INTJ PERSONALITY, “THE ARCHITECT” In Matters Of Principle, Stand Like a Rock

It’s lonely at the top, and being one of the rarest and INTJs radiate self-confidence and an aura of mystery,
most strategically capable personality types, INTJs and their insightful observations, original ideas and
know this all too well. INTJs form just two percent of formidable logic enable them to push change through
the population, and women of this personality type are with sheer willpower and force of personality. At times
especially rare, forming just 0.8% of the population – it it will seem that INTJs are bent on deconstructing and
is often a challenge for them to find like-minded rebuilding every idea and system they come into
individuals who are able to keep up with their relentless contact with, employing a sense of perfectionism and
intellectualism and chess-like maneuvering. People even morality to this work. Anyone who doesn’t have
with the INTJ personality type are imaginative yet the talent to keep up with INTJs’ processes, or worse
decisive, ambitious yet private, amazingly curious, but yet, doesn’t see the point of them, is likely to
they do not squander their energy. immediately and permanently lose their respect.

Nothing Can Stop the Right Attitude From Rules, limitations and traditions are anathema to the
Achieving Its Goal INTJ personality type – everything should be open to
questioning and reevaluation, and if they see a way,
With a natural thirst for knowledge that shows itself INTJs will often act unilaterally to enact their technically
early in life, INTJs are often given the title of superior, sometimes insensitive, and almost always
“bookworm” as children. While this may be intended as unorthodox methods and ideas.
an insult by their peers, they more than likely identify
with it and are even proud of it, greatly enjoying their This isn’t to be misunderstood as impulsiveness –
broad and deep body of knowledge. INTJs enjoy INTJs will strive to remain rational no matter how
sharing what they know as well, confident in their attractive the end goal may be, and every idea,
mastery of their chosen subjects, but owing to their whether generated internally or soaked in from the
Intuitive (N) and Judging (J) traits, they prefer to design outside world, must pass the ruthless and ever-present
and execute a brilliant plan within their field rather than “Is this going to work?” filter. This mechanism is
share opinions on “uninteresting” distractions like applied at all times, to all things and all people, and this
gossip. is often where INTJ personality types run into trouble.

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to One Reflects More When Traveling Alone
your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be
ignorant. - Harlan Ellison INTJs are brilliant and confident in bodies of knowledge
they have taken the time to understand, but
A paradox to most observers, INTJs are able to live by unfortunately the social contract is unlikely to be one of
glaring contradictions that nonetheless make perfect those subjects. White lies and small talk are hard
sense – at least from a purely rational perspective. For enough as it is for a type that craves truth and depth,
example, INTJs are simultaneously the most starry- but INTJs may go so far as to see many social
eyed idealists and the bitterest of cynics, a seemingly conventions as downright stupid. Ironically, it is often
impossible conflict. But this is because INTJ types tend best for them to remain where they are comfortable –
to believe that with effort, intelligence and out of the spotlight – where the natural confidence
consideration, nothing is impossible, while at the same prevalent in INTJs as they work with the familiar can
time they believe that people are too lazy, short-sighted serve as its own beacon, attracting people,
or self-serving to actually achieve those fantastic romantically or otherwise, of similar temperament and
results. Yet that cynical view of reality is unlikely to stop interests.
an interested INTJ from achieving a result they believe
to be relevant. INTJs are defined by their tendency to move through
life as though it were a giant chess board, pieces
constantly shifting with consideration and intelligence,
always assessing new tactics, strategies and
contingency plans, constantly outmaneuvering their
peers in order to maintain control of a situation while
maximizing their freedom to move about. This isn’t
meant to suggest that INTJs act without conscience,
but to many Feeling (F) types, INTJs’ distaste for acting
on emotion can make it seem that way, and it explains
why many fictional villains (and misunderstood heroes)
are modeled on this personality type.
INTJ STRENGTHS INTJ WEAKNESSES

Quick, Imaginative and Strategic Mind – INTJs pride Arrogant – INTJs are perfectly capable of carrying
themselves on their minds, taking every opportunity to their confidence too far, falsely believing that they’ve
improve their knowledge, and this shows in the resolved all the pertinent issues of a matter and closing
strength and flexibility of their strategic thinking. themselves off to the opinions of those they believe to
Insatiably curious and always up for an intellectual be intellectually inferior. Combined with their
challenge, INTJs can see things from many irreverence for social conventions, INTJs can be
brutally insensitive in making their opinions of others all
perspectives. INTJs use their creativity and imagination
too clear.
not so much for artistry, but for planning contingencies
and courses of action for all possible scenarios.
Judgmental – INTJs tend to have complete
confidence in their thought process, because rational
High Self-Confidence – INTJs trust their rationalism arguments are almost by definition correct – at least in
above all else, so when they come to a conclusion, theory. In practice, emotional considerations and
they have no reason to doubt their findings. This history are hugely influential, and a weak point for
creates an honest, direct style of communication that INTJs is that they brand these factors and those who
isn’t held back by perceived social roles or embrace them as illogical, dismissing them and
expectations. When INTJs are right, they’re right, and considering their proponents to be stuck in some baser
no amount of politicking or hand-holding is going to mode of thought, making it all but impossible to be
change that fact – whether it’s correcting a person, a heard.
process, or themselves, they’d have it no other way.
Overly analytical – A recurring theme with INTJs is
Independent and Decisive – This creativity, logic and their analytical prowess, but this strength can fall
confidence come together to form individuals who painfully short where logic doesn’t rule – such as with
stand on their own and take responsibility for their own human relationships. When their critical minds and
actions. Authority figures do not impress INTJs, nor do sometimes neurotic level of perfectionism (often the
social conventions or tradition, and no matter how case with Turbulent INTJs) are applied to other people,
popular something is, if they have a better idea, INTJs all but the steadiest of friends will likely need to make
will stand against anyone they have to in a bid to have some distance, too often permanently.
it changed. Either an idea is the most rational or it’s
wrong, and INTJs will apply this to their arguments as Loathe highly structured environments – Blindly
well as their own behavior, staying calm and detached following precedents and rules without understanding
from these sometimes emotionally charged conflicts. them is distasteful to INTJs, and they disdain even
INTJs will only be swayed by those who follow suit. more authority figures who blindly uphold those laws
and rules without understanding their intent. Anyone
Hard-working and determined – If something piques who prefers the status quo for its own sake, or who
their interest, INTJs can be astonishingly dedicated to values stability and safety over self-determination, is
their work, putting in long hours and intense effort to likely to clash with INTJ personality types. Whether it’s
see an idea through. INTJs are incredibly efficient, and the law of the land or simple social convention, this
if tasks meet the criteria of furthering a goal, they will aversion applies equally, often making life more difficult
find a way to consolidate and accomplish those tasks. than it needs to be.
However, this drive for efficiency can also lead to a sort
of elaborate laziness, wherein INTJs find ways to Clueless in romance – This antipathy to rules and
bypass seeming redundancies which don’t seem to tendency to over-analyze and be judgmental, even
require a great deal of thought – this can be risky, as arrogant, all adds up to a personality type that is often
sometimes double-checking one’s work is the standard clueless in dating. Having a new relationship last long
for a reason. enough for INTJs to apply the full force of their analysis
on their potential partner’s thought processes and
Open-minded – All this rationalism leads to a very behaviors can be challenging. Trying harder in the
intellectually receptive personality type, as INTJs stay ways that INTJs know best can only make things
open to new ideas, supported by logic, even if (and worse, and it’s unfortunately common for them to
sometimes especially if) they prove INTJs’ previous simply give up the search. Ironically, this is when
conceptions wrong. When presented with unfamiliar they’re at their best, and most likely to attract a partner.
territory, such as alternate lifestyles, INTJs tend to
apply their receptiveness and independence, and
aversion to rules and traditions, to these new ideas as
well, resulting in fairly liberal social senses.

Jacks-of-all-Trades – INTJs’ open-mindedness,

determination, independence, confidence and strategic
abilities create individuals who are capable of doing
anything they set their minds to. Excelling at analyzing
anything life throws their way, INTJs are able to
reverse-engineer the underlying methodology of almost
any system and apply the concepts that are exposed
wherever needed. INTJs tend to have their pick of
professions, from IT architects to political masterminds.
INTJ PERSONALITY AND EMOTIONS Question With Boldness

INTJs are defined by their confidence, logic, and In this way, emotions are not INTJs’ way of addressing
exceptional decision-making, but all of this hides a a decision, but rather an indication that a decision
turbulent underbelly – their emotions. The very notion needs to be addressed. INTJ personalities’ Thinking
of emotional expression is synonymous with (T) trait acts as a protective big brother to their Feeling
irrationality and weakness to many INTJs, a display of (F) trait – seeing that something has upset the less
poor self-governance and fleeting opinion that can able sibling, it steps in to take action, letting logic do
hardly stand up to the enduring light of factual truth. the talking and resolving the condition rather than
complaining about its consequences.
This mistrust of emotions is understandable, as Feeling
(F) is the most weakly developed trait for INTJs – like There comes a time though, when logic is simply the
any complex tool, skilled hands can use it to wrong tool for the job, when there just isn’t a rational
remarkable effect, while untrained hands make clumsy solution to a problem, and it is in these situations that
and dangerous work. INTJs must use their Feeling (F) trait most clearly.
INTJs would do well to practice this from time to time,
or at least be aware of it, because however they may
People with the INTJ personality type take pride in
try, it is impossible to truly separate emotion from the
remaining rational and logical at all times, considering
decision-making process. The fact is that INTJs do
honesty and straightforward information to be
feel, and deeply, and this makes them better, not
paramount to euphemisms and platitudes in almost all
worse.
circumstances. In many ways though, these qualities of
coolness and detachment aren’t the weapons of truth
that they appear to be, but are instead shields
designed to protect the inner emotions that INTJs feel.
In fact, because their emotions are such an
underdeveloped tool, INTJs often feel them more
strongly than many overtly emotional types because
they simply haven’t learned how to control them
effectively.

There Is Not a Truth Existing Which I Fear

This is a challenging paradigm for INTJs to manage,

especially younger and more Turbulent types who are
already less confident than they would like to appear.
These feelings are contrary to INTJs’ idea of
themselves as paragons of logic and knowledge, and
they may go so far as to claim they have no emotions
at all. This does not mean that people with the INTJ
personality type should be seen as, nor should they
aspire to be, cold-blooded and insensitive geniuses
living by the mantra that emotions are for the weak.
INTJs must understand that this isn’t the case, and isn’t
ever going to be.

More mature and Assertive INTJs find more useful

ways to manage their feelings. While they will never be
comfortable with a truly public display of emotions,
INTJs can learn to use them, to channel them
alongside their logic to help them achieve their goals.
While seemingly contradictory, this can be done in
several ways.

