ESFP - The Joker

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ESFPs are friendly, outgoing, fun loving and naturally drawn to people. They are quite enthusiastic and
exuberant, and are usually well liked by others. They are good at meeting people and helping them enjoy
themselves. They are sympathetic toward people and generous with their time and money. At their best,
they are able to realistically meet human and situational needs in a fun and lively way.

Living

ESFP children are friendly, warm, active, and enthusiastic. They are very giving and concerned about
others. They like to make others happy, believing that "it is better to give than to receive." Being on the
receiving end may make them feel self-conscious. They tend to be good at comforting others, regardless
of whether others are in need. ESFPs are aware of what is happening around them and notice much that
escapes the eyes of others. They are tied into the present, particularly with people, they may sense what
is happening with others before others know it. They may also noticewhat is going on in their environment
and take delight in a spring flower, a bird's song, or a bright fabric, pointing these out in their enthusiastic
way for others to enjoy. They are popular and gregarious, and are often busy in social activities with
others. As teenagers, they are likely to be instigators of activities with their friends. It is difficult to catch
them sitting still. They tend to be bright and sunny in disposition and enjoy laughing at themselves and
others. It is hard for them to be "down," mainly because of the excitement of each upcoming event.

As adults, ESFPs lead what might look like "a charmed existence,' even when things are not going well
for them. They live with the idea that "the glass is half full" and seem to land on their feet, even when they
are not sure how. They usually find a niche for themselves in any situation because of their spontaneity
and flexibility. Their social skills may attract the eye of a boss. For ESFPs bring a liveliness to a groups to
which they belong. Life is meant to be enjoyed and is not taken too seriously.

ESFPs often are able to interact with all ages, backgrounds, and types of people. Most individuals who
connect with ESFPs feel that they are treated as equals by them, regardless of age or convention. They
enjoy sharing their love of life with others, not just their mates and children. People around them benefit
from this.

In retirement, ESFPs continue their fun-filled, people-focused, actively-oriented life. They keep close
friendships and continue to provide amusement to those who have been important to them in the past.

Learning

ESFPs prefer learning through participating in groups where they can interact with others and do things,
not just observe or listen about things. They want to get to know their teachers well. It is not that the
teachers have to be nice, but they do need to care. ESFPs dislike and are upset by intellectual arguments
and conflict. They need to experience the concept first before discussing it or receiving a didactically
presented theory. Directions must be very concrete, simple and accurate. They are also plugged into the
environment. Atmosphere, attitudes, physical setting --- all make a difference. If the encouragement they
receive for their social life is more than the encouragement they receive for their academic life, they may
err on the side of being too social. Most ESFPs learn actively and do not function as well when they must
read quietly by themselves about matters that are theoretical. They find themselves easily drifting off
while studying, and they are ultimately diverted by things more real to them.

Working

ESFP like action and excitement, and are able to link together people and resources. Because they
accept and deal with people as they are, they are able to understand what is necessary in order to
motivate them to get jobs done. They prefer a work setting that is lively, action oriented, and harmonious.
The atmosphere and overall attitude of the work setting means a great deal to them. They like adaptable
people who are energetic, easygoing, and focused on the present realities. If something is not
immediately useful or of intrinsic value, it may be quickly reflected by ESFPs. They notice what is going
on with people and focus on these happenings intently. ESFPs are likely to adapt as the situation
requires. ESFPs like occupations that allow them to be with people. They want to be direct and practical
service to others and seek work that is self-fulfilling and rewarding. Being a resource to others is an
important part of their work. Some occupations seem to be more attractive to ESFPs: childcare worker,
clerical supervisor, coach, designer, factory supervisor, food service worker, receptionist, recreation
worker, religious educator, respiratory therapist, and other occupations that allow them to be responsive
to others.

Leading

The ESFP leadership style is one that promotes good will and team work. ESFPs are quickly adaptable
and thus able to guide others in crisis situations, unless that crisis is one of disharmony among people.
They are able to focus on immediate problems and using their ability to work with people. They are more
relationship oriented but will work hard on the task part when the people part is going well.

Leisure

ESFPs are quick to take leisure, give it a new twist, and create new enjoyment. They love being active,
whether in craft projects, exercise classes, sporting events, or going out to dinners, parties, or movies
with friends. ESFP reading tastes run toward what is useful or historical accounts about what happened,
which they can use to make predictions for the future. They are more likely to read short things, such as
newspaper and magazine articles, than long books. Whatever the case, they like to discuss their readings
with others. ESFPs are fun to be with; they find enjoyment in most situations. Being out and about is more
comfortable to them than sitting still with long periods of quiet. Their friends are very important to them,
and they are likely to let them know how much they care through small mementos, special poems, or
cards. They regularly reach out and touch someone.

Loving

Love means enjoyment of one another. ESFPs want to share values with the loved one. They way people
are treated is usually one value they care about. They may move in and out of relationships quickly when
the situation feels uncomfortable. They are not likely to take man interpersonal risks since they fear
rejection themselves. They are warm and become more generous and outgoing in the face of approval.
They can become quite hampered by disapproval.
Even when a relationship ends, ESFPs tend to be very respectful of the former partner. They do not want
to call undue attention to the breakup and thus move on rather quickly, surrounding themselves with their
valued friends.

Profile by David Keirsey

ESFPs radiate attractive warmth and optimism. Smooth, witty, charming, clever, voluble, and open to the
environment-this describes ESFPs who, like ESTPs, represent about 13 percent of the population. They
are great fun to be with and are the most generous of all the types. Performer would be the word which
best describes an ESFP.

ESFPs will avoid being alone and seek the company of others whenever possible. ESFPs easily find
company, for others are usually highly entertained by the presence of an ESFP. ESFPs love excitement
and create it wherever they are. Their joy of living is contagious and generally they wear happy faces.
Often outstanding conversationalists, their flowing banter is amusing in its wit. ESFPs have an air of
sophistication and are likely to be dressed in the latest fashion, displaying an enjoyment of all good things
of life: dress, food, physical comfort, and happy times. ESFPs create a mood of "eat, drink, and be marry"
wherever they go, and around them life can have a continual party-like atmosphere of gaiety.

Career

ESFPs prefer active jobs and should not be given lonely, solitary assignments. Outstanding in public
relations, they love working with people. Decisions are made with personal warmth, based on personal
reference or reference to significant others. This type relies heavily on their personal experiences and
generally show good common sense.

The gregarious sociability and adaptability of ESFPs make them a source of warmth to others. They do
not mind telephone or personal interruptions and are verbally facile in both situations. They can be
counted on to have accurate data about the people around them, gaining these data through effortless
and continuous observations.

ESFPs are not deeply interested in scholastic pursuits, wanting knowledge only for immediate utility. They
avoid science and engineering, gravitate toward business, and are adept at selling, particularly selling
tangibles. They can be effective in education, especially elementary school teaching, and can enjoy
nursing for its drama. They are good at working with people in crisis, a facility which often leads ESFPs
into social work. They also enjoy entertaining people and are thus drawn to the performing arts, thriving
on the excitement of being in the limelight.

Home

ESFPs make exciting, if somewhat unpredictable mates, which may give quieter type mates some anxiety
and tension from living on the edge of adventure. The home of an ESFP is likely to be filled with people
all having a good time. Problems will not be allowed to make their appearance. The ESFP accomplishes
this by taking an attitude of "walking by the graveyard whistling," refusing to recognize doom and gloom.

ESFPs can be generous to a fault. What is theirs is yours, and what is yours is yours still. They give
assistance to one and all without expectation of a return, just as they love freely without expecting
something in return. ESFPs seem to view life as an eternal cornucopia from which flows an endless
supply of pleasures that require no effort on their part to insure.

ESFPs' talent for enjoying life can make them more subject to temptations than are other types. They are
inclined to be impulsive, and thus both male and female ESFPs are vulnerable to psychological
seduction, if not physical seduction, with an ESFP giving in easily and agreeably to the demands of
others. As a parent, the ESFP will be entertaining, a friend, and a source of fun and excitement. When
there is sickness, or trouble, however, ESFPs may become impatient and may want to absent
themselves.

ESFPs' tolerance for anxiety is the lowest of all the types. Anxiety is avoided by ignoring the dark side of
a situation as long as possible. They are inclined to be somewhat self-indulgent, but, rather than make an
outward show of resistance or make waves, ESFPs will give apparent compliance-and then go their own
way to what they enjoy.

Midlife

At midlife ESFPs might want to look to building deeper commitments to fewer people and begin setting
stable, long-term goals. ESFPs may, by midlife, begin to feel that they are used as a source of fun to
others, but are not cared for themselves. This can build resentments. They may want to work at building
one or two deep relationships where they are able to show their fears, their sadness, and their anxieties
about the future-and still find that they are accepted and loved. They may want to increase their
enjoyment of solitude and their repertoire of solitary activities. Extending their reading in "serious"
literature or technical works might be one way of doing this.

Mates

There is an affinity of the INTJ "scientist" for the ESFP exciting entertainer. This type of mating, however,
is so infrequent as to be a mere academic interest (the INTJ is a mere 1 percent of the population and,
furthermore, rarely comes in contact with ESFP). More frequently the ESFP is drawn to the ISTJ "trustor."
Here is the entertaining ESFP, bursting with energy and hankering to put on a show of some kind. More
than others the ESFP yearns for the bright lights, the party, the excitement of gatherings. In a sense, the
ESFP is the life of the party. How many times have novelist and screenwriter told the story of "the
showgirl and the banker" or "the playboy and the owner"? The ESFP wants to liven up this Rock of
Gibraltar at the same time he or she wants to be settled down by this very stable and responsible person.

Error! Filename not specified.

ENFP - The Visionary

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ENFPs are initiators of change who are keenly perceptive of possibilities, and who energize and stimulate
through their contagious enthusiasm. They prefer the start-up phase of a project or relationship, and are
tireless in the pursuit of new-found interests. ENFPs are able to anticipate the needs of others and to offer
them needed help and appreciation. They bring zest, joy, liveliness, and fun to all aspects of their lives.
They are at their best in situations that are fluid and changing, and that allow them to express their
creativity and use their charisma.

Living

ENFP children are 'into everything.' Their natural curiosity results in children for whom questions were
invented. They often spend long periods of time devising new and original --- but not necessarily practical
--- languages, plays, and scenarios. Many ENFPs enjoy drawing, writing, playacting, and dreaming. They
are often chosen as leaders because of their persuasive enthusiasm and their energy for new and
different ways of developing things.

ENFP teenagers are agreeable, sociable, outgoing people who like to imagine themselves in the future.
They spend many hours wondering and discussing with friends whom they will marry, where they will live,
what their children will be like, and what work they will do. They leave no option or possibility unexplored
and find it difficult to see themselves in any single job or career.

Because they see endless possibilities, to select one possibility appears to the ENFP to be too narrow a
focus. They hate to be boxed into a career for life and therefore hesitate and resist making decisions. It is
unwise for ENFPs to settle down too early, and they make the soundest choices when they delay career
and marriage decisions until their middle to late twenties. Often when a decision is made, ENFPs will still
leave a number of options open or change their minds as they encounter new information.

Even in their everyday activities, ENFPs often search for the new and the novel. If there is a logical route
to work and ENFP has been driving that way continually, he or she will likely tire of it and look for other
routes.

ENFPs are more likely than other types to change from one career to another, demonstrating their
versatility in doing so. It is not uncommon to hear stories of ENFPs who have established themselves in a
career and who, when faced with the daily routine of maintaining it, leave it to start another.

Adult ENFPs maintain characteristics that might be considered youthful, such as enthusiasm, curiosity,
and a zestful outlook on life. As a result, people often enjoy being with them. Many times they are young-
in-spirit as they age, perhaps because of their temperament.

ENFPs look forward to retirement as a time that can bring freedom from the restrictions of the work world
and ample opportunity to pursue their varied interests. However, if ENFPs become disabled or
experience a lack of resources, such as money, they may become despondent because this restricts their
ability to quest after new experiences.

Learning

ENFPs often learn best through a variety of means, such as observing, reading, and listening to and
interacting with others. They enjoy the search for new ideas and possibilities, and will put in the time
necessary to master subjects they find interesting. One strength is their enthusiasm for the process of
discovery. They enjoy survey courses, comparative studies, and disciplines in which there is much to
research and explore. They do not like classes that are too structured, that consist only of lectures, and
that allow no room for their imagination. They may get caught up in the learning process and
consequently need strict deadlines to bring a project to completion.
ENFPs prefer a learning environment in which the teacher takes personal interest in them, in which there
is an opportunity to talk about ideas with their peers, and in which there is a chance to ask questions and
develop new ideas.

A motto that might describe the ENFP as a learner is "There's always another way or another answer."

Working

ENFPs often follow a nonlinear career track and nontraditional routes to obtaining knowledge,
qualifications, and skills. When they are committed to what they do, they are enthusiastic to the point of
preaching to the entire world about it. For an ENFP, work must be fun and must contribute to something
larger than merely collecting a paycheck.

The preferred work setting for ENFPs contains imaginative people focused on human possibilities.
ENFPs want a work environment that is both physically and mentally colorful. They prefer a participative
and collegial atmosphere in which employees are included in the decision making. ENFPs are less
productive where there is disharmony because they pay more attention to the relationships between
people at work than they do to the tasks. Their ideal job would offer variety, novelty, challenge, and
freedom from tight supervision; it would be idea oriented and imaginative, and would have lively,
energetic people enjoying themselves and their tasks.

Most ENFPs will say they are organized, but others might not see them that way. Their desire to be open
to the moment tends to outweigh their need to be organized. Usually ENFP work space is arranged
haphazardly, with work materials and personal momentos scattered about. In terms of the management
of time, ENFPs find it particularly difficult to estimate accurately how long an activity will take. Because
people's needs are more important than schedules, ENFPs are often late and characteristically full of
apologies for their tardiness.

ENFPs prefer occupations that reflect their ideals and that promote harmonious relationships with others.
They tend to be attracted to occupations with a service orientation. ENFPs usually find a place in their
work life for creativity. They particularly enjoy people-oriented work in which they are able to combine
things in new and different ways to benefit humanity. Flexibility and autonomy are important to ENFPs,
who may bolt from organizations in which this is not attainable.

Common occupations picked by ENFPs include artist, clergy, consultant, counselor, entertainer,
journalist, public relations worker, social scientist, social worker, teacher, and other occupations that allow
ENFPs to use their creativity and insight.

Leading

ENFPs are energetic and enthusiastic leaders who are likely to take charge when a new endeavor needs
a visionary spokesperson. ENFPs are values-oriented people who become champions of causes and
services relating to human needs and dreams. Their leadership style is one of soliciting and recognizing
others' contributions and of evaluating the personal needs of their followers. ENFPs are often charismatic
leaders who are able to help people see the possibilities beyond themselves and their current realities.
They function as catalysts.
Leisure

ENFPs often have a difficult time separating their work from their leisure. Because they like to have fun
while they work and usually arrange their work lives to meet this need, the boundaries between their work
and their leisure may not be as clear as they might be for some other types.

Because of their continual search for new things to experience, it is rare for ENFPs to become heavily
involved in a single activity; their appetite for involvement is too great. Generally, ENFPs are on the
lookout for new things and may come across what is "trendy" before others. They tend to participate early
on in those new activities.

ENFPs like travel and reading because these activities open experiences of other times and places. Their
reading often brings quiet and reflection time, as well as new material for their dreams. Their travels afford
them opportunities to experience different people and cultures.

Some ENFPs may invite others to join them at plays, films, or in classes. Some enjoy physical activities in
which they are able to challenge themselves, release their energy, and maintain their physical fitness.

Loving

For ENFPs, loving is an almost constant state. They are generally involved or in love with someone or
something new. ENFPs may have originated the quotation "All the world loves a lover." When falling in
love, they explore all the new possibilities in the relationship, and the new person is studied in every way.
The ENFP tends to idealize his or her current relationship and will often say that their current one is "the
best ever."

It might be argued that each type, when first in love, resembles a garden-variety ENFP, because ENFPs
normally behave like people in love. Some of the cultural cliches about falling in love - such as "Falling in
love with love," "Head over heels in love," "Love is blind," "All the world loves a lover," and "Throw caution
to the wind" - seem to apply to the ENFP. This same boundless affection can be showered upon friends,
co-workers, and others. People often feel unconditionally loved by ENFPs, but over time many of these
relationships dissipate, as in "When I'm not near the ones I love, I love the ones I'm near."

ENFPs are delightful, enthusiastic partners who are young in spirit; there is rarely a dull moment with
them. They readily note their partner's best aspects. They may overlook obvious details and facts about
their partners that might cause other types to be more cautious. As relationships progress, ENFPs
romanticise their partners and make strong efforts to rationalize any discrepancy between the reality and
their "ideal."

When they are in love, they may either overcommit and ignore any unpleasant yet true facts; or they may
undercommit, believing that there may be a better love "just around the corner." Therefore, ENFPs may
be seen as fickle in their relationships as they search for the "right one."

When and if the flaws in the relationship become too obvious to ENFPs, they may admit defeat, feeling
great pain because they have put so much energy into perfecting a particular relationship. When ENFPs
are scorned, they overgeneralize about their partners' worst faults. Because ENFPs thrive on new
possibilities, when they fall out of love, they rebound quickly.

Profile by David Keirsey

For ENFPs nothing occurs which does not have some significance, and they have an uncanny sense of
the motivations of others. This gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with
possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 5 percent of the general population,
but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. ENFPs strive toward the
authentic, even when acting spontaneously, and this is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who
find this characteristic attractive. ENFPs, however, find their own efforts of authenticity and spontaneity
always lacking, and tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, always berating themselves for being so
conscious of self.

ENFPs consider intense emotional experiences vital; when they have these, however, they are made
uneasy by a sense of being there but with a part of themselves split off. They strive for congruency, but
always see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which ENFPs possess in a
wide range and variety.

ENFPs exercise a continuous scanning of the external environment, and nothing out of the ordinary is
likely to escape their attention. They are keen and penetrating observers and are capable of intense
concentration on another individual while aware of what is going on about them. Their attention is never
passive or casual, never wandering, but always directed. At times, ENFPs find themselves interpreting
events in terms of another's "hidden motive," giving special meaning to words or actions. This
interpretation tends to be negative and, more often than not, inaccurately negative. In the process, an
ENFP may find that he or she has introduced an unnecessary, toxic element into the relationship. While
ENFPs are brilliantly perceptive, they can make serious mistakes in judgment, which works to their
discomfort. These mistakes derive from their tendency to focus on data which confirm their own biases.
They may be absolutely correct in their perceptions but wrong in their conclusions.

Because they tend to be hypersensitive and hyper-alert, they may suffer from muscle tension. They live in
readiness for emergencies; because they have this facility, they assume this is true for others. They can
become bored rather quickly with both situations and people, and resist repeating experiences. They
enjoy the process of creating something-an idea or a project-but are not as interested in the follow-
through. They are typically enthusiastic, and this is contagious. People get caught up and entranced by
an ENFP. Yet this type is marked with a fierce independence, repudiating any kind of subordination,
either in themselves or in others in relation to them. They do tend to attribute more power to authority
figures than is there and give over to these figures an ability to "see through" them-which also is not apt to
be there. While ENFPs resist the notion of others becoming dependent or having power over them, their
charisma draws followers who wish to be shown the way. ENFPs constantly find themselves surrounded
by others who look toward the ENFP for wisdom, inspiration, courage, leadership, and so on-an
expectancy which, at times, weighs rather heavily on an ENFP.

ENFPs are characteristically optimistic and are surprised when people or events do not turn out as
anticipated. Often their confidence in the innate goodness of fate and human nature is a self-fulling
prophecy.

Career

ENFPs have a remarkable latitude in career choices and succeed in many fields. As workers, they are
warmly enthusiastic, high-spirited, ingenious, imaginative, and can do almost anything that interests them.
They can solve most problems, particularly those dealing with people. They are charming and at ease
with colleagues; others enjoy their presence. ENFPs are outstanding in getting people together, and are
good at initiating meetings and conferences, although not as talented at providing for the operational
details of these events. They enjoy inventing new ways of doing things, and their projects tend to become
a cause, quickly becoming personalized. They are imaginative themselves, but can have difficulty picking
up on ideas and projects initiated by others. They must make these ideas and projects their own if ENFPs
are to lend their energy and interest. Once people or projects become routine, ENFPs are likely to lose
interest; what might be is always more fascinating than what is. ENFPs make extensive use of their
intuitive powers. They usually have a wide range of personal and telephone contacts, expending energy
in maintaining both career and personal relationships.

ENFPs make excellent salespeople, advertising people, politicians, screen or play writers, and in general
are attracted to the interpretative arts, particularly character acting. People to people work is essential for
ENFPs, who need the feedback of interaction with others. ENFPs may find it difficult to work within the
constraints of an institution, especially in following rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
More frequently, institutional procedures and policies are targets to be challenged and bent by the will of
an ENFP. Colleagues and superiors sometimes find themselves in the position of having to accommodate
and salvage. At times, ENFPs demonstrate impatience with others; they may get into difficulty in an
organization by siding with its detractors, who find in an ENFP a sympathetic ear and a natural rescuer. In
occupational choice, ENFPs quickly become restless if the choice involves painstaking detail and follow-
through over a period of time. Variety in day-to-day operations and interactions best suits the talents of
ENFPs, who need quite a bit of latitude in which to exercise their adaptive ingenuity.

Home

As mates, ENFPs tend to be charming, gentle, sympathetic, and nonconformist. They are not likely to be
interested in the less-inspired routines of daily maintenance and ever will be seeking new outlets for their
inspirations. As parents, ENFPs are devoted although somewhat unpredictable in handling their children,
shifting from a role of friend-in-need-rescuer to stern authority figure. They may not always be willing to
enforce their impulsive pronouncements, but leave it to their mates to follow through. A mate of an ENFP
can expect charming surprises: extravagant generosity punctuated by periods of frugality. Independent
actions regarding money on the part of an ENFP's mate are not ordinarily welcomed, and the mate may
find him or herself in an embarrassing situation of having to return purchases. ENFPs generally are the
ones in charge of the home, and a conflict free home is desired, almost demanded. When he or she is in
charge of economic resources, the ENFP's home may contain extravagant luxuries while necessities may
be missing. They are not always interested in saving for the future and may be casual in giving
consideration to such things as life insurance, savings accounts, and even a ready cash supply for mate
and children.

ENFPs are characteristic in their pursuit of the novel, their strong sense of the possible, and outstanding
intuitive powers. At the same time, they have warmth and fun with people and generally are unusually
skilled in handling people. Their extraverted role tends to be well developed, as is their capacity for the
novel and the dramatic.

Midlife

At midlife ENFPs may need to give particular attention to their physical health, concentrating perhaps on
developing resources to release muscular tensions. Body awareness and relaxation exercises may
deserve investment of energies; work with various art media such as oils, clay, and building materials
may be pleasurable. They need also to discipline themselves against beginning too many projects and
making commitments to too many people. They should more fully enjoy relationships and opportunities
that already exist, even at the expense of neglecting new ones. ENFPs certainly need to relax, to
decrease the number of hours invested in work, and turn to recreational activities-travel, visual
entertainment, and physically relaxing activities.
Mates

Here is the herald, the spirited bearer of tiding. But underneath this effervescent enthusiasm is a person
fiercely dedicated to "meaning" in life and reminiscent of the INFP crusader. Only the ENFP neither
crusades nor meditates, not for long anyway. The ENFP is into everything, frisky, not unlike a puppy,
sniffing around to see what's new. ENFP has to be in on everything, can't bear to be left out of anything.
That's why they make such splendid reporters, newscasters, and journalists. Mercury. Now who would
enjoy this frisky, bubbly-yet serious-person? The Rock of Gibraltar, of course-ISTJ, the "trustee." ISTJ,
who revels in "keeping the books in order," "balancing the budget," "securing and ensuring," "stabilizing
and steadying," "honoring contracts," "keeping the ship on a steady course" and "shipshape," delights
also in providing anchorage and safe harbor for the heraldic ENFP.

Who else is attractive and attracted to our curious journalist? Strangely, the abstract scientist: INTJ. Lost
in his abstract world of hypotheses, he finds anchorage in the person who knows what's going on in the
real world! So ENFP can be an anchor or have an anchor, and who can tell which will be chosen.

