Oct 17, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Consider the INFP, often referred to as “The Optimist.” This kind of character makes up about 4%-5% of the U.S. population, and is very focused on “the big question”: What is their purpose in life? The answers they’re always meant to find are people-oriented in nature. This brings both positive personality traits and negative ones with it, as is true of every other human tendency.
Here are the basics of what you need to know when interacting with an INFP…
An INFP’s Daily Life
If you’re an INFP, you’re overall an internally focused individual. In other words, you go through life making judgements and decisions based on your feelings or how available data aligns with your personal values.
Compared to other intuitive feeling types, INFPs are primarily concerned with improving people’s quality of life. But they’re also very “me” focused in that they’re highly motivated by discovering their own life’s purpose.
Why are they here in this world for? In what way can and should they best benefit humanity? These are the kinds of questions that drive them.
It can’t be stressed enough that this is a lifelong pursuit for INFPs. They’re constantly searching for the underlying meaning and the truth of things.
And every experience and bit of information is filtered through their value system.
Definite introverts, they’re perfectly capable of interacting with others. However, they need their alone time in order to regroup and re-energize.
INFP Strengths
Self-driven perfectionists and idealists, INFPs put a lot of effort into setting goals and achieving them. Yet they’re often kind, compassionate, and good listeners who have a calming effect on others.
They have a very strong tendency to care about those around them and a sincere desire to understand people. Because they truly want to assist people – complete with an intuitive understanding of their viewpoints and feelings – INFPs are excellent mediators who see a lot of success in resolving interpersonal problems.
They’re generally adaptable and laid-back, and people can almost always tell when they’re being genuine. This makes the INFP personality type a valuable friend and confidante more often than not.
The more they get to know someone, the more likely they are to become sociable and even extroverted.
When their moral understandings come under attack, they can take on the role of aggressive defenders and fiercely advocate for what they believe in. An INFP typically develops a “cause” for a project or career they’re enthusiastic about.
And, despite not being particularly meticulous people, they will labor tirelessly to cover every last detail concerning their chosen program.
Challenges Faced by INFPs
Conflict irritates INFPs. In fact, it’s safe to say they’ll do just about anything to avoid it.
When faced with social tension, you’d better believe they’re going to tackle it from a sentimental standpoint. Moreover, they won’t really care who’s right or wrong. Finding the truth, unfortunately, isn’t their automatic objective.
INFPs are much more concerned with how the disagreement makes them feel. And since disagreements make them feel depressed, they seek to resolve them as quickly as possible. End of story.
Unsurprisingly, this tendency can occasionally make INFPs appear irrational. When faced with stress, INFPs frequently abuse reason, stating fact after (oftentimes false) fact in a fit of rage.
Another thing to know about INFPs is that they’re usually utterly unaware of the little things that go into maintaining a normal life. They might not notice “big things” for extended periods of time. Yet they’ll zoom in on the smallest, least important details.
For instance, they won’t even know there’s an unattractive stain on the carpet… yet diligently and carefully remove a single dust particle from a book cover.
Coaching and Development for INFPs
While it’s already been implied in the previous segment, let’s be blunt here: It bothers INFPs to cope with logic and hard facts. They find it hard to deal with objective judgment because they are so focused on their emotions and the larger (but often short-term) human situation.
Impersonal judgment is not their strong suite since, by nature, they simply do not comprehend or accept its validity. While it is possible for them to master straightforward analysis and become very rational, that’s through education and effort, not through any innate skillsets.
Even so, INFPs have very high standards. Perfectionists and great achievers, they tend to be critical of themselves and undervalue what they do.
And this doesn’t mean they automatically hold others’ efforts in high regard though. INFPs may actually find it difficult to collaborate on group projects or social settings, especially when they can’t control their environment.
That’s why INFPs need to practice striking a balance between their lofty goals and the demands of daily existence. Otherwise, they may get disoriented and immobilized about what to do with themselves and become perpetually discontent with their standing in life.
When operating from their fully developed sides, however, INFPs are capable of amazing feats and have played a significant role around the globe as human catalysts.
INFPs in the Workplace
Typically, INFPs are good writers. Even though they may find it difficult to communicate orally, they’re incredibly adept at defining their thoughts and feelings down on paper.
When they’re working for the common good and don’t have to apply strict reasoning, they perform at their best. This means potential ideal vocations for INFPs include:
- Author
- Social worker
- Educator
- Instructor
- Psychologist
- Counselor
- Psychiatrist
- Artist
- Religious and clergy personnel.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Oct 17, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Consider the INFJ designation, nicknamed “The Defender.” It’s the rarest of the 16, making up just 1% of the U.S. population; and it’s even more uncommon for a man to be one. Sometimes described as a “walking contradiction,” these individuals are pretty secretive about their personal lives, allowing only a very small inner circle to know them inside and out.
Yet it is possible to understand an INFJ – no matter how guarded they might be.
An INFJ’s Daily Life
If you’re an INFJ, your way of life is mainly internal. You use your intuition to process information first and foremost.
Having structure and order in the outside world is very important for INFJs – even if they may display somewhat disorganized workspaces or living areas. Absolute order, after all, is difficult to maintain and probably requires a much more externally minded focus.
INFJs spend a great deal of effort figuring out the most effective method for finishing tasks, and they continually establish and reassess their priorities. Yet they function intuitively and completely spontaneously within themselves.
Incredibly perceptive, INFJs have an innate understanding of people and circumstances without necessarily having in-depth knowledge of the topic at hand. Moreover, most of the time, they’re correct – and they know it.
They simply “feel” things, sensing what’s real and what isn’t. As an extreme illustration of this tendency, some INFJs have described having intense psychic feelings about loved ones… only to then learn they were involved in an automobile accident or some other tragedy.
Other personality types can and do laugh and belittle this kind of behavior, with some understandable reason. And even INFJs themselves may not fully comprehend their intuition, at least not to the point where they can describe it. Yet it’s real and can actually be quite useful.