Firstly, INTJs are goal-oriented, with long-term ideas

founded on sound logic. When something does cause
an emotional reaction, good or bad, that energy can be
used to further those goals, aiding rational and pre-
determined plans. Secondly, emotions are figurative
canaries in the coal mine, indicating that something is
off even though logic can’t see it yet. These feelings
can help INTJs to use their logic to ask questions they
may not have thought to ask. "This is upsetting. Why?
What can be done to resolve it?"
INTP PERSONALITY, “THE LOGICIAN” The reverse can also be true when people explain their
thought processes to INTPs in terms of subjectivity and
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for feeling. Imagine an immensely complicated clockwork,
tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop taking in every fact and idea possible, processing them
questioning. - Albert Einstein with a heavy dose of creative reasoning and returning
the most logically sound results available – this is how
The INTP personality type is fairly rare, making up only the INTP mind works, and this type has little tolerance
three percent of the population, which is definitely a for an emotional monkey-wrench jamming their
good thing for them, as there’s nothing they’d be more machines.
unhappy about than being "common". INTPs pride
themselves on their inventiveness and creativity, their Let Those Who Would Move the World First Move
unique perspective and vigorous intellect. Usually Themselves
known as the philosopher, the architect, or the dreamy
professor, INTPs have been responsible for many Further, with Thinking (T) as one of their governing
scientific discoveries throughout history. traits, INTPs are unlikely to understand emotional
complaints at all, and their friends won’t find a bedrock
The Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living of emotional support in them. People with the INTP
personality type would much rather make a series of
INTPs are known for their brilliant theories and logical suggestions for how to resolve the underlying
unrelenting logic – in fact, they are considered the most issue, a perspective that is not always welcomed by
logically precise of all the personality types. their Feeling (F) companions. This will likely extend to
most social conventions and goals as well, like
planning dinners and getting married, as INTPs are far
They love patterns, and spotting discrepancies
more concerned with originality and efficient results.
between statements could almost be described as a
hobby, making it a bad idea to lie to an INTP. This
The one thing that really holds INTPs back is their
makes it ironic that INTPs’ word should always be
restless and pervasive fear of failure. INTP
taken with a grain of salt – it’s not that they are
personalities are so prone to reassessing their own
dishonest, but people with the INTP personality type
thoughts and theories, worrying that they’ve missed
tend to share thoughts that are not fully developed,
some critical piece of the puzzle, that they can
using others as a sounding board for ideas and
stagnate, lost in an intangible world where their
theories in a debate against themselves rather than as
thoughts are never truly applied. Overcoming this self-
actual conversation partners.
doubt stands as the greatest challenge INTPs are likely
to face, but the intellectual gifts – big and small –
This may make them appear unreliable, but in reality
bestowed on the world when they do makes it worth
no one is more enthusiastic and capable of spotting a
the fight.
problem, drilling through the endless factors and details
that encompass the issue and developing a unique and
viable solution than INTPs – just don’t expect punctual
progress reports. People who share the INTP
personality type aren’t interested in practical, day-to-
day activities and maintenance, but when they find an
environment where their creative genius and potential
can be expressed, there is no limit to the time and
energy INTPs will expend in developing an insightful
and unbiased solution.

Wisdom Begins in Wonder

They may appear to drift about in an unending

daydream, but INTPs’ thought process is unceasing,
and their minds buzz with ideas from the moment they
wake up. This constant thinking can have the effect of
making them look pensive and detached, as they are
often conducting full-fledged debates in their own
heads, but really INTPs are quite relaxed and friendly
when they are with people they know, or who share
their interests. However, this can be replaced by
overwhelming shyness when INTP personalities are
among unfamiliar faces, and friendly banter can quickly
become combative if they believe their logical
conclusions or theories are being criticized.

When INTPs are particularly excited, the conversation

can border on incoherence as they try to explain the
daisy-chain of logical conclusions that led to the
formation of their latest idea. Oftentimes, INTPs will opt
to simply move on from a topic before it’s ever
understood what they were trying to say, rather than try
to lay things out in plain terms.
INTP STRENGTHS INTP WEAKNESSES

Great Analysts and Abstract Thinkers – People with Very Private and Withdrawn – While INTPs’
the INTP personality type view the world as a big, intellectualism yields many insights into their
complex machine, and recognize that as with any surroundings, their surroundings are ironically
machine, all parts are interrelated. INTPs excel in considered an intrusion on their thoughts. This is
analyzing these connections, seeing how seemingly especially true with people – INTPs are quite shy in
unrelated factors tie in with each other in ways that social settings. More complicated situations such as
bewilder most other personality types. parties exacerbate this, but even close friends struggle
to get into INTPs’ hearts and minds.
Imaginative and Original – These connections are the
product of an unrelenting imagination – INTPs’ ideas Insensitive – Oftentimes INTP personalities get so
may seem counter-intuitive at a glance, and may never caught up in their logic that they forget any kind of
even see the light of day, but they will always prove emotional consideration – they dismiss subjectivity as
remarkable innovations. irrational and tradition as an attempt to bar much-
needed progress. Purely emotional situations are often
Open-Minded – INTPs couldn’t make these utterly puzzling to INTPs, and their lack of timely
connections if they thought they knew it all – they are sympathy can easily offend.
highly receptive to alternate theories, so long as they’re
supported by logic and facts. In more subjective Absent-minded – When INTPs’ interest is captured,
matters like social norms and traditions, INTPs are their absence goes beyond social matters to include
usually fairly liberal, with a "none of my business" sort the rest of the physical world. INTPs become forgetful,
of attitude – peoples’ ideas are what matter. missing even the obvious if it’s unrelated to their
current infatuation, and they can even forget their own
Enthusiastic – When a new idea piques their interest, health, skipping meals and sleep as they muse.
INTPs can be very enthusiastic – they are a reserved
personality type, but if another person shares an Condescending – Attempts at connecting with others
interest, they can be downright excited about are often worse than INTPs’ withdrawal. People with
discussing it. More likely though, the only outward the INTP personality type take pride in their knowledge
evidence of this enthusiasm will be INTPs’ silent pacing and rationale, and enjoy sharing their ideas, but in
or their staring into the distance. trying to explain how they got from A to B to Z, they
can get frustrated, sometimes simplifying things to the
Objective – INTPs’ analysis, creativity and open- point of insult as they struggle to gauge their
mindedness aren’t the tools of some quest for ideology conversation partners’ perspective. The ultimate insult
or emotional validation. Rather, it’s as though people comes as INTPs give up with a dismissive "never
with the INTP personality type are a conduit for the mind".
truths around them, so far as they can be expressed,
and they are proud of this role as theoretical mediator. Loathe Rules and Guidelines – These social
struggles are partly a product of INTPs’ desire to
Honest and Straightforward – To know one thing and bypass the rules, of social conduct and otherwise.
say another would be terribly disingenuous – INTPs While this attitude helps INTPs’ strength of
don’t often go around intentionally hurting feelings, but unconventional creativity, it also causes them to
they believe that the truth is the most important factor, reinvent the wheel constantly and to shun security in
and they expect that to be appreciated and favor of autonomy in ways that can compromise both.
reciprocated.
Second-Guess Themselves – INTPs remain so open
to new information that they often never commit to a
decision at all. This applies to their own skills as well –
INTP personalities know that as they practice, they
improve, and any work they do is second-best to what
they could do. Unable to settle for this, INTPs
sometimes delay their output indefinitely with constant
revisions, sometimes even quitting before they ever
begin.
ENTJ PERSONALITY, “THE COMMANDER” Cultivating the Science of Human Relationships

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone Emotional expression isn’t the strong suit of any
else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living Analyst type, but because of their Extraverted (E)
with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the nature, ENTJs’ distance from their emotions is
noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner especially public, and felt directly by a much broader
voice. And most important, have the courage to follow swath of people. Especially in a professional
your heart and intuition. They somehow already know environment, ENTJs will simply crush the sensitivities
what you truly want to become. Everything else is of those they view as inefficient, incompetent or lazy.
secondary. - Steve Jobs To people with the ENTJ personality type, emotional
displays are displays of weakness, and it’s easy to
ENTJs are natural-born leaders. People with this make enemies with this approach – ENTJs will do well
personality type embody the gifts of charisma and to remember that they absolutely depend on having a
confidence, and project authority in a way that draws functioning team, not just to achieve their goals, but for
crowds together behind a common goal. But unlike their validation and feedback as well, something ENTJs
their Feeling (F) counterpart, ENTJs are characterized are, curiously, very sensitive to.
by an often ruthless level of rationality, using their
drive, determination and sharp minds to achieve ENTJs are true powerhouses, and they cultivate an
whatever end they’ve set for themselves. Perhaps it is image of being larger than life – and often enough they
best that they make up only three percent of the are. They need to remember though, that their stature
population, lest they overwhelm the more timid and comes not just from their own actions, but from the
sensitive personality types that make up much of the actions of the team that props them up, and that it’s
rest of the world – but we have ENTJs to thank for important to recognize the contributions, talents and
many of the businesses and institutions we take for needs, especially from an emotional perspective, of
granted every day. their support network. Even if they have to adopt a
"fake it ‘til you make it" mentality, if ENTJs are able to
Happiness Lies in the Joy of Achievement combine an emotionally healthy focus alongside their
many strengths, they will be rewarded with deep,
If there’s anything ENTJs love, it’s a good challenge, satisfying relationships and all the challenging victories
big or small, and they firmly believe that given enough they can handle.
time and resources, they can achieve any goal. This
quality makes people with the ENTJ personality type
brilliant entrepreneurs, and their ability to think
strategically and hold a long-term focus while executing
each step of their plans with determination and
precision makes them powerful business leaders. This
determination is often a self-fulfilling prophecy, as
ENTJs push their goals through with sheer willpower
where others might give up and move on, and their
Extraverted (E) nature means they are likely to push
everyone else right along with them, achieving
spectacular results in the process.

At the negotiating table, be it in a corporate

environment or buying a car, ENTJs are dominant,
relentless, and unforgiving. This isn’t because they are
coldhearted or vicious per se – it’s more that ENTJ
personalities genuinely enjoy the challenge, the battle
of wits, the repartee that comes from this environment,
and if the other side can’t keep up, that’s no reason for
ENTJs to fold on their own core tenet of ultimate
victory.

If there’s anyone ENTJs respect, it’s someone who is

able to stand up to them intellectually, who is able to
act with a precision and quality equal to their own.
ENTJ personalities have a particular skill in recognizing
the talents of others, and this helps in both their team-
building efforts (since no one, no matter how brilliant,
can do everything alone), and to keep ENTJs from
displaying too much arrogance and condescension.
However, they also have a particular skill in calling out
others’ failures with a chilling degree of insensitivity,
and this is where ENTJs really start to run into trouble.
ENTJ STRENGTHS ENTJ WEAKNESSES

Efficient – ENTJs see inefficiency not just as a Stubborn and Dominant – Sometimes all this
problem in its own right, but as something that pulls confidence and willpower can go too far, and ENTJs
time and energy away from all their future goals, an are all too capable of digging in their heels, trying to
elaborate sabotage consisting of irrationality and win every single debate and pushing their vision, and
laziness. People with the ENTJ personality type will theirs alone.
root out such behavior wherever they go.
Intolerant – "It’s my way or the highway" – People with
Energetic – Rather than finding this process taxing the ENTJ personality type are notoriously unsupportive
ENTJs are energized by it, genuinely enjoying leading of any idea that distracts from their primary goals, and
their teams forward as they implement their plans and even more so of ideas based on emotional
goals. considerations. ENTJs won’t hesitate a second to
make that fact clear to those around them.
Self-Confident – ENTJs couldn’t do this if they were
plagued by self-doubt – they trust their abilities, make Impatient – Some people need more time to think than
known their opinions, and believe in their capacities as others, an intolerable delay to quick-thinking ENTJs.
leaders. They may misinterpret contemplation as stupidity or
disinterest in their haste, a terrible mistake for a leader
Strong-Willed – Nor do they give up when the going to make.
gets tough – ENTJ personalities strive to achieve their
goals, but really nothing is quite as satisfying to them Arrogant – ENTJ personalities respect quick thoughts
as rising to the challenge of each obstacle in their run and firm convictions, their own qualities, and look down
to the finish line. on those who don’t match up. This relationship is a
challenge for most other personality types who are
Strategic Thinkers – ENTJs exemplify the difference perhaps not timid in their own right, but will seem so
between moment-to-moment crisis management and beside overbearing ENTJs.
navigating the challenges and steps of a bigger plan,
and are known for examining every angle of a problem Poor Handling of Emotions – All this bluster,
and not just resolving momentary issues, but moving alongside the assumed supremacy of rationalism,
the whole project forward with their solutions. makes ENTJs distant from their own emotional
expression and sometimes downright scornful of
Charismatic and Inspiring – These qualities combine others’. People with this personality type often trample
to create individuals who are able to inspire and others’ feelings, inadvertently hurting their partners and
invigorate others, who people actually want to be their friends, especially in emotionally charged situations.
leaders, and this in turn helps ENTJs to accomplish
their often ambitious goals that could never be finished Cold and Ruthless – Their obsession with efficiency
alone. and unwavering belief in the merits of rationalism,
especially professionally, makes ENTJs incredibly
insensitive in pursuing their goals, dismissing personal
circumstances, sensitivities, and preferences as
irrational and irrelevant.
ENTP PERSONALITY, “THE DEBATER” in general, are often conflict-averse, preferring feelings,
comfort, and even white lies over unpleasant truths and
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. hard rationality.
Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy.
Speak your mind and fear less the label of ’crack-pot’ This frustrates ENTPs, and they find that their
than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem quarrelsome fun burns many bridges, oftentimes
important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost. inadvertently, as they plow through others’ thresholds
- Thomas J. Watson for having their beliefs questioned and their feelings
brushed aside. Treating others as they’d be treated,
The ENTP personality type is the ultimate devil’s ENTPs have little tolerance for being coddled, and
advocate, thriving on the process of shredding dislike when people beat around the bush, especially
arguments and beliefs and letting the ribbons drift in when asking a favor. ENTP personalities find
the wind for all to see. Unlike their more determined themselves respected for their vision, confidence,
Judging (J) counterparts, ENTPs don’t do this because knowledge, and keen sense of humor, but often
they are trying to achieve some deeper purpose or struggle to utilize these qualities as the basis for
strategic goal, but for the simple reason that it’s fun. No deeper friendships and romantic relationships.
one loves the process of mental sparring more than
ENTPs, as it gives them a chance to exercise their Opportunity Is Missed Because It Looks Like Hard
effortlessly quick wit, broad accumulated knowledge Work
base, and capacity for connecting disparate ideas to
prove their points. ENTPs have a longer road than most in harnessing
their natural abilities – their intellectual independence
An odd juxtaposition arises with ENTPs, as they are and free-form vision are tremendously valuable when
uncompromisingly honest, but will argue tirelessly for they’re in charge, or at least have the ear of someone
something they don’t actually believe in, stepping into who is, but getting there can take a level of follow-
another’s shoes to argue a truth from another through that ENTPs struggle with.
perspective.
Once they’ve secured such a position, ENTPs need to
Playing the devil’s advocate helps people with the remember that for their ideas to come to fruition, they
ENTP personality type to not only develop a better will always depend on others to assemble the pieces –
sense of others’ reasoning, but a better understanding if they’ve spent more time "winning" arguments than
of opposing ideas – since ENTPs are the ones arguing they have building consensus, many ENTPs will find
them. they simply don’t have the support necessary to be
successful. Playing devil’s advocate so well, people
with this personality type may find that the most
This tactic shouldn’t be confused with the sort of
complex and rewarding intellectual challenge is to
mutual understanding Diplomats seek – ENTPs, like all
understand a more sentimental perspective, and to
Analyst personality types, are on a constant quest for
argue consideration and compromise alongside logic
knowledge, and what better way to gain it than to
and progress.
attack and defend an idea, from every angle, from
every side?

