotion and sales of products and businesses that they truly believe in.

Workplace

INFPs in the workplace are typically creative and imaginative, which makes them a valuable asset to any team. They are usually very supportive of their colleagues, and prefer to work in environments that are non-competitive.

As employers, INFPs are understanding and flexible, owing to their auxiliary Ne. They tend to value their employees and strive to provide a positive and comfortable working environment. They are usually good at delegating tasks and helping their employees to reach their potential.

On the other hand, as employees, INFPs are loyal, reliable, and their dominant Fi makes them go the extra mile to ensure that the job is done correctly.

INFPs typically respond to criticism in a thoughtful and self-reflective manner. Because of their dominant Fi, they may also be resistant to criticism if it challenges their strongly held values or beliefs. INFPs need to understand the reasoning behind criticism in order to accept it.

INFPs may thrive in workplaces that allow them to be creative and independent, and that align with their personal values. They may also appreciate supportive and collaborative work environments that allow them to work with others in a harmonious way.

Relationships

In relationships and friendships, INFPs are likely to be deeply caring and supportive, and may go to great lengths to help those they care about. Their dominant function, Fi, helps them to process and understand their own emotions, as well as to deeply feel the emotions of others using mirroring (imagine themselves in that situation). This can make INFPs deeply understanding and compassionate towards their friends and loved ones. This combined with their auxiliary Ne makes them accepting and non-judgmental partners, who are able to see multiple perspectives and understand others’ feelings and needs.

However, INFPs may struggle with being overly sensitive and taking criticism personally in a relationship. They also may have difficulty with expressing their feelings or speaking up when they are hurt or frustrated. They sometimes tend to be too idealistic, which may lead them to expect perfect harmony and ignore any potential issues in a relationship.

It’s important for INFPs to be aware of their own feelings and take time to process and express them in a healthy way. It is also important for them to be patient with their partner and to make sure their communication is clear and honest. Compromise and understanding are key elements in any relationship, and INFPs should strive to be open to these.

Some prominent INFP figures include Mother Teresa, William Shakespeare, Prince, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Fictional INFP characters include Newt Scamander from the Fantastic Beasts Series, Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings, and Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. INFPs’ strong sense of morality and the strong desire to understand and help the world and its people are clearly evident in all these people and characters.

In conclusion, the INFP personality type is a unique and very special one. They are sensitive and often idealistic, and put their heart and soul into the things they care about. They have an innate ability to see the potential in everything and strive to make the world a better place in their own unique way.

How To Find Your True MBTI Type

Are you curious about your personality type and how it influences your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? One popular tool for understanding personality is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which is based on the theory of cognitive functions developed by Carl Jung. If you’re interested in learning more about your MBTI type, there are several different ways to do so. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common methods, including taking an online personality assessment, working with a qualified practitioner, and taking the official MBTI assessment.

Here is a summary of some of the most common methods, along with some pros and cons of each:

Taking an online personality assessment: One of the most popular and convenient ways to determine your MBTI type is to take an online personality assessment. There are many free and paid options available, such as 16Personalities and PersonalityPerfect.

Pros: Convenient and easily accessible; can be completed in a short amount of time; often provides detailed feedback about strengths and potential career paths.
Cons: May not be as reliable or valid as more formal assessments; results may be influenced by self-perception and self-awareness.
Working with a qualified practitioner: Another option is to work with a qualified practitioner, such as a psychologist or career counselor, who is trained in administering and interpreting the MBTI. To find a qualified practitioner, you can try searching online directories of psychologists or career counselors in your area, or you can contact professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/) or the National Career Development Association (https://www.ncda.org/) for recommendations.

Some pros of working with a qualified practitioner include:
- Personalized feedback: A qualified practitioner can provide more personalized and in-depth feedback about your personality type, as they are able to take into account your unique experiences and background.
- Reliability: Working with a qualified practitioner may result in more reliable and valid results, as they are trained in administering and interpreting the MBTI.
  
  Some potential cons of working with a qualified practitioner include:
- Cost: Working with a qualified practitioner may be more expensive than taking an online assessment.
- Time and effort: Working with a qualified practitioner may require more time and effort, as it typically involves multiple sessions or meetings.
Taking the official MBTI assessment: The official MBTI assessment is administered by trained professionals and is considered the most reliable and valid measure of personality type.
Pros: Highly reliable and valid; provides detailed feedback about strengths and potential career paths.
Cons: More expensive than online assessments; may require more time and effort to complete.
To sign up for the official test, visit website: https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/take-the-mbti-instrument/
Getting typing service from enthusiasts who specialize in MBTI and typology. This is different from option 2 above in the sense that, many of these people are more of social influencers and celebrities who gain trusts and followers through their social media channels over the years. They tend to not have serious professional qualifications but their services are often cheaper and less time-consuming. It’s recommended that you check out their channels to see whether you like and agree with their content and maybe read the reviews of the other customers.

