|

What
is the Myers-Briggs System? [back to the
top]
The
Myers-Briggs system is a personality system developed by a mother and daughter
team, Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, to help us better understand our innate
personality differences. It is an adaptation of the psychological typology
of the famous Swiss psychoanalyst
Carl Jung. Everyone is one and only one of the 16
different Myers-Briggs personality types in this system. That is because
it is based on brain functioning. Although I wholeheartedly agree that we
DO grow and change over time (and Myers-Briggs theory supports this too), our
fundamental Myers-Briggs type does NOT change. There are no "better
than" or "worse than" types. Each type has natural
strengths and weaknesses.
There
are three terms that you will need to become familiar with in this system if you
want to understand it better. They are: (1) Preference, (2) Type,
and (3) Temperament. The system is based on the idea that
people are born with preferences. The word preference simply
refers to the ways in which we naturally "prefer" to do certain
things.
PREFERENCES
Myers-Briggs
lists four pairs of opposite preferences. For example, extraversion and
introversion are opposite preferences. Within each pair, we favor one
side over the other, and we tend to use that one most of the time because it
comes more easily to us. The
4 pairs of opposite preferences are:
(1)
Extraverting (E) versus Introverting (I)
Where we prefer to focus our attention and what energizes us
(2)
Sensing (S) versus iNtuiting (N)
How we prefer to take in information
(3)
Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F)
How we evaluate information and make decisions
(4)
Judging (J) versus Perceiving (P)
What lifestyle we prefer
Click
on List of Keywords
for Each Preference if you want to understand what each of these preferences
means.
TYPE
Within
each pair of opposite preferences a person leans toward one or the other, as
already mentioned.
Taking one preference from each pair will form a 4 letter code that represents a
person's Myers-Briggs type. I am an INFJ in the
Myers-Briggs system because I have a preference for Introverting (I), iNtuiting
(N), Feeling (F) and Judging (J). Notice that the capitalized word in each
pair is the letter used in the code. E or I is always the first letter in
the code, S or N is always the second, T or F is always the third, and J or P is
always the
fourth. All together there are 16 different types. In this system
the combination of individual preferences is greater that the sum of its
parts. The preferences interact in different ways and in varying degrees
to make each person unique.

What
is MY Myers-Briggs Type? [back to the
top]
There
are many different instruments for assessing human personality nowadays but the Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator (MBTI) is the most widely used psychological instrument in the
world. If you haven't already done so, I strongly urge you to determine your Myers-Briggs Temperament
before determining your Myers-Briggs type because knowing your temperament will
help you to verify and understand your Myers-Briggs Type better.
As
well as my own Myers-Briggs Type Test,
the
following Myers-Briggs Preference Questionnaire was created by Jonathan
Niednagel (website: http://www.braintypes.com/)
and appeared in the May, 1998 edition of Tennis magazine. It may
further assist you in determining your type if you are not already clear.
THE
MYERS-BRIGGS PREFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE
Directions:
This 20 question questionnaire is designed to help you see who you really are. Keep in
mind that self-evaluating questionnaires cannot be considered foolproof.
Even when test-takers answer as honestly as possible, there are numerous reasons
why they often score contrary to their true type.
Taking
this questionnaire is only one step in the process to determine your true
Myers-Briggs type. Consider your
questionnaire results with objectivity and caution. After
taking the Myers-Briggs Preference Questionnaire look at Table
1 and Table 2
below to help you further determine your actual type. Then read
descriptions of the different temperaments and types you think you might be.
In
the following questions you must make one of two choices: a or b.
Set aside some time for yourself without interruptions.
Perhaps, in some cases, you will feel like choosing both a and b.
Even if you agree with both answers, check the one with which you agree more.
To
yield an accurate description of yourself, it is imperative that you answer the
questionnaire honestly. Answer as you really are, not as the person you
would like to be.
As
much as possible, try to make choices outside the context of your job. In
other words, questionnaire results can be altered if you interpret too many
questions with your job in mind. The fact that we have certain job
responsibilities and strong interests should not be used to cloud the results.
Therefore, try to think of situations in which you are more free to be yourself.
There
are no right or wrong answers. Just be honest with yourself as you read
and make choices.
For
each of the following 20 groupings of phrases and word pairs, choose the
letter (a. or b.) that you think most accurately describes you.
Record your answers on the score sheet directly below question
20 (notice that the questions on the score sheet run horizontally along the
row before going down).
Print out the score sheet by selecting it with your mouse and then choosing
the "Selection" radio button in the print range to print; or
simply copy it onto a piece of paper. See my example
score sheet if you have questions.
1.
a. expend energy, enjoy groups
b. conserve
energy, enjoy one-on-one
2.
a. interpret matters literally, rely on common sense
b.
look for meaning and possibilities, rely on foresight
3.
a. logical, thinking, questioning
b.
empathetic, feeling, accommodating
4.
a. organized, orderly
b.
flexible, adaptable
5.
a. more outgoing, think out loud
b. more reserved, think to yourself
6.
a. practical, realistic, experiential
b.
imaginative, innovative, theoretical
7.
a. candid, straight forward, frank
b.
tactful, kind, encouraging
8.
a. plan, schedule
b. unplanned, spontaneous
9.
a. seek many tasks, public activities, interaction with
others
b.
seek more private, solitary activities with quiet to
concentrate
10.
a. standard, usual, conventional
b.
different, novel, unique
11.
a. firm, tend to criticize, hold the line
b. gentle, tend to appreciate, conciliate
12.
a. regulated, structured
b. easygoing, “live” and “let live”
13.
a. external, communicative, express yourself
b. internal, reticent, keep to yourself
14.
a. consider immediate issues, focus on the
here-and-now
b. look to the future, global perspective, “big picture”
15.
a. tough-minded, just
b.
tender-hearted, merciful
16.
a. preparation, plan ahead
b. go with the flow, adapt as you go
17.
a. active, initiate
b. reflective, deliberate
18.
a. facts, things, seeing “what is”
b. ideas, dreams, seeing “what could be,”
philosophical
19.
a. matter of fact, issue-oriented, principled
b. sensitive, people-oriented, compassionate
20.
a. control, govern
b. latitude, freedom
Myers-Briggs
Preference Questionnaire Score
Sheet
| |
a. |
b. |
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a. |
b. |
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a. |
b. |
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a. |
b. |
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16. |
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18. |
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19. |
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20. |
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| Total |
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Total |
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Total |
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Total |
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| E |
I |
S |
N |
T |
F |
J |
P |
Example
Myers-Briggs Preference Questionnaire
Score Sheet
| |
a. |
b. |
|
a. |
b. |
|
a. |
b. |
|
a. |
b. |
| 1. |
x |
|
2. |
|
x |
3. |
x |
|
4. |
x |
|
| 5. |
x |
|
6. |
x |
|
7. |
x |
|
8. |
|
x |
| 9. |
x |
|
10. |
|
x |
11. |
x |
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12. |
x |
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| 13. |
x |
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14. |
x |
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15. |
|
x |
16. |
x |
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| 17. |
|
x |
18. |
|
x |
19. |
x |
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20. |
x |
|
| Total |
4 |
1 |
Total |
2 |
3 |
Total |
4 |
1 |
Total |
4 |
1 |
| E |
I |
S |
N |
T |
F |
J |
P |
This
person scored as an ENTJ. Now he/she could look at the following two
tables, read an ENTJ description and determine his/her temperament to further
confirm or negate his/her type. If you score closely between two
preferences, consider reading other type descriptions also. In the example
above, this person should consider reading a description of ESTJ also since
he/she scored so closely between S and N. Since an ENTJ is of the
Knowledge Seeker (NT) Temperament and an ESTJ is of the Duty Seeker (SJ)
Temperament, reading each of these temperament descriptions should make it clear
whether he/she is an ENTJ or ESTJ.
