Today's test also placed me as an ISFJ (Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging), also known as the Protector Guardian personality type. Recalling my high school analysis, I reviewed the description for INFJ (Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging) as well, and it rang almost equally true to my ears. (Since it's a computer program and not a human evaluator, the results could only be "you are A or B", and not "you're A with borderline B.")
It's probably my weakness in the realm of abstract theory (S's prefer the familiar - tangible evidence and proven concepts) in combination with my habit of trusting until given a reason not to (characteristic of the ISFJ) rather than a suspicious and selective nature (characteristic of the INFJ) that sends me over the edge to ISFJ.
Some highlights:
ISFJ
- ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." Since ISFJs, like all SJs, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy; they specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.
- They are notoriously bad at delegating: "If you want it done right, do it yourself." [Guilty.]
- They are often unwilling to toot their own horns about their accomplishments because they feel that, although they deserve more credit than they're getting, it's somehow wrong to want any sort of reward for doing work - which is supposed to be a virtue in itself. [It's true - I love giving gifts and doing favors, but receiving thank you notes or effusive praise makes me really uncomfortable.]
- In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities; they are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others.
- ISFJs make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. Traditional careers for an ISFJ include: teaching, social work,... nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and and secretarial work of any kind... [I've been told many times I should go into teaching, but the control freak in me says I'll just get fed up if the kids aren't getting the concept and I'll do it myself. See Bullet 2.]
- While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJs are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle--and often possessive of their loved ones, as well.
- ISFJs have a few close friends. They are extremely loyal to these, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice. However, they hate confrontation; if you get into a fight, don't expect them to jump in after you. You can count on them, however, to run and get the nearest authority figure.
- The older the friendship is, the more an ISFJ will value it. [Hi Kristin!!]
- One ISFJ trait that is easily misunderstood by those who haven't known them long is that they are often unable to either hide or articulate any distress they may be feeling. Those close to ISFJs should learn to watch for the warning signs in these situations and take the initiative themselves to uncover the problem.
INFJ
- Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life.
- INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.
- INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.
- Writing, counseling, public service and even politics [HA!] are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche. [I am a writer. I was almost a psychologist. But politics? No chance in hell.] Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. In addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, and are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education), religious leadership, psychology and counseling.
- INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins.
- Extraverted feeling, the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies.
- The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. [See? I'm not flaky. I'm thinking.] Like their fellow intuitives, INFJs may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. [There have been instances in which a person is standing mere feet from me, shouting my name, and I honestly do not hear them.] The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. [Comfort food = heaven.]
- While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers."
1 comment:
fyi: www.INFJ.com
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