Some of the well-known channels and people you can check out are Dave and Shannon from Objective Personality, Lindsey Johnson (Lijo), Gray Capen Cietek (Augmented Personality) or Joyce Meng.
Type yourself based on your own understanding of the MBTI.
This might be the more time-consuming option but it’s free given the vast amount of content available online and will tremendously aid you in your personal growth journey through accumulated knowledge in this wonderful system. The simplest form is to understand the cognitive functions and determine which functions you identify with the most. The dominant and auxilarry function will then point you towards the corresponding type.

For a quick guide to understanding the various cognitive functions, click here. To find the corresponding MBTI type for each cognitive function, read here.

Another even better method is to combine your self-knowledge with online test. You can take any of the online test below and see if the description fit you. You can read the description of other types that possibly might fit you better by varying the result you get by 1 or 2 letter depending on whether you think you might be actually different. For example, if your test result is INFP, you might want to check out ENFP, INTP or ISFP etc.

Recommendation of other options for Online MBTI Tests:

16Personalities: 16Personalities is a free online personality assessment tool based on the MBTI theory of personality. It offers a detailed personality report and includes information about an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential career paths. One potential drawback of 16Personalities is that it is based on self-report and may not be as reliable or valid as the official MBTI assessment. Website: https://www.16personalities.com/
PersonalityPerfect: PersonalityPerfect is a free online personality assessment tool that is based on the MBTI theory of personality. It offers a detailed personality report and includes information about an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential career paths. Like 16Personalities, PersonalityPerfect is based on self-report and may not be as reliable or valid as the official MBTI assessment. Website: https://www.personalityperfect.com
Typefinder: Typefinder is an online personality assessment tool that is based on the MBTI theory of personality. It is not free, but it is widely available through a network of qualified practitioners and licensed organizations. Typefinder is a reliable and valid measure of personality type and is widely used in a variety of settings. One potential drawback of Typefinder is that it is based on self-report, so the results may be influenced by an individual’s level of self-awareness and self-perception. Website: https://www.typefinder.com/

Ultimately, the best way to determine your MBTI type will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. Each of the methods discussed in this article has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your goals and resources when deciding which option is best for you. Whether you choose to take an online assessment, work with a qualified practitioner, or take the official MBTI assessment, you can gain valuable insights into your personality and how it influences your life.

Jung’s Cognitive Functions Handbook

Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, developed a theory of personality that included eight cognitive functions that he believed influenced the way individuals perceive and process information. According to Jung’s theory, each individual has a dominant function that strongly shapes the personality.

His theory on cognitive functions are closely related to the personality types described in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a psychological assessment tool that is based on Jung’s theory of personality and is used to identify an individual’s personality type based on their preferences for certain cognitive functions.

According to the MBTI, each individual has a dominant function, followed by a an auxiliary function, which work together to form their personality. The eight cognitive functions identified by Jung are:

Introverted Sensing (Si)
Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Here is a brief overview of how the MBTI personality types correspond to Jung’s cognitive functions:

ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging): Dominant function is Introverted Sensing (Si), auxiliary function is Extraverted Thinking (Te)
ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): Dominant function is Introverted Sensing (Si), auxiliary function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging): Dominant function is Introverted Intuition (Ni), auxiliary function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging): Dominant function is Introverted Intuition (Ni), auxiliary function is Extraverted Thinking (Te)
ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving): Dominant function is Introverted Thinking (Ti), auxiliary function is Extraverted Sensing (Se)
ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving): Dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi), auxiliary function is Extraverted Sensing (Se)
INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving): Dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi), auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving): Dominant function is Introverted Thinking (Ti), auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging): Dominant function is Extraverted Thinking (Te), auxiliary function is Introverted Sensing (Si)
ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): Dominant function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe), auxiliary function is Introverted Sensing (Si)
ENFJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging): Dominant function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe), auxiliary function is Introverted Intuition (Ni)
ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging): Dominant function is Extraverted Thinking (Te), auxiliary function is Introverted Intuition (Ni)
ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving): Dominant function is Extraverted Sensing (Se), auxiliary function is Introverted Thinking (Ti)
ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving): Dominant function is Extraverted Sensing (Se), auxiliary function is Introverted Feeling (Fi)
ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving): Dominant function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne), auxiliary function is Introverted Feeling (Fi)
ENTP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving): Dominant function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne), auxiliary function is Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Definitions & Examples of the Functions

Extraverted Sensing (Se) – This function involves the use of the five senses to gather and process information about the physical world. People who are strong in this function are practical, detail-oriented, and focused on the present.