Table
1 - List of Keywords for Each Preference (compare words in 1st column to
words in 2nd column)
|
Extraverts
(E)
outgoing,
gregarious, expansive
many social
relationships
expressive,
congenial
public
mixer,
mingler at parties
when
studying, finds a place near other people
lonely if
alone often
easily
begins new relationships
discusses
everything with everyone
loves to be
in midst of things
works ideas
out with others' input
talks
enjoys being
the center of attention
the outer
world
objective
reality =
immediate environment
easy to read
seek
interaction
enjoy groups
act or speak
first, then think
expend
energy
focus
outwardly
talkative
like variety
and action
think out
loud
enjoy
discussing |
Introverts
(I)
reserved,
attention on rich inner life
a few deep,
personal relationships
reflective,
quiet observer
private
one-on-one
conversations
when
studying, finds a place where others won't intrude
savors and
seeks time alone
gets to know
people more slowly
shares
personal life with intimates
loves to
close his/her office door
works ideas
out internally
listens
resists
being the center of attention
the world of
ideas
subjective
reality =
ideas and understanding
more
difficult to read
like to be
alone
enjoy
one-on-one
think first,
then speak or act
conserve
energy
focus
inwardly
quiet
like to
focus on one thing at a time
think to
themselves
enjoy
reflecting |
|
Sensors
(S)
energy
focused on what is
actuality,
reality
focus on the
present
realistic,
straightforward and practical
pay
attention to specifics
facts,
examples, evidence
literal
detailed
information
likes new
ideas with practical applications
interacts
with events when they happen
seeks
enjoyment
down-to-earth
very aware
of all sorts of sense impressions
pleasure
lovers, consumers
often
contented
imitative
seeks to
possess
dislikes
sacrificing present pleasure for future goals
turns living
in the present into an art
strong
appreciation of comfort, luxury, beauty, pleasure
refines
existing skills
are
pragmatic
trust their
past experience
tend to want
things as they are |
Intuitives
(N)
energy
focused on what could be
possibility,
potential
focus on the
future
conceptual,
imaginative and inspired
focus on the
big picture
insights,
ideas, inferences, hunches
figurative
analogies,
metaphors, abstract information
a love for
new ideas
anticipation
of future events
seeks
inspiration
in the
clouds
especially
aware of sense impressions that relate to ideas
inventors,
initiators
often
restless
original
seeks future
expansion
will
sacrifice present pleasure to bring in new possibilities
turns
building for the future into an art
strong
appreciation of initiative, entrepreneurship
learns new
skills
are
speculative
trust their
imagination and hunches
tend to want
to try something new |
|
Thinkers
(T)
objective,
convinced by logic
analytical
logical,
cool
dissect
clarify
compare,
emphasize
explaining
divide
explore
laws, rules,
policy
impersonal
thoughtful
truthful
brief and
businesslike
achievement
cultivate
contrast,
separate
are firm-minded
analyze the
problem
are direct
value
competence
decide with
their head
value
justice
can be seen
as insensitive
are good at
critiquing
usually
don't take things personally |
Feelers
(F)
subjective,
convinced by values
caring,
compassionate, tender
passionate,
warm
care
forgive
appreciate
understanding
include
caress
extenuating
circumstances
personal
sentimental
tactful
friendly,
has difficulty remaining businesslike
appreciation
cherish,
adore, nourish, sympathize
include,
relate
are
gentle-hearted
sympathize
with your problem
are tactful
value
relationships
decide with
their heart
value
harmony, mercy
can be seen
as overemotional
are good at
appreciating
usually take
things personally |
|
Judgers
(J)
comfortable
after decisions made
sets fixed
goals and concentrate on achieving them
decided,
ordered, seek closure
enjoys
having projects framed by definite deadlines
work now,
enjoy if there is time
planned
structured
loves to
reach completion, finish projects
goal-oriented,
wants to get the job done
prefers
knowing what they're getting into ahead of time
steady,
sustained effort
decisive
protect
themselves from unplanned experiences
exacting
make the
right decisions, do the right thing
as students,
carry out an orderly, systematic study plan
sometimes
accused of being too rigid
should be,
must be, definitely, absolutely
definite,
clear-cut, final |
Perceivers
(P)
comfortable
leaving options open
goals are
more open-ended, subject to change
flexible,
curious, seek openness
feels that
deadlines should be adjustable
enjoy now,
work later
spontaneous
vague,
indeterminate, amorphous, easy going
loves to
begin new projects
process-oriented,
how will the task be accomplished?
very
adaptable to changing situations
on-and-off
effort
puts off
decisions
depend on
their ability to handle unplanned experiences
tolerant
have as many
experiences as possible, miss nothing
as students,
may put off studying until the last minute
sometimes
accused of being too indecisive
could be,
might be, perhaps, maybe
tentative,
experimental, exploratory, provisional |
Table
2 - Further Descriptions of the Type Preferences
|
The
Way You Get Energized
Extraverting
vs. Introverting |
Extraverted
Types (E)
-
The after thinkers. Cannot understand life until they have lived it.
-
Attitude relaxed and confident. They expect the waters to prove shallow,
and plunge readily into new and untried experiences.
-
Minds outwardly directed, interest and attention following objective
happenings, primarily those of the immediate environment. Their real
world therefore is the outer world of people and things.
-
The civilizing genius, the people of action and practical achievement,
who go from doing to considering back to doing.
-
Conduct in essential matters is always governed by objective conditions.
-
Spend themselves lavishly upon external claims and conditions which to
them constitute life.
-
Understandable and accessible, often sociable, more at home in the world
of people and things than in the world of ideas.
-
Expansive and less impassioned, they unload their emotions as they go
along.
-
Typical weakness lies in a tendency toward intellectual superficiality,
very conspicuous in extreme types.
-
Health and wholesomeness depend upon a reasonable development of
balancing introversion.
Examples
Sigmund
Freud
Charles
Darwin
Theodore
Roosevelt
Franklin
Delano Roosevelt |
Introverted
Types (I)
-
The fore thinkers. Cannot live life until they understand it.
-
Attitude reserved and questioning. They expect the waters to prove deep,
and pause to take soundings in the new and untried.
-
Minds inwardly directed, frequently unaware of the objective
environment, interest and attention being engrossed by inner events.
Their real world therefore is the inner world of ideas and
understanding.
-
The cultural genius, the people of ideas and abstract invention, who go
from considering to doing and back to considering.
-
Conduct in essential matters is always governed by subjective values.
-
Defend themselves as far as possible against external claims and
conditions in favor of the inner life.
-
Subtle and impenetrable, often taciturn and shy, more at home in the
world of ideas than in the world of people and things.
-
Intense and passionate, they bottle up their emotions and guard them as
high explosives.
-
Typical weakness lies in a tendency toward impracticality, very
conspicuous in extreme types.
-
Health and wholesomeness depend upon a reasonable development of
balancing extraversion.
Examples
Carl
Jung
Albert
Einstein
Abraham
Lincoln
Jimmy
Carter |
|
The Way
You Gather and Access Information
Sensing
vs. Intuiting |
Sensing
Types (S)
-
Face life observantly, craving enjoyment.
-
Admit to consciousness every sense impression and are intensely aware of
the external environment; they are observant at the expense of
imagination.
-
Are by nature pleasure lovers and consumers, loving life as it is and
having a great capacity for enjoyment; they are in general contented.
-
Desiring chiefly to possess and enjoy, and being very observant, they are
imitative, wanting to have what other people have and to do what other
people do, and are very dependent upon their physical surroundings.
-
Dislike intensely any and every occupation that requires the suppression
of sensing, and are most reluctant to sacrifice present enjoyment to
future gain or good.
-
Prefer the art of living in the present to the satisfactions of enterprise
and achievement.
-
Contribute to the public welfare by their support of every form of
enjoyment and recreation, and every variety of comfort, luxury, and
beauty.
-
Are always in danger of being frivolous, unless balance is attained
through development of a judging process. |
Intuitive
Types (N)
-
Face life expectantly, craving inspiration.
-
Admit fully to consciousness only the sense impressions related to the current
inspiration; they are imaginative at the expense of observation.
-
Are by nature initiators, inventors, and promoters; having no taste for life
as it is, and small capacity for living as it is, and small capacity for
living in and enjoying the present, they are generally restless.
-
Desiring chiefly opportunities and possibilities, and being very imaginative,
they are inventive and original, quite indifferent to what other people have
and do, and are very independent of their physical surroundings.
-
Dislike intensely any and every occupation that necessitates sustained
concentration on sensing, and are willing to sacrifice the present to a large
extent since they neither live in it nor particularly enjoy it.
-
Prefer the joy of enterprise and achievement and pay little or no attention to
the art of living in the present.
-
Contribute to the public welfare by their inventiveness, initiative,
enterprise, and powers of inspired leadership in every direction of human
interest.
-
Are always in danger of being fickle, changeable, and lacking in persistence,
unless balance is attained through development of a judging process. |
The
Way You Evaluate and Make Decisions
Thinking
vs. Feeling |
Thinking
Types (T)
-
Value logic above sentiment.