There Are no Rules Here – We’re Trying to

Accomplish Something!

Taking a certain pleasure in being the underdog,

ENTPs enjoy the mental exercise found in questioning
the prevailing mode of thought, making them
irreplaceable in reworking existing systems or shaking
things up and pushing them in clever new directions.
However, they’ll be miserable managing the day-to-day
mechanics of actually implementing their suggestions.
ENTP personalities love to brainstorm and think big,
but they will avoid getting caught doing the "grunt work"
at all costs. ENTPs only make up about three percent
of the population, which is just right, as it lets them
create original ideas, then step back to let more
numerous and fastidious personalities handle the
logistics of implementation and maintenance.

ENTPs’ capacity for debate can be a vexing one –

while often appreciated when it’s called for, it can fall
painfully flat when they step on others’ toes by say,
openly questioning their boss in a meeting, or picking
apart everything their significant other says. This is
further complicated by ENTPs’ unyielding honesty, as
this type doesn’t mince words and cares little about
being seen as sensitive or compassionate. Likeminded
types get along well enough with people with the ENTP
personality type, but more sensitive types, and society
ENTP STRENGTHS ENTP WEAKNESSES

Knowledgeable – ENTPs rarely pass up a good Very Argumentative – If there’s anything ENTPs
opportunity to learn something new, especially abstract enjoy, it’s the mental exercise of debating an idea, and
concepts. This information isn’t usually absorbed for nothing is sacred. More consensus-oriented personality
any planned purpose as with dedicated studying, types rarely appreciate the vigor with which ENTP
people with the ENTP personality type just find it personalities tear down their beliefs and methods,
fascinating. leading to a great deal of tension.

Quick Thinkers – ENTPs have tremendously flexible Insensitive – Being so rational, ENTPs often misjudge
minds, and are able to shift from idea to idea without others feelings and push their debates well past others’
effort, drawing on their accumulated knowledge to tolerance levels. People with this personality type don’t
prove their points, or their opponents’, as they see fit. really consider emotional points to be valid in such
debates either, which magnifies the issue
Original – Having little attachment to tradition, ENTP tremendously.
personalities are able to discard existing systems and
methods and pull together disparate ideas from their Intolerant – Unless people are able to back up their
extensive knowledge base, with a little raw creativity to ideas in a round of mental sparring, ENTPs are likely to
hold them together, to formulate bold new ideas. If dismiss not just the ideas but the people themselves.
presented with chronic, systemic problems and given Either a suggestion can stand up to rational scrutiny or
rein to solve them, ENTPs respond with unabashed it’s not worth bothering with.
glee.
Can Find It Difficult to Focus – The same flexibility
Excellent Brainstormers – Nothing is quite as that allows ENTPs to come up with such original plans
enjoyable to ENTPs as analyzing problems from every and ideas makes them readapt perfectly good ones far
angle to find the best solutions. Combining their too often, or to even drop them entirely as the initial
knowledge and originality to splay out every aspect of excitement wanes and newer thoughts come along.
the subject at hand, rejecting without remorse options Boredom comes too easily for ENTPs, and fresh
that don’t work and presenting ever more possibilities, thoughts are the solution, though not always a helpful
ENTPs are irreplaceable in brainstorming sessions. one.

Charismatic – People with the ENTP personality type Dislike Practical Matters – ENTPs are interested in
have a way with words and wit that others find what could be – malleable concepts like ideas and
intriguing. Their confidence, quick thought and ability to plans that can be adapted and debated. When it comes
connect disparate ideas in novel ways create a style of to hard details and day-to-day execution where
communication that is charming, even entertaining, and creative flair isn’t just unnecessary but actually counter-
informative at the same time. productive, ENTP personalities lose interest, often with
the consequence of their plans never seeing the light of
Energetic – When given a chance to combine these day.
traits to examine an interesting problem, ENTPs can be
truly impressive in their enthusiasm and energy, having
no qualms with putting in long days and nights to find a
solution.
INFJ PERSONALITY, “THE ADVOCATE” Live to Fight Another Day

The INFJ personality type is very rare, making up less Really though, it is most important for INFJs to
than one percent of the population, but they remember to take care of themselves. The passion of
nonetheless leave their mark on the world. As their convictions is perfectly capable of carrying them
Diplomats, they have an inborn sense of idealism and past their breaking point and if their zeal gets out of
morality, but what sets them apart is the accompanying hand, they can find themselves exhausted, unhealthy
Judging (J) trait – INFJs are not idle dreamers, but and stressed. This becomes especially apparent when
people capable of taking concrete steps to realize their INFJs find themselves up against conflict and criticism
goals and make a lasting positive impact. – their sensitivity forces them to do everything they can
to evade these seemingly personal attacks, but when
INFJs tend to see helping others as their purpose in the circumstances are unavoidable, they can fight back
life, but while people with this personality type can be in highly irrational, unhelpful ways.
found engaging rescue efforts and doing charity work,
their real passion is to get to the heart of the issue so To INFJs, the world is a place full of inequity – but it
that people need not be rescued at all. doesn’t have to be. No other personality type is better
suited to create a movement to right a wrong, no
matter how big or small. INFJs just need to remember
Help Me Help You
that while they’re busy taking care of the world, they
need to take care of themselves, too.
INFJs indeed share a unique combination of traits:
though soft-spoken, they have very strong opinions
and will fight tirelessly for an idea they believe in. They
are decisive and strong-willed, but will rarely use that
energy for personal gain – INFJs will act with creativity,
imagination, conviction and sensitivity not to create
advantage, but to create balance. Egalitarianism and
karma are very attractive ideas to INFJs, and they tend
to believe that nothing would help the world so much
as using love and compassion to soften the hearts of
tyrants.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light

of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive
selfishness. - Martin Luther King

INFJs find it easy to make connections with others, and

have a talent for warm, sensitive language, speaking in
human terms, rather than with pure logic and fact. It
makes sense that their friends and colleagues will
come to think of them as quiet Extraverted types, but
they would all do well to remember that INFJs need
time alone to decompress and recharge, and to not
become too alarmed when they suddenly withdraw.
INFJs take great care of other’s feelings, and they
expect the favor to be returned – sometimes that
means giving them the space they need for a few days.
INFJ STRENGTHS INFJ WEAKNESSES

Creative – Combining a vivid imagination with a strong Sensitive – When someone challenges or criticizes
sense of compassion, INFJs use their creativity to INFJs’ principles or values, they are likely to receive an
resolve not technical challenges, but human ones. alarmingly strong response. People with the INFJ
People with the INFJ personality type enjoy finding the personality type are highly vulnerable to criticism and
perfect solution for someone they care about, and this conflict, and questioning their motives is the quickest
strength makes them excellent counselors and way to their bad side.
advisors.
Extremely Private – INFJs tend to present themselves
Insightful – Seeing through dishonesty and as the culmination of an idea. This is partly because
disingenuous motives, INFJs step past manipulation they believe in this idea, but also because INFJs are
and sales tactics and into a more honest discussion. extremely private when it comes to their personal lives,
INFJs see how people and events are connected, and using this image to keep themselves from having to
are able to use that insight to get to the heart of the truly open up, even to close friends. Trusting a new
matter. friend can be even more challenging for INFJs.

Inspiring and Convincing – Speaking in human Perfectionistic – INFJs are all but defined by their
terms, not technical, INFJs have a fluid, inspirational pursuit of ideals. While this is a wonderful quality in
writing style that appeals to the inner idealist in their many ways, an ideal situation is not always possible –
audience. INFJs can even be astonishingly good in politics, in business, in romance – and INFJs too
orators, speaking with warmth and passion, if they are often drop or ignore healthy and productive situations
proud of what they are speaking for. and relationships, always believing there might be a
better option down the road.
Decisive – Their creativity, insight and inspiration are
able to have a real impact on the world, as INFJs are Always Need to Have a Cause – INFJs get so caught
able to follow through on their ideas with conviction, up in the passion of their pursuits that any of the
willpower, and the planning necessary to see complex cumbersome administrative or maintenance work that
projects through to the end. INFJs don’t just see the comes between them and the ideal they see on the
way things ought to be, they act on those insights. horizon is deeply unwelcome. INFJs like to know that
they are taking concrete steps towards their goals, and
Determined and Passionate – When INFJs come to if routine tasks feel like they are getting in the way, or
believe that something is important, they pursue that worse yet, there is no goal at all, they will feel restless
goal with a conviction and energy that can catch even and disappointed.
their friends and loved ones off guard. INFJs will rock
the boat if they have to, something not everyone likes Can Burn Out Easily – Their passion, poor patience
to see, but their passion for their chosen cause is an for routine maintenance, tendency to present
inseparable part of their personality. themselves as an ideal, and extreme privacy tend to
leave INFJs with few options for letting off steam.
Altruistic – These strengths are used for good. INFJs People with this personality type are likely to exhaust
have strong beliefs and take the actions that they do themselves in short order if they don’t find a way to
not because they are trying to advance themselves, but balance their ideals with the realities of day-to-day
because they are trying to advance an idea that they living.
truly believe will make the world a better place.
INFP PERSONALITY, “THE MEDIATOR” Listen to Many People, but Talk to Few

INFP personalities are true idealists, always looking for Unlike their Extraverted cousins though, INFPs will
the hint of good in even the worst of people and focus their attention on just a few people, a single
events, searching for ways to make things better. While worthy cause – spread too thinly, they’ll run out of
they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, energy, and even become dejected and overwhelmed
INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly by all the bad in the world that they can’t fix. This is a
shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of sad sight for INFPs’ friends, who will come to depend
feeling misunderstood is unfortunately high for the on their rosy outlook.
INFP personality type – but when they find like-minded
people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel If they are not careful, INFPs can lose themselves in
will be a fountain of joy and inspiration. their quest for good and neglect the day-to-day upkeep
that life demands. INFPs often drift into deep thought,
Being a part of the Diplomat personality group, INFPs enjoying contemplating the hypothetical and the
are guided by their principles, rather than by logic philosophical more than any other personality type. Left
(Analysts), excitement (Explorers), or practicality unchecked, INFPs may start to lose touch, withdrawing
(Sentinels). When deciding how to move forward, they into "hermit mode", and it can take a great deal of
will look to honor, beauty, morality and virtue – INFPs energy from their friends or partner to bring them back
are led by the purity of their intent, not rewards and to the real world.
punishments. People who share the INFP personality
type are proud of this quality, and rightly so, but not Luckily, like the flowers in spring, INFP’s affection,
everyone understands the drive behind these feelings, creativity, altruism and idealism will always come back,
and it can lead to isolation. rewarding them and those they love perhaps not with
logic and utility, but with a world view that inspires
All that is gold does not glitter; not all those who compassion, kindness and beauty wherever they go.
wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither;
deep roots are not reached by the frost. - J. R. R.
Tolkien

We Know What We Are, but Know Not What We

May Be

At their best, these qualities enable INFPs to

communicate deeply with others, easily speaking in
metaphors and parables, and understanding and
creating symbols to share their ideas. The strength of
this intuitive communication style lends itself well to
creative works, and it comes as no surprise that many
famous INFPs are poets, writers and actors.
Understanding themselves and their place in the world
is important to INFPs, and they explore these ideas by
projecting themselves into their work.