Incidentally, the lack of support about their “powers” is part of why most INFJs are guardians of their inner selves, disclosing information about their personal lives only as they see fit.
Though they can attain significant inner depth and depth of feeling, INFJs do not always have an easy life.
INFJ Strengths
INFJs are profoundly complex. The main reason being that many facets of their personalities appear to be at odds with one another. Yet it’s these very contradictions that are what most observers find fascinating about INFJs.
They might describe themselves as extroverted introverts, calm yet emotional, pessimistically optimistic or optimistically pessimistic, and/or logically creative or creatively logical – just to name a few possibilities.
As already described, INFJs have a great deal of faith in their gut feelings and intuitions. Yet, thanks to their internal-external struggle, they’re often not as judgmental as other structured personality types.
They actually make intense efforts to be kind in order to prevent harming others since they care about their feelings.
Patient, loyal, and protective by nature, INFJs are typically devoted parents who share close ties with their children. They have high expectations for their children and urge them to reach their full potential and have high expectations for them.
While this can occasionally turn into obstinate and hard-nosed guidance, most children of INFJs receive profoundly compassionate and committed parental guidance.
They have equally high standards for themselves, striving to live in accordance with their strong moral convictions and systems of values. INFJs are, in some respects, gentle and laid-back due to the emotion component of their personalities.
But they’re very value-oriented and don’t believe in compromising on what they hold dear.
Challenges Faced by INFJs
On the downside, the INFJ nature almost always encourages them to be private – to a fault – and challenging to understand. Downright secretive at times, they have a bad habit of withholding aspects of who they are.
Along those lines, INFJs aren’t always the best speakers. They can and do listen with the best of them, but when it comes to expressing what they’re thinking, they can too easily trip over their own language.
In addition, because they’re so intuitive with such justifiable confidence in their gut feelings, they run the risk of automatically assuming they’re right even when they’re not. This can mean that the INFJ becomes narrow-minded, disregarding the opinions of others in some situations.
They’re also too peace oriented. Because they seek harmony so much for both themselves and especially those around them, they easily fail to see when conflict can actually be a positive.
For instance, they might very well avoid telling someone that they’re offended… even though doing so could actually strengthen the relationship long-term.
In the same regard, the typically calm INFJ can become agitated or angry when confronted with conflicting situations. And if the stress builds up too much, they can internalize conflict into physical health issues.
Coaching and Development for INFJs
INFJs are perfectionists who question if they’re reaching their full potential. Never totally content with who they are, they always think there’s something more they could be doing to better the world and themselves.
Since they consider growth to be a continuous state of being, they don’t typically take the time to celebrate their successes. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t compliment them, however; appreciation is always encouraging to hear.
INFJs typically shine in roles that allow them to be creative and relatively autonomous at work. They’re naturally drawn to the arts, though many do quite well in more scientific studies since they can apply their intuition there. And service-oriented vocations are another great spot to encourage them toward.
They do, however, struggle to handle minuscule details and intricate assignments. Their tendency is to either steer clear of these situations altogether… or get so engrossed in the minutiae that they lose sight of the larger picture.
It’s also the detail-engrossed INFJ that can get quite judgmental of others who aren’t so focused. So managers should watch out for that.
INFJs in the Workplace
Don’t let the INFJ’s introverted nature fool you. This grouping’s ability to read people and desire to help makes them very suitable for many people-oriented professions. Always looking for ways to grow and encourage others to grow, their gifts can bring new depths of understanding to those who seek their expertise.
Potential INFJ career possibilities include:
- Religious and clergy positions
- Employment instructors,
- Physicians and dentists
- Alternative medical professionals, such as reflexologists and chiropractors, psychologists and psychiatrists
- Social professionals and counselors
- Artists and musicians
- Photographers
- Early childhood development and childcare professionals.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools, Job Shepherd Employer
Oct 15, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Take the ESFJ, also known as “The Caregiver.” Quite common relative to the other 15 categories, it makes up a good 12% of the U.S. population. But that hardly means it should be taken for granted. ESFJs are extreme people persons who can have some of the best affects on their fellow human beings – something societies can always use more of.
Here’s what you need to know about ESFJs, what makes them tick, and where they best fit into the workforce.
An ESFJ’s Daily Life
If you’re an ESFJ, your main way of evaluating and interacting with life is externally oriented; you handle situations based on your external facing view and how that aligns with your personal experiences.
And those personal values are very, very people oriented. ESFJs absolutely adore their fellow human beings, taking a genuine interest in those around them. They collect precise, in-depth information about people, then transform that data into affirmative judgments.
ESFJs tend to have strong beliefs about how things ought to be and don’t hesitate to voice them. Yet it’s important to realize that their moral codes are often shaped more by the society they live in rather than personal convictions. Moreover, they have an intense need for social acceptance and crave friendly environments.
On the plus side, this makes ESFJs very supportive of others and highly dependable. Detail-oriented in the extreme, they place a high value on stability and security, and take their tasks seriously. Moreover, they’re good at it, identifying tasks quickly and exceeding expectations in completing them .
However, they do seek recognition for their contributions and authenticity, and they’re easily wounded if others act indifferently to them… assuming negative intentions even when none exist.
ESFJs share many traits commonly associated with women in our culture. But ESFJ men don’t tend to look feminine at all. While they may become sensitive as you get to know them, male ESFJs will come across as very macho and female ESFJs as very feminine.
Either way, they place a high value on stability and tradition, seeking stable lives where they can spend ample time with friends and family.
ESFJ Strengths
Since they tend to be raised and surrounded by strong, moral, and genuinely goodness-centered value systems, ESFJs are often the kindest, most giving people you’ll ever meet. Armed with a high degree of social awareness, they will give you anything, no questions asked.