-
Are usually impersonal, being interested in things more than in human
relationships.
-
If forced to choose between truthfulness and tactfulness, will usually be
truthful.
-
Are stronger in executive ability than in the social arts.
-
Are likely to question the conclusions of other people on principle --
believing them probably wrong.
-
Naturally brief and businesslike, they often seem to lack friendliness and
sociability without knowing or intending it.
-
Are usually able to organize facts and ideas into a logical sequence that
states the subject, makes the necessary points, comes to a conclusion, and
stops there without repetition.
-
Suppress, undervalue, and ignore feeling that is incompatible with the
thinking judgments.
-
Contribute to the welfare of society by the intellectual criticism of its
habits, customs, and beliefs, by the exposure of wrongs, solution of
problems, and the support of science and research for the enlargement of
human knowledge and understanding.
-
Are found more often among men than women and when married to a feeling
type, naturally become guardian of the spouse's neglected and unreliable
thinking. |
Feeling
Types (F)
-
Value sentiment above logic.
-
Are usually personal, being interested in people more than in things.
-
If forced to choose between tactfulness and truthfulness, will usually be
tactful.
-
Are stronger in the social arts than in executive ability.
-
Are likely to agree with those around them, thinking as other people think,
believing them probably right.
-
Naturally friendly, whether sociable or not, they find it difficult to be
brief and businesslike.
-
Usually find it hard to know where to start a statement or in what order to
present what they have to say. May therefore ramble and repeat themselves,
with more detail than a thinker wants or thinks necessary.
-
Suppress, undervalue, and ignore thinking that is offensive to the feeling
judgments.
-
Contribute to the welfare of society by their loyal support of good works and
those movements, generally regarded as good by the community, which they feel
correctly about and so can serve effectively.
-
Are found more often among women than men and, when married to a thinking
type, frequently become guardian of the spouse's neglected and harassed
feelings. |
|
The Way
You Orient Your Lifestyle
Judging
vs. Perceiving |
Judging
Types (J)
-
Are more decisive than curious.
-
Live according to plans, standards, and customs not easily or lightly
set aside, to which the situation of the moment must, if possible, be
made to conform.
-
Make a very definite choice among life's possibilities, but may not
appreciate or utilize unplanned, unexpected, and incidental happenings.
-
Being rational, they depend on reasoned judgments, their own or borrowed
from someone else, to protect them from unnecessary undesirable
experiences.
-
Like to have matters settled and decided as promptly as possible, so
that they will know what is going to happen and can plan for it and be
prepared for it.
-
Think or feel that they know what other people ought to do about almost
everything, and are not averse to telling them.
-
Take real pleasure in getting something finished, out of the way, and
off their minds.
-
Are inclined to regard the perceptive types as aimless drifters.
-
Aim to be right.
-
Are self-regimented, purposeful, and exacting. |
Perceiving
Types (P)
-
Are more curious than decisive.
-
Live according to the situation of the moment and adjust themselves
easily to the accidental and the unexpected.
-
Are frequently masterful in their handling of the unplanned, unexpected,
and incidental, but may not make an effective choice among life's
possibilities.
-
Being empirical, they depend on their readiness for anything and
everything to bring them a constant flow of new experience -- much more
than they can digest or use.
-
Like to keep decisions open as long as possible before doing anything
irrevocable, because they don't know nearly enough about it yet.
-
Know what other people are doing, and are interested to see how it comes
out.
-
Take great pleasure in starting something new, until the newness wears
off.
-
Are inclined to regard the judging types as only half alive.
-
Aim to miss nothing.
-
Are flexible, adaptable, and tolerant.
|

What
are MY Preferred Cognitive Processes? [back
to the top]
Brief
Descriptions of the 8 Cognitive Processes
|
Name
of Cognitive Process
|
The
4 Information Gathering Processes
Descriptions
of the innate gifts of each process
|
Myers-Briggs
Types with this process dominant
|
|
extraverted
Sensing (Se)
|
Experiencing
and noticing the physical world using the five senses
-
Experiencing
-
Doing
-
Observing and Responding
-
Adapting and Varying
-
Present oriented
- Current perceptions vividly
capturing attention
- Paying attention to
what stands out and is impactful (using the 5 senses)
- Becoming aware of rich
sensory details
- Noticing what's happening
right "now" as it changes
- Scanning the current
situation for relevant information
- Energy going to more,
new and preferably exciting sensory stimulation
- Focusing on possibilities
for immediate action
- Talking about things to do,
actions to take
- Asking for specific details
to perceive the pattern
- Reading minimal nonverbal
cues
- Seeking aesthetic delight
and pleasure in experiences
- Attention turning outward
to more sensory input
- Living an experience in the
moment
|
ESTP,
ESFP
|
|
introverted
Sensing (Si)
|
Recalling
past experiences and remembering detailed data
-
Recalling
-
Linking
-
Comparing and Contrasting
-
Noticing Match and Mismatch
-
Past oriented
- Current perceptions
eliciting stored impressions and memories in the brain
- Paying attention to
similarities and differences
- Becoming aware of
differences from what was
- Noticing discrepancies
- Scanning memory bank for
related information
- Energy staying with
the recalled image
- Focusing on past successes
or failures
- Talking about past
experiences
- Asking for history or prior
experience
-
Reading
lessons from the past
- Seeking to avoid mistakes
made before
- Attention turning inward
to images of past impressions
- Re-living an experience in
your mind
|
ISTJ,
ISFJ
|
|
extraverted
iNtuiting (Ne)
|
Inferring
relationships, noticing threads of meaning, and scanning for what could
be
-
Inferring
-
Hypothesizing
-
Seeing Potentials
-
Wondering and Brainstorming
-
Emergent oriented
- Current perceptions sparking
alternatives
- Paying attention to
relationships and connections
- Becoming aware of patterns,
implications, and meanings
- Noticing meta-communications
and what is not said
- Scanning the current
situation for what might be possible
- Energy going to
interactions to generate more possibilities
- Focusing on multiple aspects
of the whole context
- Talking about possibilities,
new ideas, meanings
- Asking, "Have you
thought about...?"
- Reading the meanings of a
situation
- Seeking more possibilities,
ideas, options
- Attention turning outward
to more relationships and meanings
- Interpreting an experience
|
ENTP,
ENFP
|
|
introverted
iNtuiting (Ni)
|
Foreseeing
implications, conceptualizing, and having images of the future or
profound meaning
-
Foreseeing
-
Conceptualizing
-
Understanding Complex Patterns
-
Synthesizing and Symbolizing
-
Future oriented
- Current perceptions sparking
insights into complex situations
- Paying attention to future
implications
- Becoming aware of universal
meanings and symbols
- Noticing whole patterns or
systems
- Scanning internal images for
insights
- Energy staying with
the vision
- Focusing on depth of
understanding
- Talking about the future and
the meaning
- Asking, "What is the
goal?"
- Reading the future and the
potential in others
- Seeking innovative ideas or
universal symbols
- Attention turning inward
to images forming of the future
- Imagining and anticipating an
experience
|
INTJ,
INFJ
|
|
|
The
4 Information Evaluating Processes
Descriptions
of the innate gifts of each process
|
|
|
extraverted
Thinking (Te)
|
Organizing,
segmenting, sorting, and applying logic and criteria
-
Being organized
-
Coordinating and Sequencing
-
Segmenting
-
Checking Against Criteria
-
Particular to What's Here & Now
- Talking about the steps to
get things done
- Asking Socratic questions to
clarify logic or make a point
- Evaluating priorities in
reaching a goal
- Deciding about sequence,
hierarchy, schedule
- Determining the required
resources to achieve a goal
- Being guided by organizing
principles and criteria
- Convincing with logical
arguments
- Noticing the component parts
and what's missing
- Focusing on cause and effect
- Looking for logic
- Searching for efficient
organization
- Seeking to establish order
and efficiency
- Organizing an experience
|
ESTJ,
ENTJ
|
|
introverted
Thinking (Ti)
|
Analyzing,
categorizing, and figuring out how something works
-
Principles
-
Categorizing and Classifying
-
Analyzing
-
Checking Consistency
-
Universal oriented
- Talking about how things
match a model or blueprint
- Asking what is wrong, how
something's not working
- Evaluating accuracy and
internal consistency
- Deciding what kind of object
something is
- Determining the defining
characteristics
- Being guided by the reasons
things work
- Convincing with clear,
precise definitions
- Noticing inconsistencies and
imprecision
- Focusing on thorough
analysis, seeing all the angles
- Looking for concise, clear
explanations
- Searching for a
"leverage point" to fix things
- Seeking to solve problems
- Analyzing and critiquing an
experience
|
ISTP,
INTP
|
|
extraverted
Feeling (Fe)
|
Considering
other people and responding to them
-
Being considerate
-
Adjusting and Accommodating
-
Affirming
-
Checking Appropriateness
-
Particular to What's Here & Now
- Talking about personal
details
- Asking questions to find out
what others need
- Evaluating appropriateness
- Deciding about what is
friendly, nice, mean
- Determining what others want
- Being guided by creating
harmony within any group
- Convincing with
self-disclosure and warmth
- Noticing what's important to
others
- Focusing on consideration of
others
- Looking for unexpressed
wants and needs of others
- Searching for connection
with and affirmation from others
- Seeking to establish rapport
and stay in touch with others
- Relating through an experience
|
ESFJ,
ENFJ
|
|
introverted
Feeling (Fi)
|
Evaluating
importance and maintaining congruence
-
Personal Values
-
Harmonizing and Clarifying
-
Reconciling
-
Checking Congruency
-
Universal oriented
- Talking about likes,
dislikes, and what's important
- Asking, "Is it worth
standing up for?"
