Scoring as an INFJ means that your personality type is best described as Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. Sometimes referred to as the “Advocate” or the “Idealist,” people with this personality type often feel misunderstood.
Perhaps it’s because INFJ is the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the U.S. population.1 Or maybe it’s because they’re walking, talking contradictions. INFJs are easy-going perfectionists. They’re both logical and emotional, creative and analytical.
INFJ Strengths
- Practical insight. – INFJs are insightful thinkers who see through situations and people effectively and enjoy developing practical strategies for action.
- Compassion. As a Feeling type, you might expect an INFJ to show compassion—but what sets them apart is that their empathy comes with a sharp intuitive edge. They are quick to recognize worry and unhappiness in friends and loved ones, even when outward signs of distress are not visible to others.
- Keeping the peace. Mediating disputes is hard work, but INFJs have an astounding ability to help heal the rifts that divide people. They intuitively sense the real suffering that anger can cause if left to fester, and because they are good listeners they are quite effective at helping warring parties find workable solutions that will satisfy the needs of all.
- Decisiveness. For INFJs, obstacles exist to be overcome and no problem can outmatch the strength and resilience that these types possess deep inside. INFJs follow through on their ideas with conviction and have the willpower and decisiveness necessary to see projects through to the end.
INFJ Weaknesses
- Overlooking details. No matter how practically-oriented they aspire to be, INFJs have a tendency to get so caught up in theorizing the big picture that they forget to account for some of the precious details that can separate success from failure.
- Intensely private. Despite their loving and sensitive natures, INFJs have a tendency to close themselves off from the world and don’t give people the chance to know them or see the wonderful qualities they possess
- Conflict averse. INFJs often fail to recognize that conflict can actually serve a useful purpose, allowing a good process of give-and-take to be established and giving all parties the opportunity to resolve their problem forever.
- Sensitive. Once an INFJ has made up their mind, they tend to be very confident in their conclusions and may not have much tolerance for those who continue to dissent
INFJ Growth and Development
In order to reach their full potential, INFJs should:
Question their intuition.
Give others the benefit of the doubt. INFJs are insightful, instinctive and persuasive.
Let others agree to disagree, too
Make connections with extraverts.
Slow downThere is really nothing INFJs can do to moderate the pace of their inspirations, but if they constantly remind themselves to slow down and take things one at a time.
The INFJ at Work
The ideal work environment for an INFJ is harmonious, industrious, and oriented to a humanitarian mission, with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. The ideal job for a Counselor allows them to use their creativity in an independent, organized environment to develop and implement a vision that is consistent with their personal values.
INFJs in Love
In relationships, the INFJ is supportive and guided by a sense of integrity. The INFJ’s interest in human development applies to their mates as well, and they are encouraging of their partner’s dreams, aspirations, and achievements. INFJs want to maintain harmony in their relationships and are highly motivated to resolve conflicts. They tend to be creative problem-solvers and look for the emotional core of an issue to create a meeting of the minds.
INFJs as Parents
As parents, INFJs are devoted and loving. They tend to form strong bonds with their children and are very closely tuned in to their emotional states. Counselor parents naturally see the possibilities in their children and encourage them to develop their potential.INFJ parents are firm disciplinarians, particularly when it comes to moral or ethical concerns. They are concerned with their children’s emotional health and spiritual development, and want to create a nurturing atmosphere that promotes growth and well-being.
INFJ Communication Style INFJs are reserved about communication, and often keep their most treasured ideas and insights private. They are oriented to values and connection, and will search for meaning in the information they take in. They think deeply and often need time to process and evaluate before they are ready to share their ideas. They seek validation and will take the time to appreciate others and their ideas. They are often talented at making connections to bring people together and integrate ideas, values, and human potential