INFPs have a talent for self-expression, revealing their

beauty and their secrets through metaphors and
fictional characters.

INFPs’ ability with language doesn’t stop with their

native tongue, either – as with most people who share
the Diplomat personality types, they are considered
gifted when it comes to learning a second (or third!)
language. Their gift for communication also lends itself
well to INFPs’ desire for harmony, a recurring theme
with Diplomats, and helps them to move forward as
they find their calling.
INFP STRENGTHS INFP WEAKNESSES

Idealistic – INFPs’ friends and loved ones will come to Too Idealistic – INFPs often take their idealism too far,
admire and depend on them for their optimism. Their setting themselves up for disappointment as, again and
unshaken belief that all people are inherently good, again, evil things happen in the world. This is true on a
perhaps simply misunderstood, lends itself to an personal level too, as INFPs may not just idealize their
incredibly resilient attitude in the face of hardship. partners, but idolize them, forgetting that no one is
perfect.
Seek and Value Harmony – People with the INFP
personality type have no interest in having power over Too Altruistic – INFPs sometimes see themselves as
others, and don’t much care for domineering attitudes selfish, but only because theywant to give so much
at all. They prefer a more democratic approach, and more than they are able to. This becomes a self-
work hard to ensure that every voice and perspective is fulfilling prophecy, as they try to push themselves to
heard. commit to a chosen cause or person, forgetting to take
care of the needs of others in their lives, and especially
Open-Minded and Flexible – A live-and-let-live themselves.
attitude comes naturally to INFPs, and they dislike
being constrained by rules. INFPs give the benefit of Impractical – When something captures INFPs’
the doubt too, and so long as their principles and ideas imagination, they can neglect practical matters like
are not being challenged, they’ll support others’ right to day-to-day maintenance and simple pleasures.
do what they think is right. Sometimes people with the INFP personality type will
take this asceticism so far as to neglect eating and
Very Creative – INFPs combine their intuitive nature drinking as they pursue their passion or cause.
with their open-mindedness to allow them to see things
from unconventional perspectives. Being able to Dislike Dealing With Data – INFPs are often so
connect many far-flung dots into a single theme, it’s no focused on the big picture that they forget the forest is
wonder that many INFPs are celebrated poets and made of individual trees. INFPs are in tune with
authors. emotions and morality, and when the facts and data
contradict their ideals, it can be a real challenge for
Passionate and Energetic – When something them.
captures INFPs’ imagination and speaks to their
beliefs, they go all in, dedicating their time, energy, Take Things Personally – INFPs often take
thoughts and emotions to the project. Their shyness challenges and criticisms personally, rather than as
keeps them from the podium, but they are the first to inspiration to reassess their positions. Avoiding conflict
lend a helping hand where it’s needed. as much as possible, INFPs will put a great deal of
time and energy into trying to align their principles and
Dedicated and Hard-Working – While others focusing the criticisms into a middle ground that satisfies
on the challenges of the moment may give up when the everybody.
going gets tough, INFPs (especially Assertive ones)
have the benefit of their far-reaching vision to help Difficult to Get to Know – INFPs are private, reserved
them through. Knowing that what they are doing is and self-conscious. This makes them notoriously
meaningful gives people with this personality type a difficult to really get to know, and their need for these
sense of purpose and even courage when it comes to qualities contributes to the guilt they often feel for not
accomplishing something they believe in. giving more of themselves to those they care about.
ENFJ PERSONALITY, “THE PROTAGONIST” The Struggle Ought Not to Deter Us From the
Support of a Cause We Believe to Be Just
Everything you do right now ripples outward and
affects everyone. Your posture can shine your heart or ENFJs are genuine, caring people who talk the talk and
transmit anxiety. Your breath can radiate love or walk the walk, and nothing makes them happier than
muddy the room in depression. Your glance can leading the charge, uniting and motivating their team
awaken joy. Your words can inspire freedom. Your with infectious enthusiasm.
every act can open hearts and minds. - David Deida
People with the ENFJ personality type are passionate
ENFJs are natural-born leaders, full of passion and altruists, sometimes even to a fault, and they are
charisma. Forming around two percent of the unlikely to be afraid to take the slings and arrows while
population, they are oftentimes our politicians, our standing up for the people and ideas they believe in. It
coaches and our teachers, reaching out and inspiring is no wonder that many famous ENFJs are US
others to achieve and to do good in the world. With a Presidents – this personality type wants to lead the
natural confidence that begets influence, ENFJs take a way to a brighter future, whether it’s by leading a nation
great deal of pride and joy in guiding others to work to prosperity, or leading their little league softball team
together to improve themselves and their community. to a hard-fought victory.

Firm Believers in the People

People are drawn to strong personalities, and ENFJs

radiate authenticity, concern and altruism, unafraid to
stand up and speak when they feel something needs to
be said. They find it natural and easy to communicate
with others, especially in person, and their Intuitive (N)
trait helps people with the ENFJ personality type to
reach every mind, be it through facts and logic or raw
emotion. ENFJs easily see people’s motivations and
seemingly disconnected events, and are able to bring
these ideas together and communicate them as a
common goal with an eloquence that is nothing short of
mesmerizing.

The interest ENFJs have in others is genuine, almost

to a fault – when they believe in someone, they can
become too involved in the other person’s problems,
place too much trust in them. Luckily, this trust tends to
be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as ENFJs’ altruism and
authenticity inspire those they care about to become
better themselves. But if they aren’t careful, they can
overextend their optimism, sometimes pushing others
further than they’re ready or willing to go.

ENFJs are vulnerable to another snare as well: they

have a tremendous capacity for reflecting on and
analyzing their own feelings, but if they get too caught
up in another person’s plight, they can develop a sort
of emotional hypochondria, seeing other people’s
problems in themselves, trying to fix something in
themselves that isn’t wrong. If they get to a point where
they are held back by limitations someone else is
experiencing, it can hinder ENFJs’ ability to see past
the dilemma and be of any help at all. When this
happens, it’s important for ENFJs to pull back and use
that self-reflection to distinguish between what they
really feel, and what is a separate issue that needs to
be looked at from another perspective.
ENFJ STRENGTHS ENFJ WEAKNESSES

Tolerant – ENFJs are true team players, and they Overly Idealistic – People with the ENFJ personality
recognize that that means listening to other peoples’ type can be caught off guard as they find that, through
opinions, even when they contradict their own. They circumstance or nature, or simple misunderstanding,
admit they don’t have all the answers, and are often people fight against them and defy the principles
receptive to dissent, so long as it remains constructive. they’ve adopted, however well-intentioned they may
be. They are more likely to feel pity for this opposition
Reliable – The one thing that galls ENFJs the most is than anger, and can earn a reputation of naïveté.
the idea of letting down a person or cause they believe
in. If it’s possible, ENFJs can always be counted on to Too Selfless – ENFJs can bury themselves in their
see it through. hopeful promises, feeling others’ problems as their own
and striving hard to meet their word. If they aren’t
Charismatic – Charm and popularity are qualities careful, they can spread themselves too thin, and be
ENFJs have in spades. They instinctively know how to left unable to help anyone.
capture an audience, and pick up on mood and
motivation in ways that allow them to communicate Too Sensitive – While receptive to criticism, seeing it
with reason, emotion, passion, restraint – whatever the as a tool for leading a better team, it’s easy for ENFJs
situation calls for. Talented imitators, ENFJs are able to to take it a little too much to heart. Their sensitivity to
shift their tone and manner to reflect the needs of the others means that ENFJs sometimes feel problems
audience, while still maintaining their own voice. that aren’t their own and try to fix things they can’t fix,
worrying if they are doing enough.
Altruistic – Uniting these qualities is ENFJs’ unyielding
desire to do good in and for their communities, be it in Fluctuating Self-Esteem – ENFJs define their self-
their own home or the global stage. Warm and selfless, esteem by whether they are able to live up to their
ENFJs genuinely believe that if they can just bring ideals, and sometimes ask for criticism more out of
people together, they can do a world of good. insecurity than out of confidence, always wondering
what they could do better. If they fail to meet a goal or
Natural Leaders – More than seeking authority to help someone they said they’d help, their self-
themselves, ENFJs often end up in leadership roles at confidence will undoubtedly plummet.
the request of others, cheered on by the many
admirers of their strong personality and positive vision. Struggle to Make Tough Decisions – If caught
between a rock and a hard place, ENFJs can be
stricken with paralysis, imagining all the consequences
of their actions, especially if those consequences are
humanitarian.
ENFP PERSONALITY, “THE CAMPAIGNER” Don’t Lose That ’Little Spark of Madness’

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to Luckily, ENFPs know how to relax, and they are
know what you ache for – and if you dare to dream of perfectly capable of switching from a passionate,
meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how driven idealist in the workplace to that imaginative and
old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a enthusiastic free spirit on the dance floor, often with a
fool – for love – for your dreams – for the adventure of suddenness that can surprise even their closest
being alive. - Oriah Mountain Dreamer friends. Being in the mix also gives them a chance to
connect emotionally with others, giving them cherished
The ENFP personality is a true free spirit. They are insight into what motivates their friends and colleagues.
often the life of the party, but unlike Explorers, they are They believe that everyone should take the time to
less interested in the sheer excitement and pleasure of recognize and express their feelings, and their
the moment than they are in enjoying the social and empathy and sociability make that a natural
emotional connections they make with others. conversation topic.
Charming, independent, energetic and compassionate,
the 7% of the population that they comprise can The ENFP personality type needs to be careful,
certainly be felt in any crowd. however – if they rely too much on their intuition,
assume or anticipate too much about a friend’s
You Can Change the World With Just an Idea motivations, they can misread the signals and frustrate
plans that a more straightforward approach would have
More than just sociable people-pleasers though, made simple. This kind of social stress is the bugbear
ENFPs, like all their Diplomat cousins, are shaped by that keeps harmony-focused Diplomats awake at night.
their Intuitive (N) quality, allowing them to read ENFPs are very emotional and sensitive, and when
between the lines with curiosity and energy. They tend they step on someone’s toes, they both feel it.
to see life as a big, complex puzzle where everything is
connected – but unlike Analysts, who tend to see that ENFPs will spend a lot of time exploring social
puzzle as a series of systemic machinations, ENFPs relationships, feelings and ideas before they find
see it through a prism of emotion, compassion and something that really rings true. But when they finally
mysticism, and are always looking for a deeper do find their place in the world, their imagination,
meaning. empathy and courage are likely to produce incredible
results.
ENFPs are fiercely independent, and much more than
stability and security, they crave creativity and
freedom.