- Evaluating priorities
according to values
- Deciding about what is
important
- Determining the essence of
what's important
- Being guided by strong
convictions
- Convincing with
rightness/wrongness or goodness/badness
- Noticing incongruities and
phoniness
- Focusing on authenticity,
living out values
- Looking for intrinsic
values, something worth believing in
- Searching for people, ideas,
or actions worth promoting
- Seeking to establish loyalty
and commitment
- Valuing an experience
|
ISFP,
INFP
|
Here is an example to illustrate how
all eight cognitive functions are used in daily life.
A
Trip To The Grocery Store To Prepare For A Dinner Party
You go to the grocery store in the
morning with a clear Introverted
Intuitive sense of the dinner you will serve, an internal picture of the
party that guides your shopping. You draw on Extraverted
Sensing to carefully observe the quality and freshness of the vegetables and
fruits. Introverted
Sensing provides you with accurate, stored information about the likes and
dislikes of your guests. You notice some exotic fruits you have never seen
before and Extraverted
Intuition suddenly suggests buying them to add more variety and taste to the
fruit bowl for dessert. However, Extraverted
Feeling guides your decision not to buy them because you definitely want
your guests to enjoy the fruit bowl and you don't know if everyone will like the
exotic fruits. Introverted
Feeling leads you to forego buying the Gala apples you wanted because they
are not organic and you are totally committed to supporting organic farmers
only. Extraverted
Thinking enters as you assess the logical consequences of including mashed
potatoes for dinner which require a time consuming and labor-intensive process
of peeling, cutting, cooking and mashing. You draw on Introverted
Thinking to mentally structure the rest of your day and consider how that
will influence your dinner preparation.
From the Cognitive Processes Matrix
below we can see that two of the information gathering processes involve Sensing
(Se, Si) and two involve iNtuiting (Ne, Ni).
Two of the evaluating processes involve Thinking (Te, Ti),
and two involve Feeling (Fe, Fi). Thus the eight
cognitive processes. Keywords for each process are also included.
The
Cognitive Processes Matrix
| |
|
e
– Outer World
Here
and Now
|
i
– Inner World
Past,
Future, Universal
|
|
Perception
Ways
of gathering
information
|
S
- Sensing
|
Se
–
Extraverted Sensing
-
Experiencing
-
Doing
-
Observing and Responding
-
Adapting and Varying
-
Present oriented
|
Si
–
Introverted Sensing
-
Recalling
-
Linking
-
Comparing and Contrasting
-
Noticing Match and Mismatch
-
Past oriented
|
|
N
- iNtuiting
|
Ne
– Extraverted iNtuiting
-
Inferring
-
Hypothesizing
-
Seeing Potentials
-
Wondering and Brainstorming
-
Emergent oriented
|
Ni
– Introverted iNtuiting
-
Foreseeing
-
Conceptualizing
-
Understanding Complex Patterns
-
Synthesizing and Symbolizing
-
Future oriented
|
|
Judgment
Ways
of evaluating
information
|
T
- Thinking
|
Te
– Extraverted Thinking
-
Being organized
-
Coordinating and Sequencing
-
Segmenting
-
Checking Against Criteria
-
Particular to What's Here & Now
|
Ti
– Introverted Thinking
-
Principles
-
Categorizing and Classifying
-
Analyzing
-
Checking Consistency
-
Universal oriented
|
|
F
- Feeling
|
Fe
– Extraverted Feeling
-
Being considerate
-
Adjusting and Accommodating
-
Affirming
-
Checking Appropriateness
-
Particular to What's Here & Now
|
Fi
– Introverted Feeling
-
Values
-
Harmonizing and Clarifying
-
Reconciling
-
Checking Congruency
-
Universal oriented
|
Just
like with handedness, each Myers-Briggs type has an innate preference for one of
the four Perceptive processes (Se, Si, Ne, Ni)
and one of the four Judging processes (Te, Ti, Fe,
Fi). In the table below, notice that if the dominant function
is extraverted then the auxiliary function is introverted. In the table
below, notice that if the dominant function is introverted then the auxiliary
function is extraverted. I said earlier that a type's dominant function
and auxiliary function provide the necessary balance between gathering
information and evaluating it. Now you can see from the table below that
the dominant function and auxiliary function provide the necessary balance
between introversion and extraversion also.
The
Dominant and Auxiliary Functions for Each Myers-Briggs Type
|
Myers-Briggs
Type
|
Dominant
Function
|
Auxiliary
Function
|
|
ESTP
|
extraverted
Sensing (Se)
|
introverted
Thinking (Ti)
|
|
ESFP
|
extraverted
Sensing (Se)
|
introverted
Feeling (Fi)
|
|
ISTJ
|
introverted
Sensing (Si)
|
extraverted
Thinking (Te)
|
|
ISFJ
|
introverted
Sensing (Si)
|
extraverted
Feeling (Fe)
|
|
ENTP
|
extraverted
iNtuiting (Ne)
|
introverted
Thinking (Ti)
|
|
ENFP
|
extraverted
iNtuiting (Ne)
|
introverted
Feeling (Fi)
|
|
INTJ
|
introverted
iNtuiting (Ni)
|
extraverted
Thinking (Te)
|
|
INFJ
|
introverted
iNtuiting (Ni)
|
extraverted
Feeling (Fe)
|
|
ESTJ
|
extraverted
Thinking (Te)
|
introverted
Sensing (Si)
|
|
ENTJ
|
extraverted
Thinking (Te)
|
introverted
iNtuiting (Ni)
|
|
ISTP
|
introverted
Thinking (Ti)
|
extraverted
Sensing (Se)
|
|
INTP
|
introverted
Thinking (Ti)
|
extraverted
iNtuiting (Ne)
|
|
ESFJ
|
extraverted
Feeling (Fe)
|
introverted
Sensing (Si)
|
|
ENFJ
|
extraverted
Feeling (Fe)
|
introverted
iNtuiting (Ni)
|
|
ISFP
|
introverted
Feeling (Fi)
|
extraverted
Sensing (Se)
|
|
INFP
|
introverted
Feeling (Fi)
|
extraverted
iNtuiting (Ne)
|
Now
that you have a basic understanding of the Myers-Briggs temperaments, the eight
cognitive functions and know the dominant and auxiliary function for each
Myers-Briggs type, you can describe each Myers-Briggs type in more depth by
simply blending all of these meanings together! Example descriptions of
each type follow.
|
Dominant
extraverted Sensing
|
|
ESTP
|
ESFP
|
|
Their
dominant extraverted Sensing leads ESTPs to quickly recognize the
realities of the moment. The auxiliary introverted Thinking uses
that data to arrive at expedient solutions. It is this combination
that produces the resourceful, troubleshooting strength of the ESTP.