Example: A person who is strong in sensing might be a skilled craftsman who is able to accurately measure and cut wood using a ruler and saw.

Or a person who is strong in sensing might be a successful farmer who is able to observe and understand the needs of their crops and animals, and use their practical skills to care for them.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne) – This function involves the ability to process information through pattern recognition and the interpretation of symbolic meaning. People who are strong in this function are imaginative, open-minded, and focused on the future.

Example: A person who is strong in intuition might be a successful entrepreneur who is able to see the potential in a new business idea and take risks to bring it to fruition.

Another example is, a person who is strong in intuition might be a successful writer who is able to generate new ideas and explore multiple possibilities in their writing, and use their imagination to create compelling and engaging stories.

Extraverted Thinking (Te) is a cognitive function that involves the ability to organize and implement ideas in a practical way. People who are strong in this function are organized, efficient, and action-oriented. They tend to focus outwardly on the practical implementation of their ideas, and they are skilled at getting things done.

Example: A person who is strong in extraverted thinking might be a successful project manager who is able to develop and implement plans to complete projects on time and within budget. They might be adept at organizing tasks and resources, and at communicating effectively with team members to ensure that projects are completed successfully.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) is a cognitive function that involves the ability to understand and process one’s own emotions, values, and beliefs. People who are strong in this function are self-aware, independent, and true to their own values and beliefs. They tend to focus inwardly on their own emotions and values, and they are skilled at understanding their own feelings and motivations.

Example: A person who is strong in introverted feeling might be a successful poet who is able to express their own emotions and values through their writing. They might be adept at understanding and exploring their own feelings, and at using their writing to express those emotions in a deeply personal and authentic way.

Introverted Sensing (Si) – This function involves the ability to recall and compare past experiences to inform present actions. People who are strong in this function are reliable, grounded, and detail-oriented.

Example: A person who is strong in introverted sensing might be a successful chef who is able to recall the flavors and textures of various ingredients and use that knowledge to create new dishes.

Introverted Intuition (Ni) – This function involves the ability to foresee and predict the most likely outcome and scenarios, using the whole brain to unconsciously see the hidden patterns and to see the aha moment.

Example: A person with strong Ni can be a visionary business man who foresees potential shift in the market and invest in the right market and products way ahead of his competitors.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) – This function involves the ability to analyze and understand complex systems and concepts. People who are strong in this function are independent, analytical, and logical.

Example: A person who is strong in introverted thinking might be a successful scientist who is able to conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop theories to explain natural phenomena.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – This function involves the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others. People who are strong in this function are outgoing, empathetic, and sensitive to the feelings of others.

Example: A person who is strong in extraverted feeling might be a successful teacher who is able to connect with and understand the emotional needs of their students, and use that understanding to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

I hope the above has shed more light on the various cognitive functions in Jungian psychology & MBTI. Have questions? Feel free to comment below and I will answer promptly!

Quick Crash Course on MBTI Cognitive Functions & Function Stacks

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular personality tests and frameworks since the 1950s, created by the mother-daughter duo Isabel Myers and Catherine Briggs. Officially licensed under the Myers Briggs Company, the MBTI becomes even more popular due to the proliferation of (questionable) free online tests and generic type descriptions, often known as 16P or 16-personality test.

Why You Should Go Beyond Tests and Type Descriptions

sample results from 16personalities.com of an MBTI type — A typical result chart from 16personalities.com

As a result, there are generally two levels of understanding that we have seen. In the first group are those who came across the popular 16P personality quiz, or similar sites like truity.com. These sites peddle a type of personality assessment that simply asks “are you Extroverted or Introverted”, “are you an Intuitive or a Sensor”, “are you a Thinker or a Feeler”, “are you a Judger or a Perceiver” with percentage scores and give you your “MBTI type” based on those results.

It is a dichotomy (“strictly one or the other”) method that leaves much to be desired, because in a dichotomy system, you cannot have balance in your capability for sensing/intuition, or thinking/feeling. The end result is that many test-takers feel like they do not fit the extreme definitions of “introvert” / “extrovert” / “thinker” / “feeler”, because naturally every person is a bit introverted at times, a bit extroverted at times, and uses logic and inner values depending on the situation at hand.

