What are the primary distinctions between the INTJ and the INFJ personality types, and
how can you tell them apart? I can already hear some of your thoughts - well one has
a T and one has an F in their preferences. To some extent, you're right. On the other
hand, it is definitely not that simple. To begin, why is there so much confusion about
the INFJ and INTJ personality types? There are several causes for this. One of the most
significant is that the two personality types do have three shared preferences.
Introversion, intuition, and judgement are all shared characteristics, but there's actually
a more obvious answer. While most people are aware of the different preferences that make
up the myers-briggs personality types, such as introversion vs extroversion, sensing vs
intuition, thinking vs feeling, and perceiving vs judging, many are unaware of what are known
as the cognitive functions, or mindsets. This is where the true differences lie and what
we are going to take a deeper look at in today's video as we dissect INFJ vs INTJ. Let's get
into it.
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These cognitive functions, or mindsets are what drive the personalities, giving us a
clear picture of what inspires people and what piques their interest. So, when comparing
the INFJ and INTJ personality types, you'll note that both have introverted intuition
(abbreviated as ni) as their top function. By the way, the classification of mindsets
is pyramidal, therefore they're in the order of most powerful to least.
So, in this hierarchy of mindsets, the first one is always the most powerful. Introverted
intuition is shared by both INFJs and INTJs, so they experience the world in similar ways.
They are able to see the big picture. They easily find connections and will search for
greater significance. So, introverted perceivers who are focused on collecting a lot of knowledge,
appreciate research and then enjoy connecting the dots, are a few approaches they use, because
of this manner of seeing the world in their way of thinking as introverts. As a result,
they are highly similar in terms of intuition.
You may have also noted that INFJs and INTJs have the same fourth function, or inferior
function, known as extroverted sensing or se. Every personality has a fourth function,
which is the weakest function.
As a result, the extroverted sensory side of the INTJ and INFJ personality type manifests
itself in how they react to loud noises, bright lights, and excessive environmental stimulation.
With too much noise or input, neither of these personality types does well.
Because introverted intuition is a delicate process, and these personality types require
calm to form connections between concepts and see future visions, they will always be
at their best when they have quiet where they can ponder and just to work out their ideas.
Another thing to mention is skilled sensing is a reward for both personality types to
some level, so you might discover that INFJs and INTJs enjoy being outside in nature, or
that they enjoy exercising to some amount, or that they have a passion like cooking or
music that allows them to lightly engage their extroverted senses.
Because of those similarities, it can be challenging to tell them apart. But we're here today to
get to the bottom of what makes them different.
What distinctions do you think you'll notice first between the infj and the INTJ?
Well, if we're talking about what you might observe about a person before you actually
get to know him or her, it'll be the way that person extroverts or what they display to
the outside world. Being introverts, both infj and intj, will keep their truest, most
private parts of themselves hidden until they feel safe enough to trust someone else.
But what you won't notice about the infj right away is that he or she is worried about other
people's well-being, comfort, and acceptance in the group.
Extroverted feelers like INFJs are tuned in to harmony and want everyone to get along.
This desire for harmony is so great that INFJs will frequently ignore their own personal
desires in order to accommodate the needs of others. Furthermore, the infj's extraverted
feeling function influences how he or she employs their introverted intuition. So, INFJs
are people who are naturally drawn to tasks that aid people or humanity. They will be
primarily interested in psychology, personal improvement, and the development of other
people on a broader scale.
Another thing to keep in mind about INFJs and their combination of extroverted feeling
and introverted intuition is that they are known for picking up on other people's feelings
and almost absorbing them to the point where they have a hard time distinguishing which
feelings are their own and which are those of other people.
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INTJs, on the other hand, use extroverted thinking as a function or mindset. As a result,
INTJs are frank and to-the-point when conversing and giving their opinions. That isn't to say
that they are inconsiderate it just means that their bottom line is data-driven and
facts-oriented. Furthermore, when this extraverted thinking function and introverted intuition
are combined, INTJs become systems engineers and efficiency junkies. They want everything
to go smoothly, and they want to create hierarchical and structural systems that allow everyone
to work together to complete tasks as efficiently as possible.
While INTJs are frequently interested in psychology, they are more likely to be drawn to math and
science, as well as the technology industry.
Another way to distinguish between the two types is to look at their third cognitive
function. So I've labeled this as a scholar or a peacemaker, and while I'm not sure whether
they are the appropriate labels, there is certainly part of each within the infj and
INTJ personality types. When looking at the functional stack or hierarchy of functions
for the INFJ personality type, you'll notice that the third function or mindset for the
INFJ is something called introverted thinking, which is commonly abbreviated TI.
Introverted thinking encourages people to collect and categorize a great amount of information.
So INFJs are good at learning and organizing knowledge to some level. They aren't as good
as the intP or the isTP, but they are good. In fact, the increased rate of feeling and
introverted thinking are back-to-back, making them fairly balanced. Even though most INFJs
are stronger at employing their extraverted feelings, introverted thinking isn't far behind.
As a result, INFJs excel in finding specialized answers to challenges. They appreciate providing
unique solutions to issues, as well as answering life's great philosophical challenges.
INFJs are also interested in productivity and technology because of their introverted
thinking attitude. However, it's vital to note that introverted thinking, as opposed
to extroverted thinking, is concerned with personal autonomy, whereas extroverted thinking,
which INTJs use is concerned with influencing others in the outer environment or an organization
in order to make it more productive.
A mindset called introverted feeling can be found in the INTJs functional stack. Introverted
feelings are in touch with a person's personal sentiments and wants, and they are good at
conveying those feelings and needs to others. So, whereas the INFJ would struggle to convey
his or her wants due to a desire to please others, the INTJ would have an easier time
explaining what he or she needs and making that evident. Furthermore, they would be more
clear about what their true needs are, as a result of less confusion picked up from
others and what those individuals are feeling.
People who have an extroverted feeling are typically effective advocates for others who
are unable to defend and care for themselves. They're also excellent mediators.
To separate between introverted and extroverted feelings, consider simply what each of the
distinct mindsets is looking for.
As a result, introverted feeling is more preoccupied with taking care of one's own emotions, whereas
extraverted feeling is more focused with pleasing others. So introverted feeling feel good about
themselves, whereas extraverted feeling feel good about pleasing others.
To be totally fair, neither is selfish; they just have a different perspective.
So both personality types have introverted intuition and both use extroverted sensing.
However, both the number two and number three mindsets for both the infj and the INTJ are
slightly balanced, which makes distinguishing the two types difficult.
But I want you to pay attention to the second and third cognitive functions because it could
be one of the most useful ways to distinguish the two types. INFJs use Extroverted feeling
and introverted thinking - whereas INTjs use Introverted Feeling and Extroverted thinking.
The combination of those 2 will undoubtedly influence what their introverted intuition
is interested in, especially in terms of how it will influence how that personality interacts
with others.
Do you think you are more of an INFJ or INTJ? Let me know in the comments below.
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