Error! Filename not specified.

Previous - Next Site - Random - List Sites - Join

Error! Filename not specified.

ENTJ - The Leader

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ENTJs take charge quickly and deal directly with problems, especially in situations that involve confusion
and inefficiency. They provide structure to the organizations to which they belong and design strategies to
accomplish their personal and organizational goals. They are 'take charge' people who organise their own
and others' external environments. They use their resources to find a way to meet the challenge. They
are at their best in using their analytical and strategic thinking.

Living

ENTJ children need to have goals for everything. These goals may be related to achievements such as
swimming the fifty-yard freestyle on second faster than they did the previous year, getting a straight-A
report card, or winning the school math contest. They seek power and control. They want to have an
impact. Because of their desire to take charge, they are often leaders.

ENTJs enjoy an active and diverse lifestyle. They are likely to be in extracurricular activities and often
function as the team captain, the president, or the leader. They pursue leadership roles very directly and
have difficulty following others unless those individuals demonstrate more competence than they
themselves have. Even then, it may be tough for the ENTJ to follow long.

ENTJs are likely to commit to a career goal early, often in their teen years. They determine their overall
goals and objectives and what it will take to accomplish them. Whatever ENFJs do must make sense to
them according to their logic or they have difficulty doing it.
In mature adulthood, ENTJs are often in leadership positions in their work organizations. They go after
what they want with fusto. They set their sights high and work hard. Work and its related activities may
become their lives. They may find retirement unsettling, boring, and difficult because it may bring with it a
loss of the power that they had during their working years. Often they make arrangements so that they do
not have to retire.

Learning and Working

ENTJs see education as one of the major ways of getting ahead. They are willing to learn about the past
and what is but always with the mind-set of how that information affects their future. They particularly
enjoy critiquing and solving problems. They apply their logical systems view to the issues they deal with.
They want to change things to fit their concept of what should be. They learn best through a variety of
instructional methods, including lectures and group activities. Without variety and action in the classroom
boredom sets in.

ENTJs like to debate and view problems from all sides. They are comfortable critiquing and analyzing.
and do not mind intellectual conflict in the classroom. They like challenge. They may have a general study
plan laid out, with test dates and paper deadlines noted. They set up a schedule and work to attain the
goal within that time.

At work, ENTJs contribute a wealth of energy directed toward the goals and those of the organization.
Their sense of identity is closely tied to how they carry out their responsibilities. They are curious about
new ideas and theories, evaluating them in terms of their goals. They are very efficient, competitive,
strategic, and task focused.

Occupations that require tough-mindedness, goal direction, and a global perspective tend to attract
ENTJs. They use logic and analysis to form conclusions, to organize themselves and others, to give
direction, and to take charge. Some occupations seem to be especially attractive to ENTJs: administrator,
attorney, consultant, credit investigator, labor relations worker, manager, marketing personnel, mortgage
banker, personnel professional, systems analyst, and other occupations that allow them to use their
strategic sense.

Loving

For the ENTJ, love needs to fit into the overall picture and may become subservient to their larger goals.
Love is always within the context of what the relationship is. One ENTJ stated, "I don't allow love to
course freely through my body. God forbid that it should control me rather than I control it!" Love means a
match between the ENTJ's needs and what the partner provides. The loved one is, in a sense, an
extension of the ENTJ's vision, preferably acting in a supportive, not competing, role. ENTJs tend to make
rigorous demands of love. While they may fall in love easily, they maintain that love only if the other
person is willing to accept the ENTJ's directness and need for independence.

Because attractiveness is a part of our culture and an initial standard for many relationships and because
ENTJs like to do better than the standard, they particularly take note of the attractive people. The often
wonder if they can 'win the heart' of the attractive other. It becomes almost a game for them.

The partner of ENTJ can expect a hard-working and industrious provider who may use the fruits of his or
her labor as an expression of love. They may not be as verbally communicative of their loving feelings as
others types.
ENTJs expect to have their needs met in relationships, while maintaining their independence. When the
partner can no longer do that, it is logical for them to sever ties and to move on. However, when ENTJs
are scorned by others, they may feel a passionate devastation and a strong sense of loss that is seldom
shared with others. However, this sense of loss and gloom generally lasts only a short period before they
are ready to move on.

Profile by David Keirsey

If one word were used to capture ENTJ's style, it would be commandant. The basic driving force and
need of ENTJ's is to lead, and from an early age they can be observed taking over groups. This type is
found in approximately 5 percent of the total population. ENTJ's have a strong urge to give structure
wherever they are-to harness people to distant goals. Their empirical, objective, and extraverted thinking
may be highly developed; if this is the case, they use classification, generalization, summarization,
adduction of evidence, and demonstration with ease. They resemble ESTJ's in their tendency to establish
plans for a task, enterprise, or organization, but ENTJ's search more for policy and goals than for
regulations and procedures. An ENTJ's introverted thinking (analysis and conservation) may be less well
developed than the extraverted thinking processes, and the ENTJ leader may turn to an ENTP or INTP to
provide his kind of input. ENTJ's are similar to INTJ's except that the former places greater trust in
empirical thought than in intuition; it is the ENTJ's own intuitive sense of coherence, however, that
augments and supports their empirical thinking.

Career

Although ENTJ's are tolerant of established procedures, they can abandon any procedure when it can be
shown to be indifferent to the goal it seemingly serves. Inefficiency is especially rejected by ENTJ's, and
repetition of error causes them to become impatient. For the ENTJ, there must always be a reason for
doing anything, and people's feelings usually are not sufficient reason. When in charge of an
organization, ENTJ's more than any other type desire (and generally have the ability) to visualize where
the organization is going and seem able to communicate that vision to others. They are the natural
organization builders, and they cannot not lead. They find themselves in command and sometimes are
mystified as to how this happened. As administrators, ENTJ's organize their units into a smooth
functioning system, planning in advance, keeping both short-term and long-range objectives well in mind.
They seek and can see efficiency and effectiveness in personnel. They prefer decisions to be based on
impersonal data, want to work from well thought-out plans, and like to use engineered operations-and
they prefer that others follow suit. ENTJ's will support the policy of the organization and will expect others
to do so.

ENTJ's will usually rise to positions of responsibility and enjoy being executives. They are tireless in their
devotion to their jobs and can easily block out other areas of life for the sake of work. They will be able to
reduce inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and aimless confusion, being willing to dismiss employees who
perpetuate such behaviors. ENTJ's tend to work in organizational structures of some sort, tend to be in
charge administratively, and rise to top levels of responsibility, whether in the military, business,
education, or government.

Home

ENTJ's take charge of the home. When an ENTJ is present, there will be little doubt as to who is in
command. Because their work is so important to them, however, they can become increasingly absent,
especially if male. Male or female, ENTJ's expect a great deal of their mates, who need to possess a
strong personality of their own, a well-developed autonomy, many and varied interests, and a healthy
self-esteem. A career wife, however, may not be appealing to an ENTJ male, who is apt to view his home
and family as a part of his professional background, a resource, and adjunct to his own career
development.

As a parent, an ENTJ will be thoroughly in charge, and the children will know what is expected of them
and will be expected to obey. When this does not occur, an ENTJ parent is not apt to make a scene;
rather, there is more likely to be a low-key, firm issuance of reprimand and a taking-for-granted of
immediate obedience. While both mating and parenting are roles of importance to the ENTJ's, they are to
some degree preempted by the ENTJ's strong career interest. The romantic dream and the quest for the
ideal mate is usually not a characteristic of this type. ENTJ's generally do, however, expect a home to be
attractive, well-ordered, with meals served punctually and maintenance accomplished on schedule-all
these in the service of the larger goal of creating a family system where children can be reared to be
productive and healthy and establishing a devoted, harmonious relationship between man and woman.
An ENTJ male might expect his mate to be active in civic and community affairs, to be socially
sophisticated, and as well educated as he. The ENTJ female may find it difficult to select a mate who is
not overwhelmed by her strong personality and will.

Midlife

At midlife the ENTJ's tendency to be somewhat unaware of the feelings of others, including those close,
may be an area that could be given attention. But perhaps the most important midlife task of the ENTJ is
to begin to allocate time and energy to pursuits which are not work-connected and to begin to develop a
larger repertoire of play skills. Putting off vacations, travel, hobbies, and family should be avoided.

Mates

The ENTJ is a natural "fieldmarshal," that is, he's itching to get his hands on several "armies" so that he
can marshal his forces and conduct the "war" as it should be conducted. If our ENTJ is in charge of any
kind of enterprise, however small, his temperament dictates that he run it as he would his armies-with an
eye to long-term strategies and their derivative tactics, logistics, and consequences. In startling contrast
to this, the fieldmarshal is enamored by the "flower child," the bucolic artist ISFP, tranquilly ensconced
next to Walden pond! Perhaps the ENTJ wishes a spouse who will share with him or her the quiet of the
forest and field far from the madding crowd, thus separating home from work by a great, insulating
distance.

The ENTJ is attracted also to his opposite in the Appolonian camp: the monastic and questing INFP.
What in the saintly or knightly (St. Joan of Arc, Sir Galahad) INFP calls the ENTJ fieldmarshal? First note
the outward similarity of the INFP and the ISFP. Perhaps it is this, the underlying missionary outlook of
the INFP. In a sense, both INFP and ISFP have great missionary zeal, the former enlisting the spouse in
the quest, the latter in the tranquil respite of nature?

ENTJ Mailing Lists

Error! Filename not specified.

 ENTP - The Innovator

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ENTPs are known for their quest of the novel and complex. They have faith in their ability to improvise
and to overcome any challenges that they face. They are highly independent, and value adaptability and
innovation. They may be several steps ahead of others in encouraging and valuing change. They hate
uninspired routine and resist hierarchical and bureaucratic structures that are not functional. They need
freedom for action.

Living

ENTPs are lively children who question established truths and norms, dream and scheme, and develop
unusual ways of doing traditional childhood things. The ENTP child is oriented toward doing the unique,
which may mean taking risks and outwitting parental, school, and societal authority. They enjoy creating
projects and following interests that are unusual and different.

ENTP children enjoy inventing new toys, dances, and languages. Because they are outgoing in their
personality style, they often engage other children in their projects and assign them particular roles to
play. ENTPs rarely accept things just as they are. They like to test or explore to see new meanings and
relationships. When things do not go as they want, they use their ingenuity and cleverness to bring
people and situations around to their point of view.

As young adults, when ENTPs choose a career for themselves, they tend to set flexible goals that allow
them to incorporate new information and accommodate to new circumstances when they come along. It is
hard for ENTPs not to be able to explore the road not taken. Their byword is keep your options open.
Sometimes this flexibility can look like indecision to outsiders.

As adults, ENTPs take advantage of opportunities. Because of their ability to see relationships and
connections between seemingly unrelated things, they are able to realize the potential in many things.
When they see and opportunity that others have missed, they set action-oriented strategies that allow
them the greatest flexibility to achieve the results they want. The worst job for them is working for
someone who demands considerable rule following or tries too often to tell or order, rather than make
suggestions to the ENTP. Throughout their careers, ENTPs want their work to be enjoyable, with
interesting possibilities for applications. Additionally, having their work widely acclaimed and accepted as
a unique contribution would be highly gratifying for ENTPs. They also weave in vacations whenever
possible and want a flexible work schedule.

Learning and Working

ENTPs are relentless learners. When the subject matter interests them, they are able to find meaning in
whatever they are studying. Knowledge is important to them, but they may not feel the need to show this
to their teachers and therefore may be somewhat lackadaisical about assignments and tests.

ENTPs use their enthusiasm and energy to get others involved in their learning. They learn through give-
and-take discussions and by questioning and challenging others. They are quick, verbal, and logical,
preferring to use their skills in interactions with others. ENTPs look at the logical foundations in others'
thinking and build on them to develop their own conceptual systems. They want to be taught concepts
rather then facts. Models are important to them. They typically absorb their teacher's material and present
it in a framework that ties all of the elements together.

They like to challenge their teachers and classmates and enjoy competitive learning tasks through which
they can show their conceptual versatility. They may also enjoy independent study in which they can
pursue and area of interest.

ENTPs contribute and innovative, versatile, and enterprising approach to work. They view limitations as
challenges to be overcome and look for new ways to do things. They need to find a niche for themselves
in order to be free to maneuver. They prefer the start-up phase of a project rather than the followthrough
or maintenance phase. Once the project is designed, they prefer to turn it over to someone else. They
take initiative and inspire others toward greater accomplishments and challenges.

ENTPs usually find work that involves an analytical, entrepreneurial, and creative focus. They tend to
tolerate ambiguity well. They want to be in situations in which they can take intellectual risks and meet
challenges. To perform in their best fashion, they prefer flexibility and versatility. While they like status
and titles, they ultimately want to be judged on their innovative accomplishments. They take advantage of
changing circumstances and work those circumstances into their plans. As a result, they function
effectively in chaotic times.

Some occupations seem to be more appealing to ENTPs: actor, chemical engineer, computer analyst,
credit investigator, journalist, marketeer, photographer, psychiatrist, public relations worker, sales agent,
and other occupations that allow them to be innovative.

Loving

For the ENTP, falling in love occurs when they feel that there is a good fit with the other person. Often
within the first meeting, ENTPs will know whether the relationship has any real potential. ENTPs may find
it difficult to commit to anyone until the right person comes along. During this period, ENTPs explore the
closeness until they can be certain that they have looked at all of the possibilities. Because of this, they
are not likely to settle down early. When they do become involved in a relationship, they generally want to
maintain as much independence and freedom as their loved one can tolerate. Their mates may need to
have high self-esteem and to be independent themselves in order to accept the ENTP need for freedom
and novelty.

For ENTPs, falling out of love, which may not always occur, results when their vision of the relationship
does not square with reality. Sometimes they will select someone who offers stability and comfort and
ENTPs later will become bored with the stability. When scorned, ENTPs use their powerful and
broadreaching analysis to explain the reasons why the relationship was not good in the first place;
additionally, they may become competitive with their former partner and work hard to win. ENTPs do not
like to lose at anything they undertake.

Profile by David Keirsey

ENTP's wish to exercise their ingenuity in the world of people and things. Found in about five out of every
hundred people, ENTP's extravert intuition; thus they deal imaginatively with social relationships as well
as physical and mechanical relations. They are very alert to what is apt to occur next, and always
sensitive to possibilities.
ENTP's are good at analysis, especially functional analysis, and have both a tolerance for and enjoyment
of the complex. Usually enthusiastic, ENTP's are apt to express interest in everything, and thus are a
source of inspiration to others, who find themselves caught up by the ENTP's enthusiasm. This type is
delighted over many things and so is easy to please, often showing the effervescence of their NF
counterpart, the ENFP. The ENTP is the most reluctant of all the types to do things in a particular manner
just because that is the way things always have been done. They characteristically have an eye out for a
better way, always on the lookout for new projects, new activities, new procedures.

ENTP's are confident in the value of their pursuits and display a charming capacity to ignore the standard,
the traditional, and the authoritative. As a result of this open attitude, they often bring a fresh, new
approach to their work and their lives. The ENTP is a keen judge of the pragmatics of both the social and
the mechanical, and may become expert at directing relationships between means and ends.

Where the introverted NTP sees design as an end in itself, the extraverted NTP sees design as a means;
the end is the invention that works, the prototype that is replicable. Ideas are valuable when and only
when they make possible actions and objects. "It can't be done" is a challenge to an ENTP and elicits a
reaction of "I can do it." They are not, however, the movers of mountains as are the INTJ's. Rather, the
faith of the ENTP's is in their ability to improvise something, and they display an unusual talent for rising
to the expediency of a situation. Superficially, ENTP's resemble ESTP's in their derringdo. But the focus
of the ENTP is on the competency and the sense of power this gives, rather than on the feeling of
freedom of action experienced by the ESTP.

ENTP's can be fascinating conversationalists, able as they are to follow the complex verbalizations of
others. They may deliberately employ debate tactics to the disadvantage of their opponents, even when
the "opponents" are close associates and valued friends. ENTP's are the most able of all types to
maintain a one-up position with others. They value adaptability and innovation and thus respond quickly
and adeptly to another's shifting position. They may even be several jumps ahead. The ENTP, talkative
and motivating, is often the life of an enterprise. The ENTP can be an entrepreneur and cleverly makes
do with whatever or whoever is at hand, counting on ingenuity to solve problems as they arise, rather
than carefully generating a detailed blueprint in advance. A rough draft is all that an ENTP needs to feel
confident and ready to proceed into action, counting on the ability to improvise as a situation develops.
Because of this tendency to depend on ingenuity and improvision, they may neglect very necessary
preparation at times. After repeated failures in situations where improvising has met with defeat, the
ENTP may develop ways of avoiding such situations as a substitute to thorough preparation.

Career

ENTP's can succeed in a variety of occupations, as long as the job does not involve too much humdrum
routine. At this point, they become restless. If a project in which they are engaged is no longer
challenging, they tend to lose interest in that project and fail to follow through-often to the discomfort of
colleagues.

Seldom are ENTP's conformists. ENTP's enjoy outwitting the system and use rules and regulations within
the system to win the game-whatever it may be. They understand well the politics of institutions and deal
with these realities very well, always aiming to understand the people within the system rather than to
judge them. ENTP's are good at innovative projects and can administer them well if dull routine is not
involved. They usually are outstanding teachers, continuously devising new participative ways to make
learning exciting for the students. As an employee, an ENTP may work against the system just for the joy
of being one-up. For ENTP's, to be taken-in, to be manipulated by another, is humiliating; this offends
their joy in being masters of the art of one-upmanship. ENTP's are the natural engineers of human
relationships and human systems. Their good humor and optimistic outlook tend to be contagious, and
people seek out their company.
Home

As mates, ENTP's tend to create a lively living environment. They are gregarious, laugh easily and often,
and are typically in good humor. Orderliness in the routines of daily living is not apt to inspire them; they
usually solve this problem by mobilizing those around them. Tom Sawyer illustrated this talent when he
solved the problem of getting Aunt Polly's fence whitewashed. Life with ENTP's is likely to be a daring
adventure; they can lead families to physical and economic dangers. ENTP's improvise to remain
unaware that they do not have the necessary knowledge of the situation to ward off such dangers.

If the mate of an ENTP is not competitive, he or she is likely to find the one-up/one-down transactions
somewhat wearing. If the mate is competitive, the result might be conflict. Although usually good
providers of economic necessities, ENTP's at times engage in brinkmanship with their careers, placing
them in jeopardy and behaving as if unaware of the consequences; they may thus offer unnecessary
challenges to those who have power over their professional success. When challenges elicit negative
responses from superiors, ENTP's are apt to react with delight at having an opportunity to improvise a
solution to the crisis and, more often than not, they succeed in doing so.

ENTP's are likely to have all sorts of hobbies and to be experts in unexpected areas, but they are not apt
to share these hobbies with their mates or children in the sense of teaching them. In fact, ENTP's may be
very inconsistent in the attention given to offspring. Usually, it is feast or famine. ENTP's have a lively
circle of friends and are interested in their ideas and activities. They are usually easy-going, seldom
critical or nagging. At their worst, they can show undependable, fickle characteristics and may be rather
easily discouraged.

Midlife

At midlife ENTP's can allow their tendency to experiment recklessly to get out of hand and may destroy or
discard the work of half a lifetime, both in personal relationships and in careers. Energy spent in sorting
out priorities and values may be a good investment at this time. Developing an increased awareness of
emotional reactions and expanding the intensity and range of these through self-development work may
be something ENTP's might want to consider at midlife. An increased repertoire of introverted-type
activities; for example, gardening, painting, or reading may be a source of pleasure to ENTP's.

Mates

The inventive ENTP finds in the ISFJ a neat complementarily for his enterprise, for in the ISFJ he finds
the supreme conservator. The conservator, broadly conceived, is morally bound to ensure the material
and legal welfare of his or her charge. The inventor, also broadly conceived, is bent on replacing
whatever tools, operation, or enterprise now exists with a better one. Out to exercise his ingenuity in
bettering things, the ENTP is of necessity iconoclastic and tends to be so seen. So he can get into a bit of
trouble with the elders, who usually are not all that pleased to see their tried-and-true tools, operations,
and enterprises blithely set aside for the ENTP's better mousetrap. The ISFJ, mated to this inventive
rascal, takes on the task of squaring things with the establishment.

The ENTP also may be attracted to his opposite on the N side: he approaches the INFJ. But the INFJ is
humorously and preposterously different from the seemingly similar ISFJ. In the INFJ lies the soul of the
"author"-the meaning-giver, the mystic, the oracle. Perhaps the INFJ is a conservator of the soul, a sort of
messiah. At any rate, there is something about the "author" (very broadly conceived) which the ENTP
covets. Prometheus had to pay dearly for giving fire to man. The Promethian ENTP may figure that,
though his INFJ mate may not rescue his body from the vultures, at least the INFJ might rescue his soul
from Hell.

Error! Filename not specified.

ESFJ - The Helper

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ESFJs are helpful people who place a high value on harmony. Paying close attention to people's needs
and wants, they work well with others to complete tasks in a timely and accurate way. ESFJs follow
through on their commitments. They like closure and prefer structured, organized situations in which
warmth and compassion are shown. They contribute to others by anticipating their day-to-day concerns
and handling them with warmth and efficiency. ESFJs are at their best in organizing people to get a job
done.

Living

ESFJ children want life to be uncomplicated, secure, harmonious and structured. They are usually
responsible, reliable, and cooperative. They thrive in situations in which there is consistency and personal
attention. They enjoy the acceptance of others and will work hard to gain that acceptance. ESFJ children
are concerned about doing the right things and pleasing their elders.

ESFJs follow the rules and tend to accept them as fair and reasonable. They admire people and teachers
who are warm, friendly, and concerned. They are concerned about the feelings of others and like to help
out when possible. They begin early to assume responsibility for the welfare of others. They believe it is
necessary to give as well as to receive and will often volunteer their time and talents in service
organizations.

ESFJs radiate warmth and fellowship, and generally fit in well with their classmates. They value the
traditional things that teenagers do and may be involved in various clubs and teams. Their friends often
turn to them because of their listening ear and helpful nature.

Often the lives of ESFJs follow a traditional pattern. In adult life, ESFJs take their parent, spouse,
employee, or community volunteer roles seriously and are committed to them. They are sensitive to the
needs to those around them, sometimes more attuned to others' needs than their own. They gain the
respect of others because of their helpfulness, pleasantness, and ability to get things done. They carry
out their commitments and are often in charge of events. Mature ESFJs often structure both their work
and personal lives so that they can meet the needs of others.

Learning and Working

ESFJs learn best in structured situations where they know what they can expect. They like to schedule
their learning projects so that they can plan ahead to complete their lessons. They become uncomfortable
with continuous interruptions and changes when they are trying to finish what they have started. Even
more importantly, however, they want to like the person who teaches them. The teacher-student
relationship is helpful to them in doing their best. When there is disharmony in the classroom, it interrupts
their learning process. When their work is criticised, even constructively, ESFJs may feel demoralized
until they get it right and the teacher acknowledges this. Because they tend to personalize the feedback
of their teachers, it is important for them to know teachers' expectations so that they can work to meet
them.

Learning tends to be a personal experience for ESFJs. This attitue, combined with their ability to follow
through and meet deadlines, results in a conscientious and effective student. ESFJs often enjoy studies
about people and their well-being, and are usually less interested in theoretical and abstract subject
matters. They like active learning activities such as field trips, experiments and group projects that get
them personally involved with others.

At work, ESFJs contribute their ability to cooperate with others and to complete tasks in a timely and
accurate way. They respect rules and authority, and handle daily operations efficiently. They tend to be
well informed and up-to-date on organizational actions that matter to people. They do what they can to
make sure that personal relationships are running smoothly. Because they pay close attention to people's
needs and wants, they are often involved in work activities that meet people's practical, day-to-day
desires.

ESFJs prefer occupations that allow them to provide direct and personal, yet practical, help to others.
Occupations that call for organization and goal direction appeal to them. They are especially careful not to
waste time or resources; to do so would go against their nature.