Many other types are likely to find these qualities

irresistible, and if they’ve found a cause that sparks
their imagination, ENFPs will bring an energy that
oftentimes thrusts them into the spotlight, held up by
their peers as a leader and a guru – but this isn’t
always where independence-loving ENFPs want to be.
Worse still if they find themselves beset by the
administrative tasks and routine maintenance that can
accompany a leadership position. ENFPs’ self-esteem
is dependent on their ability to come up with original
solutions, and they need to know that they have the
freedom to be innovative – they can quickly lose
patience or become dejected if they get trapped in a
boring role.
ENFP STRENGTHS ENFP WEAKNESSES

Curious – When it comes to new ideas, ENFPs aren’t Poor Practical Skills – When it comes to conceiving
interested in brooding – they want to go out and ideas and starting projects, especially involving other
experience things, and don’t hesitate to step out of people, ENFPs have exceptional talent. Unfortunately
their comfort zones to do so. ENFPs are imaginative their skill with upkeep, administration, and follow-
and open-minded, seeing all things as part of a big, through on those projects struggles. Without more
mysterious puzzle called life. hands-on people to help push day-to-day things along,
ENFPs’ ideas are likely to remain just that – ideas.
Observant – ENFPs believe that there are no
irrelevant actions, that every shift in sentiment, every Find it Difficult to Focus – ENFPs are natural
move and every idea is part of something bigger. To explorers of interpersonal connections and philosophy,
satisfy their curiosity, ENFPs try to notice all of these but this backfires when what needs to be done is that
things, and to never miss a moment. TPS report sitting right in front of them. It’s hard for
ENFPs to maintain interest as tasks drift towards
Energetic and Enthusiastic – As they observe, routine, administrative matters, and away from broader
forming new connections and ideas, ENFPs won’t hold concepts.
their tongues – they’re excited about their findings, and
share them with anyone who’ll listen. This infectious Overthink Things – ENFPs don’t take things at face
enthusiasm has the dual benefit of giving ENFPs a value – they look for underlying motives in even the
chance to make more social connections, and of giving simplest things. It’s not uncommon for ENFPs to lose a
them a new source of information and experience, as bit of sleep asking themselves why someone did what
they fit their new friends’ opinions into their existing they did, what it might mean, and what to do about it.
ideas.
Get Stressed Easily – All this overthinking isn’t just for
Excellent Communicators – It’s a good thing that their own benefit – ENFPs, especially Turbulent ones,
ENFPs have such strong people skills, or they’d never are very sensitive, and care deeply about others’
express these ideas. ENFPs enjoy both small talk and feelings. A consequence of their popularity is that
deep, meaningful conversations, which are just two others often look to them for guidance and help, which
sides of the same coin for them, and are adept at takes time, and it’s easy to see why ENFPs sometimes
steering conversations towards their desired subjects get overwhelmed, especially when they can’t say yes
in ways that feel completely natural and unforced. to every request.

Know How to Relax – It’s not all “nature of the Highly Emotional – While emotional expression is
cosmos” discussions with ENFPs – people with this healthy and natural, with ENFPs even viewing it as a
personality type know that sometimes, nothing is as core part of their identity, it can come out strongly
important as simply having fun and experiencing life’s enough to cause problems for this personality type.
joys. That Intuitive trait lets ENFPs know that it’s time Particularly when under stress, criticism or conflict,
to shake things up, and these wild bursts of ENFPs can experience emotional bursts that are
enthusiastic energy can surprise even their closest counter-productive at best.
friends.
Independent to a Fault – ENFPs loathe being
Very Popular and Friendly – All this adaptability and micromanaged and restrained by heavy-handed rules –
spontaneity comes together to form a person who is they want to be seen as highly independent masters of
approachable, interesting and exciting, with a their own fates, even possessors of an altruistic
cooperative and altruistic spirit and friendly, empathetic wisdom that goes beyond draconian law. The
disposition. ENFPs get along with pretty much challenge for ENFPs is that they live in a world of
everyone, and their circles of friends stretch far and checks and balances, a pill they are not happy to
wide. swallow.
ISTJ PERSONALITY, “THE LOGISTICIAN”

My observation is that whenever one person is found For It Is Better to Be Alone Than in Bad Company
adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse
executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if ISTJs’ dedication is an excellent quality, allowing them
three or more are employed therein. - George to accomplish much, but it is also a core weakness that
Washington less scrupulous individuals take advantage of. ISTJs
seek stability and security, considering it their duty to
The ISTJ personality type is thought to be the most maintain a smooth operation, and they may find that
abundant, making up around 13% of the population. their coworkers and significant others shift their
Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic responsibilities onto them, knowing that they will
and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core always take up the slack. ISTJs tend to keep their
to many families, as well as organizations that uphold opinions to themselves and let the facts do the talking,
traditions, rules and standards, such as law offices, but it can be a long time before observable evidence
regulatory bodies and military. People with the ISTJ tells the whole story.
personality type enjoy taking responsibility for their
actions, and take pride in the work they do – when ISTJs need to remember to take care of themselves –
working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their their stubborn dedication to stability and efficiency can
time and energy completing each relevant task with compromise those goals in the long term as others
accuracy and patience. lean ever-harder on them, creating an emotional strain
that can go unexpressed for years, only finally coming
ISTJs don’t make many assumptions, preferring out after it’s too late to fix. If they can find coworkers
instead to analyze their surroundings, check their facts and spouses who genuinely appreciate and
and arrive at practical courses of action. ISTJ complement their qualities, who enjoy the brightness,
personalities are no-nonsense, and when they’ve made clarity and dependability that they offer, ISTJs will find
a decision, they will relay the facts necessary to that their stabilizing role is a tremendously satisfying
achieve their goal, expecting others to grasp the one, knowing that they are part of a system that works.
situation immediately and take action. ISTJs have little
tolerance for indecisiveness, but lose patience even
more quickly if their chosen course is challenged with
impractical theories, especially if they ignore key
details – if challenges becomes time-consuming
debates, ISTJs can become noticeably angry as
deadlines tick nearer.

Associate With Those of Good Quality if You

Esteem Your Reputation...

When ISTJs say they are going to get something done,

they do it, meeting their obligations no matter the
personal cost, and they are baffled by people who don’t
hold their own word in the same respect. Combining
laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on
ISTJs’ bad side. Consequently, people with the ISTJ
personality type often prefer to work alone, or at least
have their authority clearly established by hierarchy,
where they can set and achieve their goals without
debate or worry over other’s reliability.

ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer

autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone
or something. Dependency on others is often seen by
ISTJs as a weakness, and their passion for duty,
dependability and impeccable personal integrity forbid
falling into such a trap.

This sense of personal integrity is core to ISTJs, and

goes beyond their own minds – ISTJ personalities
adhere to established rules and guidelines regardless
of cost, reporting their own mistakes and telling the
truth even when the consequences for doing so could
be disastrous. To ISTJs, honesty is far more important
than emotional considerations, and their blunt
approach leaves others with the false impression that
ISTJs are cold, or even robotic. People with this type
may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly,
but the suggestion that they don’t feel, or worse have
no personality at all, is deeply hurtful.
ISTJ STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Honest and Direct – Integrity is the heart of the ISTJ Stubborn – The facts are the facts, and ISTJs tend to
personality type. Emotional manipulation, mind games resist any new idea that isn’t supported by them. This
and reassuring lies all run counter to ISTJs’ preference factual decision-making process also makes it difficult
for managing the reality of the situations they for people with the ISTJ personality type to accept that
encounter with plain and simple honesty. they were wrong about something – but anyone can
miss a detail, even them.
Strong-willed and Dutiful – ISTJs embody that
integrity in their actions too, working hard and staying Insensitive – While not intentionally harsh, ISTJs often
focused on their goals. Patient and determined, people hurt more sensitive types’ feelings by the simple
with the ISTJ personality type meet their obligations, mantra that honesty is the best policy. ISTJ
period. personalities may take emotions into consideration, but
really only so far as to determine the most effective
Very Responsible – ISTJs’ word is a promise, and a way to say what needs to be said.
promise means everything. ISTJs would rather run
themselves into the ground with extra days and lost Always by the Book – ISTJs believe that things work
sleep than fail to deliver the results they said they best with clearly defined rules, but this makes them
would. Loyalty is a strong sentiment for ISTJ reluctant to bend those rules or try new things, even
personalities, and they fulfill their duties to the people when the downside is minimal. Truly unstructured
and organizations they’ve committed themselves to. environments leave ISTJs all but paralyzed.

Calm and Practical – None of their promises would Judgmental – Opinions are opinions and facts are
mean much if ISTJs lost their tempers and broke down facts, and ISTJs are unlikely to respect people who
at every sign of hardship – they keep their feet on the disagree with those facts, or especially those who
ground and make clear, rational decisions. Peoples’ remain willfully ignorant of them.
preferences are a factor to consider in this process,
and ISTJs work to make the best use of individual Often Unreasonably Blame Themselves – All this
qualities, but these decisions are made with can combine to make ISTJs believe they are the only
effectiveness in mind more so than empathy. The ones who can see projects through reliably. As they
same applies to criticisms, for others and themselves. load themselves with extra work and responsibilities,
turning away good intentions and helpful ideas, ISTJs
Create and Enforce Order – The primary goal of any sooner or later hit a tipping point where they simply
ISTJ is to be effective in what they’ve chosen to do, can’t deliver. Since they’ve heaped the responsibility
and they believe that this is accomplished best when on themselves, ISTJs then believe the responsibility for
everyone involved knows exactly what is going on and failure is theirs alone to bear.
why. Unclear guidelines and people who break
established rules undermine this effort, and are rarely
tolerated by ISTJs. Structure and rules foster
dependability; chaos creates unforeseen setbacks and
missed deadlines.

Jacks-of-all-trades – Much like Analyst personalities,

ISTJs are proud repositories of knowledge, though the
emphasis is more on facts and statistics than concepts
and underlying principles. This allows ISTJs to apply
themselves to a variety of situations, picking up and
applying new data and grasping the details of
challenging situations as a matter of course.
ISFJ PERSONALITY, “THE DEFENDER” If I Can Protect You, I Will

Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more ISFJ personalities are a wonderful group, rarely sitting
for yourself by giving it away to others. - Brian Tracy idle while a worthy cause remains unfinished. ISFJs’
ability to connect with others on an intimate level is
The ISFJ personality type is quite unique, as many of unrivaled among Introverts, and the joy they
their qualities defy the definition of their individual traits. experience in using those connections to maintain a
Though possessing the Feeling (F) trait, ISFJs have supportive, happy family is a gift for everyone involved.
excellent analytical abilities; though Introverted (I), they They may never be truly comfortable in the spotlight,
have well-developed people skills and robust social and may feel guilty taking due credit for team efforts,
relationships; and though they are a Judging (J) type, but if they can ensure that their efforts are recognized,
ISFJs are often receptive to change and new ideas. As ISFJs are likely to feel a level of satisfaction in what
with so many things, people with the ISFJ personality they do that many other personality types can only
type are more than the sum of their parts, and it is the dream of.
way they use these strengths that defines who they
are.

ISFJs are true altruists, meeting kindness with

kindness-in-excess and engaging the work and people
they believe in with enthusiasm and generosity.

There’s hardly a better type to make up such a large

proportion of the population, nearly 13%. Combining
the best of tradition and the desire to do good, ISFJs
are found in lines of work with a sense of history
behind them, such as medicine, academics and
charitable social work.

ISFJ personalities (especially Turbulent ones) are often

meticulous to the point of perfectionism, and though
they procrastinate, they can always be relied on to get
the job done on time. ISFJs take their responsibilities
personally, consistently going above and beyond,
doing everything they can to exceed expectations and
delight others, at work and at home.

We Must Be Seen to Be Believed

The challenge for ISFJs is ensuring that what they do

is noticed. They have a tendency to underplay their
accomplishments, and while their kindness is often
respected, more cynical and selfish people are likely to
take advantage of ISFJs’ dedication and humbleness
by pushing work onto them and then taking the credit.
ISFJs need to know when to say no and stand up for
themselves if they are to maintain their confidence and
enthusiasm.

