INFP-A

What is a INFP?

Idealistic, reflective and loyal to what they believe, the Idealist wants their work to mean something. They are gentle in manner but unbending on principle, and they write and speak best when the subject is close to the heart.

In Jung’s language the mind’s four main functions run in this order for a INFP: Fi · Ne · Si · Te (dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, inferior). The first leads and the last is the least comfortable and shows up under stress.

The Anchored version: INFP-A

The Anchored version of this type takes pressure in its stride. It recovers quickly from mistakes, worries little about what others think and trusts its ability to cope. The gift is calm and confidence; the risk is overlooking warnings that a more anxious colleague would have raised.

Compare with the INFP-T version.

At work and in everyday life

Needs a purpose they believe in, flexibility and trust. Quietly produces thoughtful, original work.

Negotiating and disagreeing

Authentic and sincere, so it is hard to doubt them. Struggles with hardball tactics and may concede on principle when they should not.

Under stress

Withdraws, doubts their own worth and ruminates, or lashes out with unusual sharpness at perceived injustice.

Growing

• Separate the cause from the task: the people involved still need a plan
• Write the unglamorous document first
• Ask for feedback on the work, not on your worth

How to deal with a INFP

If they are your boss

Explain the why; give them a cause and autonomy; offer feedback privately, kindly and specifically.

If they are your client or customer

Will care deeply about the outcome and its fairness. Give honest, plain advice and regular updates.

If they are your colleague

Kind and conscientious. Invite their view; they may hold it back otherwise.

If you disagree with them

Surprisingly firm on principle. Do not try to bully; appeal to what is fair.

Your mirror type, with every letter opposite, is the ESTJ: The Organiser.

If you work in law: the The Conscience of the Court

Often drawn to human rights, public interest, criminal defence, family and refugee work, ethics and writing. Comfortable with a client others have written off.

At the negotiating table. Authentic and sincere, so it is hard to doubt them. Struggles with hardball tactics and may concede on principle when they should not.

These are tendencies, not rules: every type works in every area of law, and the best lawyers are often the ones who stretch beyond their type. Nothing here is career advice for any individual or a reason to choose or reject anyone.