As such, they have a unique ability and desire to bring out the best in others. And their talent at reading people and discerning their perspectives is impressive. So it only makes sense that people appreciate being around them.
ESFJs have a long list of “best” traits, including:
- Warmth
- Sensitivity
- Cooperation
- Helpfulness
- Tact
- Practicality
- Thoroughness
- Consistency
- Organization
- Enthusiasm,
In short, they’re incredibly giving, vivacious individuals who derive a great deal of personal fulfillment from seeing others happy.
Challenges Faced by ESFJs
For all their positives, ESFJs may acquire extremely dubious values if they don’t have the opportunity to evaluate them against a sound external system.
In these situations, since they lack an internalized sense of morality, they typically and sincerely believe their distorted value system to be true. This lack of intuition keeps them from seeing the broader picture, and they’re good at finding plenty of justification for whatever moral infraction they choose to defend.
Compounding this, ESFJs lack the intuition of their ENFJ cousins to help them comprehend the true effects of their actions. They believe their behavior is ethical and therefore justified even when it’s really all about them and their personal objectives.
Since ESFJs typically enjoy a good deal of popularity and know how to work a crowd, they can also be skilled manipulators. In fact, their extraverted feelings can push them to control and manipulate.
Because ESFJs are such compassionate people, there are occasions when they find it difficult to acknowledge or accept a tough truth about a person they hold dear.
An ESFJ who hasn’t matured to his or her full potential may also be prone to feelings of insecurity and excessive people pleasing.
Coaching and Development for ESFJs
Every ESFJ has an innate need to be in charge of their surroundings. They seek closure and demand organization wherever they are. That’s why well-structured environments suit them the best.
You won’t generally find them enjoying tasks requiring impersonal analysis or abstract, theoretical concepts.
Managers should be fully warned that pairing an ESFJ with a more free-spirit colleague can be disastrous without proper preparation on both their parts. They think everyone should respect and adhere to the laws and regulations of authority – and they don’t take kindly to contrary thinking.
Being so conventional, ESFJs would much rather follow the path less traveled instead of trying something new. Their need for security motivates their eager adoption and devotion to the established system’s rules. And they may occasionally accept norms without thinking about them or asking questions.
Speaking of which, ESFJs are usually very aware of gender norms. So much so that they often feel most at ease in a role that corresponds with cultural gender expectations.
ESFJs in the Workplace
Being so people-oriented, the ESFJ personality type can find plenty of opportunities that reward both them and those they interact with. Just as long as they work hard to acknowledge and overcome their sensitivities and struggles, they can be extremely useful and effective members of society.
Potential ESFJ job possibilities include:
- Household economics
- Nursing
- Education supervisor
- Child welfare
- Family-based medicine doctor
- Religious work (including clergy positions)
- Office supervisor
- Social work and counseling
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Administration assistant.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools, Job Shepherd Employer
Oct 11, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
One of the 16 is known as ESFP. Nicknamed “The Artist,” it makes up around 8.5% of the U.S. population, with more women fitting into the category than men. It’s the third-most common feminine personality type but the seventh for men. Either way, it’s marked by the love of spotlights, entertainment, and excitement. (“Give my regards to Broadway!”)
Yet the vivacious ESFP personality is much more than a drama show. As a closer study reveals, it can add many positives to the fabric of society.
An ESFP’s Daily Life
ESFPs are first and foremost externally centered individuals who rely more heavily on their ability to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell than their internal musings. In fact, they get intense enjoyment out of interacting with their physical senses, engaging with the world in a consistent hands-on manner when they have it their way.
ESFPs generally find immense enjoyment in beautiful things and have a superb sense of space and function. If they’re wealthy, they probably own tastefully decorated homes with exquisite possessions. And even if they’re not, an ESFP will very likely have a deep appreciation for excellent dining and great wine, among other things.
This vivacious, upbeat, and entertaining personality type adores people and novel encounters. They enjoy drama and excitement in their lives and live for the moment, drinking it in whenever possible.
The whole world is a stage for an ESFP. Quite literally, at times. They enjoy performing for audiences and otherwise being the center of attention. Moreover, they’re good at engaging with their fellow creatures. So most people are more than happy to let them have the attention most of the time.
ESFPs are always entertaining, making others happy by putting on a show for them. And they take great pleasure in getting others to interact with their own senses. In fact, nothing would make them happier than to live life as the entertaining host in an endless celebration.
This does mean they’re not necessarily enthusiastic about rules, regulations, and expected schedules. But it’s easy to love and admire ESFPs nonetheless. Their tendency to accept everyone around them is one of their greatest talents.
They’re positive and energetic, and truly enjoy practically everyone. The way they see it, everyone is someone to engage with.
Deeper still, an ESFP will commonly view everyone (or at least almost everyone) as a friend. And they’re consistently kind and giving to those who fall into that very broad category.
ESFP Strengths
ESFPs are typically very empathetic and concerned about the welfare of others, so they’re naturally kind and giving people. They have a keen sense of social awareness and can identify these problems faster than other personality types – offering a helpful solution in a friendly manner when they identify an issue.
Because of these tendencies, they often have exceptional interpersonal skills and may often find themselves playing the role of mediator.
Despite their dislike of routine and organization, ESFPs can also be quite practical people who adapt well to any situation. This can make them fantastic team members capable of creating the most enjoyable environment possible for doing the task at hand.
They might like drama, but ESFPs are surprisingly good at making work life happen without causing muss or fuss.
They’re also very good with young children and animals, capable of forging special bonds with both. And it’s never surprising when an ESFP is a nature enthusiast considering how much they enjoy engaging with their senses.
Challenges Faced by ESFPs
As for the negative side of being an ESFP, people in this category do have a tendency to become overindulgent. They’re also prone to placing more value on instant feelings and fulfillment than on their duties and commitments if they’re not careful.