However, at times they can become so involved in stimulating experiences
and actions that they ignore their internal evaluating mechanism. They
may then forget analysis, evaluation, and commitments in order to live
in the moment.
|
Their
dominant extraverted Sensing leads ESFPs to generate stimulating and fun
activities for people around them. They plunge into action with
enthusiasm, energizing people to work as a team. Their auxiliary
introverted Feeling makes them responsive to the needs of others, guides
their decisions, and creates a warm and caring style in their
interactions. At times, however, new people and experiences so
engage ESFPs dominant extraverted Sensing that they put aside their
internal valuing process and ignore prior commitments.
|
|
Dominant
introverted Sensing
|
|
ISTJ
|
ISFJ
|
|
Their
auxiliary extraverted Thinking leads ISTJs to structure and organize
their outer life, to rationalize their world along logical principles,
to seek closure and clarity. When change is demanded, however,
they can suddenly appear unreasonable, refusing to apply their thinking
logic because their dominant introverted Sensing does not yet have
enough data. In spite of their urge to fulfill responsibilities
and organize systems, they will resist until their dominant Sensing has
sufficient realistic, specific information. Once convinced,
however, ISTJs can implement changes and take responsibility for them.
|
Their auxiliary extraverted
Feeling leads ISFJs to express a gentle kindness toward others.
ISFJs work devotedly to structure the environment to create harmony.
Their dominant introverted Sensing contains complete details about
people and directs their service to others into practical channels.
However, if their inner store of sensing data includes information about
how particular situations should be handled or what certain people need,
ISFJs can suddenly become stubborn and reluctant to consider
alternatives, insisting that they know how something should be done.
|
|
Dominant
extraverted iNtuition
|
|
ENTP
|
ENFP
|
|
Their dominant extraverted Intuition leads ENTPs
to quickly gain insight into the meanings and connections of what is
going on around them. They use the logical principles of their
auxiliary introverted Thinking to evaluate, prioritize, and implement
these insights with resourcefulness. However, they can sometimes
get so entranced by a new idea that they fail to apply their critiquing
ability, which leads them to go from one exciting possibility to another
without committing to and following through on any of them.
|
Their dominant extraverted
Intuition provides ENFPs with unusual insight into exciting
possibilities in the people and the world around them. They use
their auxiliary introverted Feeling to evaluate these insights in terms
of their values and, in combination with their Intuitive enthusiasm, to
inspire others to implement these possibilities. At times,
however, they get caught up in an intriguing new person or idea,
suspending their judgment and their priorities. They may then
overextend themselves and not give enough time and energy to the people
and things important to them, or their inner commitments.
|
|
Dominant
introverted iNtuition
|
|
INTJ
|
INFJ
|
|
Their auxiliary extraverted Thinking leads INTJs
to structure their external lives to provide rational order.
They use their Thinking to communicate ideas logically and
clearly. Logic is not the
final judge, however. If
someone's analysis or ideas do not fit with the INTJs internal intuitive
pattern and insights (their dominant introverted Intuition), INTJs will
reject them, regardless of how clear and logical they seem to be.
INTJs will then stubbornly cling to what they know is right.
|
Their auxiliary extraverted
Feeling leads INFJs to focus on values and loyalty to others.
INFJs work to structure environments to take account of the needs of
others and provide ways for people to realize their goals.
However, if something proposed by others does not fit with their inner
vision (their dominant introverted Intuition) they will usually reject
it forcefully, even when it is suggested by someone important to them
and seems to others to exemplify INFJs values. They put intense
effort into bringing the external world in line with their inner vision.
|
|
Dominant
extraverted Thinking
|
|
ESTJ
|
ENTJ
|
|
Their dominant extraverted Thinking leads ESTJs
to focus on developing and implementing plans that will achieve clear
goals as efficiently as possible. They are assisted by their
auxiliary introverted Sensing, which stores a wealth of practical
information about how things operate in the real world. If the
data get in the way of completing their tasks, however, they will put
the data aside in favor of a structure that makes sense within their
Thinking logic. ESTJs may then ignore new or contradictory
information that challenges the external structures they have put into
place.
|
Their dominant extraverted
Thinking leads ENTJs to focus on creating logical systems in the world
to achieve long-term goals. They are assisted in this by their auxiliary
introverted Intuition, which leads them to explore ideas and
possibilities and to notice interesting patterns.
ENTJs love the stimulation of talking and debating ideas,
gathering insights that they can apply to the real world.
However, their drive to structure their external environment
through logical analysis is so strong that they will find ingenious ways
to bring perception into line with their logical system.
|
|
Dominant
introverted Thinking
|
|
ISTP
|
INTP
|
|
Their auxiliary extraverted Sensing leads ISTPs
to be observant and tolerant. Others find them egalitarian and
easy-going. When they perceive that something is not logical and
efficient, however, they may suddenly express their dominant introverted
Thinking. Others then realize that the ISTP has been categorizing,
analyzing, and critiquing what is going on. Their dominant
Thinking will also sometimes lead them to choose and censor which
sensing data they will notice and to organize the data to support their
conclusions.
|
Their auxiliary extraverted
Intuition leads INTPs to effectively take in information, process it,
and communicate ideas. When an intuition about something important
is not logical and reasonable within their internal systems, however,
INTPs will generally discount their intuition and go with the logical
analysis of their dominant introverted Thinking. These systems of
understanding may also influence the information INTPs pay attention to
and the way they take in new information.
|
|
Dominant
extraverted Feeling
|
|
ESFJ
|
ENFJ
|
|
Their dominant extraverted Feeling leads ESFJs to
focus on establishing cooperation and goodwill in their environment.
They use their auxiliary introverted Sensing to solicit and store
detailed information about people and to support others in practical
ways. Though they have access to a wealth of specific information,
no fact is as important to them as how others are feeling and whether
their environment is harmonious. As a result, they can sometimes
seem blind to unpleasant facts, especially regarding people close to
them.
|
Their dominant extraverted
Feeling leads ENFJs to design and implement ways for people to reach
their full potential. They facilitate and encourage development
and growth in others. ENFJs use their auxiliary introverted
Intuition to "read" people and quickly assess the needs and
possibilities of others. Their focus on cooperation,
compatibility, and encouragement, however, can sometimes lead them to
ignore signs of conflict and undesirable behavior of people close to
them.
|
|
Dominant
introverted Feeling
|
|
ISFP
|
INFP
|
|
Their auxiliary extraverted Sensing leads ISFPs
to be finely attuned to their external environment, noticing people and
the natural world around them. They are flexible, adaptable, and
sympathetic. However, their most important quality is an internal
core of values by which they evaluate everything. These values
typically focus on supporting people and on practical care for the
natural environment. If their core values are violated, they can
firmly extravert this inner core, refusing to adapt or flexibly go along
with actions they find wrong.
|
Their
auxiliary extraverted Intuition leads them to be curious about people
and ideas, excited about possibilities they see for improving the world.
They love to explore new ways of understanding how human beings
work. Inside, however, INFPs
have a "filter" – a coherent value system through which they
evaluate ideas, people, and actions.
They commit themselves intensely to people and ideas they believe
in and oppose anything that violates their values.
INFPs focus on creating congruence between their inner values and
outer lives.
|

Descriptions
of the 16 Myers-Briggs Types
ISTJ
Introverted,
Sensing, Thinking, Judging
Estimated
to be between 7 and 10 percent of the American population
Temperament:
Duty Seeker (SJ)
Dominant Function:
Introverted
Sensing (your greatest gift/talent)
Auxiliary Function:
Extraverted
Thinking (your supporting gift/talent)
Planner/ Inspector. Theme
is planning and monitoring, ensuring predictable quality.
 |
Thorough, systematic, and careful.
|
 |
See
discrepancies, omissions and pitfalls.
|
 |
Talents
lie in administrating and regulating.
|
 |
Dependable,
realistic, and sensible.
|
 |
Want to
conserve the resources of the organization, group, family, or culture and
persevere toward that goal.
|
 |
Thrive
on planning ahead and being prepared.
|
 |
Like
helping others through their roles as parent, supervisor, teammate, and
community volunteer.
|
ISTJs are responsible,
reliable, hardworking people whose word is their bond. Literal, precise,
and no nonsense, they say what they mean and mean what they say. Led by
dominant Introverted
Sensing, ISTJs are especially attuned to the specifics and details of life.
They are careful and accurate about facts, and plan and go about their work in a
thoughtful, meticulous fashion. Extremely conscientious people, ISTJs have
a strong work ethic and always choose to get their tasks done before they take
the time to relax. ISTJs also have excellent memories for details, and can
usually recall with impressive clarity seemingly unimportant events that
occurred many years in the past. Quiet and serious, ISTJs are often
happiest when they are left alone to work at their own pace, without
interruption or unsolicited input from others. They know what they have to
do and how to do it, and seldom need close, if any, supervision.