Some occupations are particularly appealing to ESFJs: childcare worker, dental assistant, elementary
school teacher, home economist, nurse, office manager, radiological technologist, receptionist and
secretary, religious educator, speech pathologist, and other occupations that allow them to help others
and serve their values directly.

Loving

For the ESFJ, love means warmth and commitment. When ESFJs first fall in love, they show this warmth
and concern for their partner in many tangible ways. They will send cards, notes, flowers, special gifts,
and other mementos of their affection. If the partner casually mentions a desire for a specific thing, they
will try to find just that thing. Once committed in a relationship, ESFJs tend to stay with it even when there
is inconvenience to them and perhaps longer than may be healthy. They are able to bring out the best in
their partners, even though it may mean putting their own needs second.

Because ESFJs are caring individuals, they expect to give and receive in their relationships. Because
others may not be as thoughtful as the ESFJ, it is a possible source of disappointment to them if they
expect the same awareness and caring on the part of the partner. Being practical and realistic, they may
not always like effusive shows of affection and prefer moderation instead. ESFJs may be more loyal to
the relationship or to the institution of marriage than to the person. ESFJs may take the end of the
relationship as a personal failure.

ESFJs, when scorned, hurt all over and may need to take time to get over the relationship before
pursuing a new one. They may too easily and incorrectly blame themselves for the unfavourable outcome
and recall instances when perhaps they were not as giving as they might have been. However, ESFJs'
standards for giving in a relationship are likely to be above those of some other types. At their worst when
scorned, ESFJs can become spiteful and critical of the partner. Because ESFJs are keenly sensitive to
others and are tuned in to emotional needs, they really know how to hurt a person in the rare instances
when they choose to do so.

Profile by David Keirsey

ESFJs, the most sociable of all types, are energized by interactions with people, tending to idealize
whatever or whoever they admire. Harmony is a key to this type, which is represented in about 13 percent
of the general population.

ESFJs are the great nurturers of established institutions such as the home, the school, the church, and
civic groups. Wherever they go, they promote harmony and harmonious relationships. They are
outstanding hosts or hostesses, able to call people by name, usually after one introduction. At a social
gathering they can be observed attending to the needs of others, trying to insure that all are comfortable
and involved.

Social ties matter to the ESFJs, and their conversations often drift to nostalgic recounting of past
memories. Traditions are developed, supported, and carefully observed by the ESFJ.

ESFJs are hurt by indifference and need to be appreciated both for themselves and for the abundance,
typically in the form of services, they give to others. They are conscious of appearances and take the
opinions of others regarding social standards very seriously. Values in an ESFJ may take the form of
shoulds and should nots and may be freely expressed. Conscientious and orderly, ESFJs may become
restless when isolated from people.

Career

Career selection by ESFJs may lean toward service occupations. They have such outgoing personalities
that they are outstanding at selling, being an invariable winner in sales contests. They are apt to have
seniority in any sales group within an organization. Observation of ESFJs at work in a sales transaction
will demonstrate how this type personalizes the sale: The customer is not buying the product; he or she is
buying personally from the ESFJ. This same characteristic causes ESFJs to be good in teaching,
preaching, supervision, administration, coaching, and, in general, people to people jobs. They seldom
become a source of irritation to their superiors, for they respect and obey the rules and regulations, are
duty-and service-oriented. They are loyal to their bosses. ESFJs are likely to be aware of and enjoy
discussing events and problems in the lives of their colleagues; but when conversations turn to
abstractions of philosophy or science, the ESFJ may become restive. Analysis of the complex-for
example, an attempt to find an explanation of events through an analysis of principles-does not excite
their interest, as it does the NTs'.

Home

ESFJ mates have a set of values which contain clear should and should-nots, and they expect their family
to abide by these. They are conscientious about home responsibilities, are orderly about the home, and
prefer that other occupants be the same. They enjoy socializing and entertaining. ESFJs want family
decisions settled efficiently and quickly and want family living routinized, scheduled, and correctly
executed. They do not rebel against routine operations, are devoted to the traditional values of home and
hearth, respect their marriage vows, and are the most sympathetic of all types. They tend to be
dependent on their mates and may marry to insure that they have a proper place in the social strata. They
enjoy the rituals connected with serving of good food and beverages, thrive on festive occasions, respect
and accumulate a goodly store of material possessions. They take their role in the community seriously
and are sensitive to the acknowledged, official decision-makers and identify with them. They are aware of
status, and often depend on higher authority as the source of opinions and attitudes.

ESFJs wear their hearts on their sleeves and are outgoing in their emotional reactions. They need to be
needed, loved, and appreciated and may spend much energy reassuring themselves that this is the
case.

ESFJs usually respect and revere their parents, and as children were responsive and obedient pupils.
They seem able to express the right feeling for a given situation. They are soft hearted, sentimental, and
usually observe with gusto and a flourish birthdays, anniversaries, and the like, making of the event a
delightful, important occasion. At the same time, however, ESFJs can cause others undue tension by
expressing anticipations of gloom and doom, exhibiting a bent toward the pessimistic that can be
contagious. They need to control their fears that the worst is sure to happen and suppress their tendency
toward crepe-hanging and anticipating disasters.

The children of an ESFJ are seen as an extension of the family, and all they do reflects on the ESFJ. If
things do not go well, the ESFJ may be critical, even carping toward his or her mate and children. This
type may marry alcoholics or others who are particularly needy. If a female ESFJ is married to a mate
who is not a good provider, she can become nagging and brood over a comparison of her possessions
and status with that of others. ESFJs, male or female, live in terms of people and things rather than in
terms of ideas and principles. They enjoy the process of decision-making, particularly when focus is on
the usefulness of things and people.

Midlife

At midlife ESFJs may want to get involved in activities that spark their imagination and creativity, for
example, work with art media. They should find it useful to sort out priorities in their values and force
themselves to give more attention to their own wishes and needs. They could begin to practice the art of
being kind to oneself and each day attempt to do at least one self-indulgent deed. Travel should be
something ESFJs particularly enjoy; at midlife they should allocate time to this activity. Also, the reading
of "serious" technical books in a professional field might interest and expand the horizons of ESFJs at this
time of life. Planning for retirement so that a sufficient number of interpersonal activities are available is
vital for the ESFJ, who would very quickly become bored and restless if cut off from contact with a variety
of people.

Mates

There is a mutual attraction of ESFJ and INTP. The ESFJ, wanting to serve as an anchorage for the
INTP's flights to the higher levels of abstraction, finds in the ISTP an even more likely target for
anchorage. The ISTP's flights are often literal, not figurative: He really does fly. Look in the cockpit of
almost any aircraft and you'll find an ISTP. Of course, most ISTPs do not fly in the literal sense; but the
hankering for adventure and exploration symbolized by flight is there, and it is this, the hankering, that
draws the ESFJ like a moth to a flame. How does this serve the giving, caring, comforting nature of
ESFJ? Why, when the adventurer returns, of course; the giver of comfort is there to provide rest and
recreation.

Error! Filename not specified.

 ENFJ - The Sage

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow.

ENFJs are lively and enthusiastic facilitators who apply warmth and vision to helping people and meeting
their needs. They are aware of people's aspirations and develop plans of action to make those aspirations
into reality. They like organization and closure. They are at their best facilitating situations that require
interpersonal sensitivity. ENFJs are tolerant and appreciative of others, seeking involvement with them in
life's tasks. They are able communicators who are liberal in showing appreciation for others.

Living

ENFJ children want life to be friendly, harmonious, and lively. They are responsible children because they
like to please others and meet their needs. In doing for others, they usually find satisfaction for
themselves. They are upset by conflict or disharmony. They are pleasant, exuberant and talkative.

ENFJ teenagers are constantly on the go, participating in many, many things. They enjoy a wide variety
of activities, not only for that variety but also for the action and opportunity to be with others. They love
being involved with friends, clubs, and any activities that let them be with others. ENFJs are often voted
most congenial or nicest person in their class. Additionally, they may serve as leaders in their school
activities. As students, they are able to focus on the interpersonal spirit or nature of the school and to
speak eloquently to others about the school's best values. ENFJs are likable because they notice what is
good about people.

As young adults, ENFJs set goals early on, both in the personal and professional realms. They follow
through diligently and usually attain what they seek. Often the goals they set have to do with making
society a better place for people. ENFJs may sometimes feel pulled between financial gain and spiritual
gain.

Many ENFJs take their religious and community values seriously and want others to do the same.
Loyalty, commitment, and responsibility are important values to ENFJs, even as children. They often
settle into organizations that have a values orientation, or they will find a spot in an organization that is
centered on values or people's need. ENFJs make responsible spouses, employees, and community
members. Because most ENFJs enjoy public speaking and seem to have a way with words, they are
often asked to present the position of the groups to which they belong.

Some ENFJs report that at mid-life they seek situations for themselves where it is possible for them to
turn inward. This often takes a structured form such as meditation, journaling, or in some cases even
career changes.

In retirement, they are likely to want to settle geographically in an area where they have close personal
relationships and/or close personal ties to a specific organization. The relationships and values that are
imprtant to the ENFJ become even more so in their retirement. Many ENFJs participate in voluntary
service work in retirement.

Learning
ENFJs learn best in structured situations in which they are able to talk bout the lesson and interact with
their peers. Because they want their teachers to be pleased with them, they attempt to be model
students. They are willing to do what is required in order to become personally recognized by their
teachers. Because they take criticism personally, they can either be wounded by it or be willing to
redouble their efforts in order to change the criticism. ENFJs enjoy classes that have subject matter
relating to people, their needs, their aspirations, and their characterizations. Many ENFJs choose the
liberal arts because it gives them an opportunity to more fully explore humanity.

ENFJs are good students when the subject matter relates to their strong relationship values and people
orientation, and when the teacher is warm and personal. They apply the necessary effort and energy to
complete the tasks that they start. ENFJs also like some independent learning and projects.

Working

ENFJs focused on the organization's ideals and operate within those ideals. They focus on how
organizations should treat people and communicate these values to others. They enjoy leading and
facilitating teams, and like to bring matters to mutually beneficial conclusions.

ENFJs prefer a work setting that contains individuals focused on changing things for the betterment of
others. They like an environment that is people oriented, supportive, and organized. They do their best
when there is a spirit of harmony, with encouragement given for self-expression. And they like their work
to be settled and orderly, but not so much so that it is dull, quiet, unchanging, or unchallenging.

The ENFJ organizing style is to plan around the particular value or ideal and to supply the necessary
energy toward its achievement or implementation. In the accomplishment of the goal, ENFJs will look at
the people available and will assign tasks based on who needs the experience, the exposure, or the
development. To a lesser degree, they will assign the task based on who needs the experience, the
exposure, or the development. To a lesser degree, they will assign the task based purely on competency,
because ENFJs feel it is more important to help others grow and develop new skills. If others have a
particular deadline that needs to be met, the ENFJ will work to meet that deadline so that the other
person will be happy.

ENFJs prefer occupations that reflect their ideals and that promote harmonious relationships with others.
They tend to be attracted to occupation with a service orientation. They generally follow policies and
procedures as long as those procedures are compatible with people's needs. They prefer things to be
organized and decided rather than haphazard.

Some occupations seem to be more attractive to ENFJs: actor, clergy, consultant, counselor and
therapist, designer, home economist, musician, religious worker, teacher, writer, and other occupations
that allow them to be of service to others.

Leading

The ENFJ puts relationships and responsibilities before personal leisure. Their time can be imposed upon
easily; however, they need to guard against excessive responsiveness to avoid reaching overload.

They particularly enjoy reading novels and seeing movies in order to see how the characters play out the
life issues and questions presented in the story; it gives them an opportunity to see how others live and
get along. They enjoy discussing their reading and may join book groups in order to do that. They like
going to movies and plays with others and like to comment on the plot characterization. They are close
observers of others' behavior.

Many ENFJs join religious or community-oriented groups whose focus is to work for better understanding
between people. ENFJs like discussion and an opportunity to talk about values and philosophical topics.
Many do not like activities in which there is a great deal of competition or in which someone or something
could be hurt.

Loving

For the ENFJ, love means flowers, poetry, candlelight dinners --- in other words, romance with a capital
R. When they first fall in love, they fall in love with an ideal perspective of what the relationship will be,
and they fall deeply, head over heels. ENFJs value commitment and loyalty, and look for it from their
partner. They typically enjoy activities with their partners that allow them to discuss the relationship and
focus on what each person truly believes. When commitments are broken, ENFJs become upset because
they see the breakup as a personal reflection on them and because they have idealized the relationship.
Since they are willing to put the time and effort into the relationship, they expect it will continue on as it
was from the very start. Relationships have their ups and downs; the downs, however, are particularly
hard on the ENFJ, who does not manage disharmony well.

When scorned, ENFJs may be resentful, spiteful, and deeply hurt. Because they are acutely aware of
emotional matters they take the breakup of a relationship especially hard. They are willing to discuss the
ending of the relationship with only a few others because they feel a sense of blame and shame for the
relationship not working out.

Profile by David Keirsey

ENFJ's are outstanding leaders of groups, both task groups and growth groups. They have the charming
characteristic of seeming to take for granted that they will be followed, never doubting that people will
want to do what they suggest. And, more often than not, people do, because this type has unusual
charisma. ENFJ's place a high value on cooperation from others and are most willing to cooperate
themselves.

Found in only 5 percent of the general population, ENFJ's place people as being of highest importance
and priority. As a result, ENFJ's may find themselves feeling responsible for the feelings of others to an
extent which places a burden on the relationship. An ENFJ communicates caring, concern, and a
willingness to become involved. Thus people turn to ENFJ's for nurture and support, which an ENFJ is
usually able to deliver. At times, however, these kinds of demands can overwhelm ENFJ's, who find at
this point that they lack the skills to dissociate. ENFJ's do not seem able to turn away from these
demands even when they become unreasonable. Or, if forced to let go of the burden through sheer
unavailability of time or energy, ENFJ's experience a guilt all out of proportion to the realities of the
commitment made to the relationship.

ENFJ's are especially vulnerable to idealizing interpersonal relationships, raising these relationships to a
plane which seldom can sustain the realities of human nature. Because of this tendency to raise
interpersonal relations to the ideal, ENFJ's may unwittingly overpower their friends, who believe that they
cannot possibly live up to an ENFJ's perception of them. The fact is, ENFJ's are extraordinarily tolerant of
others, seldom critical, and always trustworthy.
ENFJ's take communication for granted and believe that they are understood and that their
communications are accepted. Just as they themselves are accepting, so do they assume that others are
the same. When ENFJ's find that their position or beliefs were not comprehended or accepted, they are
surprised, puzzled, and sometimes hurt. Fortunately, this does not happen with high frequency, as
ENFJ's have a remarkable fluency with language, especially in speech; they are particularly adept when
communicating face-to-face as opposed to communicating in writing. They are influential, therefore, in
groups, having no hesitation about speaking out, no matter how large or small the group may be.

ENFJ's have an unusual ability to relate to others with empathy, taking into themselves the
characteristics, emotions, and beliefs of others. This can pose a danger for ENFJ's because they can
unconsciously over-identify with others and pick up their burdens as if they were their own. In the
process, ENFJ's may risk their own sense of identity. They have a natural ability to mimic because of this
highly developed ability to empathize by introjection. They are likely to be very concerned about the
problems of those close to them, but they also may get as deeply involved in the problems of those not so
close and may find themselves over-extended emotionally.

ENFJ's would do well to follow their hunches, for their intuition tends to be well developed. Decisions
made purely on the basis of logic may not be so sound, and checking with a person who has a strong T
preference might be at times advisable for the ENFJ. In the framework of values, however, the ENFJ is on
certain ground. Generally, they know what they prefer and can read other people with outstanding
accuracy. Seldom is an ENFJ wrong about the motivations or intent of another, hidden or not.

Career

This longing for the perfect carries over into the careers of ENFJ's, who experience some degree of
restlessness whatever their jobs. And, as with ENFP's, ENFJ's have a wide range of occupations which
offer success. Being verbally adept, ENFJ's contribute to an unusual level when dealing with people,
particularly face-to-face; the media, the ministry, and the stage and screen are populated with successful
ENFJ's. They make superior therapists, charismatic teachers, excellent executives, and personalized
salespersons. Areas that would not permit utilization of the interactional talents of ENFJ's for example,
accounting, should be avoided; otherwise, almost any people-to-people occupation where personal,
sustained contact is involved capitalizes on the personality of an ENFJ.

ENFJ'S like to have things settled and organized. They prefer to plan both work and social engagements
ahead and tend to be absolutely reliable in honoring these commitments. ENFJ's are very much at home
in complex situations which require the juggling of much data. At the same time, they can handle people
with charm and concern. ENFJ's are usually popular wherever they are. Their ability to be comfortable
either leading or following makes them easy to have around, whatever the situation. A well-developed
ENFJ group leader can provide, almost endlessly, activities for groups to engage in with almost no
preplanning and can find adequate roles for members of the group to play. In some, this can amount to
genius which other types find hard to emulate. In this ability to organize without planning there is a certain
similarity to an ESFJ, but the latter acts more as a master of ceremonies than as a leader of groups. The
ESFJ is more of a recreational leader, who insures that each member has fun at a party and that the right
things are expressed at social occasions, especially institutional social occasions such as weddings,
funerals parties, and the like. ENFJ's, just like the ESFJ's, value harmonious human relations above all
else; but ENFJ's are not so easily crushed by indifference as are ESFJ's and are more independent of
other's valuations.

Home
ENFJ's are socially adept and make excellent companions and mates. They also are deeply devoted to
their children, yet tend not to be domineering to either the children or mate. In fact, the ENFJ is so even-
tempered that he or she can be victimized by a mate who might have become more and more
demanding.

ENFJ mates always try to please and feel personally responsible when home life does not go smoothly.
They are tireless in their efforts to see that it does, providing generously from available income, time, and
energy. This dedication often exists, however, side by side with an ENFJ's dream of the perfect
relationship-a characteristic of all NF's, but one which is particularly strong in an ENFJ. Thus an ENFJ
has that longing for the ideal that results in a vague dissatisfaction with whatever is in the way of
relationships, mating as well as friendships.

Midlife

At midlife, ENFJ's might want to expand their capabilities toward introverted activities such as reading,
gardening, painting. They also may want to increase their sensitivity to classical music, subtleties of fine
foods and beverages, beginning to develop ever-increasing discriminations of fineness among fine things.
Already likely to be a gourmet, an ENFJ might become a connoisseur art collector, for example, or an
expert of medieval tapestries. Also, the development further of intellectual capabilities might interest
ENFJ's at midlife, perhaps taking the direction of formal study. ENFJ's have the ability to appreciate both
people and nature, and more time spent in travel might be gratifying, particularly if this was used as an
opportunity to collect works of art.

Mates

Who can complement this growth-catalyst? The opposite on the S side is ISTP, the "artisan." It is not
difficult to see how the teacher inherent in the ENFJ would want to "bring out" the craftsman in the ISTP.
The artisan, however, has another side to his nature that pops up occasionally and in some cases is a life
theme: adventure and exploration. The ISTP can, so to speak, be wayward, take off for parts unknown. It
is difficult to imagine a similar desire on the part of the ENFJ to bring out adventuresomeness.

The ENFJ, on the intuitive side, finds the INTP attractive. Now here is a splendid target for our catalyst,
for beneath the cool, collected, detached, and doubting exterior lies an architect of buildings, machines,
tools, operations, tactics, languages, mathematics, or whatever can be designed. If, that is, this latently
capable designer can be "activated" or "brought out".

Error! Filename not specified.

INTP - The Wizard

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

INTPs are known for their quest for logical purity, which motivates them to examine universal truths and
principles. They are constantly asking themselves and others the questions 'Why?' and 'Why not?' Clear
and quick thinkers, they are able to focus with great intensity on their interests. They appreciate elegance
and efficiency in thought processes and require them, even more so, in their own communications. They
may be seen as unwilling to accept what everyone else regards as truth. While often low key in outward
appearance and approach, the INTP is 'hard as nails' when challenging a truth. INTPs do not like to deal
with the obvious. They are at their best in building conceptual models and developing unusual and
complex ideas.

Living

As children, INTPs are inwardly focused, often enjoying their won thoughts more than the company of
others. They are full of questions, sometimes voiced, most often not. INTP children often challenge and
even stump their elders. They enjoy fantasy, mysteries, inventing, thinking and doing things that may be
somewhat atypical for other children of their age, and they sense their uniqueness early on. If INTPs are
fond of books or games, it is likely that their choices will be the current rage. If and INTP is fond of music,
it is likely to be of and unusual sort.

INTPs tend to either respect and go along with society's rules, or to question and rebel against them.
Their response to these rules depends on how the rules might affect them. When INTPs do not like the
rules, they are quick to find the flaws in the rule makers' thinking, regardless of their status, position in the
hierarchy, or renown.

As young adults choosing careers, INTPs either set a course and work toward it quietly yet forcefully or
continue to resist and rebel against society's expectations and irrational rules. They may either focus in
depth on a major interest or move from one interest to another without showing others - friends,
colleagues, and bosses - their reasons why. It is the process, the quest, that has been most interesting to
them. Once they have found the answer, they do not often share it because the answer is obvious, and
documenting the obvious is redundant. This attitude includes a tendency not to response or speak up in
groups, because the INTP feels that what he or she was going to say seems so obvious that no one
would want to hear it. As INTPs mature, they continue their quest for logical purity, but now it includes
more balance in their activities.

Learning and Working

The INTP is a relentless learner in areas that hold his or her interest. They often seem 'lost in thought,'
and this characteristic appears very early. INTPs enjoy the life of the mind and the learning process,
regardless of whether that process takes place in a formal sense. They are often characterized as life-
long learners.

In school, well-rounded INTPs work on their assignments with a great deal of inward energy and interest
that is usually not apparent to others. They tend to connect unrelated thoughts. As learners, they are able
to find logical flaws in the thinking of others. They analyze these flaws and find ideas for further study.
They go to great depths in their analysis.

In taking exams, they prefer theorectical questions. When INTPs view a test, teachers, or subjects as
irrelevant, they may respond as follows: 'I know what I need to know about this topic; I may even know
more than my teacher. The teacher made this test, and this test is dumb. Therefore, my teacher is dumb,
and I will not do the test.' Because of such reactions, the INTP's academic record may include successes
or may be filled with failures.

INTPs contribute a logical, system-building approach to their work. They like being the architect of a plan,
because of the scheming and thinking involved, far more than being the implementer of that plan.
Implementation tends to be drudgery. They are content to sit back and think about what might work, given
their view of the situation. INTPs may ignore standard operating procedures. The hours that they spend
are not what is important to them, but rather the completion of their thought process. When their projects
are of interest to them, they can become mesmerized and may even work through the night. when their
projects are not intriguing, their work is considered drudgrery, and the INTP finds it difficult to stay
motivated.

INTPs usually find a place in their work for using their logical and structured thinking. They enjoy work
that allows them to abstract, to generalize beyond the data, and to build models. Flexibility is desired
because INTPs like to 'do the job when they want to do it and as they want to do it.' They also prefer
occupations in which the hierarchy is minimal and not important. This attitude seems from their firm belief
that, to be legitimate, a hierarchy should be built on the competency of individuals who are logically
placed according to their talents.

Some occupations seem to be more attractive to INTPs: biologist, chemist, computer programmer,
computer system analyst, lawyer, photographer, psychologist, researcher, surveyor, writer and other
occupations that allow them to use their logical thinking in appropriate ways.

Loving

For the INTP, love has three distinct phases: falling in, staying in, and getting out. These phases relate to
their thinking preference and its need for order and sequence.

An INTP characterized falling in love as a stage of complete loss of rationality that may last a year or less.
When an INTP falls in love, he or she falls hard - an all or nothing phenomenon. At this stage, INTPs are
likely to be very lively, almost giddy, in their new love. The experience rushes over them and carries them
along. They do not structure or control it but simply enjoy and experience it. They do many loving things
and they are curious about their loved one and are able to overlook his or her flaws. They may bravely
ignore the realities of distance, weather, and time to be with the loved one.

