Sunday, October 31, 2004

Portrait of an INFP or ISFP (take your pick)

I took the Myers-Briggs test a couple of weeks ago and it said I was an INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving) or an ISFP (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.). I was tied on the Intuitive vs. Sensing dimension and, according to them, the tie-breaker goes to the N (Intuitive). Anyway, heres what the say about INFPs:


If you are an INFP, you make up approximately 1% of the American population.

You are sensitive, idealist, and loyal, and have a strong sense of honor concerning your values.

You are interested in possibilities beyond what is already known.

You focus your energies on your dreams and visions.

You are depply committed to whatever you choose to undertake.

You are compassionate, sympathetic, and understanding, and very sensitive to the needs of others.

Possible blind spots:

Since logic is not a priority to INFPs, they sometimes make errors of fact and are unware that they are being illogical.

Because INFPs are so committed to their ideals, they may have a tendency to overlook other points of view, and appear to be ridgid.

Since INFPs are so emotionally entangled in their undertakings they are very sensitive to criticism.

Because they are "people pleasers", INFPs find it hard to criticize others or to take a stand for an unpopular position.

Possible solutions:

Developing more objectivity in reference to their projects will help INFPs be less vulnerable to both criticsm and disappointment.

INFPs need to learn to be more assertive and offer constructive criticism of others when the need arises.


Not too bad as far as describing myself. Pretty much dead on. Now, heres what they say about ISFPs:

If you are an ISFP, you make up approximately 6% of the American population.

You are patient, flexible, easy to get along with and have little need to dominate or control others.

While you are gentle, caring, and sensitive, you tend to keep much of your personal ideals and values to yourself.

Since you tend not to lead you are often a loyal follower.

Some possible blind spots:

Being highly sensitive, the ISFP can clearly see the needs of others, and may neglect their onw needs in the porcess.

ISFPs may be seen as gullible and too trusting because they accept things as they are.

Possible solutions:

ISFPs need to learn to take time out and care for their own needs.

Learning to consider the the implications of others behaviors, applying
some objectivitity and skepticism to their analysis, may help the ISFP become
better judges of character.


A couple of issues with this one. First, is the "too trusting" and "gullible" part. I'm actually pretty skeptical about most things I hear in the media or read about. Always like to verify stuff on my own. Also, the "since you tend not to lead" part is not really accurate. At least with work stuff, I lead pretty much everything. I am the "boss-man" as they say. Other than that, pretty decent assessment overall.

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