Picture of Carl Jung — Portrait of Carl Jung

In the second group are those who look further back to the origins of the modern MBTI, to the original theory introduced by Carl Jung in his 1921 book “Psychological Types” and expanded by Jungian analysts like John Beebe. Based on this theory, all our psychological thought processes can be categorized into 8 different cognitive functions.

This group also recognizes sixteen different types, but organizes each of the sixteen types by a unique combination of these 8 cognitive functions. It is a more holistic and nuanced understanding of personality types that accounts for the fact that everyone has a bit of everything, and the difference between types lies in the different order of strengths and weaknesses.

Here’s where the confusion arises: both groups have 16 types with the same 16 names, but a very different and incompatible understanding of what defines each of those 16 personality types.

Funny memes: seeing the cognitive functions as savior light in the distince — Have you seen the light of the cognitive-function perspective?

We are firmly in the second group, and we have seen that generally, people in the first group who start to learn about cognitive functions will almost always “see the light” and join the second group, seeing the types through the lens of cognitive functions rather than the simple dichotomies.

Once a person sees the more robust and comprehensive system, they will naturally accept it over the simplistic dichotomies. In writing this post, I hope to bring you from the shallow pools of the 16P and truity.com to the real nuts and bolts of Jung’s theory of personality!

What are Jungian/MBTI cognitive functions?

Perception can be done in two ways; it can be in the present, the “here and now” (Sensing) and it can be looking beyond into the future and inferring patterns beneath the surface (Intuition)

Sensing means looking more in to the here-and-now and concrete details instead of abstract patterns

On the other hand, judgement can be also done in two ways; it can be done for quantifiable things, judging value between two black-and-white comparisons (Thinking). It can be also be done for unquantifiable things, judging value in aspects like love or personal values (“do I love Alice or Bob more?”) (Feeling)

So as a result, we have 4 functions (Sensing, Intuition, Thinking, Feeling) and for each of these four functions , there is an introverted and an extroverted version.

Picture of a swimming person to illustrate the idea of introversion vs extroversion — Think of introversion and extroversion like water and land, for introverts, the inner mind is the relaxing land while it takes effort to “swim” in the outer word

The extroverted functions are oriented outwards towards the external world, they are:

Extroverted Sensing (Se): Enjoying the finer aspects of life in food, fashion. Being physically in tune with the world
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): From one observation, deriving ten different ideas and possibilities
Extroverted Thinking (Te): Real-world practicality, results-driven, things that can be written down on a resume
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Being able to “read the room”, attuned to the social atmosphere, tailoring your words to your audience

The introverted functions are oriented inwards towards the subjective personal world

Introverted Sensing (Si): Seeing and remembering things as they were in the past, taking things step by step
Introverted Intuition (Ni): From ten observations, deriving one single theory that explains everything. Projecting the one future path that most likely will happen
Introverted Thinking (Ti): Logical and consistent, having various categories to ensure that everything has its own place in a water-tight system
Introverted Feeling (Fi): Having a clear idea of individual desires, values, tastes. Living life authentically without being affected by what the rest of the world does

A more detailed explanation of each of the functions can be found here.

Flow chart of how Jungian psychology branched into the 8 mbti functions — A flow chart that summarizes how Jung theorized the existence of 8 cognitive functions

How to determine the Function Stack of an MBTI Type?

A person’s combination of functions (i.e. the function stack) can’t simply be randomly picked from the list of 8 functions (otherwise we would have 8^{^8} = 16,777,216 types! There are commonly accepted rules for the positions and pairings of the functions developed by readers of Jung such as Myers Briggs and John Beebe.
Each function has a partner: its “opposite” within the same Judging/Perceiving category.
- Perceiving function pairs
  - Introverted Intuition (Ni) + Extroverted Sensing (Se) Contextual
  - Extroverted Intuition (Ne) + Introverted Sensing (Si) Universal
- Judging Function Pairs
  - Introverted Feeling (Fi) + Extroverted Thinking (Te) Contextual
  - Extroverted Feeling (Fe) + Introverted Thinking (Ti) Universal
Every person’s first four function slots are comprised of one Perceiving function pair and one Judging function pair
- Thus four possible combinations; there are four different ways to pair one Perceiving function pair with one Judging function pair

Democratic	Theocratic
Ne/Si + Fi/Te	Ni/Se + Fe/Ti
Atomic	Monarchic
Ne/Si + Fe/Ti	Ni/Se + Fi/Te

Within a person’s first four function slots, one function pair will occupy the 1st (“Dominant”) and 4th (“Inferior”/”Primitive”) slots. The other function pair will occupy the 2nd (“Auxiliary”) and 3rd (“Tertiary”) slots
Between the Dominant and Auxiliary Functions,
- There is one extroverted and one introverted
- There is one perceiving (N/S) and one judging (T/F)