As relationships progress to the staying-in-love phase, INTPs begin to evaluate their structure and form.
They may withdraw at this point because they are moving toward their more customary inward style.
Outward demonstrations of affection lessen, and the giddy state changes. Interactions are more matter of
fact, perhaps even impersonal. INTPs take their commitments to their partner seriously; however, they
may not discuss these commitments at any length with their partner or with other people, because their
commitments seem so obvious to them.

Falling out of love, which may not always occur, results from an analysis of the real expectations and
needs of the relationship. Often an undefined line is crossed that neither partner knows about ahead of
time. However, the INTP knows after the line has been crossed, and then the relationship deteriorates or
ends. If INTPs recognize their emotions and needs as valid, they are able to sever relationship ties fairly
cleanly. However, if they misjudge their own needs and those of their partner, the breakup can be messy,
perhaps affecting other aspects of their lives for a long time. If the INTP shares some common interests
with the former loved one, the relationship continues but on a different level. When INTPs have a reason
to continue relationships, they do.

Profile by David Keirsey

INTPs exhibit the greatest precision in thought and language of all the types; they tend to see distinctions
and inconsistencies in thought and language instantaneously. The one word which captures the unique
style of INTPs is architect-the architect of ideas and systems as well as the architect of edifices. This type
is found in only 1 percent of the population and therefore is not encountered as frequently as some of the
other types.

INTPs detect contradictions in statements no matter how distant in space or time the contradictory
statements were produced. The intellectual scanning of INTPs has a principled quality; that is, INTPs
search for whatever is relevant and pertinent to the issue at hand. Consequently, INTPs can concentrate
better than any other type.

Authority derived from office, position, or wide acceptance does not impress INTPs. Only statements that
are logical and coherent carry weight. External authority per se is irrelevant. INTPs abhor redundancy and
incoherence. Possessing a desire to understand the universe, an INTP is constantly looking for natural
law. Curiosity concerning these keys to the universe is a driving force in this type.

INTPs prize intelligence in themselves and in others, but can become intellectual dilettantes as a result of
their need to amass ideas, principles, or understanding of behavior. And once they know something, it is
remembered. INTPs can become obsessed with analysis. Once caught up in a thought process, that
thought process seems to have a will of its own for INTPs, and they persevere until the issue is
comprehended in all its complexity. They can be intellectual snobs and may show impatience at times
with others less endowed intellectually. This quality, INTPs find, generates hostility and defensive
behavior on the part of others, who may describe an INTP as arrogant.

For INTPs, the world exists primarily to be understood. Reality is trivial, a mere arena for proving ideas. It
is essential that the universe is understood and that whatever is stated about the universe is stated
correctly, with coherence and without redundancy. This is the INTPs final purpose. It matters not whether
others understand or accept his or her truths.

Career

The INTP is the logician, the mathematician, the philosopher, the scientist; any pursuit requiring
architecture of ideas intrigues this type. INTP's should not, however, be asked to work out the
implementation or application of their models to the real world.

The INTP is the architect of a system and leaves it to others to be the builder and the applicator. Very
often therefore, the INTP's work is not credited to him or her. The builder and the applier gains fame and
fortune, while the INTP's name remains obscure. Appreciation of an INTP's theoretical work frequently
comes posthumously-or the work may never be removed from library shelves at all and thus lost.

INTP's tend not to be writers or to go into sales work. They are, however, often excellent teachers,
particularly for advanced students, although INTP's do not always enjoy much popularity, for they can be
hard taskmasters. They are not good at clerical tasks and are impatient with routine details. They prefer
to work quietly, without interruption, and often alone. If an organization is to use the talents of an INTP
appropriately, the INTP must be given an efficient support staff who can capture ideas as they emerge
and before the INTP loses interest and turns to another idea.

Our "architect" is not merely a designer of buildings. There is the architect of ideas (the philosopher), the
architect of number systems (the mathematician), the architect of computer languages (the programmer),
and on and on. In short, abstract design is the forte of the architect and coherence is the primary issue.
Home

INTP's take their mating relationship seriously and usually are faithful and devoted-albeit preoccupied at
times. They are not likely to welcome constant social activity or disorganization in the home. In all
probability, the mate of an INTP will initiate and manage the social life. If left to his or her own devices the
INTP mate will retreat into the world of books and emerge only when physical needs become imperative.
INTP's are, however, willing, compliant, and easy to live with, although somewhat forgetful of
appointments, anniversaries, and rituals of daily living unless reminded. They may have difficulty
expressing their emotions verbally, and the mate of an INTP may believe that he/she is somewhat taken
for granted. As a parent, the INTP is devoted; they enjoy children, and are serious about their upbringing.
The home of an INTP parent is usually calm, low-key in discipline, but well run and ordered.

INTP's deal with the environment primarily through intuition, and their strongest quality, the thinking
function, remains relatively hidden except in close associations. Therefore, INTP's are often
misunderstood, seen as difficult to know, and seldom perceived at their true level of competency. They
are inclined to be shy except when with close friends, and their reserve is difficult to penetrate. They are
very adaptable until one of their principles is violated. Then INTP's are not adaptable at all! They may
have difficulty in being understood by others because they tend to think in a complicated fashion and
want to be precise, never redundant in their communications. Because their feeling qualities may be
underdeveloped, they may be insensitive to the wants and wishes of others, often unaware of the
existence of these wants and wishes.

Midlife

At midlife the INTP might do well to work on increasing awareness of emotional responses, responding to
the value preferences of others, and verbalizing to others the INTP's awareness of these values. At
midlife one of the tasks of the INTP is to develop an ability to play for play's sake; not to learn something
or to somehow improve a skill. Working on the sensual side of his or her nature may provide a source of
new pleasure and excitement.

Mates

Why would this abstractionist find the ESFJ "seller" attractive? Think broadly of selling. This amounts to
persuading another to receive something of value to the receiver. The seller is essentially caring for the
receiver (quite apart from the fact that the receiver pays). This is the essential attitude of the ESFJ seller,
and this attitude is perceptible to the receiver (buyer); he feels this nourishing approach. That is what is
attractive to the INTP architect-philosopher-the nourishment which anchors him to the real world.

What attracts the ESFJ "seller"? Here is a person who, like a balloon filled with hydrogen, is likely to
escape the earth (in his abstract attitude). He needs to have a string attached so that he can be hauled
down to earth now and then. In a sense, he needs to be "sold on reality," so indifferent is he to it.

The INTP also has a second likely target to attract him: the ENFJ "pedagogue." What is a pedagogue? A
catalyst of the growth process, someone who has that uncanny ability to "bring out" the other, to activate
the differentiation or "unfolding" process in the learner. All NFs seem to have this capability in some
degree and the accompanying desire to exercise it, but the ENFJ seems to have it in abundance. This
relationship-the ENFJ-INTP-can be "deep and meaningful" for the former and anchoring in a charismatic
way for the latter.
www.intp.org

INTP Mailing List

Error! Filename not specified.

ESTP - The Adventurer

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ESTPs are action oriented, pragmatic, outgoing and realistic people. They use their quickness and
flexibility to find the most efficient route to accomplishing whatever needs to be done. They are lively,
entertaining, and fun. They like to be where the action is and participate fully in what is happening.
Characteristically, they are direct with their comments and mince no words. They are at their best in
situations that require an orientation to the present and a direct, no-nonsense, pragmatic approach.

Living

ESTP children are rambunctious, energetic, and freedom-loving individuals. They do what they want to do
when they want to do it. ESTP children like life to be action packed and fun. They stir things up when they
find life too boring. They do not like to sit still and are often involved in energy-intensive sports and other
activities with their many friends. They seem unfazed by whatever comes along and prefer to hold a
challenge or two. They usually enjoy lively activities in which they can use their motor and observation
skills to respond quickly to the moment.

ESTP children experience and do things in order to learn about life. They are particularly inquisitive about
inanimate things. They like having nice toys, games, and equipment, and take care of these material
possessions willingly.

School is important to ESTPs as a place to meet their friends and to be involved in activities, and is less
important to them as an educational or academic experience. ESTPs can exasperate their parents and
teachers, who appreciate their abilities and want them to apply themselves so as to excel academically.
However, ESTPs have different needs and wants. Pleasing themselves is their aim, not necessarily
achieving top grades for others. Generally, they want to do things their own way and in their own time,
and they are rather direct in telling others what is on their minds.

As teenagers, ESTPs continue to be action oriented. They are likely to be on sports teams or involved in
other after-school activities. If they have a part-time job, they use the money to purchase or save for the
things they want, such as sporting equipment, clothes, stereos, cars, and college education.

As young adults, ESTPs tend to fall into their careers. If they are mechanically oriented, they may find a
career in mechanics; if their friends are going to college, they are likely to go to college; If their friends are
joining and armed forces, the ESTP may go along as well.

ESTPs look forward to their independence and are likely to leave home as soon as they can afford to.
Being pragmatic types, however, they may find that home, if less restrictions can be negotiated, is a
practical and good place to be, because it is cheaper and allows them more money for other important
things.

In adult life, ESTPs often focus on work, where they can directly or vicariously experience high risk and
high reward. These risks may be physical, intellectual, personal, or financial. They are likely to look for
loopholes, special niches, or other unusual opportunities for finding high rewards for the investment of
their time. They are willing to play by the rules but only the point of using the rules to help them be or do
what they want. They often fill their lives with many activities besides work. They are busy primarily with
their families and with friends when they have time.

If and when life becomes too routine for ESTPs, they find ways to jazz it up, either through their own
actions or those of others. They may take unusual trips or add to their lives some excitement or big-game
hunting. They like life filled with zest. They may choose to retire early so that they can have more time for
activities that they consider fun. They enjoy being around others in pursuit of a good time.

Learning

ESTPs learn best in situations in which the subject matter applies directly to one of their interests, where
the expectations are realistic, and where the explanations are clear. They like observation and hands-on
experience, and have little tolerance for theory and material that could be, but that is not currently, useful.
Teachers' comments that knowing certain ideas or theories will someday pay off leave most ESTP's cold.
They want few constraints put on them. They prefer teachers who are entertaining and make learning
active and fun.

One of the ESTP's main strengths is using the five senses to notice what is happening, to find any flaws
and inaccuracies that may exist, and to act quickly on them.

Working

At work, ESTPs contribute a straightforward attitude that calls on people to make things happen quickly.
They keep things lively and are willing to take personal and organizational risks. They enjoy crises and
like to dive right in and skillfully negotiate through them. Because ESTPs notice and remember factual
information, they often contribute a realistic assessment of what is actually happening.

ESTPs value a quick response, they operate under the organizational principle that it is easier to beg for
forgiveness after committing the act than to ask for permission in advance. The parts of their work
environment or homes that are well-organized tend to relate to their interests.

The ESTPs' final product, event, paper, or other accomplishment may be excellent, but it belies the ESTP
process. ESTP's tend to leave a trail of papers, piles of resources, and messy files and closets, but
usually their work is well put together in the end. One ESTP said, "I hate a clean desk. My desk is
workable and is organized and categorized as needed."

ESTPs prefer occupations that allow flash and dash, ones in which they can respond dramatically with
speed to the present needs. If they choose an occupation in which this is not the case, they bring these
characteristics to their work. They do not like to be constrained in their activities and generally seek work
that gives them a great deal of latitude.
Some occupations seems to be especially attractive to ESTPs: auditor, carpenter, craft worker, farmer,
laborer, marketeer, law enforcement officer, sales representative, service worker, transportation
operative, and other occupations that allow ESTPs to use their action-oriented sense of expediency.

Leading

ESTP leadership style is one that charge readily, especially in crisis. They have a direct and assertive
style, and they move ahead without necessarily paying attention to all of the rules. They find the
immediate cause of problems and seek immediate solutions. They can react to any given situation,
expedite it, and make it work. They hear different sides of the problem, make decisions and keep things
moving.

Leisure

ESTPs love leisure, and they do all they can to maximize their leisure time. They are usually involved in
activities, particularly sporting ones, either as players or as spectators. They may enjoy out-of-door, risk-
taking activities. ESTPs may collect tangible things related to their hobbies.

ESTPs enjoy spending time in active pursuits, not necessarily needing others but not minding if they are
there either. They like to be associated with individuals who have taken physical risks, even if they
choose not to do so themselves.

Loving

For the ESTP, love means finding someone to have fun with, sharing life's ups and avoiding life's downs.
When an ESTP sees and intended partner as one with whom many exciting experiences can be shared,
the ESTP will use persuasiveness and his or her outward, fun-loving orientation to impress and win the
chosen partner. The ESTP may view this as a challenge and may use whatever expedient means are
available. ESTPs enjoy falling in love but do so quite practically by finding common ground with their
loved one. This companionship aspect, in which activities can be jointly pursued, is important to them.

Generally, ESTPs can be fairly straightforward about the more sensual side of love, regarding it as a
major part of life's enjoyment. They may like parties, and entertainment that has an earthy undertone,
seeing these activities as a part of life not to be taken too seriously. For ESTPs in relationships, too much
daily routine can feel confining and boring. When this happens, they are likely to"liven" things up by
surprising their partners with a second honeymoon, a large or extravagant gift, or some other tangible
expression of their love.

When scorned, ESTPs may wallow in their grief for some time, then decide that such behaviour is
impractical and therefore cut their losses and move on. ESTPs usually approach the breakup of a
relationship with a fairly straightforward and realistic orientation. After they have dealt with the emotional
part, it is as if fate has taken its course. It is as though they might say, "The relationship is over. Life dealt
me a blow, and it's time to move on."

Profile by David Keirsey

ESTPs are men and women of action. When someone of this personality is present, things begin to
happen. The lights come one, the music plays, the game begins. And a game it is for the ESTP, the
outstanding entrepreneur, the international diplomat, the conciliator, and the negotiator par excellence.
Approximately 13 percent of the general population are of this extraverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving
type, and if only one adjective could be used to describe ESTPs resourceful would be an apt choice.

Life is never dull around ESTPs. Their attractive, friendly style has a theatrical flourish which makes even
the most routine, mundane event seem exciting. ESTPs usually know the location of the best restaurants,
and headwaiters are likely to call them by name. ESTPs are socially sophisticated, suave, and urbane
and are master manipulators of the external environment.

ESTPs are uncanny at observing people's motivations, somehow hypersensitive to minimal nonverbal
cues which other types might miss. And they are masters at using these observations to "sell" the "client."
The eye of the ESTP is ever on the eye of the beholder, and all actions are directed toward this audience.
Witty, clever, and fun, ESTPs seem to possess an unusual amount of empathy, when in fact this is not
the case; rather, they are so acutely aware of minimal signals from others that they are usually several
jumps ahead in anticipation of another's position. And ESTPs can use information gained to the ends they
have in mind-apparently with nerves of steel, engaging in what seems to others to be suicidal
brinkmanship. Other types may find this exhausting, but ESTPs are exhilarated by working close to the
edge of disaster. ESTPs are ruthless pragmatists and often offer the ends as justification for whatever
means they see as necessary-regrettable, perhaps, but necessary. Usually, however, ESTPs do not care
to justify actions, but prefer instead to get on to the next action.

Career

ESTP's are outstanding as initiators of enterprises that bring people together to negotiate. They make
invaluable itinerant administrators who can pull troubled companies or institutions out of the red very
quickly, and with style! They can sell an idea or project in a way no other type can, but won't follow
through on the tedious administrative details of a project. This characteristic often causes ESTP's to be
unappreciated for the extraordinary talents they have, for people lose sight of the idea contributed and
focus on the details left undone, becoming critical of ESTPs' weaknesses rather than appreciating their
strength. Few enterprises which are institutionally based use ESTP's as they should be used. When they
strike out on their own, however, they do not always succeed, for their unwillingness to bother with follow-
up details may cause an otherwise excellent project to fail. ESTPs need to be sure they have someone
who will take care of follow-up if at all possible.

If the promotional, entrepreneurial capabilities of ESTPs are used to constructive ends, an institution is
fortunate for their presence. If their desire for excitement is not met constructively, however, these
energies may be channeled into destructive, antisocial activities such as those of the confidence rackets-
counterfeiting, bad-check artistry, safe-cracking, and swindling. A movie of the early 1970's which caught
this use of the ESTP's talents was 'The Sting'.

Home

ESTPs live in the immediate moment and as mates lend excitement-and unpredictability-to the
relationship. The ESTP mate is usually extremely attentive in public and smooth in social rituals. They
carry on amusing repartee, and laughter surrounds them as they recount from their endless supply of
clever jokes and stories. Charm radiates from ESTPs. Nothing is too good for their friends, although
family responsibilities may, at times, be given second priority. The ESTP's mate may in time come to feel
like an object-the female a chattel and the male a negotiable commodity. Deep commitments do not
always occur in the lives of ESTPs, although they are always popular and know many, many people by
name. Relationships usually are conditional, and the condition is the consideration of what the ESTP has
to gain from the relationship. Anything gained, however, is shared freely and generously with the mate.
The unexpected gift, the impulsive trip to Paris, the extravagant surprise at Christmas-all these an ESTP
brings to a mate. Fun, excitement, laughter, and that element of unpredictability are characteristic of their
relationship. The ESTPs have a low tolerance for anxiety and are apt to avoid or leave situations that are
consistently filled with interpersonal tensions. ESTPs are usually somewhat of a mystery to their mates
and to others. Few people comprehend this unique personality. ESTPs themselves understand well the
maxim, "He who travels fastest, travels alone." Still, ESTPs are not likely to be lonely for long. ESTPs
meet life with a hearty appetite for the good things of the world, searching out excitement, perhaps as a
warrior, an athlete, an adventurer, or as a professional gambler, but always seeking the thrill of courting
Lady Luck in one fashion or another. A theme of seeking excitement through taking of risks runs through
the lives of ESTPs.

Midlife

At midlife ESTPs may want to work at consolidation of resources-emotional and economic. Long-term
planning on the part of ESTPs may well destroy the essence of their strength-the impulse-but ESTPs may
want rationally and logically to seek out a partner who will follow through on details, who will stabilize
projects undertaken, and who will conserve the ESTP energies. ESTPs may want to work at developing a
few, deep relationships even though these cause an ESTP entrepreneurial restrictions.

Mates

The relative rarity of the ESTP's opposite on the intuitive side, INFJ (about 1 percent compared to the
ESTP's 15 percent), means that such matings will be quite infrequent, as they should be. Imagine an
oracle married to a wheeler-dealer! We should, however, be mindful that, whatever our own political
beliefs, our more spectacular Presidents (J.F. Kennedy, L.B. Johnson, T. Roosevelt, F.D. Roosevelt)
were ESTP "promoters" without peer. It would be a fascinating study to check on the temperament of their
wives to see if any married their oracular INFJ opposites.

The seemingly correct-and, we can assume, attractive-choice is the ISFJ "conservator." Such
complementarily should work out rather nicely, especially if the promoter is male and the conservator is
female.

Error! Filename not specified.

INFJ - The Mystic

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

INFJs are future oriented, and direct their insight and inspiration toward the understanding of themselves
and thereby human nature. Their work mirrors their integrity, and it needs to reflect their inner ideals.
Solitude and an opportunity to concentrate thoroughly on what counts most is important to them. INFJs
prefer to quietly exert their influence. They have deeply felt compassion, and they desire harmony with
others. INFJs understand the complexities existing within people and among them. They are at their best
concentrating on their ideas, ideals, and inspirations.
Living

INFJ children have two sides. They can be very much involved in the world of people, as well as quiet,
imaginative, and in their own world. They are usually gentle and abhor violence. As teenager, INFJs look
for a small group of people who understand and appreciate them. Without this support, they can feel
isolated from others. INFJs who do not find a supportive social group may find the teen years to be
somewhat difficult for them because of peer pressure to be popular and activity oriented. They are not
likely to enjoy large parties, but prefer intimate groups of close and long-standing friends.

Many INFJs who have the opportunity to gravitate toward higher education where they often find their
niche. With their intellectual bent, they are led to endeavors that allow them to deal with theory and
complexity. Professors often spot their intellectual inclination and encourage it.

INFJs often settle early into a career choice and diligently apply themselves to the career's requirements.
This same diligent pattern applies when selecting other important things in their lives, such as where to
live, who to marry, and what activities are worthy of their dedication.

INFJs have an internal picture of how they would like their work to contribute to the general good. If they
are in an appropriate career area, INFJs may reap the rewards of their insight and hard work. Because of
their future-focus, their people orientation, and their push toward task completion, they may rise to
positions of responsibility.

Learning

INFJs have a strong love of learning, and they tend to do well academically. Through persistence,
diligence, and conscientiousness, they complete their assignments on time. They are likely to enjoy
research and will go great lengths to find answers.

INFJs enjoy investigating the possibilities and meanings beyond the actual facts and realities. Reading
holds a particular fascination for them because it allows them to have quiet reflection time and engages
their imagination. They also like the written word (and rely on it more than the spoken word) since it is
usually better structured and more coherent with a ready-made framework.

INFJs write and communicate well because they want to formulate their ideas clearly. They place high
regard on their reader and audience. They seek to communicate their ideals to others. When their ideals
need to be championed, they speak up in an enthusiastic and impassioned way.

As students, INFJs prefer learning from teachers whom they both like and admire, and who give them
personal attention. INFJs are often 'model' students. They are quiet and orderly, reflective and thoughtful,
and sincerely want to please their teachers and learn the right thing. They learn best from others but want
time to assimilate material by themselves.

INFJs will go beyond what has been presented and often mull material over in their minds. Occasionally
they will discuss ruminations with others in order to learn even more. They particularly like the more
conceptual and theoretical classes, therefore, higher education is comfortable to them.

Working
INFJs tend to be devoted to what they believe in and seek work where their needs, values, and ideals can
be deeply engaged. They move on the wave of their inspirations and are determined to see that their
values are worked out in their lives. They will work toward their goals individually and, when needed, will
put together a team of other highly dedicated people like themselves. They are personal be with others,
working with integrity and consistency, and they follow through on their commitments. INFJs, while
concentrating on what is important to them, may ignore the political ramifications of their actions. They
can be surprised by the necessity of being political and usually resent that aspect of organizational life.
Being able to talk honestly and comfortably to people at work is much more important to them than
'playing games.'

INFJs orient themselves toward their goals using a personal, values-based framework. They do not
'advertise' their values and priorities because they believe in harmony and positive relationships.
However, one would do well not to underestimate the amount of perseverance, energy, and time INFJs
give to their priorities. What they do, they do with an almost religious intensity.

The INFJ external environment may be only partially organised. Their internal environment, by contrast, is
anything but haphazard. Their ideas need to fit into a coherent whole that has the pieces in place.
Organization of the internal world takes precedence over organization of external world.

INFJs prefer occupations that focus on the big picture, involve conceptual awareness, and lead to a better
understanding of the spiritual, emotional, or future needs of people. They want their work to have impact
and meaning and for it to bring them admiration and respect.

While INFJs can and do enter all occupations, some are more appealing to them than others. These
include clergy, education consultant, English teacher, fine arts teacher, librarian, psychiatrist,
psychologist, scientist, social worker, and other occupations that allow INFJs an opportunity to make their
own creative contribution.

Leading

INFJs lead through their quiet yet persistent and determined effort toward long-range goals for
themselves, others and their organizations. In working toward their vision, they win cooperation rather
than demand it. INFJs work to make their insights real and are able to inspire others with their ideals.
They use a low-key, soft, yet intense and determined course of action. When they do not directly lead
others, they may still act as facilitators between people. In meetings, they focus on both people and new
ideas.

Leisure

Leisure-time pursuits for INFJs are often solitary or involve the company of others who are particularly
important to them. Sitting around with dear friends discussing feelings can be very special to INFJs. INFJs
are likely to have friends of long standing rather than make many new acquaintances. They may meet
with their friends fairly consistently to share what is happening in their lives. It is sometimes difficult for
others to break into this circle. These deep friendships are important, even though INFJs may not share
much directly about themselves.

Loving
For INFJs, 'still waters run deep.' They tend to become attracted to someone special and prefer this one
deep relationship over many superficial ones. The depth of involvement and feeling that the INFJ has
toward loved ones is only partially communicated outward. At times, when alone, INFJs become truly in
touch with the depth of the love they have for their partner. They may not openly demonstrate or even
verbalize their intense feelings. INFJs often have an ideal standard of what love is. They hold to their
ideal and are disappointed when, inevitably, their relationship and/or mate reveals flaws. INFJs enjoy
sharing activities like a regular 'date,' revisiting the place where they first met their mates, or doing other
symbolic things that help to continue and confirm the existence of the bond that they feel for their partner.