If ESFPs don’t develop their thinking sides by taking into account rational thought processing… they’re very likely to ignore potential consequences to their actions. In short, they’re not theorizers or long-term planners.
An ESFP under extreme stress, however, can fall into the traps of pessimism and envisioning additional misery. Negative possibilities in general are unsettling to them, as they’re optimists living in a world of possibilities.
When faced with average problems, you might find them responding with general, simplistic explanations. These oversimplified explanations might not fully capture the essence of the issue and can, in fact, make the situation even worse later on.
On the plus-side, this approach does help the ESFP overcome temporary negativity that would slow other personality types down.
One final negative to know is that the generally good-natured ESFP can hold a grudge if truly crossed. Once someone is on their bad side, they’re likely to stay there a very long time, if not forever.
Coaching and Development for ESFPs
The ESFP is a person with an enormous love of and for life, who knows how to have fun in even the dullest circumstances. When you have an ESFP in the room, you’ll likely have a lively environment.
They really do possess a unique ability to enjoy the world around them to its fullest. However, they must be cautious of the risks involved with living fully in the present. And their managers will need to be aware of this tendency as well.
Remember that theory makes ESFPs uneasy. If they haven’t fully embraced their intuitive side, they may shy away from complicated situations. The same goes for unclear instructions or anything requiring too much hypothesizing.
This is why an ESFP might struggle in classroom settings. They excel instead when they’re permitted to learn through social interaction or otherwise getting involved in the required task.
Hands-on experience is simply much more effective for them than studying a book. So if you want to see an ESFP succeed, give them every opportunity to interact with their environment directly.
ESFPs in the Workplace
With all these pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses making up their personality, ESFPs thrive in very particular professions. Think of positions that allow them to put their exceptional people skills to consistent use, along with their aptitude for organizing ideas into structured frameworks.
Their fast-paced nature and love of new experiences make them good candidates for jobs requiring a lot of diversity and people skills. This means potential ESFP career prospects include:
- Performing, acting, and artistry
- Sales
- Social work and counseling
- Childcare
- Fashion design
- Interior designing and advising
- Photography.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Oct 9, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Consider the ISFP, or “Protector,” personality, which is chock full of possibilities. Making up around 9% of the U.S. population, those who fall into this category are big thinkers and big doers. An entire universe of astonishing possibilities is their typical playground. And they’re very good at knowing how to work within that range, undaunted by what would overwhelm some other personality types.
The ISFP is a fascinating study, as the following segments should help show…
An ISFP’s Daily Life
ISFPs are first and foremost internally focused. They’re automatically inclined to handle situations based on their feelings and values.
And, for the record, those values are extremely well thought out. They have such high moral standards that they literally make it their life’s work to uphold them.
ISFPs must believe they are conducting their lives according to what they hold to be correct; anything that goes against their value system will make them rebel. That’s why they’re heavily inclined to select occupations and paths that allow them to strive toward their morality-based goals.
Despite this heavy inward analysis, ISFPs have an exquisite relationship with the physical world of taste, smell, sight, and touch. This makes them exceptionally talented at making and producing things that will profoundly influence the senses.
ISFPs have a great aesthetic appreciation for art and are probably artists in some capacity. This could easily include culinary talents that leave people hungry for more.
They also tend to love animals and have a genuine admiration for the wonders of nature.
To strangers and mere acquaintances, ISFPs may seem to have casual, lighthearted personalities and mindsets. But they actually take life very seriously. They’re continuously absorbing details and running them through their value systems in an attempt to find deeper significance and clarity.
ISFP Strengths
ISFPs are people who like to take action. This might come as a surprise considering their internal processing tendencies, yet they’re very much more about accomplishments than theorizing.
While they will get philosophical in some situations, that’s because they see a practical, applicable reason behind that speculation. They don’t enjoy hypothesizing for the sake of hypothesizing alone.
ISFPs also have a keen sense of social awareness. They devote a lot of time and effort to causes they strongly believe in because they genuinely want to improve people’s sense of happiness and well-being.
That’s also why they’re always collecting particulars about individuals and trying to figure out what it signifies. Because of this attention to detail and subsequent analysis, they typically get things piercingly accurate when they assess other people.
Overall, ISFPs are warm and empathetic. They have a sincere desire to please others and are highly service-oriented. As such, they’re prone to express their love for people by deeds rather than words.
Challenges Faced by ISFPs
As already stated, ISFPs are “doers” who often struggle with theorizing unless they can visualize their practical application. Because they learn best in a “hands-on” setting, they may get easily disinterested in traditional teaching techniques – which very often places a strong emphasis on abstract thinking.
Yet they also struggle adhering to strict, concrete rules. Regulations can too easily create perceived underclasses, and this chafes against the ISFP’s very nature.
Unfortunately, this tendency can apply to long-term relationships and financial responsibilities. Getting an ISFP to commit to a five-year or 10-year plan isn’t impossible, but it can be challenging.
Speaking of challenges, since they’re usually quiet and reserved, it can be difficult to get to know ISFPs well. In their interactions with others, they exhibit kindness, gentleness, and sensitivity more often than not. But they reserve their thoughts and opinions for the people closest to them.
Incidentally, those fortunate to be in their inner circle get devoted attention and a fierce loyalty that’s hard to beat.
Finally, for all their perceptiveness about other people, this personality type isn’t always very good at reading themselves. ISFPs have a bad tendency to not give themselves enough credit for even exceptional performance. In fact, they can evaluate themselves very harshly against their strong value systems.
It should come as no surprise then that they’re often extreme perfectionists who can too easily fall prey to stress.
Coaching and Development for ISFPs
Unique and self-sufficient, people who fall into the ISFP personality type category require their own place. For men this maybe be a “man cave” for women a “she shed”.
They neither want to control/lead people or be controlled themselves. Instead, they require time and space to reflect on their circumstances in light of their values. And they’re inclined to consider others’ needs in the same way.
