Character is everything. Learning oneās true character helps determine whether or not someone youāve just met is compatible with you, and more importantly, how. It is pivotally essential to get to know someoneās nature, so as to avoid misunderstandings further down the road.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator consists of sixteen personality types, each of which is determined by comparing one preference to another across eight character qualities, pertaining to life choices, and how one typically makes them.
In this article, I will be comparing the two MBTI personalities who couldnāt be more opposite to each other.
The INFJ is the rarest, and most empathic of the MBTI. They are energized from being in solitude most of the time, as that is where they get their ideas. It is during times of solitude, that the INFJ receives inspiration from his own internal thoughts and imaginations, without the inconvenience of social distractions.
Once solitude is achieved, his intuition naturally kicks in, as that is when his creative juices start flowing. In fact, the precise order in which it usually works is that he taps into his feelings more during solitude, and it puts him back in his right brain that causes an intuitive creative flow.
Once he knows what to do, there is nothing to think about. He makes a snap judgment, often as soon as the following day. Judging is the only analytical trait of the INFJ, but the way in which he does it is a no brainer.
Then we have the ESTJ, the most logical and analytical of the MBTI personalities. Unlike the INFJ who has one analytical trait that adds some balance, the ESTJ has no emotional trait. The ESTJ is good for drafting military strategies, and making business decisions, but that is just about all he is good for.
The trouble with ESTJ types is that they think they can bring that rigidity with them into their interpersonal relationships, and it never ends well for them. INFJ types have a lot of eccentricities about them that the ESTJ will impatiently judge as simply being weird.
In fact, judging is the only MBTI trait they both share, and it happens to be an analytical one at that. The INFJ will judge the ESTJ in his mind, but ultimately wonāt care what he does due to his nonchalant nature, unless it affects him directly.
So now, imagine a scenario where the ESTJ is annoyed by some of the INFJās eccentricities. Because he is stuck in his left brain, he cannot simply leave well enough alone. He has to somehow try to control what he does not understand, and if he finds that he is unable to control it, he must find a way to destroy it.
The ESTJ is also an extravert, so it doesnāt help that he heavily relies on external validation. It is impossible for the INFJ and the ESTJ to simply sit still in a room, and enjoy each otherās company in silence. The ESTJ will feel awkward about it, and eventually find a way to make some noise, just so the room can feel normal to him, hence why they call them normies.
This could take place in any setting. But for the sake of argument, letās just assume that the INFJ is in a relationship with the ESTJ. The ESTJ will meet the INFJ for the first time, thinking she knows everything about him, based solely on what she sees, versus using her feelings to actually get to know the INFJ and appreciate where he is coming from. Decides for whatever reason that she doesnāt like him, then decides either to control or destroy him, based on her limited judgment of him.
And because she is an extravert, she cannot simply break up with him and walk away like the INFJ and INTJ are easily capable of doing, she has to fix it somehow. This is dangerous and reckless behavior on the part of the ESTJ. Hence why the ESTJ is a narcissist, and the mortal enemy of all introverted, intuitive types, especially the INFJ.
Imagine being the woman in the relationship, yet your boyfriend is more intuned with his right brain than you are. Her linear thinking, coupled with the irrationality that is an inherent trait of her gender would only further add to her solipsism.
Opposites may attract initially, but they do not sustain in the long run. ESTJ types should stick to their own kind, or at least other extraverts. The INFJ should definitely stick to other introverts, most notably the INTJ.
You canāt help who you meet at work, but you do have control over who you allow into your personal life. This is something to put into practice for your interpersonal relationships.
Over the past three weeks, I have explored the sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types, particularly within the context of employment compatibility. However, Myers-Briggs can also be applied to other aspects of social life, such as friendships, dating and business.
In this article, I will be exploring the idiosyncrasies of each personality type, and how they might relate to one another. Because being aware of this and knowing how to apply it in real world situations is sure to allow for smoother interactions in all areas of life.
There are eight character traits within Myers Briggs, four analytical, and four emotional. They are as follows;
Left Brain Right Brain
Extravert Introvert
Sensing iNtuitive
Thinking Feeling
Judging Perceiving
Some Myers Briggs types strictly lean to one side or another, while others have a mixture of both quotients to varying degrees.
The way to know what personality type you are, as well as the personality type of anyone you are interacting with is to answer four questions that are as follows;
Who are you based on what energizes you? (a) Self validating (Introvert) (b) Seeking validation from others (Extravert)
Where do you get your ideas? (a) My imagination (iNtuitive) (b) The world around me (Sensing)
How do you decide what to do with your ideas? (a) With what I think (Thinking) (b) How I feel (Feeling)
How do you act upon your ideas? (a) Things must go according to plan (Judging) (b) I am more flexible to changes and prospects (Perceiving)
Keep these four questions in mind as we explore each type throughout the rest of the article.