INFJs want to give love and to be loved. They enter into relationships just to be cared for, even when the
person is not right for them and they suspect it. However, when they meet that special person, they are
quick to get into the relationship and make it a serious one. They will end their other relationships in order
to pursue their loved one. They become very focused, intense, and direct in that pursuit.

INFJs, when scorned, take it personally and retreat inward. They may obsess about the relationship and
their role in its failure. One INFJ explained, 'people can do the most outrageous things, yet I blame myself
for triggering their behaviour or not recognizing it. I see myself as responsible for relationships. Other
people can dismiss them --- I'm not able to.' INFJs may blame themselves and experience a period of
mourning. If they do not marshall their resources, externalized their feelings, and take risks to move on,
they may experience a long periods of self-examination.

Profile by David Keirsey

INFJs focus on possibilities, think in terms of values and come easily to decisions. The small number of
this type (1 percent) is regrettable, since INFJs have unusually strong drive to contribute to the welfare of
others and genuinely enjoy helping their fellow men. This type has great depth of personality; they are
themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people.

It is an INFJ who is likely to have visions of human events past, present, or future. If a person
demonstrates an ability to understand psychic phenomena better than most others, this person is apt to
be an INFJ. Characteristically, INFJs have strong empathic abilities and can be aware of another's
emotions or intents even before that person is conscious of these. This can take the form of feeling the
distress of illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types. INFJs can intuit good and evil
in others, although they seldom can tell how they came to know. Subsequent events tend to bear them
out, however.

INFJs are usually good students, achievers who exhibit an unostentacious creativity. They take their work
seriously and enjoy academic activity. They can exhibit qualities of over-perfectionism and put more into a
task than perhaps is justified by the nature of the task. They generally will not be visible leaders, but will
quietly exert influence behind the scenes.

INFJs are hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not
to share their reactions except with those they trust. Because of their vulnerability through a strong facility
to introject, INFJs can be hurt rather easily by others, which, perhaps, is at least one reason they tend to
be private people. People who have known an INFJ for years may find sides emerging which come as a
surprise. Not that INFJs are inconsistent; they are very consistent and value integrity. But they have
convoluted, complex personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

INFJs like to please others and tend to contribute their own best efforts in all situations. They prefer and
enjoy agreeing with others, and find conflict disagreeable and destructive. What is known as ESP is likely
found in an INFJ more than in any other types, although other types are capable of such phenomena.
INFJs have vivid imaginations exercised both as memory and intuition, and this can amount to genius,
resulting at times in an INFJ's being seen as mystical. This unfettered imagination often will enable this
person to compose complex and often aesthetic works of art such as music, mathematical systems,
poems, plays, and novels. In a sense, the INFJ is the most poetic of all the types. Just as the ENTJ
cannot not lead, so must an INFJ intuit; this capability extends to people, things, and often events, taking
the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to
come. INFJs can have uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance.

Career

INFJs often select liberal arts as a college major and opt for occupations which involve interacting with
people, but on a one-to-one basis. For example, the general practitioner in medicine might be an INFJ, or
the psychiatrist or psychologist. As with all NF's, the ministry holds attraction, although the INFJ must
develop an extraverted role here which requires a great deal of energy. INFJs may be attracted to writing
as a profession, and often they use language which contains an unusual degree of imagery. They are
masters of the metaphor, and both their verbal and written communications tend to be elegant and
complex. Their great talent for language usually is directed toward people, describing people and writing
to communicate with people in a personalized way. INFJs who write comment often that they write with a
particular person in mind; writing to a faceless, abstract audience leaves them uninspired.

INFJs make outstanding individual therapists who have the ability to get in touch with the archetypes of
their patients in a way some other types do not. The INFJs are also the most vulnerable of all the types to
the eruption of their own archetypal material. As therapists, INFJs may choose counseling, clinical
psychology, or psychiatry, or may choose to teach in these fields. Writing about these professions often
intrigues an INFJ. Whatever their choice, they generally are successful in these fields because their great
personal warmth, their enthusiasm, their insight, their depth of concentrations, their originality, and their
organizational skills can all be brought into play.

At work as well as socially, INFJs are highly sensitive in their handling of others and tend to work well in
an organizational structure. They have a capacity for working at jobs which require solitude and
concentration, but also do well when in contact with people, providing the human interaction is not
superficial. INFJs enjoy problem-solving and can understand and use human systems creatively and
humanistically. As employees or employers, INFJs are concerned with people's feelings and are able to
provide in themselves a barometer of the feelings of individuals and groups within the organizations.
INFJs listen well and are willing and able to consult and cooperate with others. Once a decision is made,
they work to implement it.

INFJs are generally good at public relations and themselves have good interpersonal relations. They
value staff harmony and want an organization to run smoothly and pleasantly, themselves making every
effort to contribute to that end. They are crushed by too much criticism and can have their feelings hurt
rather easily. They respond to praise and use approval as a means of motivating others, just as they, the
INFJs, are motivated by approval. If they are subject to a hostile, unfriendly working condition or to
constant criticism, they tend to lose confidence, become unhappy and immobilized, and finally become
physically ill.

Home

As mates, INFJs are usually devoted to their spouses, but may not always be open to physical
approaches. They tend to be physically demonstrative at times, but wish to choose when, which is when
they are in the mood. This maybe quite confusing to an extraverted mate. Often an INFJ's expressions of
affection will be subtle, taking a humorous, unexpected turn. INFJs need and want harmony in their
homes and find constant conflict, overt or covert, extremely destructive to their psyches. Their friendship
circle is likely to be small, deep, and longstanding. As parents, INFJs usually are fiercely devoted. A
female INFJ, particularly, is linked to her children in a way different from the other types: with almost a
psychic symbiosis. This deep bond can create an over-dependency that can be unhealthy for both mother
and child. At the same time, INFJs tend to be good friends with their children, while firm in discipline. They
usually are concerned about the comfort of a home and most especially the comfort, physical health, and
emotional well-being of both mates and children.

Midlife

At midlife an INFJ can best continue developing the thinking function in the form of logic and the pursuit of
theory. The pleasure of taking a theoretical model and applying it to a situation may be a source of
interest which an INFJ may have been neglecting. While continuing to pursue the person-to-person in
feeling-type relationships, at midlife INFJs may want to get more involved in working with NT's, who offer
a dimension not dominant in NF's and vice versa. Carefully providing for rest and taking care of physical
health is vital to the INFJ at all times, and mandatory from midlife on.

Mates

The oracular INFJ may opt for the inventive ENTP, but also may go for a different kind of contrary, namely
the ESTP. The ESTP and ENTP, to the casual observer, look pretty much alike. Charming, suave,
urbane, humorous, witty, fantastically easy to approach, venturesome, even reckless. But one is out to
invent, the other to promote; this is no small difference. It takes an inventor to make a mousetrap, it takes
a promoter to make an enterprise. To succeed, the promoter has to be, in the best sense of the word, a
con artist. He must be able to get people's confidence. Now why would a meaning-giver INFJ be intrigued
by an entrepreneur ESTP? Because he wants to help the entrepreneur find his soul and his significance
in the scheme of things. Similarly, why is the INFJ attracted to ENTP? Because he wishes to rescue this
iconoclast from his seeming folly (and let's face it, most inventions are abortive, or still-born).

Error! Filename not specified.

INFJ Web Ring

INFJ Mailing Lists

Error! Filename not specified.

INFP - The Dreamer

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

INFPs focus deeply on their values, and they devote their lives to pursuing the ideal. They often draw
people together around a common purpose and work to find a place for each person within the group.
They are creative, and they seek new ideas and possibilities. They quietly push for what is important to
them, and they rarely give up. While they have a gentleness about them and a delightful sense of humor,
they may be somewhat difficult to get to know and may be overlooked by others. They are at their best
making their world more in line with their internal vision of perfection.

Living

INFP children often create their own fantasy world and live very much within it. They may daydream about
what is important to them, and sometimes others wonder if they are in touch with reality. They often get
lost in their thoughts and books, and may develop a special ability in communicating, such as writing.
They are somewhat reserved, especially in new situations.

INFPs decide early on what is important for them, what is of value. They tend to rely on themselves for
direction and are reticent to ask others for help. They would rather do things themselves, to make sure
they are done properly. INFPs have found this to be both a strength and a curse. Depending only on
themselves and being careful not to show mistakes to others is important. As teens, INFPs may have a bit
of a rebellious streak. They may argue with those who hold different values than they do. They are also
likely to have a small, close set of friends with whom they share good times. In the comfort of those close
relationships, they can relax and are often quite entertaining, since they see the world in a different and
special way. Their sense of humour is readily apparent. However, unless an INFP finds an appreciation
for his or her uniqueness and personal values, he or she may feel like an odd person out.

When they set their minds on things, INFPs are not likely to give up easily, yet because of their outward
gentleness, they do not show their determination. They may not take a direct path, but somehow they
reach their dreams.

As young adults, INFPs may have some difficulty finding the ideal career and the ideal mate, in part
because of that very word 'ideal'. They have a vision in mind of what they want, yet reality may not follow
suit. They may make several starts and stops in their career until they find a comfortable place for
themselves.

INFPs have a need for perfection in connection with their personal values. They become frustrated with
those who dwell on trivialities.

INFPs need a purpose beyond the paycheck. They become burned out easily if their job does not fit their
value system; they may not feel good enough about what they have achieved and, as a result, may
undervalue themselves and their contributions.

In retirement, INFPs need to look back and feel that they have led a worthwhile life that has made a
difference. They want time for a variety of activities, including travel. They may also be very attached to
their family and enjoy special visits with them.

Learning

INFPs learn best in flexible situations where they know the teacher takes a personal interest in them.
They like to be able to interact with their peers, but not too much so. They want to feel free to dig into
subjects that are of interest to them. Having both flexibility and creativity rewarded is encouraging to
them. While they may not enjoy deadlines, if they value the assignment, they will meet those deadlines.
Deadlines may force INFPs to decide that their work is 'good enough' to turn in.
Subjects that hold a great deal of interest for them are learned readily. They will often do extra work in
their attempt to learn as much as possible about something of interest. And they often read assignments
carefully and them work their creativity into the given framework of the assignment. Thus it may appear
that they did not pay careful attention to the details of the assignment in their reinterpretation. It is best if
they have teachers who appreciate their unique approach and who do not hold them to the letter of the
law.

Working

At work, INFPs contribute their creativity, their value system, and their ability to work with others. They are
able to see the larger picture and how specific programs fit in. They do not dwell on the trivialities or the
details. Their job must be fun, although not racous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a
strong purpose in their work. They want to be recognized and valued, without undue attention given to
them. They may become embarrassed when make the center of attention. As a result, they may undersell
their strengths in order to avoid being singled out and made to feel conspicuous. They would rather have
their worth be noticed gradually over time.

INFPs like to work with cooperative people committed to the same values that they are. They can become
bothered when they see others working at cross purposes, especially when conflict is overt. They do not
like competition or bureaucracy. They need privacy. Calm and quiet appeal to them, as does time and
space for reflection. People usually like working with INFPs even though they may not know them well.

INFPs are quite disorganized. But when tasks at hand are important and best done in an organized way,
INFPs strive to do so. Practicality is not a driving force for INFPs. Things that traditionally belong together
may not be placed together because the INFP does not see it as necessary. They have trouble finishing
what they start because of their perfectionistic nature. When they do finish a project, they may not
consider it done 'for good.' Projects can always be improved upon, revised, and reworked, and therefore
INFPs find it hard to bring tasks to closure. Because they are able to visualize the finished product long
before it is done, the actual completion is of less importance.

INFPs prefer occupations in which they can be involved in making the world better. Having their heart in
their work is important to them. These occupations also allow for an element of creativity and flexibility.
INFPs are particularly interested to be counselor, editor, education consultant, English teacher, fine arts
teacher, journalist, psychologist, religious educator, social scientist, social worker, teacher, writer, and
other occupations that engage their values.

Leading

The INFP leadership style is subtle, gentle, indirect, and inclusive of others. INFPs do not confront people
head-on, but rather work with them and through them to get the job done. Their style is not an aggressive
one but is highly persistent; only reluctantly do INFPs assume leadership roles.

They lead with their values in mind, and these guide them. They prefer not to take a hands-on approach
with others but to allow them to achieve in independent ways. They are facilitative rather than directive.
They encourage others by appreciation and praise. Critiquing others does not come easily to them.

INFPs seldom confront situations directly, in part because they do not like conflict. Whenever possible,
they would rather wait for a situation to work itself out, since they trust that people will work things
through. They do not like following all the rules and regulations, but they are not overtly rebellious. They
seek to get things done in their own style.

Leisure

Leisure activities are very important to INFPs, but at times it is difficult for them to separate work from
play. When a new leisure pursuit is found, INFPs typically do a great deal of research. They may read
many books and make several phone calls to dig for information.

Many of the INFPs' leisure activities are done alone --- reading, listening to music, and gardening are
some activities likely to appeal to them. Reflection time and the opportunity to make sure things are right
are important. INFPs often enjoy leisure pursuits with loved ones as well. When they want to be sociable,
they can be exceedingly charming and outgoing. Their flexibility, gentleness, and sense of humour can
make them quite popular in social situations.

Loving

For the INFP, love is a very deep commitment, and one that is not easily attained. They have ideals, and
therefore reality may be carefully scrutinized.

With their ideal firmly envisioned, the first date with that special person is carefully planned and prepared
for, and often every aesthetic thing is taken care of. The flowers are in place, the right wine is ordered,
and the proper meal is prepared.

INFPs may have difficulty sharing their feelings about others. They keep so many of those feelings inside
that they may forget to tell their partner how much they love and appreciate them. They also need
reminders of their partner's love.

When things go wrong in a relationship, the INFP takes it to heart but does not readily discuss it with
others. They may not be willing to communicate to let others know how they are feeling. When scorned,
they are very hurt and may overreact in an almost maudlin way.

Profile by David Keirsey

INFPs present a calm, pleasant face to the world and are seen as reticent and even shy. Although they
demonstrate a cool reserve toward others, inside they are anything but distant. They have a capacity for
caring which is not always found in other types. They care deeply-indeed, passionately-about a few
special persons or a cause. One word that captures this type is idealistic. At times, this characteristic
leaves them feeling isolated, especially since INFPs are found in only 1 percent of the general population.
INFPs have a profound sense of honor derived from internal values. The INFP is the Prince or Princess of
mythology, the King's Champion, Defender of the Faith, and guardian of the castle. Sir Galahad and Joan
of Arc are male and female prototypes of an INFP. To understand INFPs their cause must be understood,
for they are willing to make unusual sacrifices for someone or something believed in.

INFPs seek unity in their lives, unity of body and mind, emotions and intellect. They often have a subtle
tragic motif running through their lives, but others seldom detect this inner minor key. The deep
commitment of INFPs to the positive and the good causes them to be alert to the negative and the evil,
which can take the form of a fascination with the profane. Thus INFPs may live a paradox, drawn toward
purity and unity but looking over the shoulder toward the sullied and desecrated. When INFPs believe that
they have yielded to an impure temptation, they may be given to acts of self-sacrifice in atonement. The
atonement, however, is within the INFP, who does not feel compelled to make public the issue.

INFPs prefer the valuing process over the purely logical. They respond to the beautiful versus the ugly,
the good versus the bad, and the moral versus the immoral. Impressions are gained in a fluid, global,
diffused way. Metaphors and similes come naturally but may be strained. INFPs have a gift for
interpreting symbols, as well as creating them, and thus often write in lyric fashion. They may
demonstrate a tendency to take deliberate liberties with logic. Unlike the NT, they see logic as something
optional. INFPs also may, at times, assume an unwarranted familiarity with a domain, because their
global, impressionistic way of dealing with reality may have failed to register a sufficient number of details
for mastery. INFPs may have difficulty thinking in terms of a conditional framework; they see things as
either real or fancied, and are impatient with the hypothetical.

Career

At work, INFPs are adaptable, welcome new ideas and new information, are well aware of people and
their feelings, and relate well to most, albeit with some psychological distance. INFPs dislike telephone
interruptions and work well alone, as well as with others. They are patient with complicated situations, but
impatient with routine details. They can make errors of fact, but seldom of values. Their career choices
may be toward the ministry, missionary work, college teaching, psychiatry, architecture, psychology-and
away from business. They seem willing and usually are able to apply themselves scholastically to gain
the necessary training for professional work, often doing better in college than in high school. They have
a natural interest in scholarly activities and demonstrate, as do the other NF's, a remarkable facility for
languages. Often they hear a calling to go forth into the world to help others; they seem willing to make
the necessary personal sacrifices involved in responding to that call, even if it means asking others to do
likewise. INFPs can make outstanding novelists and character actors, for they are able to efface their own
personalities in their portrayal of a character in a way other types cannot.

Home

As mates, INFPs have a deep commitment to their pledges. They like to live in harmony and may go to
great lengths to avoid constant conflict. They are sensitive to the feelings of others and enjoy pleasing
those they care for. They may find it difficult to reconcile a romantic, idealized concept of conjugal life with
the realities of everyday living with another person. At times, in fact, INFPs may seem fearful of exuberant
attainment, afraid that current advances may have to be paid for with later sacrifices. The devil is sure to
get his due if the INFP experiences too freely of success, or beauty, or health, or wealth, or knowledge.
And thus, INFPs guard against giving way to relaxing in the happiness of mating. They may have difficulty
in expressing affection directly, but communicate interest and affection indirectly.

For INFPs, their home is their castle. As parents, they are fierce in protection of home and family and are
devoted to the welfare of family members. They have a strong capacity for devotion, sympathy, and
adaptability in their relationships, and thus are easy to live with. They are loyal to their family and,
although they may dream of greener pastures, if they stray into those pastures they soon locate the
nettles. The almost preconscious conviction that pleasure must be paid for with pain can cause a sense
of uneasiness in the family system of an INFP, who may transmit an air of being ever-vigilant against
invasion. In the routine rituals of daily living, INFPs tend to be compliant and may even prefer having
decisions made on their behalf, until their value system is violated! Then INFPs dig in their heels and will
not budge from ideals. Life with an INFP will go gently along for long periods, until an ideal is struck and
violated. Then an INFP will resist and insist.

Midlife

At midlife INFPs may want to increase mastery of intellectual interests, perhaps taking advanced degrees
in a chosen profession. They also may want to explore the sensual side of their natures, expanding their
aesthetic appreciations to include physical sensory appreciations. Extending social activities and contacts
may offer new horizons for INFPs, but they will have to guard against overextension psychologically, for
before, during, and after midlife the vulnerability and sensitivity of the INFP will continue, and he or she
can easily become emotionally drained.

Mates

The INFP questor probably has more problems in mating than any other type. Let us be mindful of the
relative infrequency: about 1 1/4 percent, say two and a half million people in the USA. Their problem lies
in their primary outlook on life. "Life," says the INFP, "is a very serious matter." Now when a person
makes his life a kind of crusade or a series of crusades, then there's bound to be some taxing of the
spouse. If the INFP takes the other tack, the "monastic" (and the same person can tack back and forth-
now a crusader, now a monastic), the spouse will find himself again taxed, trying to draw the monastic out
of his dark meditative cave.

The opposites of our crusading monastic seem well equipped for this alternating-phase taxation: ENTJ
and ESTJ. Both are anchored in the real world with a vengeance. The ENTJ marshaling his or her forces
toward distant objectives, the ESTJ administrating in a solid, dependable, and traditional way whatever is
his or hers to administer. Both provide anchorage to a person who might otherwise get lost in meditation
or in crusade. Selection of a mate of irrelevant form (e.g., an ISTP artisan or an ESTP promoter) would
not be the wisest of tactics in so serious a business as life.

As of 3/8/00 there are three INFP mailing lists.

Error! Filename not specified.

INTJ - The Free-Thinker

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of looking at things. They enjoy
coming to new understandings. They are insightful and mentally quick; however, this mental quickness
may not always be outwardly apparent to others since they keep a great deal to themselves. They are
very determined people who trust their vision of the possibilities, regardless of what others think. They
may even be considered the most independent of all of the sixteen personality types. INTJs are at their
best in quietly and firmly developing their ideas, theories, and principles.
Living

The independent and individualistic INTJ manner appears early in life. As children, INTJs are often
inwardly focused on their thoughts of the way the world is or ought to be; they enjoy day dreaming. They
can be quite stubborn when information relayed to them by authorities, such as parents and teachers,
contradicts what they believe. They are sure of their own belief system. INTJs are compelled to establish
their own rules, boundaries, standards, and style.

Often at an early age, INTJs make a commitment to furthering their education. The life of the mind is very
important to them. Examples abound of INTJs from economically or intellectually impoverished
circumstances setting goals for themselves to continue in education, often earning the highest degree
possible.

INTJ teenagers may be seen as serious and reserved young people who are labeled as bookworms by
others. They set internal standards of achievement for themselves and often do well academically. Being
sociable is a standard that they rarely think is worth their time and energy.

As adults, INTJs are focused on attaining their inner goals and standards. They set a particular course
based on their theory of what ought to be. They work extremely diligently to accomplish what they feel is
important. They enjoy what they do and see it as a challenge. They are not easily dissuaded and may
regard others' needs and wants as an impediment to attaining their objectives.

Learning and Working

INTJs learn best when they can design their won approach and when they are able to absorb themselves
in an area that interests them. They tend to focus on systems, theories, and constructs relating to
universal truths and principles. They prefer challenging teachers, ones who meet their standards. High
grade-point averages and test scores tend to characterize INTJs, who like rigorous academic work.
Learning needs to be a creative process. Rote memory can be dull and boring for the INTJ.

INTJs are diligent in pursuing new ideas and thoughts, and they exert effort to master a given subject.
This makes INTJs particularly adept in most school situations. Because of their resourcefulness, thirst for
knowledge, and inner needs, INTJs tend to find ways of acquiring knowledge. They gravitate toward
libraries, public lectures, courses, and other learners and teachers - sources that offer them information
and direction.

At work, INTJs use their conceptual strengths to analyze situations and then develop models to
understand and anticipate through relentlessly to reach their goals. They will continue on with their plans,
even in the face of adversity and data that might suggest to other more practical types that their goals are
no longer feasible. By nature, INTJs are independent individualists. They see their visions so clearly that
they are often surprised when others do not see things the same way. INTJs are strong at critiquing and
as a result tend to notice the negatives. To them, a job well done should be reward enough in itself. They
may neglect to comment favorably on others' contributions.

INTJs tend to seek occupations that allow them to change the status quo and to design models to
express their vision creatively. They desire autonomy and room for growth. They prefer to work in a place
in which the future can be planned and where they can work for change in an organized manner.
Some occupations seem to be especially attractive to INTJs: computer systems analyst, electrical
engineer, judge, lawyer, photographer, psychologist, research department manager, researcher, scientist,
university instructor, and other occupations in which long-range vision is essential.

Loving

For INTJs, love means including someone in their vision of the world. INTJ men tend to be attracted to
partners who enjoy living their lives with and outward vitality and zest. Perhaps it is to compensate for
their internal, visionary focus that they often find partners who are more outgoing and may even run
interference to help the INTJ deal with the day-to-day world. INTJ women, however, may seek someone
more like themselves.

INTJs tend to have a model in mind of how their relationship ought to be. This is less a romantic vision
than it is and idea that relates to how the relationship functions in a unique or special way. They tend to
withhold their deep feelings and affections from the public and sometimes even from the object of their
affections. They can be intensely loyal and caring, even though this is not always expressed in words.
INTJs can be generous with their gifts if the gift fits their vision of what ought to be appreciated by their
partner.

When scorned, INTJs retreat to their own world and may share none of their feelings with others. They
may assume that there is a right way for a relationship to end and look for that. They act on the outside as
if nothing has happened to them when indeed much has. They may lash out with criticisms of their former
loved ones. It may take them a while to recover.