To put everything together, here is an example of how we determine the functions of the ENFP type:

Step 1: Determine the orientation of the dominant function:

First letter tells you the orientation of the dominant function

The first letter “E” means Dominant function is Extroverted

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	(Intuition or Sensing or Thinking or Feeling)
Auxiliary	(Introverted or Extroverted)	(Intuition or Sensing or Thinking or Feeling

because the dominant function is Extroverted, the Auxiliary function must be Introverted

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	(Intuition or Sensing or Thinking or Feeling)
Auxiliary	Introverted	(Intuition or Sensing or Thinking or Feeling

Step 2: Use the fourth letter narrows down the extroverted function

Fourth letter “P” means the Extroverted function is a Perceiving function (either N or S)

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	(Intuition or Sensing)
Auxiliary	Introverted	(Intuition or Sensing or Thinking or Feeling)

because the Extroverted function is a Perceiving function, the Introverted function must be a Judging function (T or F)

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	(Intuition or Sensing)
Auxiliary	Introverted	(Thinking or Feeling)

Step 3: Use the second letter to decide whether the person is “Intuition” or “Sensing”

ENFP: “N” stands for Intuition rather than Sensing

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	Intuition
Auxiliary	Introverted	(Thinking or Feeling)

Step 4: Use the third letter to decide whether the person is “Thinking” or “Feeling”

ENFP: Letter F stands for Feeling rather than Thinking

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	Intuition
Auxiliary	Introverted	Feeling

Step 5: Determine the tertiary function

Each function has a partner: its “opposite” within the same Judging/Perceiving category.

The Tertiary is simply the function pair of the Auxiliary

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	Intuition
Auxiliary	Introverted	Feeling
Tertiary	Extroverted	Thinking

Step 6: Determine the inferior function

The Inferior/Primitive is simply the function pair of the Dominant

Position	Orientation	Function
Dominant	Extroverted	Intuition
Auxiliary	Introverted	Feeling
Tertiary	Extroverted	Thinking
Inferior / Primitive	Introverted	Sensing

Do you get it? Why not try to apply the same process above to determine the top four cognitive functions of your MBTI function stack? For a quick cheat sheet to look up different types’ stacks, click here.

So I hope you have had a better understanding of the other “deeper” aspect of MBTI and the commonly accepted model of the function stack in each type. This will unlock a more in-depth level of self-understanding for yourself based on your type.

The next step is to relook at your specific function stack and familiarize yourself with the definition and usage of each of these functions. Then, you can reflect on how these functions manifest in your life, then learn the theory further, and repeat. It will be a fulfilling and amazing journey of self-discovery with the aid of MBTI and Jungian functions!

References

Myers, Isabel Briggs, and Peter B. Myers. Gifts differing: Understanding personality type. Consulting Psychologists Press, 1980.
Beebe, John. Energies and patterns in psychological type: The reservoir of consciousness. Routledge, 2016.
Jung, Carl. Psychological types. Routledge, 2016.

This was a guest article written by CS Ng. For more content from the author, check out here.

A more detailed explanation by him on the function stack can be found here.

Cheat Sheet: Function Stack of Each MBTI Type

The 8 cognitive functions

The four extroverted functions are oriented outwards towards the external world, they are:

Extroverted Sensing (Se): Enjoying the finer aspects of life in food, fashion. Being physically in tune with the world
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): From one observation, deriving ten different ideas and possibilities
Extroverted Thinking (Te): Real-world practicality, results-driven, things that can be written down on a resume
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Being able to “read the room”, attuned to the social atmosphere, tailoring your words to your audience

The four introverted functions are oriented inwards towards the subjective personal world

Introverted Sensing (Si): Seeing and remembering things as they were in the past, taking things step by step
Introverted Intuition (Ni): From ten observations, deriving one single theory that explains everything. Projecting the one future path that most likely will happen
Introverted Thinking (Ti): Logical and consistent, having various categories to ensure that everything has its own place in a water-tight system
Introverted Feeling (Fi): Having a clear idea of individual desires, values, tastes. Living life authentically without being affected by what the rest of the world does

Cheat sheet: Use this table for quick reference to see which functions are in each type

	Dominant	Auxiliary	Tertiary	Inferior / Primitive
ISFJ	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
ESFJ	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)
INTP	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
ENTP	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Sensing (Si)

ISTJ	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
ESTJ	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)
INFP	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Sensing (Si)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)
ENFP	Extroverted Intuition (Ne)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Sensing (Si)

INFJ	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)
ENFJ	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)
ISTP	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
ESTP	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Thinking (Ti)	Extroverted Feeling (Fe)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)

INTJ	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)
ENTJ	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)
ISFP	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)
ESFP	Extroverted Sensing (Se)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Are You A Thinker Or Feeler?

