INFP personality type

By Dr. Edwin van Thiel

Updated on May 20, 2022

An INFP at a glance

Preferring a diplomatic approach like INFJ, ENFJ and ENFP, the INFP type may be characterized as The Mediator and sometimes even The Dreamer. Making the world a better place is an INFP motto. They need to have a crusade or mission in life. They quietly push for what is important to them and rarely give up.

Am I the INFP type?

Are you the conflict solving INFP?

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INFPs are creative and actively seek new ideas and solutions. They are rather reserved and may be somewhat difficult to get to know. However, when they want to be sociable, they can be exceedingly charming and popular, and their quiet sense of humor is appreciated by many. They trust and highly value their intuitiveness and where it leads them.

An INFP is likely to be a good listener and has no trouble putting people at ease. Although an INFP may be reserved in expressing emotion, they are very caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. Because of their sincerity, people value them as a friend and confidante.

INFPs do not like conflict and go to great lengths to avoid it. On the other hand, INFPs are great mediators and are effective at solving other people's conflicts. They intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them. Doing so gives them a great deal of personal satisfaction.The INFP type is one of sixteen types as proposed by Myers-Briggs in their MBTI test (type indicator).

INFP workstyle and contributions to an organization

Creative talent, expression, and working inspiration in an organization change from one personality type to another. Given below is a list of those most commonly related to the INFP personality types:

  • Undertakes a lot of projects.
  • Likes solitude and becomes quietly absorbed in projects.
  • Is pledged to the growth and development of people surrounding him/her.

An INFP on a team

Team spirit is an optional factor for some people to work, while it's a must for some to increase their engagement level. Understanding each personality type approach to team spirit makes work easier when planning to take on any task. The following are the team commitment of an INFP personality type:

  • Brings a good but quiet sense of humor to the group.
  • Always offers lots of encouragement and acknowledgement to others.
  • Provides vision and a focus on ideals and values.

INFP leadership style

Leadership charismatic style and fault are specific to each personality type. The following highlights leadership qualities and roles of INFP personality types:

  • Is subtle, indirect, gentle and inclusive in persuading others; gathers dedicated people around a shared vision because of his/her passion.
  • Affirms individual contributions and promotes group undertakings.
  • Accomplishes results in his/her own way, even if it means waiting out others.

INFP: Introvert-iNtuitive-Feeler-Perceiver

Jung type INFP

  • Introverts tend to be reflective, reserved and private. A popular misconception is that introverts are shy - this is not necessarily so. They draw their energy from their own thoughts and the time they spend alone. Introverts do not need people around them all the time.
  • iNtuitives pay more attention to information that is imaginative and original. iNtuitives focus on the future.
  • Feelers let their feelings and emotions play a leading role because of their concern for other people.
  • Perceivers prefer a lifestyle that is spontaneous, flexible and adaptable. They like an environment that is unstructured, and like to keep their options open.

Jung personality types

There are sixteen Jung personality types. Take a free Jung personality test or learn more about the Jung typology.