Naturally social, an odd quality for Introverts, ISFJs

utilize excellent memories not to retain data and trivia,
but to remember people, and details about their lives.
When it comes to gift-giving, ISFJs have no equal,
using their imagination and natural sensitivity to
express their generosity in ways that touch the hearts
of their recipients. While this is certainly true of their
coworkers, whom people with the ISFJ personality type
often consider their personal friends, it is in family that
their expressions of affection fully bloom.
ISFJ STRENGTHS ISFJ WEAKNESSES

Supportive – ISFJs are the universal helpers, sharing Humble and Shy – The meek shall inherit the earth,
their knowledge, experience, time and energy with but it’s a long road if they receive no recognition at all.
anyone who needs it, and all the more so with friends This is possibly ISFJs’ biggest challenge, as they are
and family. People with this personality type strive for so concerned with others’ feelings that they refuse to
win-win situations, choosing empathy over judgment make their thoughts known, or to take any duly earned
whenever possible. credit for their contributions. ISFJs’ standards for
themselves are also so high that, knowing they could
Reliable and Patient – Rather than offering sporadic, have done some minor aspect of a task better, they
excited rushes that leave things half finished, ISFJs are often downplay their successes entirely.
meticulous and careful, taking a steady approach and
bending with the needs of the situation just enough to Take Things Too Personally – ISFJs have trouble
accomplish their end goals. ISFJs not only ensure that separating personal and impersonal situations – any
things are done to the highest standard, but often go situation is still an interaction between two people, after
well beyond what is required. all – and any negativity from conflict or criticism can
carry over from their professional to their personal
Imaginative and Observant – ISFJs are very lives, and back again.
imaginative, and use this quality as an accessory to
empathy, observing others’ emotional states and Repress Their Feelings – People with the ISFJ
seeing things from their perspective. With their feet personality type are private and very sensitive,
firmly planted on the ground, it is a very practical internalizing their feelings a great deal. Much in the
imagination, though they do find things quite way that ISFJs protect others’ feelings, they must
fascinating and inspiring. protect their own, and this lack of healthy emotional
expression can lead to a lot of stress and frustration.
Enthusiastic – When the goal is right, ISFJs take all
this support, reliability and imagination and apply it to Overload Themselves – Their strong senses of duty
something they believe will make a difference in and perfectionism combine with this aversion to
people’s lives – whether fighting poverty with a global emotional conflict to create a situation where it is far
initiative or simply making a customer’s day. too easy for ISFJs to overload themselves – or to be
overloaded by others – as they struggle silently to meet
Loyal and Hard-Working – Given a little time, this everyone’s expectations, especially their own.
enthusiasm grows into loyalty – ISFJ personalities
often form an emotional attachment to the ideas and Reluctant to Change – These challenges can be
organizations they’ve dedicated themselves to. particularly hard to address since ISFJ personalities
Anything short of meeting their obligations with good, value traditions and history highly in their decisions. A
hard work fails their own expectations. situation sometimes needs to reach a breaking point
before ISFJs are persuaded by circumstance, or the
Good Practical Skills – The best part is, ISFJs have strong personality of a loved one, to alter course.
the practical sense to actually do something with all
this altruism. If mundane, routine tasks are what need Too Altruistic – This is all compounded and reinforced
to be done, ISFJs can see the beauty and harmony by ISFJs’ otherwise wonderful quality of altruism. Being
that they create, because they know that it helps them such warm, good-natured people, ISFJs are willing to
to care for their friends, family, and anyone else who let things slide, to believe that things will get better
needs it. soon, to not burden others by accepting their offers of
help, while their troubles mount unassisted.
ESTJ PERONALITY, “THE EXECUTIVE” ...But Still Better Are Those Who Acknowledge
When They Are in Error
Good order is the foundation of all things. - Edmund
Burke ESTJs are classic images of the model citizen: they
help their neighbors, uphold the law, and try to make
ESTJs are representatives of tradition and order, sure that everyone participates in the communities and
utilizing their understanding of what is right, wrong and organizations they hold so dear.
socially acceptable to bring families and communities
together. Embracing the values of honesty, dedication The main challenge for ESTJs is to recognize that not
and dignity, people with the ESTJ personality type are everyone follows the same path or contributes in the
valued for their clear advice and guidance, and they same way. A true leader recognizes the strength of the
happily lead the way on difficult paths. Taking pride in individual, as well as that of the group, and helps bring
bringing people together, ESTJs often take on roles as those individuals’ ideas to the table. That way, ESTJs
community organizers, working hard to bring everyone really do have all the facts, and are able to lead the
together in celebration of cherished local events, or in charge in directions that work for everyone.
defense of the traditional values that hold families and
communities together

Anyone Worth Their Salt Sticks Up for What They

Believe Is Right...

Demand for such leadership is high in democratic

societies, and forming no less than 11% of the
population, it’s no wonder that many of America’s
presidents have been ESTJs. Strong believers in the
rule of law and authority that must be earned, ESTJ
personalities lead by example, demonstrating
dedication and purposeful honesty, and an utter
rejection of laziness and cheating, especially in work. If
anyone declares hard, manual work to be an excellent
way to build character, it is ESTJs.

ESTJs are aware of their surroundings and live in a

world of clear, verifiable facts – the surety of their
knowledge means that even against heavy resistance,
they stick to their principles and push an unclouded
vision of what is and is not acceptable. Their opinions
aren’t just empty talk either, as ESTJs are more than
willing to dive into the most challenging projects,
improving action plans and sorting details along the
way, making even the most complicated tasks seem
easy and approachable.

However, ESTJs don’t work alone, and they expect

their reliability and work ethic to be reciprocated –
people with this personality type meet their promises,
and if partners or subordinates jeopardize them
through incompetence or laziness, or worse still,
dishonesty, they do not hesitate to show their wrath.
This can earn them a reputation for inflexibility, a trait
shared by all Sentinels, but it’s not because ESTJs are
arbitrarily stubborn, but because they truly believe that
these values are what make society work.
ESTJ STRENGTHS ESTJ WEAKNESSES

Dedicated – Seeing things to completion borders on Inflexible and Stubborn – The problem with being so
an ethical obligation for ESTJs. Tasks aren’t simply fixated on what works is that ESTJs too often dismiss
abandoned because they’ve become difficult or boring what might work better. Everything is opinion until
– people with the ESTJ personality type take them up proven, and ESTJ personalities are reluctant to trust an
when they are the right thing to do, and they will be opinion long enough for it to have that chance.
finished so long as they remain the right thing to do.
Uncomfortable with Unconventional Situations –
Strong-willed – A strong will makes this dedication ESTJs are strong adherents to tradition and when
possible, and ESTJs don’t give up their beliefs because suddenly forced to try unvetted solutions, they become
of simple opposition. ESTJs defend their ideas and uncomfortable and stressed. New ideas suggest that
principles relentlessly, and must be proven clearly and their methods weren’t good enough, and abandoning
conclusively wrong for their stance to budge. what has always worked before in favor of something
that may yet fail risks their image of reliability.
Direct and Honest – ESTJs trust facts far more than
abstract ideas or opinions. Straightforward statements Judgmental – ESTJs have strong convictions about
and information are king, and ESTJ personalities return what is right, wrong, and socially acceptable. ESTJs’
the honesty (whether it’s wanted or not). compulsion to create order often extends to all things
and everyone, ignoring the possibility that there are two
Loyal, Patient and Reliable – ESTJs work to right ways to get things done. ESTJs do not hesitate to
exemplify truthfulness and reliability, considering let these "deviants" know what they think, considering it
stability and security very important. When ESTJs say their duty to set things right.
they’ll do something, they keep their word, making
them very responsible members of their families, Too Focused on Social Status – ESTJs take pride in
companies and communities. the respect of their friends, colleagues and community
and while difficult to admit, are very concerned with
Enjoy Creating Order – Chaos makes things public opinion. ESTJs (especially Turbulent ones) can
unpredictable, and unpredictable things can’t be get so caught up in meeting others’ expectations that
trusted when they are needed most – with this in mind, they fail to address their own needs.
ESTJs strive to create order and security in their
environments by establishing rules, structures and Difficult to Relax – This need for respect fosters a
clear roles. need to maintain their dignity, which can make it
difficult to cut loose and relax for risk of looking the
Excellent Organizers – This commitment to truth and fool, even in good fun.
clear standards makes ESTJs capable and confident
leaders. People with this personality type have no Difficulty Expressing Emotion – This is all evidence
problem distributing tasks and responsibilities to others of ESTJs’ greatest weakness: expressing emotions
fairly and objectively, making them excellent and feeling empathy. People with the ESTJ personality
administrators. type get so caught up in the facts and most effective
methods that they forget to think of what makes others
happy, or of their sensitivity. A detour can be
breathtakingly beautiful, a joy for the family, but ESTJs
may only see the consequence of arriving at their
destination an hour late, hurting their loved ones by
rejecting the notion too harshly.
ESFJ PERSONALITY,”THE CONSUL” Play Dates Aren’t Just for the Kids!

Encourage, lift and strengthen one another. For the Supportive and outgoing, ESFJs can always be spotted
positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all. - at a party – they’re the ones finding time to chat and
Deborah Day laugh with everyone! But their devotion goes further
than just breezing through because they have to.
People who share the ESFJ personality type are, for ESFJs truly enjoy hearing about their friends’
lack of a better word, popular – which makes sense, relationships and activities, remembering little details
given that it is also a very common personality type, and always standing ready to talk things out with
making up twelve percent of the population. In high warmth and sensitivity. If things aren’t going right, or
school, ESFJs are the cheerleaders and the there’s tension in the room, ESFJs pick up on it and to
quarterbacks, setting the tone, taking the spotlight and try to restore harmony and stability to the group.
leading their teams forward to victory and fame. Later
in life, ESFJs continue to enjoy supporting their friends Being pretty conflict-averse, ESFJs spend a lot of their
and loved ones, organizing social gatherings and doing energy establishing social order, and prefer plans and
their best to make sure everyone is happy. organized events to open-ended activities or
spontaneous get-togethers. People with this
At their hearts, ESFJ personalities are social creatures, personality type put a lot of effort into the activities
and thrive on staying up to date with what their friends they’ve arranged, and it’s easy for ESFJs’ feelings to
are doing. be hurt if their ideas are rejected, or if people just aren’t
interested. Again, it’s important for ESFJs to remember
that everyone is coming from a different place, and that
Discussing scientific theories or debating European
disinterest isn’t a comment about them or the activity
politics isn’t likely to capture ESFJs’ interest for too
they’ve organized – it’s just not their thing.
long. ESFJs are more concerned with fashion and their
appearance, their social status and the standings of
other people. Practical matters and gossip are their Coming to terms with their sensitivity is ESFJs’ biggest
bread and butter, but ESFJs do their best to use their challenge – people are going to disagree and they’re
powers for good. going to criticize, and while it hurts, it’s just a part of
life. The best thing for ESFJs to do is to do what they
Respecting the Wisdom of Leadership do best: be a role model, take care of what they have
the power to take care of, and enjoy that so many
people do appreciate the efforts they make.
ESFJs are altruists, and they take seriously their
responsibility to help and to do the right thing. Unlike
their Diplomat relatives however, people with the ESFJ
personality type will base their moral compass on
established traditions and laws, upholding authority
and rules, rather than drawing their morality from
philosophy or mysticism. It’s important for ESFJs to
remember though, that people come from many
backgrounds and perspectives, and what may seem
right to them isn’t always an absolute truth.

ESFJs love to be of service, enjoying any role that

allows them to participate in a meaningful way, so long
as they know that they are valued and appreciated.
This is especially apparent at home, and ESFJs make
loyal and devoted partners and parents. ESFJ
personalities respect hierarchy, and do their best to
position themselves with some authority, at home and
at work, which allows them to keep things clear, stable
and organized for everyone.
ESFJ STRENGTHS ESFJ WEAKNESSES

Strong Practical Skills – ESFJs are excellent Worried about Their Social Status – These Strengths
managers of day-to-day tasks and routine are related to a chief Weakness: ESFJs’ preoccupation
maintenance, enjoying making sure that those who are with social status and influence, which affects many
close to them are well cared for. decisions they make, potentially limiting their creativity
and open-mindedness.
Strong Sense of Duty – People with the ESFJ
personality type have a strong sense of responsibility Inflexible – ESFJs place a lot of importance on what is
and strive to meet their obligations, though this may socially acceptable, and can be very cautious, even
sometimes be more from a sense of social critical of anything unconventional or outside the
expectations than intrinsic drive. mainstream. People with this personality type may also
sometimes push their own beliefs too hard in an effort
Very Loyal – Valuing stability and security very highly, to establish them as mainstream.
ESFJs are eager to preserve the status quo, which
makes them extremely loyal and trustworthy partners Reluctant to Innovate or Improvise – Just as they
and employees. ESFJs are true pillars of any groups can be critical of others’ "unusual" behavior, ESFJs
they belong to – whether it is their family or a may also be unwilling to step out of their own comfort
community club, people with this personality type can zones, usually for fear of being (or just appearing)
always be relied upon. different.

