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Understanding MBTI: INFP – The Mediator
If you are a coach helping people build their dream business, it’s important to understand different personality types to better connect with your clients.
One widely used personality framework is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). If you’re aware of MBTI, you know how many people swear by its accuracy.
But if you’re just coming across it, you’d probably want to check out Myers-Briggs Type Indicator — The 16 Personality Types: The Definitive Guide.
However, in this article, we will discuss one of the 16 personality types – the INFPs, popularly known as ‘The Mediator/The Healer.’
We will discover what it stands for, its key characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and subtypes. In addition to this, you will also find answers to some very commonly asked questions about INFPs.
In Brief : Understanding MBTI: INFP – The Mediator
Key INFP Characteristics
- INFPs are introverted and prefer a small circle – Typically introverted, INFPs prefer a small circle, finding value in deep connections and solitary activities.
- They are intuitive and tend to trust their gut feelings and insights – Trusting gut feelings and insights, INFPs excel at reading between the lines, contributing to creative projects.
- They are feeling types and prioritize emotions and values over objective analysis – As feeling types, INFPs prioritize emotions, sometimes struggling with decisions that require balancing emotions with logic.
- They are perceptive types – Flexible and spontaneous, INFPs thrive in changing environments, though they may appear indecisive to others.
- INFPs are creative and idealistic – Drawn to artistic pursuits, INFPs express themselves and explore ideas, driven by idealism and a belief in positive change.
INFP Weaknesses
- Introverted nature leads to isolation – INFPs, being introverted, may struggle to build relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and difficulty networking or making connections.
- Difficulty asserting themselves – INFPs may have difficulty asserting themselves, avoiding conflict and confrontation, which can result in a lack of boundaries and challenges in standing up for their needs.
- Overly idealistic – Known for idealism, INFPs may hold unrealistic expectations of themselves and others, potentially leading to disillusionment and disappointment, hindering personal and professional growth.
- Sensitive to criticism – Highly sensitive to criticism, INFPs may take it personally, resulting in self-doubt and defensiveness, hindering their ability to receive feedback constructively.
INFP Strengths
- Creative and imaginative – Known for creativity and imagination, INFPs excel at thinking outside the box, making them well-suited for artistic and innovative roles.
- Empathetic and compassionate – With a deep sense of empathy and compassion, INFPs excel in interpersonal communication and relationship building.
- Idealistic and value-driven – Motivated by strong values, INFPs are idealistic and optimistic, believing in the potential for positive change.
- Strong sense of authenticity – INFPs prioritize authenticity, valuing individuality and expressing themselves genuinely in both personal and professional aspects of life.
What does INFP stand for
The INFP is one of the 16 personality types identified by the MBTI system. INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. INFPs are also known as Mediators. They make up about 4% of the population and are among the rarest personality types.
Also, I recently came across this excellent video explaining what it means to be an INFP, and if you have a few minutes to spare – it could be a good supplement to this article.
Key INFP Characteristics
Curious to know how to identify an INFP? Check out the INFP characteristics below.
1. INFPs are introverted and prefer a small circle.
INFPs are typically introverted individuals who often feel drained after socializing for extended periods. They prefer to spend their time alone or with a small group of close friends or family members. As introverts, they may enjoy solitary activities such as reading, writing, or creating art, which can help them process their thoughts and feelings. While they may not always seek out social situations, INFPs value deep and meaningful connections with others. They are known for their ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level.
2. They are intuitive and tend to trust their gut feelings and insights.
INFPs are intuitive individuals who rely on their inner thoughts and feelings to make decisions. They tend to rely on their intuition to guide them through life. As intuitive individuals, INFPs are skilled at reading between the lines and seeing the deeper meanings behind things. They are often able to spot connections and patterns that others may miss, which can make them valuable contributors to creative and innovative projects.
3. They are feeling types and prioritize emotions and values over objective analysis.
INFPs are feeling types who prioritize emotions and values over objective analysis. They tend to be deeply in touch with their emotions and those of others, often seeking to understand the feelings and perspectives of those around them. As a result, INFPs may sometimes struggle with making difficult decisions that require them to balance their emotions with objective facts and logic. They may be more likely to prioritize their values and what feels right to them than what is objectively the best choice.