Can I ask if you are left-handed or right-handed? The chance is you are a right-handed person, because it is the majority of our population. How do you know that you are right-handed? It is a very obvious question almost without a need to explain. If we need to break down the reasons, there are three ways you know that your type is a right-handed: 1) The frequency of you using your right hand in a day is higher than your left and 2) Your right hand feels a lot more natural and real and 3) Your right hand will objectively be better at handling heavier objects or more complex tasks.

That is how you should think about your opposing function of Thinking and Feeling as well. Do keep the above ideas of left and right hand in mind as we further learn about the true definition of Thinking and Feeling in Jungian psychology.

If you are a visual learner, you can also follow this video below:

The definitions

Besides Introversion and Extroversion, Thinking and Feeling are the second dimension in analytical psychology (the third dimension is Intuition versus Sensing). These concepts were first introduced in the early 20th century by Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961), a famous Swiss psychiatrist who developed the idea of Psychological Types, the precursor to the extremely popular Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test and framework.

My philosophy for Our Human Minds have always been to adhere as much as possible to the original understanding and work of Carl Jung to help readers understand accurately the cognitive functions. It is a longer path, but trust me, it is more rewarding and surer way to achieve more accurate self-understanding than purely taking the online test and read the descriptions of the 16 MBTI personalities!

Unlike left and right hand, Thinking and Feeling preferences in analytical psychology are more distinct, serving very different purposes. Your two hands do not oppose each other, but Thinking and Feeling do by definition. Hence, being aware of them and knowing how to develop your weaker function and learn to make them synchronize holds the potential for not only more productivity but also psychological maturity and wholeness.

The definition of “Thinking” and “Feeling” in Jungian psychology are easily confused with the more layman definitions that we use in our daily languages. They should not be confused with logic versus emotion. You need to understand them in a more fundamental way, that they are evaluative & rational processes to judge incoming information, whether something is right or wrong, good and bad…

Thinking and Feeling aim to clearly distinguish between the two distinct preferences for decision-making: impersonal versus personal/interpersonal respectively. The easiest way to visualize this difference is in the common stereotype between men versus women in our society. Men are known to prefer to “solve problems” and break down problems “logically” while on the other hand, women simply want to be listened to, to be empathized and understood.

Thinkers (both men and women) prefer to solve problems objectively

While this is a stereotype, indeed, some of the surveys have shown that there is a slight preference (55%) among men for Thinking and a strong preference (75%) of women who have a Feeling preference. How much of this is the surveyed individuals’ true preferences and how much is a result of social expectation & conditioning, is for another debate. However, I would like to add that based on this survey, thinking that all men are or have to be super logical or women have to be relationship-oriented is a gross simplification and unfair treatment to both sexes.

To break it down further, thinking manifests itself as preference for using objective and measurable frameworks for clear-cut decision making. It is about using objective criteria, conceptual frameworks, pros and cons, structures, logical systems… People with Thinking preference value and take pride in being efficient, precise, goal and task-oriented. Something is good if it is placed in the right category, gives better measurable results, more efficient etc.

On the other hand, Feeling places stronger emphasis on human’s welfare, values and preferences. As an introverted function, it’s about knowing a strong moral sense of right and wrong, of feeling an urge to help the less fortunate, to be humanitarian, to overcome unfairness and restore equality. Extroverted version is about about maintaining a harmonious atmosphere (when hosting a house party for example), making sure common pleasantries and “civilized” etiquettes are adhered to, while making sure everyone has a good time.

	Thinking	Feeling
Definition	Impersonal evaluation	Interpersonal and value-based decision-making
Related concepts	objective criteria, pros and cons, measurable results, conceptual frameworks, logical systems	values, morality, harmony, personal preferences, gut feels of right and wrong

Quick Exercise : What is your true preference based on the above definition?
You might need to think about when you are younger or in a more comfortable place at home without any stress of work or “have to” pressure. Social expectation and work stresses might force us to over-compensate to the point of losing sight of who we truly are, like Feeling men are often expected to appear logical and tough, or your jobs have required you to develop your weaker function, even if in your younger years you are the opposite.

Develop Thinking

This section is more relevant for Feeler who has a natural strength in making decisions based on personal values or harmony, but as a result, devoting less consciousness energy in using systemic/impersonal perspectives. We will look at concrete steps that you can take to gradually build up confidence in using the skills and become more holistic in decision making.

