The Optimist – Understanding the INFP Personality Type
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.