4. They are perceptive types.
INFPs are perceiving types who are known for their flexibility, spontaneity, and adaptability. They are open-minded and curious, often seeking out new experiences and perspectives. They can adapt quickly to changes in their environment and may thrive in situations that require them to think on their feet. As a result of their perceiving nature, INFPs may also sometimes struggle with decision-making and may appear indecisive to others.
5. INFPs are creative and idealistic.
INFPs are often creative and imaginative individuals who are deeply in touch with their inner selves.
They may be drawn to creative pursuits such as writing, art, or music, where they can express themselves and explore their ideas and emotions. INFPs are often idealistic individuals who see the best in people and believe in the potential for positive change in the world. They may be motivated by a desire to make a difference and contribute to a better future for all.
INFP Weaknesses
INFPs have several weaknesses that can hinder their personal and professional growth. Here are some of them.
1. Introverted nature leads to isolation.
INFPs tend to be introverted and may struggle to build relationships with others, particularly in social or professional situations. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as difficulty networking or making new connections.
2. Difficulty asserting themselves
INFPs may struggle to assert themselves and communicate their needs and values to others. They may avoid conflict and confrontation, leading to a lack of boundaries or difficulty standing up for themselves.
3. Overly idealistic
INFPs are known for their idealism and desire to make the world a better place. However, this can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. They may become disillusioned or disappointed when their expectations are not met, which can hinder their personal and professional growth.
4. Sensitive to criticism
INFPs can be highly sensitive to criticism and may take it personally, leading to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. They may become defensive or avoidant when receiving feedback, which can hinder their ability to grow and improve. It is important for INFPs to learn to receive criticism constructively and not let it affect their sense of self-worth.
INFP Strengths
INFPs have several strengths that make them valuable contributors to any team or community. Their creativity, imagination, and intuition make them excellent problem solvers who can see beyond the surface level of things.
1. Creative and imaginative
INFPs are known for their creativity and imagination. They have a natural ability to think outside the box and come up with unique and innovative ideas. This makes them well-suited to artistic and creative fields, as well as roles that require a fresh perspective.
2. Empathetic and compassionate
INFPs have a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others. They are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their perspectives, making them skilled at interpersonal communication and building relationships.
3. Idealistic and value-driven
INFPs are strongly motivated to improve the world by their values and beliefs. They are idealistic and optimistic, and they believe in the potential for positive change.
4. Strong sense of authenticity
INFPs have a strong sense of authenticity and are true to themselves and their values. They value individuality and uniqueness and strive to express themselves authentically in their personal and professional lives.
INFP Subtypes
INFPs have four cognitive functions: dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior. Each function plays a role in shaping their personality and behavior. Let’s take a closer look at each subtype:
- Dominant: Introverted Feeling
Introverted feeling (Fi) is the dominant function of INFPs. Fi is a subjective, values-based function that focuses on understanding and expressing one’s own emotions and values. INFPs with strong Fi tend to be highly introspective, deeply empathetic, and value-driven.
- Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition
Extraverted intuition (Ne) is the auxiliary function of INFPs. Ne is an expansive, exploratory function that seeks out new possibilities and connections. INFPs with strong Ne tend to be imaginative, curious, and open-minded.
- Tertiary: Introverted Sensing
Introverted sensing (Si) is the tertiary function of INFPs. Si is a memory-based function that focuses on the past and the present. INFPs with strong Si tend to be nostalgic, detail-oriented, and good at recalling specific events and experiences.
- Inferior: Extraverted Thinking
Extraverted thinking (Te) is the inferior function of INFPs. He is a logic-based function that seeks to analyze and organize information. INFPs with weak Te may struggle with decision-making and organization and may have difficulty articulating their thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely.
Bonus: MBTI test
If you are interested in learning more about your personality type, you can take the MBTI test here. The test is a self-reported questionnaire that asks questions about your preferences in four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.