Profile by David Keirsey

INTJs are the most self-confident of all types, having "self-power" awareness. Found in about 1 percent of
the general population, the INTJs live in an introspective reality, focusing on possibilities, using thinking in
the form of empirical logic, and preferring that events and people serve some positive use. Decisions
come naturally to INTJs' once a decision is made, INTJs are at rest. INTJs look to the future rather than
the past, and a word which captures the essence of INTJs is builder-a builder of systems and the applier
of theoretical models.

To INTJs authority based on position, rank, title, or publication has absolutely no force. This type is not
likely to succumb to the magic of slogans, watchwords, or shibboleths. If an idea or position makes sense
to an INTJ, it will be adopted, if it doesn't, it won't, regardless of who took the position or generated the
idea. As with the INTP, authority per se does not impress the INTJ.

INTJs do, however, tend to conform to rules if they are useful, not because they believe in them, or
because they make sense, but because of their unique view of reality. They are the supreme pragmatists,
who see reality as something which is quite arbitrary and made up. Thus it can be used as a tool-or
ignored. Reality is quite malleable and can be changed, conquered, or brought to heel. Reality is a
crucible for the refining of ideas, and in this sense, INTJs are the most theoretical of all the types. Where
an ESTP sees ideas as the pawn of reality, an INTJ sees reality as the pawn of ideas: No idea is too far-
fetched to be entertained. INTJs are natural brainstormers, always open to new concepts and, in fact,
aggressively seeking them.

INTJs manipulate the world of theory as if on a gigantic chess board, always seeking strategies and
tactics that have high payoff. In their penchant for logic, the INTJs resemble the INTPs. The logic of an
INTJ, however, is not confined to the expressible logical. Unlike INTPs, INTJs need only to have a vague,
intuitive impression of the unexpressed logic of a system to continue surely on their way. Things need
only seem logical; this is entirely sufficient. Moreover, they always have a keen eye for the consequence
of the application of new ideas or positions. They can be quite ruthless in the implementation of systems,
seldom counting personal cost in terms of time and energy. Theories which cannot be made to work are
quickly discarded by the INTJs.

To understand INTJs, their way of dealing with ideas should be observed closely. Their conscious thought
is extraverted and empirical. Hence, they are better at generalizing, classifying, summarizing, adducing
evidence, proving, and demonstrating than are the INTPs. The INTJs are somewhat less at home with
pure reason, that is, systemic logic, where principles are explicit. In this respect they resemble the ENTJs.
The INTJs, rather than using deductive logic, use their intuition to grasp coherence.

Career

INTJs can be very single-minded at times; this can be either a weakness or a strength in their careers, for
they can ignore the points of view and wishes of others. INTJs usually rise to positions of responsibility,
for they work long and hard and are steady in their pursuit of goals, sparing neither time nor effort on their
part or that of their colleagues and employees.

INTJs live to see systems translated into substance; an INTP, by way of contrast, is content to design the
system. In both these types, however, coherence is the master. Both internal and external consistency
are important, and if an INTJ finds that he or she is in a working situation where overlapping functions,
duplication of effort, inefficient paper flow, and waste of human and material resources abound, the INTJ
cannot rest until an effort is made to correct the situation. Cost-effectiveness is a concept which has a
strong imperative for INTJs, who frequently select occupations in engineering, particularly human
engineering. They also can be found in the physical sciences, in roles which require development, such
as curriculum building, and, in general, any job which requires the creation and application of technology
to complex areas.

Fellow workers of INTJs often feel as if the INTJ can see right through them, and often believe that the
INTJ finds them wanting. This tendency of people to feel transparent in the presence of the INTJ often
result in relationships which have psychological distance. Thus colleagues find the INTJ apparently
unemotional and, at times, cold and dispassionate. Because of their tendency to drive others as hard as
they do themselves, INTJs often seem demanding and difficult to satisfy. INTJs are high achievers in
school and on the job. On the job, they take the goals of an institution seriously and continually strive to
respond to these goals. They make dedicated, loyal employees whose loyalties are directed toward the
system, rather than toward individuals within the system. So as the people of an institution come and go,
the INTJs have little difficulty-unlike the NFs, who have their loyalties involved more with persons than
offices. INTJs tend, ordinarily, to verbalize the positive and eschew comments of a negative nature; they
are more interested in moving an institution forward than commiserating about mistakes of the past.

Home

As mates, INTJs want harmony and order in the home and in relationships. They are the most
independent of all types. They will trust their intuitions about others when making choices of friends and
mates, even in the face of contradictory evidence and pressures applied by others. The emotions of an
INTJ are hard to read, and neither male nor female INTJ is apt to express emotional reactions. At times,
both will seem cold, reserved, and unresponsive, while in fact INTJs are almost hypersensitive to signals
of rejection from those for whom they care. In social situations, INTJs may also be unresponsive and may
neglect to observe small rituals designed to put others at their ease. For example, INTJs may
communicate that time is wasted if used for idle dialogue, and thus people receive a sense of hurry from
an INTJ which is not always intended. In their interpersonal relationships, INTJs are usually better in a
working situation than in recreational situations. They do not enjoy physical contact except with a chosen
few.

As parents, INTJs are dedicated and single minded in their devotion: Their children are a major focus in
life. They are supportive of their children and tend to allow them to develop in directions of their own
choosing. INTJs usually are firm and consistent in their discipline and rarely care to repeat directions
given to children...or others. Being the most independent of all the types, they have a strong need for
autonomy; indifference or criticism from people in general does not particularly bother INTJs, if they
believe that they are right. They also have a strong need for privacy.

The most important preference of an INTJ is intuition, but this is seldom seen. Rather, the function of
thinking is used to deal with the world and with people. INTJs are vulnerable in the emotional area and
may make serious mistakes here.

Midlife

At midlife the feeling side of personality should be given much attention by the INTJ, who can work at
expanding his or her abilities to respond to wishes and feelings of others. They may also do well to turn
more attention to the sensory side of their natures, attempting to get in touch with the joys of good food,
good beverages, social rituals, kinesthetic experiences...and play. The "wasting" of time in play is an
appropriate target as a midlife task for INTJs who can take lessons from an SP, especially an ESP, in the
art of enjoying the pleasures of life.

Mates

Wishing to control nature, the INTJ "scientist" probably has more difficulty than all other types in making
up his or her mind in mate selection. Even mate selection must be done in a scientific way. It may well be
that the narratives, plays, and films impugning the "rational and objective" approach to mating have as
their target our thorough-going scientist INTJ. Nevertheless, when young, the INTJ is attracted to the free-
wheeling, spontaneous, fun-loving "entertainer" ESFP. But the INTJ requires that mating meet certain
criteria, else it is not undertaken. So the INTJ doesn't often go through with what is begun by natural
attraction. Since he or she proceeds in a rational and methodical way, the selection of a similar
temperament is more likely than selection of opposite, following the assumption that those who are similar
ought to do well together. The INTJ "scientist" is also attracted to the ENFP "journalist," probably because
of the enthusiastic, effervescent, and apparently spontaneous enjoyment and wonderment this type
exudes-the very antitheses of the careful, thoughtful exactitude of the INTJ.

Error! Filename not specified.

INTJ Web Ring

INTJ Mailing Lists

Error! Filename not specified.

 ESTJ - The Enforcer

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ESTJs are doers who roll up their sleeves, dig in, and proceed directly to get the job done. They use logic
and analysis as guiding principles for their lives. They are quick to decide and set a plan of action. They
marshall resources in an organized fashion, implement, and follow through. They like closure. They focus
directly on tasks to accomplish and are able to anticipate the steps needed to complete an assignment. In
doing so, they see what might go wrong and take the necessary preventive action. They monitor events
continually and make sure that commitments, both their won and those of others, are honored and the job
gets done. They are at their best in situations that have some structure to them and involve activity, not
contemplation, and in which an end product is desired.

Living

ESTJ children want life to be logical, practical, organized, and fair. They are often responsible, reliable,
and obedient - if the rules make sense. They may be upset by a change in rules or routine, particularly if
the rationale for the change is not given. They like others to be clear about their decisions. ESTJs learn
early on how to use set formulas to make their own firm decisions.

ESTJ children like results-oriented activities and are often busy in some type of sporting or organized
group, such as scouts. They want to learn how to do things correctly and may take lessons that help
accomplish this.

ESTJ teenagers may value the traditional things that teenagers do, such as team sports, band and class
offices. They begin early to assume responsibility for themselves. They believe it is necessary to earn
their keep and as teenagers they often have part-time jobs. Those jobs usually are for specific purposes,
such as saving money for college or buying useful things such as cars or clothes.

As young adults, they focus on their goals, both personal and professional. They build on education and
career goals set earlier in life and do all that they can to make these goals become reality. They seem to
have less confusion or difficulty than some types in choosing a career or selecting a mate because they
like focusing and making decisions.

In adult life, ESTJs are likely to take seriously their roles - such as parent, employer, employee, or church
member - and to be committed to them and the responsibilities they represent. They are able to
compartmentalize their lives and recognize discrete areas of responsibility, such as parenting, working
and playing. ESTJs often gain the respect of others because of their dependability, follow-through, and
task completion. They may be pillars of the family, community, church, or business world.

Learning and Working

ESTJs learn best in structured situations in which the objectives are clearly established. They like
schedules or agendas so that they can plan ahead. It is important for them to know the time frames, the
course content, the requirements, and when papers or projects are due. It is not sufficient to know that a
short paper is a class requirement. The ESTJ wants to know things like an appropriate topic or two, the
number of pages, and the due date. ESTJs like plenty of advance notice and dislike changes in class
schedules. However, when the teacher's authority is established, these changes may be tolerated> Their
idea of a good teacher is one who is consistent, fair, and applications oriented.

ESTJs may be good students when they put in the necessary time and effort. One of their main strengths
is their ability to follow through and meet deadlines. They like learning activities such as field trips,
experiments, and anything that gets them actively involved in the learning process. They sometimes get
stuck when they concentrated only on the facts without putting them together into some kind of coherent
whole.

When an organization wants a job done - on time, according to schedule, with strict specifications -
ESTJs can deliver. They contribute their logical and orderly way of evaluating and monitoring programs.
They are direct and decisive, especially when they see a flaw. They are especially adept at organizing the
steps and the resources needed to get the job done. They follow through with a thoroughness focused on
the actual, practical facts of the situation.

ESTJs prefer occupations that require an organized, logical, and practical bent that incorporates an
effective use of time and resources. They pay attention to the organization's hierarchy and use policies
and procedures to help them to move the tasks along. They like making decisions and dealing with
concrete, specific facts.

Some occupations seem to be more attractive to ESTJs: government worker, insurance agent and
underwriter, judge, manager, military personnel, nursing administrator, police officer, sales representative,
supervisor, trade and technical teacher, and other occupations that allow ESTJs to see tasks
accomplished.

Loving

For ESTJs, love means stability and steadfastness. However, when they first fall in love, they are much
more likely to be spontaneous and open to the moment. They typically enjoy active pursuits, such as
going to parties and sporting events, and taking walks together. ESTJs give and expect security and
loyalty in relationships. When commitments are broken, ESTJs become upset because they hold others
to the same standards of steadfastness to which they hold themselves.

Because they are logical, they expect logically that relationships will have ups and downs. They firmly
believe that with a proper foundation, their relationships will survive expected down times. Because they
expect this, they may ignore helping their partner or examining their relationship during those down times.
In some cases, this inaction can be detrimental to their relationship, and in some cases, not.

When scorned, they may not quickly acknowledge their feelings of hurt. They are, however,
supersensitive to being reflected, but they may not readily share that hurt with others. They continue to go
about their tasks acting as if nothing had happened when, in fact, much has changed.

Profile by David Keirsey

ESTJ'S are very much in touch with the external environment. They know their community and usually
are pillars of strength. The best adjective to describe ESTJs would be responsible. They represent about
13 percent of the general population.
ESTJs are outstanding at organizing orderly procedures and in detailing rules and regulations. They like
to see things done correctly. They tend to be impatient with those who do not carry out procedures with
sufficient attention to those details, prescribed by those with the most experience, that will get the job
done right.

ESTJs are comfortable in evaluating others and tend to judge how a person is doing in terms of standard
operating procedures. They may, at times, be abrupt with those who do not follow rules correctly. ESTJs
are realistic, matter-of-fact, and more curious about new devices and processes than about new
principles and theories.

Career

ESTJ's generally are loyal to their institutions, work, and community and make excellent, faithful mates
and parents. They see where their duty lies and are not likely to shirk the doing of that duty, even when
this requires considerable sacrifice on their part. They frequently rise to positions of responsibility in their
jobs, in the community, and in their religious affiliations. They very often belong to several civic clubs, and
support them both through steady attendance and through their spoken attitudes. ESTJs themselves are
punctual and expect others to be also.

ESTJs may not always be responsive to points of view and emotions of others and may have a tendency
to jump to conclusions too quickly at times. They may not always be willing to listen patiently to opposing
views; they are especially vulnerable to this tendency when in positions of authority. They may need to
make special effort to remain open to input from others who are dependent on them-their children,
spouses, and employees.

ESTJs are so in tune with the established, time-honored institutions and ways of behaving within those
institutions that they cannot understand those who might wish to abandon or radically change those
institutions. They follow routines well at home and at work, tending to have a place for everything and
wanting everything in its place. They are usually neat and orderly at work and at play.

Home

They approach human relations through traditions and rituals, promoting harmony and contentment in
their relationships through creating well worked out routines and procedures. Family traditions have
meaning for ISFJs, and they willingly participate in observing these. They enjoy opportunities to see
friends, former colleagues, and relatives at functions such as retirement dinners, annual picnics,
Thanksgiving gatherings, and weddings. ISFJs are relatively easy to get to know; they do not tend to
confuse people by sending double messages. They are dependable and consistent, and what they seem
to be is what they are.

Midlife

At midlife ESTJs may find new challenge in concentrating on better understanding the emotional reaction
of others. If they do not develop this sensitivity, they can become bad-tempered and highly impatient with
others as the years pass. They probably have been holding a tight rein over their emotions in the service
of their careers and family; now a freer expression of these emotions, especially the positive ones, might
be exercised. Travel to new places should have particular appeal if the ESTJs make special effort to
absorb different cultures and lifestyles.

Mates

To preserve the establishment, to keep it healthy, steady, balanced, well insured, that's what is enjoyable
and satisfying to the ESTJ. Yet the ESTJ is attracted to the disestablishmentarian, the ISFP! Does he
hope to redo this bucolic spirit in his own image? Seemingly not. Perhaps he sees in this person's
extreme laissez-faire a respite from the great responsibilities he manages to accumulate.

He can and sometimes does find another sort of complementary opposite, the INFP "monastic." This is
very infrequent, there being 15 ESTJs for every INFP. It is doubtful if the ESTJ finds any rest in the INFP,
because underneath the monastic is a fierce crusader-hardly what he bargained for. He may soon find
himself asked to increase the "depth" and the "meaningfulness" of the relationship without being given
even the slightest clue on how to proceed. His renewed efforts to "stabilize" and "solidify" the relationship
will only be taken as signs of superficiality and/or meaninglessness.

ESTJ Mailing Lists

Error! Filename not specified.

Type One - The Reformer

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Orderly, Perfectionistic, and Self-Righteous

Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective

Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced
The One with a Nine-Wing: "The Idealist"
The One with a Two-Wing: "The Advocate"
Potential Neuroses: Obsessive-Compulsive and Depressive Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their
ideals, to justify themselves, to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.

Healthy
Conscientious with strong personal convictions: they have an intense sense of right and wrong, personal
religious and moral values. Wish to be rational, reasonable, self-disciplined, mature, moderate in all
things. Extremely principled, always want to be fair, objective, and ethical: truth and justice primary
values. Sense of responsibility, personal integrity, and of having a higher purpose often make them
teachers and witnesses to the truth. At Their Best: Become extraordinarily wise and discerning. By
accepting what is, they become transcendentally realistic, knowing the best action to take in each
moment. Humane, inspiring, and hopeful: the truth will be heard.

Average
Dissatisfied with reality, they become high-minded idealists, feeling that it is up to them to improve
everything: crusaders, advocates, critics. Into "causes" and explaining to others how things "ought" to be.
Afraid of making a mistake: everything must be consistent with their ideals. Become orderly and well-
organized, but impersonal, puritanical, emotionally constricted, rigidly keeping their feelings and impulses
in check. Often workaholics, "anal-compulsive", punctual, pedantic, and fastidious. Highly critical both of
self and others: picky, judgmental, perfectionistic. Very opinionated about everything: correcting people
and badgering them to "do the right thing"—as they see it. Impatient, never satisfied with anything unless
it is done according to their prescriptions. Moralizing, scolding, abrasive, and indignantly angry.

Unhealthy
Can be highly dogmatic, self-righteous, intolerant, and inflexible. Begin dealing in absolutes: they alone
know "The Truth". Everyone else is wrong: very severe in judgments, while rationalizing own actions.
Become obsessive about imperfection and the wrong-doing of others, although they may fall into
contradictory actions, hypocritically doing the opposite of what they preach. Become condemnatory
toward others, punitive and cruel to rid themselves of "wrong-doers". Severe depressions, nervous
breakdowns, and suicide attempts are likely.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

One With a 9 Wing

Ones with this wing can have an aura of 9-like calm although eruptions of temper are possible. Often
have a detached quality and can be mistaken for Fives. Tendency to formulate and embrace principles
that have little human content, but this is also their strength. When awakened, may be objective and
balanced, cool and moderate in their evaluations. More entranced, might have perfectionistic
expectations that are not humanly possible to meet. May hold social or political opinions that are
supremely logical but ultimately heartless and draconian. The rules come first no matter what. Can be
merciless or unwittingly cruel. Often a little colorless in their personal appearance. Many Ones with this
wing are plain dressers, preferring functional clothing that is appropriate to context but not flashy. The
emphasis on function may extend to their general lifestyle. Practicality is highly valued.

One With a 2 Wing

This wing generally brings more interpersonal warmth. High standards are tempered by humanism. May
understand and partly forgive humanity for not doing its best. Work hard to improve the conditions of
others, sacrificing time and energy to do good works. When more entranced, can be volatile and self-
righteous. Authoritarian inflation and moral vanity on the low side. Can give scolding lectures or display a
kind of touchy emotionalism. "Do as I say, not as I do" attitudes possible. Hypocrisy likely because the
person is so convinced they have moral good intentions. Overlook inconsistencies in their own behavior.
Dependency in relationships. Far more likely to be a jealous intimate subtype than Ones with a 9 wing.

Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Characterized by a tendency towards worry and negative anticipation, especially as it relates to material
well-being. Can seem a little like Sixes. They fret about how to avoid making mistakes that could
jeopardize survival. Petty, finicky quality; could seem "penny-wise and pound-foolish." Sense of being
undeserving or inadequate - try to compensate with worry. As a parent or friend, they might be critical and
nurturing by turns, wanting to protect you from the same negative consequences they worry about.

Intimate
May be preoccupied with their romantic partner. Have high expectations based on having idealized their
beloved. Their partner is supposed to be perfect man or woman. One's reaction is jealous judgment if
their beloved acts in less-than-ideal ways. Jealous Ones may drive partners away with endless criticism.
Can have a dependent tendency related to the low side of 2. Most intimate Ones have a 2 wing. Also
there's a melancholy yearning and fear of abandonment fueling the One's criticism. Connection to the low
side of 4.

Social
Social subtype Ones are everywhere in the movies, probably because they create dramatic friction.
Characterized by a preoccupation with rules and how they should apply to (other) people's behavior.
Tend to moralize and apply old standards inflexibly to each new situation. Believe they are
representatives of a larger social order or tradition. They're not, of course - acting as if they represent the
rules is their psychological defense. Usually had great uncertainty in childhood, at least one
undependable parent. Made themselves rigid to feel strong, aligned with the rules to contain their anxiety.
Tend to depersonalize their own feelings, hope to be above criticism. Social Ones can have either wing,
though a 9 wing brings rules that are more abstract and inhuman-sounding.

Error! Filename not specified.

ISFP - The Aesthete

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ISFPs are gentle and compassionate, open and flexible. They are considerate of others and do not force
their views and opinions on them. They often focus on meeting others' needs, especially those who are
less fortunate. Having a quite, modest, self-effacing style, ISFPs avoid disagreements and seek harmony
with people as well as with nature. They enjoy life's precious moments and often add a touch of beauty to
the environments where they spend their time. They are at their best ensuing others' well-being.

Living

ISFP children are pleasant, quiet, and kind. Their talents may be easy to overlook because they shun the
spotlight and do not have a strong need to demonstrate their strengths to others. They may be particularly
drawn to people, animals, and plants who need the gentle care that ISFPs provide.

ISFP children generally relate well with others and tend to have friends because they are easy to like.
They are interested in others's feelings and notice particularly when disharmony exists. It is quite difficult
for ISFPs to see their friends in conflict with one another. When this occurs, they will try to help ease the
disagreements by playing the role of peacemaker.

ISFP children notice and attend to the delights of the senses. Often they will make special gifts for people
whom they particularly like. These gifts are usually unique and original, with much attention paid to color,
line, texture, and form. They are often very conscious of the internal sensations in their bodies. They tend
to be aware of what their body will and will not do.

As teenagers, ISFPs may blend into the woodwork because they are quiet and unassuming. They are
oriented toward deeply felt personal values, and they may find themselves on the outside of social groups
if the groups do not share the same values.

In adult life, ISFPs work quietly, often behind the scenes, helping individuals meet their goals and
dreams. They like a life of action and interaction, and often choose careers that allow them to exercise
their ability to see the needs of the moment and respond quickly. They have little desire to impress others
or to impose their will. However, they can be gently and persistently persuasive if they believe some
action is in another's best interest.

ISFPs enjoy their friends and their families, and spend time nurturing their relationships. They bring an air
of spontaneity and easy acceptance to all they meet and are rarely quickly judgmental. Only when people
do something grossly out of line will the anger of ISFPs surface. They will then stand firmly against the
infraction to support the victim.

Learning and Working

ISFPs learn best through hands-on experience. They may not be as interested in traditional academic
subjects as some other types. They prefer application and practicality rather than studying the theoretical
and only potentially useful. Making drawings, constructing miniature models, or using other direct
representations to master the subject matter are appealing activities for them. They dislike structure and
institutional settings that take away their spontaneity and freedom. They want their learning to be relevant
to what is going on in their world. They have less patience with conceptual and abstract learning.

ISFPs enjoy learning subjects that relate to helping and knowing about people. They may be easily
overlooked in the classroom unless the teacher has recognized their special ways of learning and their
unique contributions. Encouragement helps draw out ISFPs.

At work, ISFPs contribute by attending to the practical facts relating to the needs of people and all living
things in their environments. They can infuse a particular knod of joy into cooperative nature. Because
they pay attention to the humanistic aspects of the organization, they act in ways that ensure others' well-
being. People enjoy ISFPs because they bring understanding yet adaptability to the realities of their work.

ISFPs enjoy occupations that allow them to be flexible and adaptable and to meet the here-and-now
needs of others. They enjoy responding to the moment and choose work where they can offer practical,
specific help in times of difficulty.

Some occupations are more appealing to ISFPs: Bookkeeper, carpenter, personal service worker, clerical
supervisor and secretary, dental and medical staffers, food service worker, nurse, mechanic, physical
therapist, X-ray technician, and other occupations that allow them to provide gentle help to all living
things.

Loving

For the ISFP, love means devotion, loyalty, care, humor, and consideration for the needs and wants of
the loved one. When ISFPs first fall in love, they may feel consumed by it. They may become naive and
focus entirely on the romance of it - 'falling in love with love.' Future worries are cast aside in favor of the
present realities. ISFPs may ignore all else in order to experience their love life most fully. Doing this can
leave them vulnerable to the whims of others.

Because being loved and cared for is important to ISFPs, they make sure that relationships are nourished
so that they can continue to grow. When They are in love, they find a multitude of ways to show their
affection and their appreciation for the other person. Often ISFPs will go so far as to rearrange their
careers, start or stop working, move geographically, or make other changes to maintain their
relationships.
The friends, family members, and even pets of the ISFPs' partners become important to them as well.
ISFPs take it upon themselves to make their environments places where there is the potential to have a
harmonious existence for all.