Remember that ISFPs are uncomfortable drawing conclusions on the basis of reasoning alone. And they very much dislike impersonal analysis. They make judgments based on their personal convictions, not on some immutable set of regulations. Individuals who identify as ISFPs should look for jobs that allow them to fully express their passion for real emotional experiences and embrace their spontaneous nature. They are unlikely to thrive in highly structured workplaces centered on routines and traditions (think government or military jobs).
In order to gain ISFPs’ full respect, you must do as they do: Take the time to learn about them. Then help them achieve their objectives in special and individual ways.
ISFPs in the WorkplaceThe ISFP bestows numerous unique gifts upon the world, especially in the areas of artistic creation and selfless service to others. And they have the resources to create wonderfully gratifying experiences for both themselves and others close to them… especially when they’re given the freedom to uphold their value systems from start to finish.
Potential career routes for ISFPs include:
- Early childhood development
- Child care
- Composer
- Designer
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Psychologist
- Forest ranger
- Military positions.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Oct 7, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
One such personality type, the ESTJ, carries the “nickname” of Guardian for its adherence to rules and regulations – that and the desire to see others respect systems and policies as well. Very purposeful people with very definite ideas of how to make things happen, they make up15% of the leaders, skewing more heavily toward men than women.
The ESTJ is a fairly straightforward personality type, yet it still bears a full-fledged writeup in order to truly appreciate…
An ESTJ’s Daily Life
An ESTJ individual operates from an externally centered mindset, handling things logically and sensibly more often than not. As with the ESTP personality type, they literally and concretely experience the world through their five senses.
The ESTJ universe is full of facts, figures, and tangible demands – all driven by their assessment of what’s going on in real time. They’re continually monitoring their immediate surroundings to ensure that everything is operating well and according to plan.
ESTJs tend to be natural leaders, and with good reason since they have such a clear idea of how things ought to be. They have a distinct set of norms and beliefs, and they respect customs and laws. This adherence cannot be understated.
Above all, security and social order are important to ESTJs; they feel compelled to take all necessary steps to advance and strengthen their objectives. In general, they will do all within their power to advance both social and personal security, including voting, joining the PTA, cutting the lawn, and attending Homeowners Association meetings.
This doesn’t make them boring people, however. ESTJs like to socialize and have fun. And they can be quite lively and enjoyable at social gatherings, particularly those centered around family, community, or work.
ESTJ Strengths
The ESTJ is typically a model citizen and even a pillar of the community. He or she adheres strictly to their own standards of “good citizenship” and takes their commitments seriously.
Moreover, they’re aggressive and full of confidence, incredibly skilled at creating action plans and processes as well as determining the necessary steps to finish a given assignment.
This personality type works incredibly hard at practically everything they do. They will invest significant energy in tasks they deem necessary for their community, their marriages, their families, their workplaces, and so on. And they’ll motivate others to do the same.
If there’s a practical task that needs to be done, they’re the men and women you want to have around. They simply won’t be satisfied until the objective is accomplished in full, no shortcuts or excuses allowed.
Trustworthy, realistic, practical, conscientious: When you meet an ESTJ, you’ve met the very model of a boy scout or girl scout.
Challenges Faced by ESTJs
ESTJs who are under significant stress will too easily believe their efforts are underappreciated and misunderstood. Under pressure, they’ll think they’re alone to deal with everything themselves. And, worse yet, they’ll have some reason to feel isolated.
This is because the more stress they’re under, the more their talkative and self-assured natures start to fail them. They’ll find it difficult to articulate their emotions, leaving loved ones and colleagues in the dark about how lost they really feel.
Their communication skills can fail them as well when they find themselves dealing with disappointing behavior in others. Because they hold such strong opinions and are prone to expressing them without hesitation…
If they believe someone isn’t living up to their expectations, they can become extremely demanding and critical. They have no patience or understanding for anyone who does not respect the established systems they hold dear. The same applies to rulebreakers – or those they perceive that way.
This can naturally lead to very hard feelings, misunderstandings, tense relationships, and similar negative consequences.
Coaching and Development for ESTJs
ESTJs want to see immediate results for their efforts and place a high emphasis on efficiency and competency. Therefore, they’re probably not suited for bureaucracy and will chafe at anything involving red tape.
It’s important to help ESTJ types understand their propensity toward becoming extremely meticulous and inflexible. This includes when it comes to considering and respecting others’ thoughts and ideas that might clash with their own. If you are uncertain how you approach people consider doing a HR Impact 360, to gain insight as to how others perceive you. We all need self-awareness.
Being filled with conviction is a good thing. But, as with most other personality traits, it can be taken too far.
Along the same lines, it must be noted that while ESTJs will diligently carry out all necessary steps to advance a specific cause or objective, they may not inherently recognize or appreciate the significance of objectives that fall outside their realm of practicality. Even so, you can bet that the ESTJ will make every effort to comprehend these ideals and apply them if they can only see how relevant they are to real-world issues.
This means that taking the time to explain a task’s true relevance to an ESTJ can be well worth the effort.
Also keep in mind that ESTJs need to recognize their emotional side, at least to some degree. Otherwise, they can find it difficult to meet others’ needs for closeness and comradery. They’ll apply reason to circumstances that call for greater emotional sensitivity; and this, in turn, can cause hurt and hard feelings.
ESTJs in the Workplace
Because of their regard for rules and their desire to make things happen, ESTJs are often very suitable for management positions. They’re natural commanders of attention and respect, and their ability to zone in on details opens up their ideal career choices even more.
Potential ESTJ job opportunities include:
- Military leader
- Manager and business administrator
- Detective and police work
- Judge
- Finance-related roles
- Instructor
- Sales representative.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Oct 3, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Take the ESTP, also known as “The Executor.” One of the more common Myers-Briggs categories, it’s marked by a straightforward, no-nonsense outlook on life. ESTPs live in the present, relying heavily on their five senses to understand themselves, their environments, and the people around them – along with the best ways to deal with all of it.