While the MBTI test can be a useful tool for understanding your personality type, it’s important to remember that it’s not a definitive measure of your personality. Your personality is complex and multifaceted, and no test can fully capture all aspects of who you are.
Conclusion
INFPs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving individuals who are known for their creativity, empathy, and passion for their values. They have several strengths that make them valuable contributors to any team or community, but they also have weaknesses that can hinder their personal and professional growth.
Understanding the INFP personality type can help coaches better connect with their clients and tailor their coaching style to their needs and preferences. By recognizing and appreciating the unique strengths and challenges of INFPs, coaches can help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an INFP personality?
An INFP personality is introverted, intuitive, feels, and perceives. INFPs are creative, idealistic individuals who are deeply empathetic and passionate about their values. They make up about 4% of the population and are known for their ability to see beyond the surface level of things and connect with others on a deep, emotional level.
What jobs are good for INFP personality types?
INFPs tend to gravitate towards careers that allow them to express their creativity, connect with others on a deep level, and make a positive difference in the world. Some examples of careers that may be well-suited for INFPs include writing, counseling, teaching, social work, and the arts.
Who is INFP compatible with?
INFPs tend to be compatible with other intuitive and feeling types, such as ENFPs, ENFJs, and INFJs. These types share similar values and priorities and can connect with INFPs on a deep, emotional level. However, compatibility ultimately depends on individual differences and preferences, and there are no hard-and-fast rules for relationships.
Further Resources:
- Dive into the detailed characteristics of ISTJ personalities, known for their practicality and organizational skills, with valuable insights for personal and professional development: MBTI ISTJ Personality.
- Explore the analytical and independent traits of ISTP individuals in this comprehensive guide, offering insights into their problem-solving approach and unique perspectives: MBTI ISTP Personality.
- Discover the nurturing and empathetic qualities of ISFJ personalities, characterized by their focus on harmony and support, in this insightful exploration: MBTI ISFJ Personality.
- Uncover the intellectual and creative aspects of INTP personalities, known for their logical thinking and innovative ideas, through this in-depth analysis: MBTI INTP Personality.
- Explore the energetic and adaptable traits of ESTP individuals, often described as dynamic and action-oriented, in this comprehensive examination: MBTI ESTP Paersonality.
- Gain insights into the strong leadership and organizational skills of ESTJ personalities, known for their practical approach and decision-making prowess: MBTI ESTJ Personality.
- Discover the lively and spontaneous characteristics of ESFP individuals, celebrated for their social energy and enthusiasm, through this engaging guide: MBTI ESFP Personality.
- Delve into the sociable and supportive qualities of ESFJ personalities, recognized for their people-centric approach and warm-hearted nature: MBTI ESFJ Personality.
- Explore the innovative and passionate nature of ENFP personalities, known for their creativity and curiosity, in this insightful analysis: MBTI ENFP Personality.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the charismatic and empathetic qualities of ENFJ individuals, often described as natural leaders and communicators: MBTI ENFJ Personality.
- Delve into the traits and tendencies of ENTJ personalities, characterized by their strategic thinking and decisive leadership, in this comprehensive exploration: MBTI ENTJ Personality.
- Explore the artistic and adaptable characteristics of ISFP individuals, known for their sensitivity and aesthetic appreciation, in this insightful guide: MBTI ISFP Personality.
- Discover the compassionate and visionary qualities of INFJ personalities, celebrated for their deep understanding and insight, through this engaging analysis: MBTI INFJ Personality.
- Gain insights into the strategic and analytical nature of INTJ personalities, recognized for their vision and problem-solving skills, through this comprehensive guide: MBTI INTJ Personality.
ABOUT SAI BLACKBYRN
I’m Sai Blackbyrn, better known as “The Coach’s Mentor.” I help Coaches like you establish their business online. My system is simple: close more clients at higher fees. You can take advantage of technology, and use it as a catalyst to grow your coaching business in a matter of weeks; not months, not years. It’s easier than you think.
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