In their desire to please others, some ISFPs may not be confident enough to speak up for themselves
about what they need. If the relationship turns sour, the ISFP may believe that it was caused by
something that they personally did. They may assume more of the blame than is necessary. When they
are scorned, they may retreat and repeatedly analyse the situation internally. When they do face reality
and finally let go, they can become more assertive and self-directed in the resumption of their lives.

Profile by David Keirsey

ISFPs are found in about 6 percent of the general population. The best name for this type is free spirit, for
they have an intense need for freedom. The simple rural life, life in the wilderness, the tribal/communal
life-all these may call them. Their need for social interaction, however, is not as great as that of the type
they most resemble, the ESFP. So an ISFP may forgo all social ties of any duration to preserve the
freedom to wander. The lyric, "I was born under a wandering star...", might capture the spirit of the ISFP
in this respect. The flower children of the 1960's may have been largely ISFPs, though the ESFPs also
seem attracted to communing with others.

ISFPs also resemble INFPs in needing to achieve intensity of feeling. The focus, however, with the ISFPs
seems to be more on the sensuous side than the meaningful side. The ISFP is orgastic, in the sense,
demanding of life that it provide the excitement and pleasure of drinking deeply at the Dionysian well. Not
revelry (that is the forte of the ESFP) but experience is what attracts the ISFP to these kinds of activities.
Music, like wine, is incorporated and internalized, and the introverted nature of the ISFP requires this
internalization. There is a reason why the flower became the symbol for what the flower children wanted:
Flowers are warm, alive, sweet, colorful, rhythmic, natural, absolute, needing no statement, no
interpretation-a pure being-in-self.

ISFPs are not articulate. They communicate through action. They do not verbalize their meanings, but, for
example, offer a lovely flower and a smile. Their actions speak of the pastoral and the bucolic.

Career

They do not seek philosophy or science or literature. These are too distant from life for the ISFPs. They
seek, rather, the pounding surf, the river, the forest, the ship, the truck, the racing car, the horse, the
potter's wheel, the hoist, the bulldozer-some kind of action where they can keep their fingers on the pulse
of life.

Home

It is not that people are unimportant to the ISFP-indeed they are-but people are more the framework for
the activities of the ISFP, providing a shadowy background. Perhaps this type is the least understood of
all the types-and yet often the most envied. They are so fiercely independent and insistent that they live in
and for the moment, in action, fully savoring the urges they feel and discharge, that others often find them
difficult to comprehend or understand. Gaugin, perhaps, provides a prototype of the ISFP as he walked
away from his affluent position in society, off to Tahiti to an unknown future, and without a backward
glance!

Midlife

At midlife ISFPs may be subject to strong temptation to follow Gaugin's lead, to abandon their current
style of life, and sacrifice home, children, and mate for the lure of the unknown bucolic life. The cost of
following this impulse must, of course, be reckoned. If the ISFP has not found in work a source of
pleasure which continues past midlife, he or she may want to opt for an early retirement and enter into a
new career where their need to be close to nature can be satisfied.

Mates

Pursuit of two themes-closeness to nature and artistic activity-places the ISFP quite a distance from the
utilitarian outlook. Yet it is precisely that outlook that seems to attract the bucolic spirit. The opposite on
the N side is the ENTJ "fieldmarshal," the most militant of all types in his desire to run things. ISFP is
most likely to become a pacifist or environmentalist, and yet also is likely to seek out the person who is
temperamentally suited to tactical leadership, military or otherwise. ISFP is likewise attracted to the ESTJ
"administrator," the person temperamentally suited to be "in charge" of establishments. Note that the
person most likely to deprecate the establishment is attracted to the head of an establishment. It is rather
doubtful, should an ISFP actually marry an ENTJ or ESTJ, that there is any intent or desire to change the
spouse into a pastoral. Of all types, ISFP is most likely to "let be" whoever or whatever. It seems more
likely that the latter provides a kind of anchorage to enterprise and to civilization.

Error! Filename not specified.

ISTJ - The Reliant

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ISTJs are systematic, painstaking, thorough, and hardworking. They get the job done and complete it on
schedule. They are serious and sincere in whatever they do. They work well within a structure, follow the
hierarchy, and are particularly strong and careful in keeping track of facts and details. They are cautious,
generally seeking to maintain the status quo. They are at their best getting things to the right place at the
right time. They honor their commitments.

Living

ISTJ children are serious, dutiful and reserved. They like a great deal of order and structure. In new
situations or with new people, they are quite cautious and perhaps uncomfortable. They prefer familiar
friends to new ones and select friends carefully. When they know what is expected, they act more at ease
with others. They tend to enjoy traditional childhood activities. When they feel comfortable, they also
enjoy group activities such as scouting, with doing their duty and serving their country fitting their world
view of what is right. They like to be read to and appreciate hearing stories as well as the pictures that
accompany them. They particularly like stories in which good triumphs over the forces of evil.

ISTJ children, perhaps more than others, enjoy having a schedule to follow and, even as kids, show a
propensity for getting work-related responsibilities out of the way before they play.

ISTJ teenagers are down-to-earth types who seek to do the appropriate thing at the appropriate time. If
they date, they tend to single out one person and date steadily. ISTJs may be chosen to lead school
activities. They generally believe that one should earn one's keep. Even as children, they may request
chores that help the family. As teenagers, they tend to have part-time jobs. They money they earn tends
to be used for the important practical things in their lives. They do not like to ask their parents for money.

As young adults, ISTJs begin their career training early and find it hard to understand people who start
and education but do not complete it. They believe that dropping out is irresponsible. They complete what
they start. They may choose large and stable organizations in which they hope to find security and an
opportunity to prove their worth. They are particularly realistic about their skills and needs, and prefer to
learn the basics before risking something beyond their capabilities. Slow and steady on an unambiguous
course is the way ISTJs prefer to navigate through life. As a result, they may select undergraduate
programs in college that lead directly to employment.

ISTJs have a need to 'do right' with what they've been given, safeguarding traditions of the family and of
the community. They often will take on extra personal responsibilities in order to maintain what they
believe is important.

ISTJs may stay with a job or company they do not particularly like because they tend to regard financial
well-being as very important and are willing to do without things, including emotional gratification, so that
they can provide for their retirement. They worry particularly about being dependent on others for their
needs and work hard to avoid that state.

Learning

ISTJs learn best and apply themselves most carefully in subject areas that are practical and useful. They
are diligent and persevering in their studies. As learners, ISTJs tend to need materials, directions, and
teachers to be precise and accurate if they are to trust the information that is presented. They prefer
concrete and useful applications and will tolerate theory only if it leads to these ends.

ISTJs like learning activities that allow them time to reflect and to think. If the material is too easy or
appears to be too enjoyable, the ISTJ may be skeptical of its merit. Because of their practical bent, they
believe that work is work and play is play. Therefore, their preferred learning environment is task oriented,
starts and stops on time, and has clear and precise assignment.

Working

At work, ISTJs get things done on a timely basis. They honor deadlines, and they believe in
thoroughness. A half-finished joy is not a joy well done. They established procedures and schedules, and
are uncomfortable with those who do not do the same. ISTJs put duty before pleasure. As long as they
can fulfil their responsibilities, they feel useful and thereby satisfied. Their work does not have to be fun,
but it has to count toward something productive. ISTJs believe that vacations are something that one
takes only when work has been accomplished; thus, at times they do not take vacations even when they
could and should.

ISTJs prefer work settings that contain hard-working people who are focused on facts, details and results.
They want structure, order, and some privacy for concentration without interruptions. They like tangible
products and concrete accomplishments. They want to be secure and to be rewarded for their solid
accomplishments at a steady pace.

They pride themselves on their organization, yet often think it is still not quite good enough. They usually
have a great deal of factual information to deal with, and they take pains to properly label and file it. They
put emphasis on cross-referencing and easy retrievals. A hands-on approach is important to ISTJs,
because they make use of the actual or the visual memory of the concrete data in their hands.

ISTJs prefer occupations that require thoroughness, accuracy, perseverance, and follow-through. They
would rather work in situations in which they can see concrete, tangible results. Accountant, auditor,
dentist, electrician, first-line supervisor, math teacher, mechanical engineer, police supervisor,
steelworker, technician, and other occupations are particularly attractive to ISTJs.

Leading

While not directly seeking leadership positions, ISTJs are often placed in such roles. They build a
reputation for reliable, stable, and consistent performance that causes others to select them to lead.
ISTJs use their past experience and their factual knowledge in their decision making. They respect
traditional, hierarchical approaches and seek to reward those who get the job done by following the rules
and standard operating procedures. In their view, rewards should go to outstanding contributors who do
not violate the rules while completing their work. ISTJs are more task oriented than relationship oriented
in their style.

Leisure

Leisure for ISTJs must be earned. Leisure-time activities usually take place after work is accomplished. If
they engage in leisure before their work is done, it is usually because of the circumstances in which they
find themselves. For example, an ISTJ with a fun-loving spouse might engage in more playful activities.

For ISTJs, leisure needs to have a purpose and a result, and a beginning and an end. And they like to
schedule their leisure time. They enjoy spending time alone and need to be aware of their potential to
become isolated from others. For example, they may become absorbed in watching television because it
allows them time to reflect and yet appear to be doing something. This time may also be an opportunity
for them to be physically present with their family, though in some cases somewhere else mentally.

Loving

For the ISTJ, love means commitment, steadiness, and consistency. ISTJs expect themselves and their
mates to be responsible, practical, and dependable. When in a relationship, they behave appropriately for
what the situation or their role demands. For example, if the relationship is in the courting stage, the ISTJ
will exhibit courting behaviors, such as giving boxes of candy, red roses and presents. These are
worthwhile and important traditions to uphold and observe because they give direct evidence of
commitment.

When ISTJs give their word and are ready to settle down, they follow through. Because they are dutiful,
they expect their partners to behave in a similar fashion. They offer their partners stability and security.
They do sensible things for the relationship, such as paying the bill and making household repairs.

ISTJs may stay in poor relationships out of their sense of duty, even when it is to their benefit to leave.
They prefer the certainty of the current relationship to any future unknowns. When feeling scorned, ISTJs
may not let their partners or others know it. Because they focus internally and because the facts all
support the conclusion that the relationship is over, ISTJs may feel it redundant to express to their
partners or others what is going on. When it seems clear to the partners that the relationship really is
over, ending it is the practical thing to do. However, when a decision to part is not so clear to ISTJs, they
may continue to rehash the past rather than look to the future and other relationships.

Profile by David Keirsey

ISTJs are characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are guardians of time-honored institutions,
and, if only one adjective could be selected, dependable would best describe this type which represents
about 6 percent of the general population. The word of ISTJ's is their bond, and they experience great
uneasiness by thoughts of a bankrupt nation, state, institution, or family.

Whether at home or at work, this type is rather quiet and serious. ISTJs are extraordinarily persevering
and dependable. The thought of dishonoring a contract would appall a person of this type. When they
give their word, they give their honor. ISTJs can be counted on to conserve the resources of the
institution they serve and bring to their work a practical point of view. They perform their duties without
flourish or fanfare; therefore, the dedication they bring to their work can go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Career

ISTJ's interest in thoroughness, details, justice, practical procedures, and smooth flow of personnel and
materiel leads this type to occupations where these preferences are useful. For example, ISTJs make
excellent bank examiners, auditors, accountants, or tax examiners. Investments in securities are likely to
interest this type, particularly investments in blue-chip securities. ISTJs are not likely to take chances
either with their own or others' money.

ISTJs can handle difficult, detailed figures and make sense of them. They communicate a message of
reliability and stability, which often makes them excellent supervisors of, for example, a ward in a hospital,
a library, or a business operation. They would be capable of handling the duties of a mortician, a legal
secretary, or a law researcher. High-school teachers of business, home economics, physical education,
and the physical sciences are ISTJs, as are top-ranking officers of the Women's Army Corps. Often this
type seem to have ice in their veins, for people fail to see an ISTJ's vulnerability to criticism.

ISTJs are patient with their work and with procedures within an institution, although not always patient
with the individual goals of people in that institution. ISTJs will see to it that resources are delivered when
and where they are supposed to be; materiel will be in the right place at the right time. And ISTJs would
prefer that this be the case with people too.
Home

As a husband or wife, the ISTJ is a pillar of strength. Just as this type honors business contracts, so do
they honor the marriage contract. Loyal and faithful mates, they take responsibilities to children and mate
seriously, giving lifelong commitment to these. Duty is a word the ISTJ understands. The male ISTJ sees
himself as the breadwinner of the family, although he can accept a working wife-as long as
responsibilities to children are not shirked. The male ISTJ's concept of masculinity is patriarchal, and both
female and male ISTJs make steady, dependable partners. The female ISTJ may abandon the frivolous
for the sensible and may not always deepen her sensuality.

As parents, ISTJs are consistent in handling children, and the rules of the family are made clear. A
rebellious, nonconforming child may have a difficult time, however, with an ISTJ parent-and vice versa. As
a child, the ISTJ is apt to be obedient and a source of pleasure to parents and teachers.

Although ISTJs are outstandingly practical and sensible, they can marry people who are thoroughly
irresponsible, with the marriage developing into a relationship more parent to child that adult to adult. The
ISTJ fluctuates from being rescuer to reformer of the wayward mate. The marriage then becomes a
lifelong game: On one side, there is Irresponsibility, Promise of Reform, Brief Period of Reform, and
Irresponsibility again; on the ISTJ's part, the cycle is Disapproval, Rescue, Scolding, Forgiveness,
Acceptance of Promise To Do Better, and on and on. This pattern often is seen when an ISTJ marries an
alcoholic and enters a life of caretaking punctuated by periods of anger and rejection. Somehow, although
ISTJs can accept periodic fickleness and selfishness in significant others, they do not see this kind of
behavior as acceptable in themselves.

ISTJs have a distaste for and distrust of fanciness in speech, dress, or home. The ostentacious is
abhorred, and a neat, orderly, and functional home and work environment is preferred. Durability of
furnishings are of primary concern, aesthetics given slim consideration. The clothes of an ISTJ tend to be
practical and durable rather than in the latest style or luxurious. "No nonsense" in both food and clothes
seems characteristic of this type who tend not to be attracted by exotic food and beverages, or places.

The male ISTJ may enjoy stag, men only parties and use a different sort of language when only men are
present. The yearly hunting or fishing trip as a male ritual is often a part of recreation for an ISTJ. More
than the female, the ISTJ male is apt to be involved in community service organizations that transmit
traditional values to the young, such as Boy Scouting. They understand and appreciate the contributions
these groups make in preserving the national heritage. Along with the SJ's, the ISTJ takes particular
delight in festive occasions held in the context of rituals, for example, weddings, holiday feasts, and
birthdays. At work, the ISTJ is apt to see the holiday office party as a necessary nuisance and would be
likely to participate and enjoy these events.

Midlife

At midlife ISTJs might develop an interest in collecting art objects and indulge themselves in using time to
craft objects which have utilitarian purpose. ISTJs might enjoy relaxing physically and psychologically
from a decision-making role, perhaps even schooling themselves to allow others to wait on them. They
might want to increase their capacity to engage in frivolity and, for a change, let someone else worry
about the future. Continuing to put off vacations, wanted luxuries, rest periods, and other long-overdue
activities could well be abandoned in favor of some self-indulgence.

Mates
Here is the paragon of insurance, preparation, and consolidation-a person with a strong desire to be
trusted. Small wonder that he looks upon accounting, banking, and securities with a benevolent eye. Try
to imagine him married to one of his own kind: Two Rocks of Gibraltar, each steadfastly tempering the
other's steadfast tempering! We can safely guess that this sort of relationship wouldn'ts work very well.

The attraction, rather, is for the "entertainer," for the vivacity and sparkle of ESFP, the opposite of ISTJ.
ISTJ is the ultimate saver who is fascinated by, and frequently marries, the ultimate spender! Here is
complementarily to the nth degree! Just as often, ISTJ finds his or her opposite on the intuitive side: the
ENFP. Perhaps he senses in the ENFP's desire to spread the word something similar to the ESFP's
desire to put on a show. Certainly the vivacity and sparkle is apparent in both, an attribute which must be
quite enchanting to the sober and careful ISTJ.

Error! Filename not specified.

ISTP - The Realist

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ISTPs are realists who apply expediency and reasoning as they manage and adapt to situations. They
are aware of what is going on in the environment and are able to respond quickly to the actual facts,
making sure the odds of success are in their favor. They do not like to be tied down and will feel
hamstrung when they must operate within tight structures and schedules. They are able to anticipate
immediate, practical needs in situations and to present a logical, straightforward plan for meeting those
needs. They are at their best in situations that require immediate attention.

Living

ISTP children want life to be logical, flexible and action oriented. While they like hands-on activities, they
also may want to stand aside and observe what is taking place. They are especially observant of what
makes things tick and may take apart a toy to see its inner workings. They are curious and are great
gatherers of data and detail. They rarely forget what they have noticed about places and things. They are
aware of flaws and try to correct them. ISTP children become very absorbed in their hobbies.

ISTP teenager may have several close friends but generally are not social butterflies. They relate to
others by sharing detailed information about one of their interests or sharing in physical activities that
involve a measure of risk. They like sports in which they can challenge themselves and master specific
techniques and strategies.

As young adults, ISTPs tend to follow a path of least resistance when thinking about their careers. They
usually don't like planning ahead because they think that things don't turn out like the plan. They relax
their brain while everyone else is busy using theirs to plan.

ISTPs are pragmatists and gamblers who play each hand as it is dealt. As a result, they are able to take
advantage of opportunities as they arise. In adult life, ISTPs are fairly laid back and mellow. They do not
impose much structure on themselves or others. Because they retain and use detail for logical ends, they
are often recognized by their employers as people who do well with the careful and precise understanding
of factual data.
Most ISTPs, when questioned about their careers, reveal that they would love to have more time and
income to pursue their interests full-time. Because retirement may allow ISTPs to further pursue their
work as well as leisure interests unhampered by time demands, it is a very desirable state for them. If
their work is interesting, they may resist retirement because their work is a key element in their lives.
When their work does not provide them with enough enjoyment and challenge, they may try to arrange
things so that they can retire early and thus obtain more time to enjoy their leisure pursuits.

Learning

ISTPs learn best when they can observe first-hand in a one-to-one situation. They are particularly fond of
subjects that have a logical basis; mastering certain rules or principles allows them to efficiently work with
the subject matter. They like individual projects that require them to solve problems systematically.

ISTPs prefer to learn alone, at their own rate and in their own time frame. Because they are able to
assimilate a great amount of detail in areas that interest them, they usually do well in those areas. ISTPs
earn their best grades when it is necessary to accurately report facts and data. They are impatient with
theorectical subjects and like their learning to be directed toward concrete and practical outcomes.

Teachers are not particularly important to ISTPs in the overall scheme, unless they can show ISTPs how
to do things more easily. When the teacher obstructs or gets in the way of something ISTPs want to learn,
they may ignore or go around the teacher. The formal or traditional school setting is not as important to
ISTPs as is the opportunity to increase their own practical knowledge. Nontraditional programs or
approaches often attract ISTPs, especially when they can learn about things that they see as vital and
central to their interests.

Working

At work, ISTPs contribute their realistic and logical way of meeting situational requirements. They can see
the easiest and most expedient route to completing a task, and they do not waste their effort on
unnecessary things. They often act as trouble shooters, rising to meet the needs of the occasion. Since
many ISTPs have a natural bent in technical areas, they may often function as 'walking encyclopedias' of
technical information.

ISTPs prefer a work setting that is project oriented and unconstrained by rules. They want a chance to be
active, independent problem solvers. They do not like routing but want the opportunity to be somewhat
inventive in meeting current needs.

The ISTP organizing style is based on expediency and quick application of information. They often
organize their hobbies or collections and make a game of finding the best way to arrange things.

ISTPs prefer flexibility and impersonal dealings with others. Because they often have a technical
orientation, they prefer to work in an environment that produces a practical product. They pay attention to
the organization's hierarchy only to the point of learning how to bypass or go around it if it stands in their
way. ISTPs may have mastered the details of the organization but may rebel if it is too rigid.

Carpenter, construction worker, dental hygienist, electrical engineer, farmer, mechanic, military personnel,
probation officer, steel worker, transportation operative, and other occupations that allow them to use
their ability to act expediently are generally attractive to an ISTP.
Leading

The ISTP leadership style is one of leading through action, by setting an example. They respond quickly
when trouble is at hand. They operate logically from their internal ruling principles. They give their staff
the necessary information to do their jobs, allowing them to complete their work in their own fashion. They
prefer to be managed loosely and with minimal supervision, and they manage others in a similar fashion.

Leisure

The opportunity to pursue their interests is very important to ISTPs. They will do what it takes to have the
time and money to accommodate their leisure-time pursuits. ISTP leisure activities often have a physical
and risk-taking aspect to them. ISTPs get deeply involved in their activities, adding new ones when
boredom sets in, finding that one interest may lead to another. Often interests begun in childhood, such
as stamp collecting, cooking, and chess, are maintained throughout their lifetimes. ISTPs retain detail
accurately and often use their spare time to learn more facts.

Loving

For the ISTP, love means being responsive yet realistic. ISTPs seek partners who either are willing to
allow them to have their necessary freedom or who will participate in these activities with them. They may
introduce their partners to their interests if they are ones that they want to share. When this is the case,
they will acquaint their loved one with all the facts and details of their interest.

When falling in love, ISTPs are very attentive to small things that might be enjoyed by their partners,
surprising them with those particular gifts. They would rather show their feelings through their actions
than verbalize them. They are not likely to discuss their feelings about their relationships with their
partners because they believe that the experiences that they have had together will speak for their
feelings. Feelings are discuss only when necessary.

When scorned, ISTPs are not likely to share hurt feelings with the external world. If the couple still has
some interests in common, ISTPs may maintain the relationship with the loved one, but on a different
plane. They do not give up easily on their relationships, however, unless the weight of the factual
evidence convinces them to do so. When the relationship is actually over, they are usually not vindictive.
They see the end of the relationship as a concrete fact about which it does little good to worry. They can
therefore move on to new experiences.

Profile by David Keirsey

The action orientation of the ISTPs will not be as apparent as it is in the ESTPs and the ESFPs;
nonetheless, it is most assuredly there. ISTPs direct their action toward the factual and the practical. They
are a joy to watch as they become involved in an activity. At such a time, they may work 36 hours at a
stretch, never letting up until the activity releases them from its hold. Because of this, they can be found
among the performing artists and the craft artisans. They are often successful in the building trades and
in the technician occupations of scientific laboratories, tending to avoid service and clerical work. They
make up about 6 percent of the general population, and the one word which best describes the ISTP is
artisan.

The precision and tireless energy which ISTPs exhibit when focusing on a particular activity does not
extend to their lifestyle in general. They are not interested in perfectionism in all areas and so may
tolerate disorder in the general environment. They can even be somewhat on-again, off-again in their
intense interests, which causes them to be seen, at times, as unpredictable and unstable, even impulsive.
They are uneasy when not active and find sitting, reading, idle chatting, and the like uncomfortable. Time
that stretches out ahead with no option to act raises the ISTP's anxiety. They are more content working
on a project which interests them, but the interest is not in the project's outcome; rather, in its processes.
Activity is the thing, an end in itself.

Career

For ISTPs knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not as important as the use of knowledge in providing
a foundation for activity. They are not particularly interested in acquiring advanced levels of education
through formal channels, preferring to gain expertise through experience and action. In recreation, they
are involved in sports, either as participant or spectator or both. Probably 50 percent of the surfers are
ISTPs, for surfing requires a willingness to perfect a performance and a tolerance for solitude.

ISTPs respond to the challenge of complicated equipment that provides action. For example, large trucks,
earth movers, and construction machinery are apt to fascinate an ISTP. They also find their need for
excitement and action met in such occupations as surgery, electronics, car racing, bicycle racing,
daredevil acts, acrobatics, athletics, and the like. Surely the gunslinger of yesterday and the hit man of
today draw their great virtuosos from the ISTP pool. Outstanding craftsmen are also apt to come from this
type-for example, the sculptor, the wood carver, the furniture maker, the cabinet maker, the tile maker, the
weaver, and the rug maker.

Home

ISTPs enjoy solitude: and their ties with others can be somewhat superficial because they tend to connect
with others through activities where body movement is involved rather than through face-to-face dialogue.
Others sometimes find ISTPs distant and detached.