Sensitive and Warm – Helping to ensure that stability, Vulnerable to Criticism – It can be especially
ESFJ personalities seek harmony and care deeply challenging to change these tendencies because
about other people’s feelings, being careful not to ESFJs are so conflict-averse. ESFJ personalities can
offend or hurt anybody. ESFJs are strong team become very defensive and hurt if someone, especially
players, and win-win situations are the stuff smiles are a person close to them, criticizes their habits, beliefs or
made of. traditions.

Good at Connecting with Others – These qualities Often Too Needy – ESFJs need to hear and see a
come together to make ESFJs social, comfortable and great deal of appreciation. If their efforts go unnoticed,
well-liked. ESFJ personalities have a strong need to people with the ESFJ personality type may start fishing
"belong", and have no problem with small talk or for compliments, in an attempt to get reassurance of
following social cues in order to help them take an how much they are valued.
active role in their communities.
Too Selfless – The other side of this is that ESFJs
sometimes try to establish their value with doting
attention, something that can quickly overwhelm those
who don’t need it, making it ultimately unwelcome.
Furthermore, ESFJs often neglect their own needs in
the process.
ISTP PERSONALITY,” THE VIRTUOSO” Nothing Is as Boring as Everyone Agreeing With
You
I wanted to live the life, a different life. I didn’t want to
go to the same place every day and see the same ISTPs will come to learn that many other personality
people and do the same job. I wanted interesting types have much more firmly drawn lines on rules and
challenges.- Harrison Ford acceptable behavior than they do – they don’t want to
hear an insensitive joke, and certainly wouldn’t tell one
ISTPs love to explore with their hands and their eyes, back, and they wouldn’t want to engage in horseplay,
touching and examining the world around them with even with a willing party. If a situation is already
cool rationalism and spirited curiosity. People with this emotionally charged, violating these boundaries can
personality type are natural Makers, moving from backfire tremendously.
project to project, building the useful and the
superfluous for the fun of it, and learning from their ISTPs have a particular difficulty in predicting
environment as they go. Often mechanics and emotions, but this is just a natural extension of their
engineers, ISTPs find no greater joy than in getting fairness, given how difficult it is to gauge ISTPs’
their hands dirty pulling things apart and putting them emotions and motivations. However, their tendency to
back together, just a little bit better than they were explore their relationships through their actions rather
before. than through empathy can lead to some very frustrating
situations. People with the ISTP personality type
ISTPs explore ideas through creating, troubleshooting, struggle with boundaries and guidelines, preferring the
trial and error and first-hand experience. They enjoy freedom to move about and color outside the lines if
having other people take an interest in their projects they need to.
and sometimes don’t even mind them getting into their
space. Of course, that’s on the condition that those Finding an environment where they can work with good
people don’t interfere with ISTPs’ principles and friends who understand their style and unpredictability,
freedom, and they’ll need to be open to ISTPs combining their creativity, sense of humor and hands-
returning the interest in kind. on approach to build practical solutions and things, will
give ISTPs many happy years of building useful boxes
ISTPs enjoy lending a hand and sharing their – and admiring them from the outside.
experience, especially with the people they care about,
and it’s a shame they’re so uncommon, making up only
about five percent of the population. ISTP women are
especially rare, and the typical gender roles that
society tends to expect can be a poor fit – they’ll often
be seen as tomboys from a young age.

Dare to Differ

While their mechanical tendencies can make them

appear simple at a glance, ISTPs are actually quite
enigmatic. Friendly but very private, calm but suddenly
spontaneous, extremely curious but unable to stay
focused on formal studies, ISTP personalities can be a
challenge to predict, even by their friends and loved
ones. ISTPs can seem very loyal and steady for a
while, but they tend to build up a store of impulsive
energy that explodes without warning, taking their
interests in bold new directions.

Rather than some sort of vision quest though, ISTPs

are merely exploring the viability of a new interest
when they make these seismic shifts.

ISTPs’ decisions stem from a sense of practical

realism, and at their heart is a strong sense of direct
fairness, a "do unto others" attitude, which really helps
to explain many of ISTPs’ puzzling traits. Instead of
being overly cautious though, avoiding stepping on
toes in order to avoid having their toes stepped on,
ISTPs are likely to go too far, accepting likewise
retaliation, good or bad, as fair play.

The biggest issue ISTPs are likely to face is that they

often act too soon, taking for granted their permissive
nature and assuming that others are the same. They’ll
be the first to tell an insensitive joke, get overly
involved in someone else’s project, roughhouse and
play around, or suddenly change their plans because
something more interesting came up.
ISTP STRENGTHS ISTP WEAKNESSES

Optimistic and Energetic – ISTPs are usually up to Stubborn – As easily as ISTPs go with the flow, they
their elbows in some project or other. Cheerful and can also ignore it entirely, and usually move in another
good-natured, people with the ISTP personality type direction with little apology or sensitivity. If someone
(especially Assertive ones) rarely get stressed out, tries to change ISTPs’ habits, lifestyle or ideas through
preferring to go with the flow. criticism, they can become quite blunt in their irritation.

Creative and Practical – ISTPs are very imaginative Insensitive – ISTPs use logic, and even when they try
when it comes to practical things, mechanics, and to meet others halfway with empathy and emotional
crafts. Novel ideas come easily, and they love using sensitivity, it rarely seems to quite come out right, if
their hands to put them into action. anything is even said at all.

Spontaneous and Rational – Combining spontaneity Private and Reserved – ISTP personalities are
with logic, ISTPs can switch mindsets to fit new notoriously difficult to get to know. They are true
situations with little effort, making them flexible and introverts, keeping their personal matters to
versatile individuals. themselves, and often just prefer silence to small talk.

Know How to Prioritize – This flexibility comes with Easily Bored – ISTPs enjoy novelty, which makes
some unpredictability, but ISTP personalities are able them excellent tinkerers, but much less reliable when it
to store their spontaneity for a rainy day, releasing their comes to focusing on things long-term. Once
energy just when it’s needed most. something is understood, ISTPs tend to simply move
on to something new and more interesting.
Great in a Crisis – With all this hands-on creativity and
spontaneity, it’s no wonder that ISTPs are naturals in Dislike Commitment – Long-term commitments are
crisis situations. People with this personality type particularly onerous for ISTPs. They prefer to take
usually enjoy a little physical risk, and they aren’t afraid things day-by-day, and the feeling of being locked into
to get their hands dirty when the situation calls for it. something for a long time is downright oppressive. This
can be a particular challenge in ISTPs’ romantic
Relaxed – Through all this, ISTPs are able to stay relationships.
quite relaxed. They live in the moment and go with the
flow, refusing to worry too much about the future. Risky Behavior – This stubbornness, difficulty with
others’ emotions, focus on the moment, and easy
boredom can lead to unnecessary and unhelpful
boundary-pushing, just for fun. ISTPs have been
known to escalate conflict and danger just to see
where it goes, something that can have disastrous
consequences for everyone around if they lose control
of the situation.
ISFP PERSONALITY,”THE ADVENTURER” Meaning Is in Every Expression of Life

I change during the course of a day. I wake and I’m The biggest challenge facing ISFPs is planning for the
one person, and when I go to sleep I know for certain future. Finding constructive ideals to base their goals
I’m somebody else. - Bob Dylan on and working out goals that create positive principles
is no small task. Unlike Sentinel types, ISFPs don’t
ISFP personality types are true artists, but not plan their futures in terms of assets and retirement.
necessarily in the typical sense where they’re out Rather, they plan actions and behaviors as
painting happy little trees. Often enough though, they contributions to a sense of identity, building a portfolio
are perfectly capable of this. Rather, it’s that they use of experiences, not stocks.
aesthetics, design and even their choices and actions
to push the limits of social convention. ISFPs enjoy If these goals and principles are noble, ISFPs can act
upsetting traditional expectations with experiments in with amazing charity and selflessness – but it can also
beauty and behavior – chances are, they’ve expressed happen that people with the ISFP personality type
more than once the phrase "Don’t box me in!" establish a more self-centered identity, acting with
selfishness, manipulation and egoism. It’s important for
Happy to Be Who They Are ISFPs to remember to actively become the person they
want to be. Developing and maintaining a new habit
ISFPs live in a colorful, sensual world, inspired by may not come naturally, but taking the time each day to
connections with people and ideas. ISFP personalities understand their motivations allows ISFPs to use their
take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing strengths to pursue whatever they’ve come to love.
and experimenting with both themselves and new
perspectives. No other type explores and experiments
in this way more. This creates a sense of spontaneity,
making ISFPs seem unpredictable, even to their close
friends and loved ones.

Despite all this, ISFPs are definitely Introverts (I),

surprising their friends further when they step out of the
spotlight to be by themselves to recharge. Just
because they are alone though, doesn’t mean people
with the ISFP personality type sit idle – they take this
time for introspection, assessing their principles.
Rather than dwelling on the past or the future, ISFPs
think about who they are. They return from their
cloister, transformed.

ISFPs live to find ways to push their passions. Riskier

behaviors like gambling and extreme sports are more
common with this personality type than with others.
Fortunately their attunement to the moment and their
environment allows them to do better than most. ISFPs
also enjoy connecting with others, and have a certain
irresistible charm.

ISFPs always know just the compliment to soften a

heart that’s getting ready to call their risks irresponsible
or reckless.

However, if a criticism does get through, it can end

poorly. Some ISFPs can handle kindly phrased
commentary, valuing it as another perspective to help
push their passions in new directions. But if the
comments are more biting and less mature, ISFP
personalities can lose their tempers in spectacular
fashion.

ISFPs are sensitive to others’ feelings and value

harmony. When faced with criticism, it can be a
challenge for people with this type to step away from
the moment long enough to not get caught up in the
heat of the moment. But living in the moment goes both
ways, and once the heightened emotions of an
argument cool, ISFPs can usually call the past the past
and move on as though it never occurred.
ISFP STRENGTHS ISFP WEAKNESSES

Charming – People with the ISFP personality type are Fiercely Independent – Freedom of expression is
relaxed and warm, and their “live and let live” attitude often ISFPs’ top priority. Anything that interferes with
naturally makes them likable and popular. that, like traditions and hard rules, creates a sense of
oppression for ISFP personalities. This can make more
Sensitive to Others – ISFPs easily relate to others’ rigidly structured academics and work a challenge.
emotions, helping them to establish harmony and good
will, and minimize conflict. Unpredictable – ISFPs’ dislike long-term commitments
and plans. The tendency to actively avoid planning for
Imaginative – Being so aware of others’ emotions, the future can cause strain in ISFPs’ romantic
ISFP personalities use creativity and insight to craft relationships and financial hardship later in life.
bold ideas that speak to people’s hearts. While it’s hard
to explain this quality on a resume, this vivid Easily Stressed – ISFPs live in the present, full of
imagination and exploratory spirit help ISFPs in emotion. When situations get out of control, people
unexpected ways. with this personality type (especially Turbulent ones)
can shut down, losing their characteristic charm and
Passionate – Beneath ISFPs’ quiet shyness beats an creativity in favor of gnashing teeth.
intensely feeling heart. When people with this
personality type are caught up in something exciting Overly Competitive – ISFPs can escalate small things
and interesting, they can leave everything else in the into intense competitions, turning down long-term
dust. success in their search for glory in the moment, and
are unhappy when they lose.
Curious – Ideas are well and good, but ISFPs need to
see and explore for themselves whether their ideas Fluctuating Self-Esteem – It’s demanded that skills
ring true. Work revolving around the sciences may be quantified, but that’s hard to do with ISFPs’
seem a poor match for their traits, but a boldly artistic strengths of sensitivity and artistry. ISFPs’ efforts are
and humanistic vision is often exactly what research often dismissed, a hurtful and damaging blow,
needs to move forward – if ISFPs are given the especially early in life. ISFPs can start to believe the
freedom they need to do so. naysayers without strong support.