Even when they are
relaxing, ISTJs are productive, and often enjoy using their hands to do crafts
like woodworking, restoring antique cars, pottery, needlepoint, and so on.
Many also enjoy reading and being a part of nature by hiking, fishing, or
camping.
ISTJs are happiest and
most productive doing things in familiar ways in familiar surroundings, and they
can become uncomfortable and anxious when faced with a new challenge without
being given proper guidance as to how it should be done. Because their
least developed function is Extraverted
Intuition, they are naturally distrustful of new, untested ways of doing
things, especially those with which they have had no firsthand experience.
Although they pride themselves on their efficiency, they can resist efforts to
improve existing practices if they don't immediately see the practical benefit
in doing so. And because they are not global thinkers who naturally think
about the big picture and future implications, their skepticism can impede real
and needed progress.
Logical and objective,
ISTJs are impersonal decision makers, who may at times seem unsympathetic or
uncaring. But they make decisions by weighing the pros and cons, and then
decide based upon what makes the most sense, given the situation. They are
not likely to be significantly influenced by how people will feel about, or be
affected by, their decisions. And while they like to be helpful, they are
usually comfortable making the tough calls, and don't become preoccupied with
how they will be viewed by others. While appeals based solely on emotion
may fall on deaf (or at least hard-of-hearing!) ears, ISTJs are eminently fair.
Usually possessing great powers of concentration,
ISTJs are not easily diverted or distracted from the task at hand, which they
approach in a systematic, step-by-step fashion. However, while their
single-minded determination is one of their greatest assets, it can also make
them stubborn and unyielding, and incapable of necessary flexibility when they
are unexpectedly forced to change their plans or act spontaneously.
Likewise, they are very conservative by nature, and are sometimes reluctant to
take even reasonable risks. Usually, as they amass a great number of
experiences, they become more willing to try new things.
How
to get along with ISTJs
|
|
Provide them
with plenty of accurate facts and concrete documentation to support your
position or idea.
|
|
|
Stress the practical
application of the idea and, if possible, specifically what it will
accomplish, how it is to be implemented, where it has worked before, and
with what results.
|
|
|
Present your proposal in a
sequential manner, one idea at a time. Lay out all the necessary
steps and, if possible, provide a realistic schedule for accomplishing
your goals.
|
|
|
Give them plenty of time to
think about ideas, especially new or unusual ones, before discussing them
or expecting them to respond. When possible, submit all proposals in
writing first, and be explicit about when you need to get their reaction
or input.
|
|
|
Don't ask them to brainstorm
possibilities or to discuss things they haven't had adequate time to
quietly and thoughtfully consider in advance.
|
|
|
Simplify the message; boil it
down to its basic components and try to avoid long, complicated, or
tangential explanations.
|
|
|
Make logic-based arguments,
rather than personally based ones.
|
Tips
for ISTJs
|
|
Try not to
overwhelm others with minute details; rather, attend to the overall
meaning suggested by the details.
|
|
|
Be open to possibilities and
embrace change.
|
|
|
Learn to negotiate and try to
see things from other perspectives.
|
|
|
Make it a rule to say "I
love you" at least once a week.
|
|
|
Avoid being overly cautious
and rigid in your thinking. Be open to seeing that there isn't just
one right way of doing things.
|
|
|
Avoid having conversations
that can only end in win-lose propositions.
|
|
|
Do something impulsive now and
then. Be spontaneous and goof off once in a while.
|
|
|
Share your humorous thoughts
more often.
|
|
|
Pay attention to your own and
others' emotions; develop the habit of putting words to the feelings you
have.
|
|
|
Listen for data about the
needs and feelings of others.
|
|
|
Make an extra effort to
express appreciation to others, even for the small things they do.
|
|
|
Take time for relaxation and
play. Don't forget to use your allocated vacation time.
|
Hallmarks
of an ISTJ
|
Diligent
|
Practical
|
Precise
|
Logical
|
|
Dependable
|
Dutiful
|
Sensible
|
Orderly
|
|
Steadfast
|
Thorough
|
Hardworking
|
Persevering
|
|
Factual
|
Systematic
|
Organized
|
Realistic
|
|
Reliable
|
Painstaking
|
Responsible
|
Judicious
|
ISFJ
Introverted,
Sensing, Feeling, Judging
Estimated
to be between 7 and 10 percent of the American population
Temperament:
Duty Seeker (SJ)
Dominant Function:
Introverted
Sensing (your greatest gift/talent)
Auxiliary Function:
Extraverted Feeling
(your supporting gift/talent)
Protector/ Supporter. Theme
is protecting and caretaking, making sure those in their charge are safe from harm.
 |
Talents lie in making sure everything is taken care of so others can
succeed and accomplish their goals.
|
 |
Desiring
to serve individual needs, often work long hours.
|
 |
Quietly friendly, respectful, unassuming.
|
 |
Thrive on serving quietly without fanfare.
|
 |
Devoted to doing whatever is necessary to ensure shelter and safety,
warning about pitfalls and dangers and supporting along the way.
|
ISFJs have a strong
need to belong, and the organizations or groups they choose are lucky to attract
these thoughtful, hardworking, and devoted people. As dominant Introverted
Sensors, ISFJs focus all their energy on the problem or issue that is before
them at the moment. They are painstakingly accurate when working with
facts, attentive to details, and methodical in applying both qualities in their
work. ISFJs like gathering, analyzing, and applying data for some useful
purpose, and documenting the results. They generally have excellent
memories, and are especially good at remembering dates and events that pertain
to people. Consequently, they often fill the role of unofficial family or
office historian.
Quiet and reserved,
ISFJs are loyal and devoted
family
members, friends, and coworkers who take their responsibilities toward others
very seriously. Sensitive and sympathetic, they are good listeners, eager
to help people in real and practical ways, which they do best by drawing on
their own personal experience. Because ISFJs don't like confrontation and
are uncomfortable when people are unhappy with them or people close to them,
they usually try hard to accommodate others and to avoid arguments. They
are also often reluctant supervisors or managers, who disdain disciplining or
evaluating subordinates, and may suffer great anxiety if they have to fire
someone.
Because ISFJs' least
developed function is Extraverted
Intuition, they may have difficulty imagining possibilities or scenarios
that don't yet exist. In problem solving, they are much more comfortable
applying knowledge gained through direct experience than trying a new approach.
ISFJs are so rooted in the present, and so trust the lessons of the past, that
when they look to the future and its many unknowns, it is often with
apprehension and a sense of dread. ISFJs may also have trouble
appreciating the interconnectedness of things, since they naturally pay
attention to the specifics, rather than to the big picture.
Because ISFJs are such
nice, accommodating, and generous people, they run the risk of being taken
advantage of. In fact, they often have trouble asserting themselves, and
most avoid potential confrontational situations whenever possible. While
they are warm and helpful, ISFJs are also very private, and are comfortable
sharing their personal thoughts and feelings with very few people. In
fact, they may consider information disclosed about them to others without their
permission a serious
invasion
of their privacy -- even if the disclosure involves information that is
innocuous and not very personal. For relaxation, ISFJs often prefer
activities that engage their senses, such as cooking, gardening, painting, or
making things with their hands. While they may occasionally enjoy the
company of a close friend or two, they are comfortable spending much of their
time alone. ISFJs tend not to like surprises, and are most at ease when
they are in familiar surroundings, enjoying, uninterrupted, the things they have
planned to do. But when it comes to holidays or other special events,
ISFJs will plan them carefully and thoughtfully, and then participate with great
gusto!
How
to get along with ISFJs
|
|
Be specific;
announce the topic you are addressing at the start of a conversation.
|
|
|
Be explicit: let them
know exactly what you expect and want, preferably providing detailed
instructions as opposed to vague guidelines.
|
|
|
Respect their privacy.