Introverts:
Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging (INTJ)
The INTJ is an introvert who gets his ideas from his imagination, decides with what he thinks, then acts upon it by making a swift judgment. Though an introvert who gains ideas through his intuition, he is still analytical when it comes to executing his ideas, the opposite of the ESFP whose analytics lean more towards social contact (see number 11).
The combination of being introverted and intuitive, suggests that he values his solitude, and spends much of his alone time in deep thought. So then when itās time to execute his ideas, he wastes no time in making snap judgments.
Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving (INTP)
The INTP is an introvert who gets his ideas from his imagination, and makes decisions based on what he thinks. But unlike the INTJ, he is more flexible to changes when it comes to deciding. He is more reserved in that regard, and that makes him a procrastinator.
But procrastinating has its benefits, especially if the outcome will be final, as there is room to make adjustments should the INTP change his mind. The procrastination of the INTP would likely piss off the more impatient judging types, especially those who have already spent a lot of time in thought.
Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving (INFP)
The INFP is an introvert who is inspired by their own imagination, decides what to do based on how it makes them feel, but tends to be more flexible when it is time to act.
The INFP is only one of two types where all four of his traits are aligned to one side or another. In his case, the INFP is entirely right brain dominant, relying solely on his emotional quotient. Unlike the ESTJ, who is the polar opposite (see number 10).
Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging (INFJ)
The INFJ is an introvert who is inspired by his own imagination and decides what to do based on how it makes him feel much like the INFP before him.
But unlike the INFP, the INFJ makes swift and aggressive judgements once his mind is made up, much to the shock of others around him who were expecting him to be entirely illogical.
This makes the INFJ the single rarest of the sixteen Myers-Briggs types, which often causes the INFJ to come into conflict with those with ulterior motives who thought it was easy to manipulate him.
The INFJ is the most idealistic type, and therefore the most creative. The INFJ is more likely to thrive from working in professions where he is free to express his creativity.
Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (ISTP)
The ISTP is an introvert who is inspired by the world around him, decides what to do based on what he thinks, but is open to change and prospects. One might rate the ISTP as being one of the more analytical of the introverts, yet they have trouble making up their minds.
As such, the ISTP tends to procrastinate when it comes down to them making decisions on how to advance with their plans. This can be frustrating for others around them, as they tend to become impatient with the ISTP once they realize that he is not quite as analytical as they thought.
Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (ISTJ)
The ISTJ is the most analytical of all the introverts. He gets his ideas from sensing the world around him, decides what to do based on what he thinks, acts by making rigid plans, and is unyielding in his convictions. In spite of all that, the ISTJ still values his solitude, as that is when he thinks and decides based on what he senses within his environment.
Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (ISFP)
The ISFP is an introvert who gets inspired by sensing what is going on in the world around him, decides based on how it makes him feel, but is indecisive when it comes to acting upon what he has decided. His sensing trait adds analytical balance to his otherwise emotional personality.
Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (ISFJ)
The ISFJ is an introvert who gets his ideas from being able to sense the world around him, decides what to do with it based on the way it makes him feel, then acts upon it with knowledge and intent. The feeling aspect of his character adds a sensitive touch to his general demeanor.
Extraverts:
Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (ESTP)
An ESTP is the polar opposite of the INFJ. This is due to the fact that he is an extravert who gets his ideas from the world around him and decides what to do with his ideas based on what he thinks. But his shortfall is that he hesitates when it comes to acting upon his ideas. He is more open to changing his plans versus the INFJ who makes snap decisions and sticks to them. That one trait of being perceiving over judging makes him slightly less analytical.
Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (ESTJ)
The only other MBTI type next to the INFP who is entirely aligned to one side or another, the left brain in this case. The ESTJ is an extravert who gets his ideas from sensing the world around him, decides what to do based on what he thinks, and acts upon his decisions by judging.
Due to being left brain dominant, the ESTJ is the most analytical of the Myers Briggs types, therefore the most controlling. Itās good to be analytical, especially in leadership roles, but excessive logic can work against you. As such, the ESTJ is the quintessential narcissist of the lot, and the mortal enemy of the INFJ (more on that later). They are rigid, and everything must go their way. Itās either their way or the highway, and they take this mindset with them into personal relationships. Because they are extraverts, they also tend to seek external validation.