Artistic – ISFPs are able to show their creativity in

tangible ways and with stunning beauty. Whether
writing a song, painting an emotion, or presenting a
statistic in a graph, ISFPs have a way of visualizing
things that resonates with their audience.
ESTP PERSONALITY, “THE ENTREPRENEUR” Most People Don’t Listen Well Enough

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. - With perhaps the most perceptive, unfiltered view of
Helen Keller any type, ESTPs have a unique skill in noticing small
changes. Whether a shift in facial expression, a new
ESTP personality types always have an impact on their clothing style, or a broken habit, people with this
immediate surroundings – the best way to spot them at personality type pick up on hidden thoughts and
a party is to look for the whirling eddy of people flitting motives where most types would be lucky to pick up
about them as they move from group to group. anything specific at all. ESTPs use these observations
Laughing and entertaining with a blunt and earthy immediately, calling out the change and asking
humor, ESTP personalities love to be the center of questions, often with little regard for sensitivity. ESTPs
attention. If an audience member is asked to come on should remember that not everyone wants their secrets
stage, ESTPs volunteer – or volunteer a shy friend. and decisions broadcast.

Theory, abstract concepts and plodding discussions Sometimes ESTPs’ instantaneous observation and
about global issues and their implications don’t keep action is just what’s required, as in some corporate
ESTPs interested for long. ESTPs keep their environments, and especially in emergencies.
conversation energetic, with a good dose of
intelligence, but they like to talk about what is – or If ESTPs aren’t careful though, they may get too
better yet, to just go out and do it. ESTPs leap before caught in the moment, take things too far, and run
they look, fixing their mistakes as they go, rather than roughshod over more sensitive people, or forget to take
sitting idle, preparing contingencies and escape care of their own health and safety. Making up only
clauses. four percent of the population, there are just enough
ESTPs out there to keep things spicy and competitive,
Never Confuse Movement With Action and not so many as to cause a systemic risk.

ESTPs are the likeliest personality type to make a ESTPs are full of passion and energy, complemented
lifestyle of risky behavior. They live in the moment and by a rational, if sometimes distracted, mind. Inspiring,
dive into the action – they are the eye of the storm. convincing and colorful, they are natural group leaders,
People with the ESTP personality type enjoy drama, pulling everyone along the path less traveled, bringing
passion, and pleasure, not for emotional thrills, but life and excitement everywhere they go. Putting these
because it’s so stimulating to their logical minds. They qualities to a constructive and rewarding end is ESTPs’
are forced to make critical decisions based on factual, true challenge.
immediate reality in a process of rapid-fire rational
stimulus response.

This makes school and other highly organized

environments a challenge for ESTPs. It certainly isn’t
because they aren’t smart, and they can do well, but
the regimented, lecturing approach of formal education
is just so far from the hands-on learning that ESTPs
enjoy. It takes a great deal of maturity to see this
process as a necessary means to an end, something
that creates more exciting opportunities.

Also challenging is that to ESTPs, it makes more sense

to use their own moral compass than someone else’s.
Rules were made to be broken. This is a sentiment few
high school instructors or corporate supervisors are
likely to share, and can earn ESTP personalities a
certain reputation. But if they minimize the trouble-
making, harness their energy, and focus through the
boring stuff, ESTPs are a force to be reckoned with.
ESTP STRENGTHS ESTP WEAKNESSES

Bold – People with the ESTP personality type are full Insensitive – Feelings and emotions come second to
of life and energy. There is no greater joy for ESTPs facts and "reality" for ESTPs. Emotionally charged
than pushing boundaries and discovering and using situations are awkward, uncomfortable affairs, and
new things and ideas. ESTPs’ blunt honesty doesn’t help here. These
personalities often have a lot of trouble acknowledging
Rational and Practical – ESTPs love knowledge and and expressing their own feelings as well.
philosophy, but not for their own sake. What’s fun for
ESTP personalities is finding ideas that are actionable Impatient – ESTPs move at their own pace to keep
and drilling into the details so they can put them to use. themselves excited. Slowing down because someone
If a discussion is completely arbitrary, there are better else "doesn’t get it" or having to stay focused on a
uses for ESTPs’ time. single detail for too long is extremely challenging for
ESTPs.
Original – Combining their boldness and practicality,
ESTPs love to experiment with new ideas and Risk-prone – This impatience can lead ESTPs to push
solutions. They put things together in ways no one else into uncharted territory without thinking of the long-term
would think to. consequences. ESTP personalities sometimes
intentionally combat boredom with extra risk.
Perceptive – This originality is helped by ESTPs’
ability to notice when things change – and when they Unstructured – ESTPs see an opportunity – to fix a
need to change! Small shifts in habits and problem, to advance, to have fun – and seize the
appearances stick out to ESTPs, and they use these moment, often ignoring rules and social expectations in
observations to help create connections with others. the process. This may get things done, but it can
create unexpected social fallout.
Direct – This perceptive skill isn’t used for mind games
– ESTPs prefer to communicate clearly, with direct and May Miss the Bigger Picture – Living in the moment
factual questions and answers. Things are what they can cause ESTPs to miss the forest for the trees.
are. People with this personality type love to solve problems
here and now, perhaps too much. All parts of a project
Sociable – All these qualities pull together to make a can be perfect, but the project will still fail if those parts
natural group leader in ESTPs. This isn’t something do not fit together.
that they actively seek – people with this personality
type just have a knack for making excellent use of Defiant – ESTPs won’t be boxed in. Repetition,
social interactions and networking opportunities. hardline rules, sitting quietly while they are lectured at
– this isn’t how ESTPs live their lives. They are action-
oriented and hands-on. Environments like school and
much entry-level work can be so tedious that they’re
intolerable, requiring extraordinary effort from ESTPs to
stay focused long enough to get to freer positions.
ESFP PERSONALITY, “THE ENTERTAINER” ...And We Deserve to Twinkle

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make The biggest challenge ESFPs face is that they are
mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to often so focused on immediate pleasures that they
handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then neglect the duties and responsibilities that make those
you surely don’t deserve me at my best.- Marilyn luxuries possible. Complex analysis, repetitive tasks,
Monroe and matching statistics to real consequences are not
easy activities for ESFPs. They’d rather rely on luck or
If anyone is to be found spontaneously breaking into opportunity, or simply ask for help from their extensive
song and dance, it is the ESFP personality type. circle of friends. It is important for ESFPs to challenge
ESFPs get caught up in the excitement of the moment, themselves to keep track of long-term things like their
and want everyone else to feel that way, too. No other retirement plans or sugar intake – there won’t always
personality type is as generous with their time and be someone else around who can help to keep an eye
energy as ESFPs when it comes to encouraging on these things.
others, and no other personality type does it with such
irresistible style. ESFPs recognize value and quality, which on its own is
a fine trait. In combination with their tendency to be
We Are All of Us Stars... poor planners though, this can cause them to live
beyond their means, and credit cards are especially
Born entertainers, ESFPs love the spotlight, but all the dangerous. More focused on leaping at opportunities
world’s a stage. Many famous people with the ESFP than in planning out long-term goals, ESFPs may find
personality type are indeed actors, but they love putting that their inattentiveness has made some activities
on a show for their friends too, chatting with a unique unaffordable.
and earthy wit, soaking up attention and making every
outing feel a bit like a party. Utterly social, ESFPs enjoy There’s nothing that makes ESFPs feel quite as
the simplest things, and there’s no greater joy for them unhappy as realizing that they are boxed in by
than just having fun with a good group of friends. circumstance, unable to join their friends.

It’s not just talk either – ESFPs have the strongest ESFPs are welcome wherever there’s a need for
aesthetic sense of any personality type. From laughter, playfulness, and a volunteer to try something
grooming and outfits to a well-appointed home, ESFP new and fun – and there’s no greater joy for ESFP
personalities have an eye for fashion. Knowing what’s personalities than to bring everyone else along for the
attractive the moment they see it, ESFPs aren’t afraid ride. ESFPs can chat for hours, sometimes about
to change their surroundings to reflect their personal anything but the topic they meant to talk about, and
style. ESFPs are naturally curious, exploring new share their loved ones’ emotions through good times
designs and styles with ease. and bad. If they can just remember to keep their ducks
in a row, they’ll always be ready to dive into all the new
Though it may not always seem like it, ESFPs know and exciting things the world has to offer, friends in
that it’s not all about them – they are observant, and tow.
very sensitive to others’ emotions. People with this
personality type are often the first to help someone talk
out a challenging problem, happily providing emotional
support and practical advice. However, if the problem
is about them, ESFPs are more likely to avoid a conflict
altogether than to address it head-on. ESFPs usually
love a little drama and passion, but not so much when
they are the focus of the criticisms it can bring.
ESFP STRENGTHS ESFP WEAKNESSES

Bold – ESFPs aren’t known for holding back. Wanting Sensitive – ESFPs (especially Turbulent ones) are
to experience everything there is to experience, people strongly emotional, and very vulnerable to criticism –
with the ESFP personality type don’t mind stepping out they can feel like they’ve been backed into a corner,
of their comfort zones when no one else is willing. sometimes reacting badly. This is probably ESFPs’
greatest weakness, because it makes it so hard to
Original – Traditions and expectations are secondary address any other weaknesses brought to light.
to ESFPs, if a consideration at all. ESFP personalities
love to experiment with new styles, and constantly find Conflict-Averse – ESFPs sometimes ignore and avoid
new ways to stick out in the crowd. conflict entirely. They tend to say and do what’s
needed to get out of such situations, then move on to
Aesthetics and Showmanship – Not stopping at something more fun.
mere outfits, ESFPs inject artistic creativity into their
words and actions, too. Every day is a performance, Easily Bored – Without constant excitement, ESFPs
and ESFPs love to put on a show. find ways to create it themselves. Risky behavior, self-
indulgence, and the pleasures of the moment over
Practical – To ESFPs, the world is meant to be felt long-term plans are all things ESFPs get into a little too
and experienced. Truth is stranger than fiction, and often.
ESFPs prefer to see and do than to wax philosophical
about "what-ifs". Poor Long-Term Planners – In fact, ESFP
personalities rarely make detailed plans for the future.
Observant – With all this focus on the here and now, To them, things come as they come, and they rarely
on doing and acting, it makes sense that ESFPs are bother with taking the time to lay out steps and
naturals when it comes to noticing real, tangible things consequences, with the belief that they could change
and changes. at any moment – even with things that can be planned.

Excellent People Skills – More so than things though, Unfocused – Anything that requires long-term
ESFPs love to pay attention to people. They are dedication and focus is a particular challenge for
talkative, witty, and almost never run out of things to ESFPs. In academics, dense, unchanging subjects like
discuss. For people with this personality type, Classic Literature are much more difficult than more
happiness and satisfaction stem from the time they dynamic, relatable subjects like psychology. The trick
spend with the people they enjoy being with. for ESFPs is to find day-to-day joy in broader goals,
and to tough it out with those tedious things that must
be done.
PERSONALITY TYPES: SENTINELS

ANALYSTS “Logistician”
ISTJ (-A/-T)
“Architect”
Practical and fact-minded individuals, whose reliability
INTJ (-A/-T) cannot be doubted.
Imaginative and strategic thinkers, with a plan for
everything.

“Defender”
ISFJ (-A/-T)
“Logician”
Very dedicated and warm protectors, always ready to
INTP (-A/-T) defend their loved ones.
Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for
knowledge.

“Executive”
ESTJ (-A/-T)
“Commander”
Excellent administrators, unsurpassed at managing
ENTJ (-A/-T) things – or people.
Bold, imaginative and strong-willed leaders, always
finding a way – or making one.

“Consul”
ESFJ (-A/-T)
“Debater”
Extraordinarily caring, social and popular people,
ENTP (-A/-T) always eager to help.
Smart and curious thinkers who cannot resist an
intellectual challenge.

EXPLORERS
DIPLOMATS
“Virtuoso”
“Advocate” ISTP (-A/-T)
INFJ (-A/-T) Bold and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds
Quiet and mystical, yet very inspiring and tireless of tools.
idealists.

“Adventurer”
“Mediator” ISFP (-A/-T)
INFP (-A/-T) Flexible and charming artists, always ready to explore
Poetic, kind and altruistic people, always eager to help and experience something new.
a good cause.

“Entrepreneur”
“Protagonist” ESTP (-A/-T)
ENFJ (-A/-T) Smart, energetic and very perceptive people, who truly
Charismatic and inspiring leaders, able to mesmerize enjoy living on the edge.
their listeners.

“Entertainer”
“Campaigner” ESFP (-A/-T)
ENFP (-A/-T) Spontaneous, energetic and enthusiastic people – life
Enthusiastic, creative and sociable free spirits, who can is never boring around them.
always find a reason to smile.