Playing a big part of your ego, Feeling – the preference for using value and personal-preference based approach, is part of your identity. The cause that you care about, friends and family, the social connection and status that represent your deepest conviction and meaning of life, are valid. As much as it’s important to acknowledge the other side of the equation, in the end, Thinking should serve in a supporting role and not to dominate your preference for personal values or interpersonal harmony.

Just like this two-people bike, you should let your dominant function to take the lead and guide the other function, not the other way round!

The development of your weaker functions and achieving wholeness is a life-long quest, so the instruction below serves as a general direction and examples of the kind of steps you can take to develop Thinking.

Remember that the basic definition of Thinking is the use of impersonal systems, framework and measurable results and data. Hence, you can:

Learn from someone close to you who is strong in Thinking like your family members or colleagues. Talk to them more or reflect on the time you guys spend time together. Learn about how they conduct themselves differently, understand why they do it and see if you can learn and integrate some of their techniques or philosophy.
Develop interests in activities that require strong impersonal reasoning and decision making such as chess, finance, computer games…
Integrate productivity tools such as planner, calendar, deadlines and KPIs clearly for both personal work and managing others.
Take courses, read books, watch videos… on productivity, time and project management.
Learn to say No. It’s very natural for Feeler to go with the flow and say yes to keep harmony. Saying No doesn’t mean being harsh or rude if you can explain yourself clearly. It doesn’t have to be black and white either, you can also negotiate what you’d like to do and what you cannot do or you feel is not fair. It’s hard at first, but it’s an essential skill that will go a long way!

Knowing other ways to develop your Thinking side that can help other readers? Feel free to comment below!

Develop Feeling

This is more relevant to Thinking dominant type. Again, it’s important that you acknowledge and embrace your identity as a Thinker and develop Feeling as a support for a more holistic decision making process. Your Thinking function should still be in the driver seat!

Find friends, family or colleagues who you know well and you are fairly certain they are stronger in Feeling. Get to know them more and reflect on how they conduct things differently and see whether you can integrate some of their physiology and methods to your daily life.
Engage in reflective activities like meditation, arts, writing… to reflect on your values and what’s important to you. Remember, it’s a gradual process that requires patience and regular practices.
Engage in social activities and roles that you have to interact more with people. Recognise some of your biases and see it from a more positive light when it comes to social relationships.
Immerse yourself in nature, away from distraction of work and technology, to hear and embrace your inner voices, values and feelings.

Are you a Thinker that has other ways that work? Feel free to share below.

I hope you now have a clearer understanding of the distinction between these rational dimensions of Thinking versus Feeling. In reality, these two preferences never exist as standalone in a healthy person’s psyche but work in tandem. But since they are mutually exclusive/cancelling out, it’s natural to prioritize and put your conscious energy into one while “send to exile” the other, giving little conscious energy to nourish and maintain it.

If possible, you should learn further about how Introversion and Extroversion are combined with Thinking and Feeling to give rise to 4 distinct Cognitive Processes/Functions: Introverted Thinking, Extroverted Thinking, Introverted Feeling and Extroverted Feeling. This breakdown will bring in a whole new level of depth and opportunities for self-understanding and development. Good luck!

References

Type Fundamentals Guide @mbti-notes

Psychological types by CG. Jung

How To Motivate An Introverted Employee

Do you have an employee who gave the first impression that they are a very thoughtful, creative, and smart person? Even though this person can produce high-quality work from time to time, they seem a bit distant and uncommunicative or even arrogant…

The chances are your new employee is an introvert! You wish there was a way to motivate them and make that employee more productive and communicative. The solution is first to understand how and why they are different, to realize that their minds are made-up differently from the mind of an extrovert.

Introversion versus extroversion:

The basic definition of introversion versus extroversion is that extroverts are more comfortable with and prefer to direct their mental energy toward the outside world, other people, or objects. In contrast, introverts tend to prefer living in the world of their minds and their thoughts. When introverts are forced into a team or a very crowded environment for too long, the situation will deplete their energy, and they will become very drained.

Introverts gain energy from the comfort of their inner thoughts and feelings

Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961) was the first to distinguish extroversion and introversion, the two major orientations of personality. We continue to learn from Jung’s findings and ongoing psychoanalytical research leads to greater understanding of personality types to help managers in the workplace.

Cognitive sciences have discovered two main ways that introverted minds are different:

1. Introverts process incoming information more slowly because they filter information thoroughly before considering the input. Their neural pathway to process information is longer than that of extroverts. This is because they use the parasympathetic side of the brain, and the pathways are much longer, meaning they need more time for the information to be processed. Hence introverts can easily become over-stimulated with too much external information from the environment.

