Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving - INFPs represent approximately 1% of the population.

INFPs are highly

intuitive about people. They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving
the goals they have identified for themselves. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their
discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning
underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value
system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal
at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better
place (1,2,8).
Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be
reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding
people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite
warm with people he or she knows well. INFPs are adaptable, committed, compassionate, creative, loyal, and
empathetic individuals (1,2,8).
An INFPs Career Choice Should Probably Include...
1.

A position involved in working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.

2.

An opportunity to believe completely in the value of their work and be rewarded for their unique contribution.

3.

The freedom to work on projects that inspire them, with plenty of time for quiet reflection.

4.

Working with others who are committed to people-related values.

5.

Working with people they trust and respect in a supportive and friendly environment.

6.

The opportunity to grow personally and professionally, where their originality is appreciated and encouraged.

7.

The chance to consider and try creative approaches to problem solving that help other people improve their
lives.

8.

A cooperative environment with a minimum of bureaucracy.

An INFPs Strengths are...

INFPs are sensitive and idealistic people, who strive for inner harmony. Devoted to the people and things they care
deeply about, they can be loyal and empathetic friends. While they appear cool and even detached, INFPs have
private feelings which are strong and passionate. They trust their personal reactions and perceptions and use their
own set of values to rule their lives (1,2,7,8).
Curious about possibilities, INFPs enjoy all sorts of creative endeavors. Often insightful, they can be original thinkers
who enjoy using their imagination to consider new ways of doing things. They can be very persuasive about their
dreams and ideas, but only with people they trust, because they make such a personal investment in everything they
do. Thoughtful and complex, INFPs are not especially interested in imposing their views on others but are very
protective of their privacy and are highly selective about their friends (1,2,7,8).
INFPs are good at...

accepting and valuing people as individuals, and being strongly egalitarian

being energetic in projects they believe in and causes they care about

being able to work alone, without a lot of supervision

solving challenges as they arise in original and creative ways

grasping difficult concepts with relative ease

listening to, and engendering trust in, other people

empathizing with the concerns and problems of others

getting past the superficial and right to the meaning of issues

being flexible, tolerant, and open-minded -- until one of their values is violated!

An INFPs Weaknesses are...

INFPs can lose themselves in a project and ignore the realities of life around them when working on a cause they
believe in. They are sensitive to interpersonal tension and tend to avoid conflict whenever possible. They have
trouble letting go of things and often hold grudges. Because they only see the good in the people they care about,
they run the risk of being disillusioned and easily disappointed (1,2,7,8).
INFPs need to find creative ways of expressing themselves. They sometimes get off track with their projects because
INFPs are not very realistic or logical. They often set impossibly high standards for themselves and are usually not
willing to share their ideas until they believe everything is flawless. They can be oversensitive to criticism and tend to
take things personally. Without outside reactions, they have difficulty making the necessary alterations and end up
with unworkable or unfinished projects, and if they view these as failures, they may see everything as negative.
INFPs need to ask for constructive advice and then be willing to listen to it with objectivity (1,2,7,8).
Things to watch out for...
INFPs feel internal turmoil when they find themselves in situations in which there is conflict between their inner code
of ethics and their relationships with others. They feel caught between pleasing others and maintaining their own
integrity. Their natural tendency to identify with others, compounded with their self-sacrificial dispositions, tends to
leave them confused as to who they really are. Their quiet personalities further feeds their feelings of
depersonalization. The INFP's quest for self-identity then seems even more alluring but increasingly impossible to
attain (1,2,7,8).
As with all NFs, the INFP will feel lost and perplexed at stressful times. As stress builds, INFPs become disconnected
from their own personality and perceived place in life. They will lose sight of who they are in relation to time and
place. They may not make basic observations, while instead they will focus on the more abstract and symbolic
meanings of a particular interaction. This can sometimes baffle those who expect more direct communication and a
fairly concrete relationship(1,2,7,8). Other concerns to watch for:

becoming too perfectionistic, almost to a fault

getting discouraged if contributions are perceived as being unappreciated

being unrealistic in planning work schedules and making mistakes in fact

developing a "control" problem when working in a group

losing interest if control of projects is lost

failing to see or understand anyone else's point of view and being unaware of how their behavior
affects others

becoming exhausted from competition

not making the effort to organize projects that aren't original

in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst

Developmental Needs: It is important for INFPs to develop skills for the realistic and detailed planning of projects.
When needed, it would be beneficial for them to have a tough-minded posture and the ability to say "no." They may
sometimes have to lower their sights to avoid a self-defeating attitude of perfectionism.

Careers INFPs Might Consider

Employee Development Specialist
College Professor: Humanities/Arts
Architect
Researcher
Journalist
Minister/Priest
Church Worker
Social Scientist
Musician/Composer
Youth Counselor
Actor
Social Worker
Biological Scientist
Public Health Nurse
Speech Pathologist
Artist
Poet
Novelist
Physical Therapist
Editor
Musician
Legal Mediator

Entertainer
Holistic Health Practitioner
Educational Consultant
Diversity Manager
Aeronautical Engineer
Missionary
HR Development Specialist
Religious Educator
Librarian
Physician
Journalist
Health Technician
Carpenters
Career Counselor
Education Administrator
Editor/Art Director
Psychologist
Therapist
Laboratory Technologist
Crisis Counselor
Designer
Psychodrama Therapist