On the other hand, they also tend to get things done, which is actually a good thing. Though they can be useful at times, one should tread carefully when dealing with an ESTJ. I could have said that the ESTJ should find balance in life, but instead I will say that the ESTJ should seek out other ESTJ types where they can happily thrive among themselves.
Extravert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (ESFP)
The ESFP is an extravert who gets his ideas from being able to sense the world around him, decides what to do based on how he feels, and acts upon them based on perceiving and being open to change.
He is only half analytical and half emotional, the extraverted opposite of the INTJ, which adds some balance to the mix.
Extravert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (ESFJ)
The ESFJ is an extravert who gets his ideas from sensing the world around him, decides what to do with them based on how they make him feel, then acts upon them by making a firm judgment. He is mostly analytical, but the feeling trait adds a healthy balance of emotional quotient to his character profile.
Extravert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving (ENTP)
The ENTP may be an extravert, but still finds time to be intuitive when it comes to getting ideas. He decides what to do with his ideas based on what he thinks, but is more perceiving when it is time to act.
The ENTP is more balanced because he possesses two analytical traits, and two emotional ones, which makes him a bit more reasonable even though he is left brain dominant.
Extravert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging (ENTJ)
The ENTJ is left brain dominant, with intuition being the only emotional trait. As analytical as he may be, getting ideas from within, versus the world around him, adds a nice balance that makes him more human.
Extravert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving (ENFP)
The ENFP is right brain dominant, with extraversion being the only left brain trait within his character profile. Being an extravert adds a bit of balance to his otherwise emotional quotient that makes him more relatable.
Extravert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging (ENFJ)
And finally, we have the ENFJ. An extravert who has equal balance between intellectual and emotional traits. This makes him more relatable to wider groups of people. Even though he is internally motivated, one can rely on him to make snap decisions due to his judging trait.
In the complex sphere of human diversity, there is a need for smoother and more fulfilling interaction. Everyone has navigated the social scene at some point or other in hopes of meeting someone of like mind. But doing so can be quite the daunting task, as not everyone is sincere.
However, personality compatibility is necessary to allow for a more seamless existence. That is where the Myers-Briggs Personality assessment comes into play.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was developed by American writer Isabel Briggs Myers, along with the help of her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, during the second world war. It was later adapted into a personality test by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), who published it in 1962.
The MBTI is based on Carl Jungās āDictionary of Analytical Psychology,ā where he discussed his theory on psychological types and individual preferences.
MBTI determines an individualās personality type, based on a dichotomy between four different psychological processes and responses, that includes the following.
Introvert vs. Extravert
iNtuitive vs. Sensing
Thinking vs. Feeling
Judging vs. Perceiving
Whenever one mixes and matches each of the four dichotomies, it results in a total of sixteen Myers Briggs types.
Introverts:
Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging (INTJ)
Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving (INTP)
Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving (INFP)
Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging (INFJ)
Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (ISTP)
Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (ISTJ)
Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (ISFP)
Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (ISFJ)
Extraverts:
Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving (ESTP)
Extravert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (ESTJ)
Extravert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving (ESFP)
Extravert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging (ESFJ)
Extravert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving (ENTP)
Extravert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging (ENTJ)
Extravert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving (ENFP)
Extravert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging (ENFJ)
Everyone has found themselves perpetuating both ends of the dichotomy at some point or other, but the type in which you are more dominant is determined by how you answer each of the following four questions:
Who are you based on what energizes you?
(a) Self validating
(b) Seeking validation from others
Where do you get your ideas?
(a) My imagination
(b) The world around me
How do you decide what to do with your ideas?
(a) With what I think
(b) How I feel
How do you act upon your ideas?
(a) Things must go according to plan
(b) I am more flexible to changes and prospects
If you prefer self validation over external social validation, you are an introvert. If you get your ideas from your imagination versus the world around you, you are intuitive.
If you decide what to do based on how you feel, rather than what you think, you are feeling. And if you are rigid with your plans, you are judging. That would make you an INFJ, the rarest of the Myers-Briggs types.
INFJs are the empaths of the personalities, thus more prone to being targeted by predators. Introverts in general should carefully consider with whom they would rather share their limited social energy, but INFJs particularly have an extra responsibility to guard their energy, and save it only for themselves or those who are willing to reciprocate.
The MBTI was a marvelous invention, and can be used to determine compatibility in platonic, romantic and professional situations. However, it is not foolproof, as there are those who have been known to use the MBTI to abuse those who are unsuspecting.
Join me again next week, as I discuss a very common abusive hiring practice.