Scientists can detect the differences between introvert and extrovert babies as early as four months old. Extroverts easily take stimulation because the two parts of the brain they use have a much smaller pathway than introverts. This neurological difference explains why extroverts tend to be active and action-oriented, actively seeking out stimulating experiences. While, in contrast, introverts tend to be more idiosyncratic in their preference for a slower and manageable pace.

Scientists can detect introverted babies as early as 4-month old!

2. The second difference is that because the part of the brain used to process information and the part of the brain connected to communication and processing verbal input are quite separated in introverts. Hence, they can go on for long periods of time without talking or communicating with other people. Conversely, an extrovert will get the juices flowing, think, and speak at the same time. They will enjoy brainstorming with other people, thinking and talking simultaneously.

So, when you know these differences, you can begin to understand why there are behavioral differences between introvert and extrovert team members. You see, it’s not that your introverted employee is having an attitude or trying to be distant on purpose; it’s just how their brain works.

How to spot an introverted employee

They tend to be

Calm: He or she exudes a calming presence.
Listeners: They tend to listen more than they talk. This is especially noticeable in a team meeting when they appear more reflective.
Having subdued Dress Style: Introverts tend to dress subtly. Their clothing is usually understated, preferring dark colors. They don’t want to stand out too much. Compare this with extroverted employees who dress in more vibrant, outstanding colors and styles.

In fact, a lot of people think that introverts are a minority in the population. However, many surveys have shown that introverts and extroverts are actually about 50/50 in a population.

The reason they seem to be the minority is that they don’t compete with the extroverts for attention. They don’t speak up that much, preferring to think through the information before voicing an opinion. They’re the silent half of the population! Another possible explanation is that many introverts would put on an “extrovert mask” on social settings to blend in better (even if it’s pretty draining), giving the impression that there are ways more extroverts to the untrained eyes.

Introverts bring unique strengths to the team

Now you know the differences between introverts and extroverts, you can appreciate the unique strengths of the introverted employee:

Because they spend more time reflecting and coming up with something that is truly unique, you can expect their work to be more creative and original.

You can also expect them to be thorough and meticulous because they think things through and process a lot of information inside their head before they talk about and show the result.

Lastly, introverts have high moral principles. Most of the time, introverts value their integrity and authenticity very highly. It’s a useful attribute to balance the team in the workplace, especially against the fast-paced and cut-throat cultures of many workplaces nowadays.

How to motivate the introverted employee

So, how do you as a manager nurture and encourage better productivity and motivation from an introverted employee? There are four ways you can do it:

1. When you assign them some work or a task, give them a lot of upfront information so they can process it, but then give them space. There is this golden rule of two to forty-eight hours, depending on the complexity of the task, that works very well with introverts. Give your introverted employee the time to think through all the input and process the information. In return, they will give you very thorough and very considered work results.

2. The second way you can help them is to complement their weaknesses. Since they are a more reflective and somewhat individualistic employee, you can support them with your own strengths or that of another team member:

For example, you can provide them with social connections to others in the team. Because it’s usual that introverts find it challenging to initiate social contact themselves, you can quickly introduce them to other team members. By introducing them to other stakeholders that are relevant o the project, you help them to be able to touch base and integrate into the team.

You can assist an introverted employee by introducing him or her to other stakeholders/coworkers

3. You can assist them by giving clear deadlines and KPI expectations. Because introverts are so reflective and usually perfectionistic, they are not good with deadlines. So, you need to be clear regarding when you need the result. When you have clear KPIs, they are certain of your expectations, and you can best optimize their thought process and creativity.

4. Lastly, keep your introverted employee motivated. Once they have finished their work, it’s important to praise the work, but moderately, because they can easily detect unnecessary and superfluous compliments. So give them the praise that they deserve for their originality and creativity. Praise them for their hard work and their meticulousness. This valid, genuine praise will be a sure way to make sure you keep your introverted employee happy and motivated.

Conclusion

When you are aware of introverted characteristics you are better able to manage introverted team members. Doing so is a case of considering how the different personality types function. Introverted employees are motivated by receiving information in advance of meetings, enabling them to think about the content prior to the meeting. Introverts will also think about ideas and get back to you later with their contributions. A manager who considers personality types of the whole team are rewarded with wider contributions and a happier team.

References:

https://www.lifehack.org/412467/why-introverts-are-introverts-because-their-brains-are-different

https://www.insperity.com/blog/managing-introverts/