There are so many details worth knowing about ESTP personality types, starting with their daily life, as described below…
An ESTP’s Daily Life
Being an ESTP means your main way of living is externally centered: You literally and concretely experience everything through what you see, hear, taste, smell, and tangibly feel. That stimuli then overwhelmingly and unconsciously influences the way you handle situations – which, fortunately, tend to be both logical and sensible.
ESTPs have straightforward, gregarious personalities and can easily be the life of any party they go to. They’re doers who thrive in active environments where they can interact unhindered with the world around them, including their fellow human beings.
This naturally means they’re not afraid of taking risks, either socially or in personal and professional pursuits. ESTPs are simple creatures in the best of ways, unpolluted by overthinking and self-doubt. When presented with a task, they’re very likely to jump right in and get their hands dirty.
They simply don’t give much thought to theory or introspection. Instead, they scrutinize the facts of the situation, swiftly decide on the necessary actions, execute them, and proceed to the next task.
There’s no muss or fuss necessary, if they have their way.
ESTP Strengths
ESTPs are exceptionally good at figuring out the motivations and attitudes of others. This might come as a surprise considering their lack of introspection, but their specific tendencies actually make them very attune to interpersonal cues.
Remember: They take great note of what they see and otherwise physically sense. So they’ll pick up on subtle indications like posture and facial expressions that most other personality types utterly miss.
Usually, this means they’re one or even two steps ahead of whoever they’re interacting with. It’s an intense advantage that can be used for great good.
When ESTPs determine that something is necessary, their “do it and get on with it” mentality almost assuredly means that it will, in fact, get done. Moreover, it will get done according to their particular set of moral convictions and values. ESTPs’ morality demands that they never act contrary to their convictions.
What else can we say about them? For one thing, drama and style are their strong suits. They’re quick-witted, quick-moving individuals who enjoy the finer things in life. And they typically have excellent storytelling and improvisational skills as well. Instead of following a plan, they usually make things up as they go along.
Overall, ESTPs want to have fun, want to see other people have fun, and are enjoyable to be around. Who wouldn’t want to be an ESTP?
Challenges Faced by ESTPs
As with every other personality type, however, there are detriments to falling into this category. Everyone is a combination of strengths and weaknesses, and a common ESTP challenge is that they see themselves as being above the law to a large extent.
Rules and regulations are recommendations for conduct, not orders. And this does mean they can injure people without even realizing it – especially if that person is out of sight (and therefore out of mind). Or, if they do realize it, they simply might not care.
It’s not that they’re deliberately trying to be heartless. They simply put their own values and conclusions above everyone else’s and don’t consider people’s feelings while making decisions.
In other words, intuition is an ESTP’s least developed trait. They find little value in theory and are impatient with it in their rush to get things done. Occasionally, an ESTP will experience strong intuition – but that intuition is frequently dead wrong.
This no doubt gives them even more reason to be skeptical of other people’s intuition as well. Which they automatically are.
Coaching and Development for ESTPS
The ESTP personality type faces several challenges in the classroom, particularly when they advance into higher education and more theoretical subjects. And once they’ve determined something to be impractical or illogical and therefore unapplicable to their daily tasks?
It’s all over. They become utterly disinterested and disengaged.
Since book-learning is often very theoretical in nature versus a hands-on, open-senses experience, ESTPs can have a very hard time in school despite their exceptional intelligence.
Obviously, this can translate into the workplace too, particularly in certain professions. So the best way to encourage an ESTP is to give them projects where they’re on the go. While limitations are important (and rules do need to apply), try to give them as much creative rein as possible to tap into their potential.
Otherwise, they will feel constrained and miserable – hardly the ideal workplace mentality to foster.
Practical, perceptive, outgoing, and spontaneous, ESTPs thrive on quickly coming up with creative solutions to problems. Keep in mind that they’re exceptional at starting things off and getting projects off the ground. It’s the follow-through – the daily grind – where they struggle more, which often prompts them to delegate “boring” chores to others.
This doesn’t mean ESTPs are incapable of follow-through, however. In fact, their managers should encourage them to do exactly that. How can you enhance your follow-through ship? Consider these tips to help make you your best self.
Learn to Say No. You more than likely have too much going on. Set up some feedback mechanism with your superior to ensure you are tracking with them. Make sure you use task software and utilize calendar programs to stay organized. Writing things down, even in digital formatting makes a big difference.
ESTPs in the Workplace
ESTPs are excellent motivators who can do amazing things if they identify their true talents and work within those boundaries. Natural-born salesmen, they have the ability to persuasively present any idea to anyone. And they’re excellent entrepreneurs who can inspire others to greatness as well, thanks to their high energy levels.
As such, potential ESTP career options include:
- Sales agent
- Marketing professional
- Police and detective work
- Emergency medical technician or paramedic
- PC specialist or network installer
- Tech support
- Business owner.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Oct 1, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Concerning the ISTP personality type – also known as “The Instrumentalist” – we tend to see a combination of practical yet spontaneous traits. The ISTP is very rare, comprising of only 5% of the population. These individuals can possess great cognitive abilities that make them ideal for certain roles and situations. Though, like every other category in the MBTI assessment, they have their struggles as well.
One way or the other, ISTPs are well worth understanding…
An ISTP’s Daily Life
ISTPs have a very strong desire to understand how things work and will happily disassemble objects to examine their internal mechanisms. They enjoy applying logical reasoning to real-world problems and typically possess great cognitive abilities – though they aren’t interested in ideas or notions unless they can apply them practically.
ISTPs have adventurers spirits and thrive on action. They’re often attracted to activities such as surfing, skydiving, motorcycling, and flying airplanes. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re often fearless people.