Do not pry into their personal affairs or share information about them,
even if it seems unimportant, without their permission.
|
|
|
Be polite, considerate, and
nice. If possible, keep your energy and voice level down, and don't
interrupt them when they are speaking. Apologize quickly and
sincerely if you hurt their feelings.
|
|
|
Don't rush them. Give
them plenty of time to consider ideas, especially new ones. If you
ask their opinion, wait patiently for them to give it; don't finish their
sentences for them.
|
|
|
Honor all your commitments to
them. Be vigilant about meeting deadlines, fulfilling promises,
being on time for dates and appointments, and generally doing what you say
you will do.
|
Tips
for ISFJs
|
|
Beware of rescuing
irresponsible, needy people. Get help in ending inappropriate
relationships and situations.
|
|
|
Talk to yourself in nurturing
and caring ways. Pat yourself on the back. Don't wait for
someone else to tell you that you did well.
|
|
|
Honor your need for time
alone. Schedule time for fun and personally satisfying activities.
|
|
|
Allow room for mistakes.
|
|
|
Talk about your needs,
desires, and problems with a trusted friend or counselor. Let others
help you for a change.
|
|
|
Take time to discover your
direction, purpose, and goals. Make choices based on your inner
values rather than on external authorities.
|
|
|
Remember that there is no one
right way to live. What counts is that you are satisfied.
|
|
|
Beware of excessive worrying.
Don't spend too much time focusing on worst-case scenarios.
|
|
|
Avoid taking on extra work.
Learn to say NO!
|
|
|
Get mad once in a while if you
need to. Unleash pent-up resentment through writing, talking, or
hitting pillows. You may feel guilty but you may also find it
refreshing.
|
|
|
Do not underestimate yourself
and your accomplishments. Talk about them.
|
Hallmarks
of an ISFJ
|
Super
Dependable
|
Traditional
|
Patient
|
Organized
|
|
Devoted
|
Responsible
|
Conscientious
|
Loyal
|
|
Practical
|
Service
Minded
|
Meticulous
|
Protective
|
|
Realistic
|
Sensitive
|
Sympathetic
|
Friendly
|
|
Detailed
|
Persevering
|
Kind
|
Trustworthy
|
INFJ
Introverted,
Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
Estimated
to be between 1 and 2 percent of the American population
Temperament:
Ideal Seeker (NF)
Dominant Function:
Introverted
Intuition (your greatest gift/talent)
Auxiliary Function:
Extraverted Feeling
(your supporting gift/talent)
Foreseer/Developer. The theme
is foresight.
 |
Use their insights to deal with complexity in issues and people, often
with a strong sense of "knowing" before others know themselves.
|
 |
Talents lie in developing and guiding people: trust their inspirations
and visions, using them to help others.
|
 |
Thrive on helping others resolve deep personal and ethical dilemmas.
|
 |
Private and complex, they bring a quiet enthusiasm and industry to
projects that are part of their vision.
|
Two words that best
describe most INFJs are integrity and originality. Their dominant Introverted
Intuition provides them with vision and creativity both of which they find
great satisfaction using in the service of others. They are usually
excellent listeners, patient and supportive. Extremely perceptive and
empathetic, they are especially gifted at thinking up new and better ways to
help people get their
needs
met, and are usually eager to provide whatever support is necessary.
Typically gentle, and
soft-spoken, INFJs do not like to call attention to themselves, and often are
content to work behind the scenes. Thoughtful, caring, and sensitive,
INFJs will usually go the extra mile to maintain harmonious relationships.
But they can also be fiercely independent -- willing to subject themselves to
skepticism or criticism in order to make their vision, which is driven by their
strong values, a reality. They are so honest and earnest, they exude
integrity, which causes people to immediately trust and respect them. For
this reason, they often make inspiring leaders.
Because INFJs' least
developed function is Extraverted
Sensing, they may fail to take into account realities that might prevent
their ideas or vision from working on a practical level. Preferring to
focus on the big picture, they sometimes miss essential details or choose to
ignore important facts that are not congruent with their ideas. Because
they believe so deeply in the correctness of their position, they can be
judgmental and dismissive of competing views.
INFJ's
single-mindedness can become a liability if they are not flexible enough to
modify their plans once they have embarked on a course of action ....... much
like a person driving down a highway making great time but who, unfortunately,
turns out to be going in the wrong direction! INFJs' perfectionism can
also result in a tendency to be stubborn and unyielding. They usually find
sharing their vision with someone they trust helps them see the flaws and gain a
more realistic perspective.
INFJs are decisive,
organized, and great planners. Combined with their single-mindedness and
sometimes fierce
determination, they are often extremely productive. They like to set
goals, and can work tirelessly to achieve them. But sometimes, in their
haste to come to a conclusion, they run the risk of missing out on experiencing
the process. And they can become so preoccupied with achieving the goal
that they lack the ability to act spontaneously.
Since INFJs are run by their
values and deeply held convictions, they tend to take things personally, and may
have their feelings hurt when no hurt was intended. And, unfortunately,
their sensitivity can cause them to become defensive and write off a person or
an idea. They may need a gentle reminder from a friend not to take
themselves so seriously that they lose the ability to enjoy some of life's
lighter, yet most pleasurable, moments.
How
to get along with INFJs
|
|
Give them
plenty of time to consider your idea or proposal in-depth before expecting
feedback or discussion.
|
|
|
Present the idea in terms of
your vision -- the big picture, and how it may fit into their larger
personal or organizational goals, rather than focusing on the specifics
and details.
|
|
|
Discuss the benefits it will
have on people -- especially how it will positively affect them in the
future as well as in the present.
|
|
|
Especially with regard to
problem solving, solicit their ideas, appeal to their creativity, and talk
about possibilities.
|
|
|
Be patient with what might be
long, complicated explanations; don't hesitate to take your time carefully
considering their proposals -- they like to do the same.
|
|
|
If relevant, provide
information regarding the timing of the implementation of the plan; be
sure to meet all agreed-upon deadlines, and honor your commitments.
|
Tips
for INFJs
|
|
Respect your
need for time alone to dream, fantasize, explore theories, read, and
create.
|
|
|
Share your ideas, visions,
feelings, and inner richness with the people you are close to.
|
|
|
Try to be direct in your
communication. Don't silently withdraw as a way of setting limits;
this can leave others feeling hurt and confused.
|
|
|
Try to give affection when
others need it, not only when you feel the inspiration.
|
|
|
Be realistic about how much
acceptance you can reasonably expect from others. Realize that
rejection of your thoughts and ideas is not a rejection of you.
|
|
|
Avoid overdosing on
self-analysis. Express your feelings through writing, art, or
talking. Then move on.
|
|
|
See your moods as transitory.
Know that they will change.
|
|
|
Avoid wasting time over
mundane details and routines just to be organized. Decide what is
important and what to set aside.
|
|
|
Refrain from trying to order
and control life. Let the universe do its thing.
|
|
|
Slow down the pace of life.
Be aware of overextending yourself.
|
|
|
Try to embrace the
imperfection and mundanity of the world; accept things as they are, rather
than trying to make everything over according to your ideal.
|
|
|
Find friends who understand
your insightful point of view and encourage you to be yourself.
|
Hallmarks
of an INFJ
|
Committed
|
Compassionate
|
Intense
|
Determined
|
|
Sensitive
|
Holistic
|
Loyal
|
Creative
|
|
Deep
Thinkers
|
Conceptual
|
Reserved
|
Idealistic
|
|
Insightful
|
Original
|
Humanitarian
|
Individualistic
|
|
Innovative
|
Perceptive
|
Enigmatic
|
Visionary
|
INTJ
Introverted,
Intuitive, Thinking, Judging
Estimated
to be between 1 and 2 percent of the American population
Temperament:
Knowledge Seeker (NT)
Dominant Function:
Introverted
Intuition (your greatest gift/talent)
Auxiliary Function:
Extraverted
Thinking (your supporting gift/talent)
Conceptualizer/ Director. Theme
is strategizing, envisioning, and masterminding.
 |
Talents lie in defining goals, creating detailed plans, and outlining
contingencies.
|
 |
Devise strategy, give
structure, establish complex plans to reach distant goals dictated by a strong
vision of what is needed in the long run.
|
 |
Thrive
on putting theories to work and are open to any and all ideas that can be
integrated into the complex systems they seek to understand.
|
 |
Drive themselves hard to master what is needed to make progress toward
goals.
|
INTJs are global
thinkers with original minds. Their
dominant Introverted
Intuition enables them to clearly see connections, and to understand the
long-range implications of current actions and events. Ingenious and
innovative, INTJs have a unique talent for looking at almost anything and seeing
how it can be improved. This is true of the smallest product or service or
can involve envisioning how best to restructure and refine whole organizational
systems. But, by far, their favorite subject for improvement is themselves.
INTJs are on a constant quest to increase their knowledge and, by extension,
their overall competence.
