INFP: Introvert-iNtuitive-Feeler-Perceiver
- Introverts tend to be reflective, reserved and private. A popular misconception is that introverts are shy – this is not necessarily so. They draw their energy from their own thoughts and the time they spend alone. Introverts do not need people around them all the time.
- iNtuitives pay more attention to information that is imaginative and original. iNtuitives focus on the future.
- Feelers let their feelings and emotions play a leading role because of their concern for other people.
- Perceivers prefer a lifestyle that is spontaneous, flexible and adaptable. They like an environment that is unstructured, and like to keep their options open.
An INFP at a glance
Making the world a better place is an INFPs motto. They need to have a crusade or mission in life. They quietly push for what is important to them and rarely give up.
INFPs are creative and actively seek new ideas and solutions. They are rather reserved and may be somewhat difficult to get to know. However, when they want to be sociable, they can be exceedingly charming and popular, and their quiet sense of humor is appreciated by many. They trust and highly value their intuitiveness and where it leads them.
An INFP is likely to be a good listener and has no trouble putting people at ease. Although an INFP may be reserved in expressing emotion, they are very caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. Because of their sincerity, people value them as a friend and confidante.
INFPs do not like conflict and go to great lengths to avoid it. On the other hand, INFPs are great mediators and are effective at solving other people’s conflicts. They intuitively understand people’s perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them. Doing so gives them a great deal of personal satisfaction.
Their probable contributions to an organization
Each personality type has a different set of skills, talents and attributes that they bring to an organization, group or relationship. Here is a list of those most commonly associated with personality types like INFP.
- Undertakes a lot of projects.
- Likes solitude and becomes quietly absorbed in projects.
- Is pledged to the growth and development of people surrounding him/her.
On a team
Some people work well on teams, others work best on their own. Understanding the personality types of team members provides information about how individuals are likely to carry out their work and interact with each other. Given the personality preferences of an INFP, the following are the strengths (and possible weaknesses!) they will most likely bring to a team:
- Brings a good but quiet sense of humor to the group.
- Always offers lots of encouragement and acknowledgement to others.
- Provides vision and a focus on ideals and values.
INFP leadership style
Each personality type has its own leadership style, strengths and blind spots. The following highlights an INFP approach to leadership, provides clues as to how an INFP will act in a leader role, and pinpoints some of the leadership qualities.
- Is subtle, indirect, gentle and inclusive in persuading others; gathers dedicated people around a shared vision because of his/her passion.
- Affirms individual contributions and promotes group undertakings.
- Accomplishes results in his/her own way, even if it means waiting out others.