They dedicate themselves to their ideas and convictions, and simply will not participate in any activity that transgresses them. ISTPs have a strong sense of loyalty and faithfulness to their “brothers,” firmly believing that everyone deserves equal and fair treatment. And any system that doesn’t meet those determinations – at least in their own minds – is one they’re quick to disregard.
ISTPs can best organize their thoughts when they’re alone and therefore value and even crave their “me time.” When they do get that space, they’ll take in vast amounts of impersonal facts from the outside world, sort through them, and then make decisions from there.
ISTP Strengths
ISTPs tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and enjoy being on the go, which helps them excel in athletic pursuits. And when it comes to school, they don’t often struggle too much in stereotypical peer-pressure ways.
Because they’re introverts with rational thought processes, they’re adept at seeing a project through to completion and closing up loose ends instead of being distracted by partying and other social pressures.
ISTPs believe that decisions should be made objectively. It’s very much about the facts for them, not feelings. So they try to avoid coming to conclusions based on personal ideals – provided that their dense of justice isn’t compromised.
Generally patient people who pay attention to specifics and useful details, they’re nonetheless capable of making swift and efficient decisions. If there’s a feeling of urgency, ISTPs can step up the process in all the right ways.
ISTPs are upbeat, gregarious, devoted to their peers, straightforward in their desires, hospitable, trusting, and generous individuals… who have little interest in constraining themselves in obligations.
Challenges Faced by ISTPs
On the downside, ISTPs aren’t always great at following the rules. They’re much more into “doing their own thing.” Moreover, they’re easily bored because of their constant need for action and sense of adventure – making regulations even more undesirable to them.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise then that they lack an innate sense of social awareness. And they struggle to discern between value judgments and emotional reactions. As such, they pay little attention to, or even mistrust, their own sentiments and attempt to ignore them altogether.
For many ISTPs, this can lead to problems since we have our emotions for a reason. When properly combined with discernment, they’re supposed to help us navigate life in healthy ways for both ourselves and those around us.
This is why overstressed ISTPs can display impulsive or even violent outbursts of anger due to their suppression habits. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, they might become so overwhelmed that they feel obliged to express their feelings in inappropriate ways. So if you are a ISTP you may have experienced this. Perhaps you have learned what many have. Take a deep breath and never act quickly. Take your time and try to visualize not loosing control.
This can also lead to unhealthy amount of self-criticism, leading ISTPs into the realm of value judgments. Since that’s unnatural for them, it tends to result in depression. And while they won’t let that state of mind keep them from the task at hand, it’s obviously not an ideal attitude to work with.
Coaching and Development for ISTPs
Because ISTPs enjoy being active and on the go, they’re not really the cubicle types. They simply do not do well with having to spend their days doing long-term planning while seated behind a desk. So, whenever possible, give them jobs that require movement.
They’ll be happier that way, and so will you.
They’re also impulsive and flexible, reacting to whatever is in front of them. This can be both a weakness and a strength. Obviously, their tendency toward patience can and does temper that impulsivity, but creating (or allowing them to create) an environment that helps them stay focused doesn’t hurt.
Because they are fiercely autonomous, ISTPs require the freedom to choose their own path forward. So remember when choosing a career, choose one that will give you freedom and not an overly controlling environment.
ISTPs in the Workplace
Due to their abundance of innate skills, ISTPs excel in a wide range of endeavors. However, as a group, their happiest moments happen when they get to apply technical expertise and/or in-depth logical analysis.
Because they take great satisfaction in their capacity to move in the right direction, they can be ideal technological team leaders. But other potential ISTP career pathways include:
- Detective and law enforcement work
- Forensic medicine
- System analysis, computer specialist, and programming
- Carpentry
- Mechanics
- Driving and piloting
- Sports
- Business owner
- Engineer.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Aug 23, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
The ISTJ, for instance, is also known as Logistician or Executor of Duties. This is one of the more common personality types, amounting to almost 16% of the population. And that’s not a bad thing considering how they operate. This persona is very logic-driven, looking for facts and figures over feelings, which makes them ideal for many important roles in society.
Want to know more about the ISTJ mindset? Keep reading on…
An ISTJ’s Daily Life
ISTJs typically respect rules and customs, and anticipate the same behavior from others. Disobeying the law or regulations makes them uncomfortable, as it goes against their very nature. So it should come as no surprise that they tend to believe in following plans and procedures at most cost.
The ISTJ will only deviate from the norm if he or she can discern a compelling basis for doing so. There are no spur-of-the-moment course changes (or at least very few of them). They need concrete, tangible evidence to support such moves.
ISTJs store a vast amount of information in their memories. This means they often have good reason to hold fast to their modus operandi. It also means, however, that they can find it challenging when a theory or concept differs from their own.
The easiest way for them to change their minds is if someone they respect or care about speaks to them on the subject in question. If that person or persons can demonstrate the importance or relevance of the notion, the ISTJ will absorb and support it as truth. Moreover, once that “truth” is accepted, this personality type will go to great lengths to fulfill any attached obligations to support it.
Despite this seeming rigidity, ISTJs typically appreciate art thanks to their keen sense of space and purpose. In fact, they have a particularly pronounced sense of smell and prefer environments that satisfy their cravings for beauty, order, and structure.
ISTJ Strengths
When it comes to keeping their word, ISTJs are known for their dependability. They’re willing to spend long hours and exert a great deal of energy on any task they believe is necessary to achieve a goal. And while they do enjoy working alone, they can perform effectively in groups when the need arises.
ISTJs are very good at defining, organizing, planning, and carrying out tasks all the way through to completion.
ISTJs often find it difficult to show others affection and emotion. However, their strong sense of duty and ability to recognize necessary actions typically enable them to overcome their innate reluctance. As a result, they’re typically kind and supportive of the people they care about.
In short, they want to satisfy the emotional needs of those close to them.