Creative and
imaginative, INTJs are both intellectually curious and daring, even as they may
be physically hesitant to try new things. Able to quickly grasp and
analyze complex issues, INTJs are excellent strategic problem solvers, with
highly developed critical thinking skills that allow them to perform incisive
analyses. Constantly seeking new intellectual challenges, they set very
high standards for themselves, and usually reach or exceed them.
However, because their
least developed function is Extraverted
Sensing, INTJs sometimes have difficulty operating in the real world.
They tend to spend so much of their time and energy in the inner world of ideas
and perceptions that they may be completely unaware of, or unconcerned with, the
details of their physical surroundings. This can result in small
consequences -- such as bumping into the furniture or wearing mismatched socks
-- or large ones, such as failing to realistically assess the feasibility of a
project because they are unaware of the cost of necessary resources. And
sometimes, because they tend to be abstract and theoretical, they have trouble
communicating clearly with people who are not as technically oriented, or being
patient as they try to find common ground.
And because INTJs are
most comfortable operating from an intellectual level, they are sometimes
unaware of the emotional reactions or states of others. They may act in
ways that are insensitive and neglectful of those close to them, and may need to
be reminded to take time to appreciate and actively nurture those relationships.
Perfectionists who set very high standards both for themselves and others, INTJs
can be condescending and/or patronizing to those who fail to live up to their
expectations, and parsimonious with their praise for those who do.
Given their powers of
concentration, INTJs often prefer to work alone, or with a small group of
equally competent colleagues. They are especially reticent to take the
time and energy to explain themselves or their work to others they perceive to
be less competent. Because they are so private, they are very difficult to
get to know. They especially do not like to share their ideas or work
until they feel it is perfect. Hard workers capable of persevering against
great odds, INTJs have enviable focus and determination, and will not be
deterred from reaching their goals. Their single-mindedness may come with
a price, however, since it may result in their being stubborn and inflexible.
And INTJs may have particular difficulty making transitions from one project to
another. Usually, all it takes is an even more fascinating challenge to
recapture their attention.
How
to get along with INTJs
|
|
Submit new ideas and/or
proposals in writing, and give them plenty of time to think about them
before discussing. Preview new experiences ahead of time.
|
|
|
Place careful attention to the
strategy necessary for implementing your ideas. Remember that INTJs
place a very high value on competence.
|
|
|
Don't expect effusive
appreciation or lavish praise for a job well done. INTJs often
consider both unnecessary, meaningless, and therefore, insulting.
|
|
|
Resist the temptation to
finish their sentences. Even if they seem to be rambling and you
think you know where they are heading, it is far better to let them get
there on their own.
|
|
|
Remember to make your case
based on logic -- not personal preferences or extenuating circumstances.
|
|
|
Remember they are most
concerned with the big picture and how the idea fits in with their larger
mission.
|
|
|
Don't take criticism
personally.
|
Tips
for INTJs
|
|
Solicit input
from others and be open to having your ideas challenged.
|
|
|
Avoid
being self-righteous and defensive. Don't reject others' views
outright just because they are different from yours.
|
|
|
Pay attention to physical
symptoms of stress before they get to the crisis stage. Recognize
your limitations and slow down your pace.
|
|
|
Show appreciation to others
based on merit, not just on your standards of perfection. Don't
demand of others the same intensity you demand of yourself.
|
|
|
If you want to improve your
relationships with others, beware of being aloof, demanding, or
insensitive with criticism.
|
|
|
In a negative situation, be
willing to take responsibility for your part.
|
|
|
Learn to be flexible. Be
willing to give in on less important points and details with others.
|
|
|
Consider working for yourself.
Many INTJ's are too independent to work for others or in the corporate
world and are good at creating something new.
|
|
|
Make time for artistic
pursuits or creative hobbies that have no immediate purpose or
application.
|
|
|
Let go of trying to control
everything in life.
|
Hallmarks
of an INTJ
|
Independent
|
Intellectual
|
Systems
Minded
|
Visionary
|
|
Demanding
|
Global
|
Logical
|
Original
|
|
Firm
|
Theoretical
|
Private
|
Autonomous
|
|
Insightful
|
Skeptical
|
Determined
|
Ingenious
|
|
Innovative
|
Perceptive
|
Self-confident
|
Organized
|
ISTP
Introverted,
Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
Estimated
to be between 4 and 7 percent of the American population
Temperament:
Action Seeker (SP)
Dominant Function:
Introverted
Thinking (your greatest gift/talent)
Auxiliary Function:
Extraverted
Sensing (your supporting gift/talent)
Analyzer/ Operator. Theme
is action-driven problem solving.
 |
Talents lie in operating all kinds of tools and instruments and using
frameworks for solving problems.
|
 |
Keen
observers of the environment, they are a storehouse of data and facts relevant
to analyzing and solving problems.
|
 |
Thrive
on challenging situations and having the freedom to craft clever solutions and
do whatever it takes to fix things and make them work.
|
 |
Take pride in their skill and virtuosity, which they seem to effortlessly
acquire.
|
Independent,
self-contained, and often aloof, ISTPs are the ultimate pragmatists. They
are supremely cool and objective about all things, even-tempered and
unflappable. In times of crisis or high anxiety, they are able to focus on
the demands of the moment and apply their dominant Introverted
Thinking to solving problems with skill and dispatch. They are at
their best responding to challenges that arise spontaneously, preferring to get
busy and skip a lot of discussion or preplanning. Once they "put out
the fire," they have little energy for the follow through and little need
to reap praise.
Resourceful and
adaptable, ISTPs seem to possess an innate understanding of how anything works
-- from toasters to computers. They are especially effective when they
combine their keen powers of observation with their talent for logical analysis
to solve problems. But since people rarely act with the same logical
predictability that things do, ISTPs are generally less skilled or effective
dealing with interpersonal conflicts. The inherent inconsistency and
irrationality of human beings is both so confusing and frustrating to ISTPs that
they will frequently just walk away from a personal conflict rather than be left
feeling helpless and inept. Very private about personal matters, they
rarely share their innermost feelings or fears, even with people they know well
and trust.
Realistic and extremely
practical, ISTPs are people of action and self-direction. They like to
work alone or alongside other skilled and capable people, figuring things out
for themselves without outside help or input. Although they seek fun and
action in both their work and personal lives, ISTPs really feel the most alive
when they are doing something independent, risky, or even dangerous. So
strong is the allure of the adrenaline rush that they often seek occupations
which place them in harm's way. And even those ISTPs whose jobs involve
great risk, such as firefighters, police officers, or pilots, often seek
additional thrills in their choice of recreational activities by racing cars,
riding motorcycles, or skiing expert slopes.
Direct,
honest, and down-to-earth, ISTPs tend to be literal and explicit and find
pretentious
How
to get along with ISTPs
|
|
Respect their
privacy, give them plenty of space, and don't push yourself on them; avoid
attempting intimacy unless they initiate or clearly desire it.
|
|
|
Be pragmatic; make sure
suggestions or requests are well thought out, realistic, practical, and
workable.
|
|
|
Appeal to their need for
action; whenever possible, take advantage of their ability to stay calm,
think clearly, and respond quickly in a crisis or emergency.
|
|
|
Try not to overschedule their
time or limit their ability to act spontaneously by imposing too many
rules or too much structure. Be explicit about the requirements you
need or responsibilities you expect them to fulfill.
|
|
|
Avoid making appeals based on
emotion; rather, make sure there is a logical rationale for suggestions
and proposals.
|
|
|
Listen carefully when they do
share personal information. Most ISTPs will say something only once,
and if you miss it, they may still assume you heard them and not repeat
it.
|
Tips
for ISTPs
|
|
Take a break
from immediate results by thinking about long-range goals and what you
want for the future.
|
|
|
Learn to consider that
another's point of view has possibilities that you haven't thought of.
|
|
|
Realize that people do things
differently and that there are many ways of structuring life. Expand
beyond black-and-white thinking.
|
|
|
Mention points where you agree
with another person before bringing up the places where you disagree.
|
|
|
Point out the good things
about others, not just the things to correct. When due, give an
appreciative word of praise.
|
|
|
Act on you affectionate
impulses once in a while, letting others know they are important to you.
|
|
|
Make time for your significant
relationships.
|
|
|
Learn ways to express your
feelings and to achieve greater openness in communication. Share
your insights more openly.
|
Hallmarks
of an ISTP
|
Logical
|
Expedient
|
Practical
|
Realistic
|
|
Factual
|
Analytical
|
Applied
|
Independent
|
|
Adventurous
|
Spontaneous
|
Adaptable
| |