The ISTJ is a very devoted and faithful person. Traditional and family-oriented, they work hard to ensure their households are well-run and tend to have attractively equipped and well-maintained residences. And they can make conscientious parents, though they’re more likely to show their affection for family members with deeds rather than words.
Challenges Faced by ISTJs
When ISTJs are under stress, they can easily go into “catastrophe mode,” where they fixate on actual or potential problems. They become unable to view situations rationally and start to self-blame for perceived missteps.
This downward spiral of pessimism can slide them straight into depression.
Truth be told, ISTJs don’t give themselves enough credit for their accomplishments in general though. They see finished work as expected accomplishments; that’s all.
The ISTJ is not emotionally sensitive by nature, either to their own feelings or those of others. So they may struggle to identify emotional demands immediately upon expression. And they tend to take other people’s efforts for granted just as they do with themselves.
This mindset can produce hard feelings unless properly addressed by whoever is on the receiving end of it.
Coaching and Development for ISTJs
The ISTJ has a great deal of promise overall.
Keep in mind, however, that managers should first explain the importance of whatever task they’re asked to do. Taking that bit of extra time out at the beginning will motivate an ISTJ in ways that should more than pay off in the end. Just make sure to avoid too much theory or abstract thought when you do, favoring clear, practical language instead.
Those who find themselves in charge of this personality type should also be aware that it’s an easy one to take advantage of. Due to their strong sense of duty, the ISTJ may struggle to decline assignments.
The manager needs to be particularly diligent in watching out for this possibility instead. Otherwise, that previously mentioned “catastrophe mode” kicks in.
Also keep in mind that some ISTJs may desire to control over others and accountability for their own actions. But they should be encouraged to give individuals a pat on the back – just as it probably wouldn’t hurt to do the same to them.
ISTJs in the Workplace
As alluded to earlier, the world needs capable, rational, effective people in order to survive, much less advance. So there is plenty of room for ISTJs in the workplace.
Their strong desire to promote safety and tranquility in life can lead to extremely worthwhile accomplishments.
Since they’re very interested in finding out and adhering to facts, they’re well-suited to investigative tasks. And since they’re so goal-oriented, positions of authority can be ideal as well.
Potential ISTJ job options include:
- Managers, administrators, and business executives
- Financial officers and accountants
- Investigators
- Policemen or women
- Judges
- Attorneys
- Physicians and dentists
- Computer specialists, systems analysts, and programmers
- Military leaders
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Aug 22, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
The ENFJ, for instance, is often called “The Protagonist” or “The Persuader.” One of the rarer categories, accounting for just 2%-5% of the population by some estimates, it’s known for charisma and influence. This persona takes on significant responsibility for others based on its natural inclinations toward being caring and empathetic.
Want to know what makes an ENFJ tick? Keep reading on…
An ENFJ’s Daily Life
ENFJs live primarily in an external world, constantly observing and responding to it. Their dominant function is extraverted feeling, which causes them to focus on other people’s emotions and needs. This outward orientation allows them to easily understand social dynamics.
On any given day and at any time, an ENFJ may participate in various people-oriented activities that involve such things as giving:
- Support
- Guidance
- Encouragement
That’s because they gain a sense of fulfillment in interactions with other human beings, whether one-on-one or collectively. It’s important to stress, however, that these individuals assume leadership positions not because they want power but rather due to their genuine concern for others’ welfare.
ENFJs are social butterflies and the glue that holds many friendships together. They often host gatherings or check in on friends to ensure everyone is okay. These people are great listeners. And because of their empathy and understanding, they can make wonderful and encouraging advisors.
ENFJ Strengths
One powerful ability that distinguishes ENFJs is their tendency – even drive – to positively influence and flat-out inspire others around them. They’re driven by the purpose of making people’s lives better, and that gives them an automatic appeal.
In addition, they have naturally excellent speaking abilities and are more capable of expressing their thoughts convincingly. It should be no surprise then that many people look up to ENFJs as role models.
ENFJs build meaningful personal relationships characterized by immense compassion toward everyone involved, including those in the professional sphere. This, coupled with organizational capability, allows them to be very effective planners.
Challenges Faced by ENFJs
If that sounds like a golden life to live, don’t get jealous; ENFJs are not without their challenges. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, after all.
For one thing, they have a bad tendency to ignore their own needs and preferences, especially when around others. And this can result in burnout and stress if left unchecked.
Additionally, ENFJs may have difficulty dealing with conflict. In fact, they can be completely conflict-adverse, which can lead to issues worsening further through resentment.
Coaching and Development for ENFJS
When properly coached, some ENFJs can develop certain less visible cognitive functions, such as introverted intuition or extraverted thinking.
Whenever possible, we should strengthen these functions to help them achieve a better balance between personal and professional lives.
For instance, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout for ENFJs. They should be encouraged to explore interests outside of work-related contexts and pursue hobbies that bring them joy. This will recharge their energy levels, ensuring their motivation remains high when they are on the job.
Overall, this approach guarantees motivated, energized, and happy ENFJs everywhere!
Learning how to face conflicts is also an important area of growth for this personality type. And they should strive toward achieving better overall self-awareness through lifelong learning experiences that can promote personal/professional development.
ENFJs in the Workplace
Because of their strong tendency to help others – not to mention their great communication skills – coaching and development opportunities can best benefit ENFJs. More often than not, they’re shoe-ins for such roles.
Coaching, in particular, can sharpen their leadership skills by enhancing their strengths, perfecting their boundary management techniques, and helping them develop stress-coping mechanisms. It may also provide tools they can use to better handle conflict and criticism.
Overall though, ENFJs should and do look for careers where they can make a positive impact. They want to do meaningful work and enjoy positions that allow them to see the results of their labor.
A career is not just a job for them; it’s their mission to improve human life.
Potential ENFJ job options include:
- School principal
- Public relations manager
- College administrator
- Training or development manager
- Sales manager
- HR manager
- Health educator
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