Midlife

At midlife ISTPs may be at the point of developing outstanding expertise in their craft, and a shift away
from this may not be productive. They may, however, want to work on expanding the extraverted,
gregarious side of their personalities and may need to develop discipline in completing one project before
beginning another.

Mates

The adventuresome artisan may seek out his opposite in the ENFJ "teacher." As noted previously, in the
ENFJ he finds a catalyst to growth, certainly a complementary quality to his artisanship. There is nothing,
however, in the nature of the ENFJ that is catalytic to the adventurer side of the ISTP's temperament. If
this theme is dominant in the ISTP, then the ENFJ-ISTP mating is headed for trouble.

The ISTP is at least as attracted to the soothing, hosting, giving ESFJ. It takes the ESFJ "master of
ceremonies" to get the ISTP off his motorcycle (surfboard, airplane, hang-glider) long enough to relate to
others in more productive and facilitative ways. The ISTP needs this anchorage, else he wanders off into
the frontier (when Horace Greeley said, "Go west, young man," the ISTP took him seriously and went!).

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Descriptions

The Sixteen Myers-Briggs Types

Idealists Rationals Guardians Artisans

ENFJ - Sage ENTJ - Leader ESTJ - Enforcer ESTP - Adventurer
ENFP - Visionary ENTP - Innovator ESFJ - Helper ESFP - Joker
INFJ - Mystic INTJ - Free-Thinker ISTJ - Reliant ISTP - Realist
INFP - Dreamer INTP - Wizard ISFJ - Nurturer ISFP - Aesthete

The Nine Enneagram Types

One - Reformer
Two - Giver
Three - Achiever
Four - Individualist
Five - Investigator
Six - Loyalist
Seven - Enthusiast
Eight - Chief
Nine - Peacemaker
Error! Filename not specified.

ISFJ - The Nurturer

Profile by Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow

ISFJs are sympathetic, loyal, considerate and conscientious. They will go to any amount of trouble, when
it makes sense to them, to help those in need. ISFJs operate most comfortably in situations where the
rules are well defined and where traditions are to be upheld. They focus on providing practical help and
services for others and for the organizations they serve. They are often self-effacing in getting the job
done, and they are willing to make necessary sacrifices, especially for their families> They are at their
best quietly providing assistance and making sure things are in proper order.
Living

ISFJ children are conscientious, diligent, and rarely a behaviours problem to their parents or teachers.
They like to know what is expected, and then they will dutifully and quietly follow through. In some
respects, ISFJs behave like 'perfect children' because they try to please their parents, teachers, and
those in authority. They work to meet others' requirements if they are in keeping with the ISFJs' value
system, even if this involves a sacrifice on their part.

Security and routine are very important to ISFJ children. For some ISFJs, this means knowing exactly
who is going to be there after school to take charge or who will be invited to play games with them. This
need for security and order also applies in school. ISFJ children like to know exactly what they are
supposed to do in school and like to feel certain that they have the skills before being called upon. ISFJs
need gentle nudging to move beyond their comfort level. They may worry a lot about any number of
things. This is apparent even in young children.

ISFJ children are particularly introspective in the face of adversity. Because of their inward focus, it simply
does not occur to them to share their problems with others. They usually have a few close friends whom
they are likely to deep as close friends for a lifetime. They often belong to at least one social group. They
avoid center stage and contribute willingly in quiet, practical, behind-the-scenes ways. When comfortable,
they can radiate their feelings and thoughtful values outward to others. They are often accepted for their
kindness and quiet friendliness. They typically select a few special friends and nurture these friendships
over long periods of time.

ISFJs shy away from disharmony and try to maintain cooperation at all costs. They may be more cautious
and conservative than many of their peers. As young adults, ISFJs set goals with a variety of time frames,
ranging from daily goals to long-range ones. If ISFJs have goals of summer vacation trips, they begin to
save their money months in advance, gather accurate information on costs, and make lists of what to
take. They try to have things in order each day so they will not have to worry too much about tomorrow.

In their careers, ISFJs are often likely to take what comes along; for example, they may accept the first
job offer, rather than continue to look for something else and remain in a state of flux. Once in a job, they
generally try to make the most of it, since the known is preferable to the unknown. They are loyal
employees who diligently work at whatever tasks are given to them.

Learning and Working

ISFJs tend to be good students, because they diligently follow through in their work to please their
teachers. One aspect of pleasing their teachers is wanting to know their teachers' basic requirements so
that they can meet them to the letter of the law. They like having assignments that are clear and that
tangibly demonstrate that they have worked hard. They are not likely to feel comfortable with an
independent study project, because independent study leaves them too much on their own without a set
of definite procedures.

ISFJs learn best by doing. They like to be involved in their work, perhaps having a work sheet to follow
along as the teacher speaks. They may feel comfortable in group activities as long as they are working
with a cooperative and task-focused group. They learn well from lectures that are well organized, not too
fast paced, and properly sequenced. Lectures that activate their senses or connect to sensory
impressions are very rich for ISFJs. They find arguing to be nonproductive and even uncomfortable. They
like clear conclusions to their learning. They want to know the right answer. They may need to accept that
situations do not always have one answer and learn to feel comfortable with that.
At work, ISFJs contribute loyal, sympathetic, consistent, and considerate service to others. They are know
for their kindness and for their willingness to go to any length to help those in need. They take the
practical needs of people into account when they do their work, and their strong follow-through skills allow
them to carry out organizational goals. They do at least what is expected to them and oftentimes more,
without attracting attention to themselves. They are painstaking and responsible with detail and routine,
and feel it is important to have the right things in the right places at the right times.

ISFJs are attracted to occupations that require dedication to others, service, attentiveness to details, and
thoroughness. They would rather work with things that they can see - the tangibles that result in
something worthwhile for people.

Some occupations are more appealing to ISFJs: bookkeeper, clerical supervisor, curator, family practice
physician, health service worker, librarian, medical technologist, nurse, preschool and elementary
teacher, typist, and other occupations that provide opportunities for them to meet their need to be of
service to others.

Loving

For the ISFJ, love means security and commitment. Again, like other types, ISFJs tend to fall hard when
they fall in love. Because they place a high value on marriage and family, they seek out a partner and feel
unfulfilled without one. Marriage and family give ISFJs appropriate outlets for their love. In addition, they
provide opportunities for them to meet their need to be of service to others. Because they are willing to
give so much, they tend to expect the same sort of response from their mates and may be disappointed
when their partners do not comply. However, they are realistic enough to know that they may not get
exactly what they want and sometimes must accept their fate quietly.

ISFJs tend to stay in relationships that may not be in their best interests. Because ISFJs are responsible
and dutiful, unless they are careful, their partners may take advantage of them. ISFJs are likely to stay in
such relationships, because their values of commitment and stability are more important than their
individual needs and wants. They may be taken for granted by the very people whom they care and do so
much.

In love, ISFJs tend to epitomize people who radiate warmth and good feeling. While ISFJs may not
verbalize deep love or the underlying sense of security and commitment that they feel, their contented
facial expressions and demeanors illustrate their inner thoughts. They will do whatever is necessary to
maintain this state. When the spouse or family of the ISFJ does not meet his or her expectations, the
opposite facial expression or demeanor may occur. They are unlikely to talk with others about their
disappointments.

When ISFJs are scorned, they are likely to be disappointed, angry, and bitter. However, they keep their
feelings inside and often focus on themselves. After her spouse had left her to marry another, one ISFJ
commented, 'It wouldn't mean anything if I let the anger out.' Even though she was in pain, she held back
her feelings and tears, responding to a strong need to appear composed and stoic to others.

Profile by David Keirsey

Six out of every one hundred people are ISFJs. Here the primary desire is to be of service and to minister
to individual needs. ISFJs carry a sense of history, a sense of continuity with past events and
relationships. Traditions and the conservation of resources are valued highly. The least hedonistic of all
types, ISFJs believe work is good, play must be earned. ISFJs are willing to work long, long hours. When
they undertake a task, it will be completed if at all humanly possible. Adhering to an established way of
doing things and doing them well is valued and respected. The efficiency and effectiveness of an
established procedure is not often questioned. Procedures dictated by handbooks are law. If others
violate or ignore these standard operating procedures, ISFJs are annoyed and irritated, although they
may not always display this reaction. Usually, such irritation is turned inward and may be experienced as
fatigue and muscle tension.

Career

ISFJs are super-dependable and seldom are happy working in situations where rules are constantly
changing. Their major need to be of service to others leads them into occupations such as nursing,
teaching, secretarial work, medical practice (especially general practice), librarian work, and middle
management administrative jobs. They relate well to people who need them, for example, the sick, the
ignorant, students, and the "boss." Much satisfaction comes to them when they are taking care of the
needs of another and they render the service gently and helpfully. When the recipient is no longer in
need, the relationship may change its character, the ISFJ becoming disinterested. They enjoy assisting
the downtrodden and can handle better than other types servility in others. If a situation calls for such
behavior on their part, they will show "due respect." ISFJs have an extraordinary sense of responsibility
and an outstanding talent for executing routines which call for repeated, sequential procedures; for
example, ISFJs make extraordinary secretaries, highly efficient nurses, and dedicated teachers.
Speculation and theory do not intrigue ISFJs, who would rather leave the less practical matters to others
while remaining themselves practical and down-to-earth.

ISFJs tend to be devoted and loyal to a boss and tend to identify personally rather than institutionally.
They expect others, including the boss, to follow procedures and are distressed and embarrassed when
people do not behave as they are supposed to behave. ISFJs often seem to feel personally responsible
for seeing to it that people in an institution or business carry out established rules and routines. They
often are aware of status given by titles, environment, offices, and the like and can use this to advantage.
They are aware of the value of material resources and abhor the squandering or misuse of these
resources. To save, to put something aside against an unpredictable future, to prepare for emergencies-
these are important actions.

ISFJs may experience some discomfort when placed in positions of authority over others and may tend to
try to do everything themselves rather than insist that others do their jobs. As a result, ISFJs are
frequently overworked.

Home

ISFJs are devoted to mate and family and usually are excellent homemakers. The home of an ISFJ is
likely to be well kept inside and out. Interior and exterior are meticulously maintained and appointed in the
traditional manner. As a parent, the ISFJ expects the children to conform to the rules of society and has a
feeling of personal responsibility to see to it that these rules are honored. An ISFJ is apt to find the putting
on of airs as offensive and tends to prefer modest, quiet friends rather than more boisterous ones. For the
ISFJ, people should behave according to their position in life, and the ISFJ may be annoyed by others
who act either above or below their social or economic station.

The ISFJ female often displays a flair for making the interior of the home attractive in a time-honored
style, provides attractive, nourishing meals, and maintains the environment in a neat and orderly state. To
the ISFJ male and female, the home territory is important to own and to preserve.
While ISFJs are super-dependable, they may be fascinated by and attracted to the irresponsible, the lush,
the glutton. Many ISFJs marry alcoholics and then proceed to conduct a rescue-rejection game without
end, with the rescuing phase taking the guise of an attempt to reform. Occasionally an ISFJ mother may
reveal a tendency to find humor in the "waywardness" of a son, while raising her daughters to respect
traditions and to do the Right Thing at the Right Time; always.

ISFJs are frequently misunderstood and undervalued. Their contributions often are taken for granted, and
the ISFJ as well is too often taken for granted. This can cause an ISFJ to harbor feelings of resentment,
and this bottled up emotion can gnaw inwardly, causing the ISFJ much undeserved suffering.

Midlife

At midlife ISFJs might want to develop the thinking function more fully. For example, a study of human
behavior might be one avenue that ISFJs can find fascinating at this time. They also might practice being
in the limelight occasionally, more aggressively claiming recognition for the many contributions they have
been making so quietly for so long. They could even practice the art of accepting service from others,
allowing themselves to be pampered a bit, and cutting down on the services they provide to others, no
matter who those others may be.

Mates

The conserving nature of the ISFJ nicely complemented the iconoclasm of the ENTP "inventor." There
would seem to be an even greater affinity in the mating of ISFJ with the ESTP "promoter." The dashing,
glittering, wheel-and-deal capers of the ESTP calls for anchorage. The ESTP tends to have "high" periods
during which there is a whirlwind of euphoric activity. The ISFJ provides, and likes to provide, a place to
"crash" for our high-rolling entrepreneur. Usually the ISFJ finds employment that requires this ministering,
nursing, helping sort of activity. Even so, he or she doesn't seem to mind doing the same thing at home,
and so tends to get burdened with a bit more duty than others. If the spouse does not show appreciation
now and then for this overtime work, he may be in for an increase in physical complaints and "worries" on
the part of the unappreciated ISFJ.

ISFJ Mailing Lists

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Seven - The Enthusiast

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Accomplished, Excessive, and Manic

Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain

Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content to have their needs fulfilled
The Seven with a Six-Wing: "The Entertainer"
The Seven with an Eight-Wing: "The Realist"
Potential Neuroses: Histrionic, Borderline, Antisocial, and Manic-Depressive Personality Disorders
Key Motivations: Want to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile
experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain.

Healthy
Highly responsive, excitable, enthusiastic about sensation and experience. Most extroverted type: stimuli
bring immediate responses they find everything invigorating. Lively, vivacious, eager, spontaneous,
resilient, cheerful. Easily become accomplished achievers, generalists who do many different things well:
multi-talented. Practical, productive, usually prolific, cross-fertilizing areas of interest. At Their Best:
Assimilate experiences in depth, making them deeply grateful and appreciative for what they have.
Become awed by the simple wonders of life: joyous and ecstatic. Intimations of spiritual reality, of the
boundless goodness of life.

Average
As restlessness increases, want to have more options and choices available to them. Become
adventurous and "worldly wise," but less focused, constantly seeking new things and experiences: the
sophisticate, connoisseur, and consumer. Money, variety, keeping up with the latest trends important.
Unable to discriminate what they really need, become hyperactive, unable to say "no" to themselves,
throwing self into constant activity. Uninhibited, doing and saying whatever comes to mind: storytelling,
flamboyant exaggerations, witty wise-cracking, performing. Fear being bored: in perpetual motion, but do
too many things—many ideas but little follow through. Get into conspicuous consumption and all forms of
excess. Self-centered, materialistic, and greedy, never feeling that they have enough. Demanding and
pushy, yet unsatisfied and jaded. Addictive, hardened, and insensitive.

Unhealthy
Desperate to quell their anxieties, can be impulsive and infantile: do not know when to stop. Addictions
and excess take their toll: debauched, depraved, dissipated escapists, offensive and abusive. In flight
from self, acting out impulses rather than dealing with anxiety or frustrations: go out of control, into erratic
mood swings, and compulsive actions (manias). Finally, their energy and health is completely spent:
become claustrophobic and panic-stricken. Often give up on themselves and life: deep depression and
despair, self-destructive overdoses, impulsive suicide.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Seven With a 6 Wing

Healthy Sevens with a 6 wing are responsible, faithful, lovable, nervous and funny. They are generally
more oriented to relationship and want to be accepted by other people. Can be steady, more willing to
stick with commitments; the 6 wing brings a longer sense of time. Usually funny or enjoy a good laugh -
an amazing number of comedians are Sevens with a 6 wing. More openly vulnerable, have an
unguarded, tender sweetness. Some have trouble expressing anger even when they are justified. May
evade or finesse authority but still aware of it like a 6. Canny and practical, they look for the deals and the
loopholes. When more entranced, may have surprise episodes of sensitivity and insecurity. Their feelings
can be easily hurt sometimes. Sensitive especially to comparisons. May avoid putting themselves to the
test. Grow dependent and addicted to other people, afraid to be alone, suspicious and skittish. Can feel
guilt easily, may project their conscience onto others and then act irresponsibly. Make themselves
shallow, fall in and out of love easily. Sometimes breezily betray others by running away. Can be
reckless, unstable, and self-destructive. When Sevens have a counterphobic 6 wing their idealism can
motivate a sincere desire for social reform. May work hard for a cause. Can be antiauthority,
passive/aggressive, flippant, defiant. Some report hating to be told what to do. Clashes with Ones likely.
May call down trouble on themselves. Complain about the status quo. The realm of hippie rebellion.

Seven With an 8 Wing

When healthy, Sevens with an 8 wing are often generous, gregarious and expansive. Tend to be
exceptionally loyal to their friends, especially when social subtype. Leap aggressively to the defense of
those they care for. Might seem loud or boisterous although some are urbane and witty. Enjoy social
celebrations, storytelling, jokes, food and travel. Generally have a strong self-confidence for worldly
matters and getting what they want. Talent for making something out of nothing - entrepreneurial. Usually
share what they have when healthy, want everyone to enjoy their sense of bounty and wide
range of interests. When more entranced, they may be demanding, displaying a selfish impatience and a
self-justifying narcissism. May want what they want right now. Aggressive, hasty drive to acquire money
and material options and recognition. Can demand that the people in their lives say only what the Seven
wants to hear - sugarcoated truth. Lash out angrily if reality doesn't meet their expectations; sometimes
vengeful. Often perfectionistic as parents (low side of 1). Moralize to others and then are themselves
irresponsible. Amnesia for promises made in an expansive moment. Particular difficulty with sexual
fidelity.

Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Self-preservation Sevens are a little confusing since they tend to be highly social. Characterized by a
drive towards family and shared group experiences. Enjoy operating within their real or chosen family,
checking in with a group of like-minded people. Chronic sharing on a circuit. People in the group are the
source of interesting information and stimulation. Don't feel burdened or trapped by duties like a social
Seven. Loyal to family, often have a 6 wing. Defend their circle and castle. Barricade, find safety in
numbers. This subtype goes with the image of the "party animal."

Intimate
Intimate Sevens tend to garnish and embellish reality with fantasy. Intimate relationships are often
thought of as shared experimental adventures, and the Seven perceives their partner through a veil of
imagination. May romanticize others as a way to avoid the limits and boredom of mundane life with the
same old someone. Can be more involved with their fantasy of the partner than with the real person.
Tentative, distractible, impersonal, may have a wandering eye. Some have great difficulty with
commitment and seem fickle as they move on to the next fantasy projected onto the next new person.
Don Juan scenario. More generally, intimate Sevens have a tendency to be suggestible. They may
especially seek the new with the fascinated enthusiasm of a faddist, stepping into future fantasies to
avoid the present.

Social
Social Sevens often feel a tension between duty to others and the desire to escape. Tend to feel
responsible for the people around them and experience that as a confining burden. They then react
against the weight of obligation, seeking variety and craving change. When entranced, can be highly
irresponsible. When awakened, they make peace with commitment and sacrifice and are often very
stable and generous. Often an idealism, sometimes a stronger connection to 1. Serving something
beyond themselves, dutiful. Can be from a large family where they had lots of responsibility, eldest child.
With an 8 wing they tend to fight the sense of burden harder.

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Three - The Achiever

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptable, Ambitious, Image-Conscious, and Hostile

Basic Fear: Of being worthless
Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile
The Three with a Two-Wing: "The Charmer"
The Three with a Four-Wing: "The Professional"
Potential Neuroses: Narcissistic and Compensatory Narcissistic Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to be affirmed, to distinguish themselves from others, to have attention, to be
admired, and to impress others.

Healthy
Self-assured and energetic, with high self-esteem: they believe in themselves and their own value.
Adaptable, desirable, often physically attractive and popular. Ambitious to improve themselves, to be "the
best they can be"—often become outstanding, a human ideal, embodying widely admired cultural
qualities. Others are motivated to be like them in some positive way. At Their Best: Self-accepting, inner-
directed, and authentic, everything they seem to be. Modest and charitable, self-deprecatory sense of
humor and a fullness of heart emerge. Gentle and benevolent.

Average
Highly concerned with their performance, doing their job well, being superior and rising above others.
Compare self with others in search for status and success. Become careerists, social climbers, invested
in exclusivity and being a "winner." Become image-conscious, highly concerned with how they are
perceived. Begin to package themselves according to the expectations of others and what they need to
do to be successful. Pragmatic and efficient, but also premeditated, losing touch with their own feelings
beneath a smooth facade. Problems with intimacy, credibility, and "phoniness" emerge. Want to impress
others with their superiority: constantly promoting themselves, making themselves sound better than they
really are. Narcissistic, with grandiose, inflated notions about themselves and their talents. Exhibitionistic
and seductive, as if saying "Look at me!" Arrogance and contempt for others is a defense against feeling
jealous of others and their success.

Unhealthy
Fearing failure and humiliation, they can be exploitative and opportunistic, covetous of the success of
others, and willing to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the illusion of their superiority. Devious and
deceptive so that their mistakes and wrongdoings will not be exposed. Untrustworthy, maliciously
betraying or sabotaging people to triumph over them. Delusionally jealous of others. Become vindictive,
attempting to ruin others' happiness. Relentless, obsessive about destroying whatever reminds them of
their own shortcomings and failures. Psychopathic, murder.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Three With a 2 Wing

Threes with this wing are often highly gregarious. They have a tendency towards persona - playing a role
of themselves in real life. Social perception, prestige and recognition important. Healthy side brings
personal warmth, leadership qualities. Sincere desire to do well by others; may be genuinely nice people.
If they have achieved some measure of success they are generous in their mentorship of others. When
more entranced, they are preoccupied with seeming ideal to others. This can extend to friendships,
family, as well as at work. Want to seem a perfect spouse, friend, parent, employee, good son or
daughter. Strong social focus because they need so much validation from others. Preening and boastful
behavior possible. Bursts of egotism. Wanting to be on top, better than others. Slip into impersonation
easily, may falsify feeling and not know it themselves.al nutrition. Deep emotional recognition is Malicious
intentional deceit possible. Behavior of con-artists and sociopaths.
Three With a 4 Wing
May be slightly less image-conscious or project an image that is more implicit and subtle. 4 wing brings a
degree of introversion. May measure themselves more by their creations, artistic or social. Tend to
compete with themselves first more than with other people. High side brings the motivation and ability to
work on oneself. May accomplish everything they set out to do materially, then embark on a path of self-
analysis. Artistic explorations or teaching possible. Will still like a challenge, but thoughtful, intuitive or
humanistic concerns of prime interest. The low side of this wing can bring a haunted, self-tormented
quality or a haughty, competitive pretentiousness. Might be snobs or accuse critics of being too plebian to
appreciate them. Cool, hard shell. In private, can lapse into Fourish self-questioning and melodrama.
Instability and moodiness can be factors. Unrealistic grandiosity.

Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Have a preoccupation with acquiring material security as a way to calm core anxieties about survival.
Some grow up poor and focus on amassing wealth. Concentrate on doing well, having enough, especially
of the right things. Irony is that the strategy doesn't really work - a Three could amass millions and still,
say, harbor a morbid fear of dying broke. Insecurity fuels a sense that enough money is never enough.

Intimate
Intimate Threes mask themselves with an image of what a sexually appealing man or woman is. They
play roles in romantic relationships hoping to get love or admiration. Image is based on community or
cultural standards of desirability or a given partner's expectations. If not committed to a specific partner
then they will project an image generally and seek sexual conquests. Intimate Threes in the movies can
be sexual imposters or suave, attractive ideals of masculinity or femininity. Female characters tend to be
beautiful out-of-reach Sirens.

Social
Social Threes are often extremely status-conscious. Most confuse their inner self with the world's badges,
honors and totems. Measure themselves by money, position, awards or results. Strive to match group
standards and have the right credentials. How they rank in the eyes of others is most important. May be
materialistic but with an eye towards the best brand names so as to be identified with the product's status.
The excesses of this subtype make for fine morality plays about the hollowness of fame and status.

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Four - The Individualist

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Intuitive, Expressive, Self-Absorbed, and Depressive

Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance

Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an identity)
The Four with a Three-Wing: "The Aristocrat"
The Four with a Five-Wing: "The Bohemian"
Potential Neuroses: Avoidant, Depressive, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to express themselves and their individuality, to create and surround themselves
with beauty, to maintain certain moods and feelings, to withdraw to protect their self-image, to take care
of emotional needs before attending to anything else, to attract a "rescuer".
Healthy
Self-aware, introspective, on the "search for self," aware of feelings and inner impulses. Sensitive and
intuitive both to self and others: gentle, tactful, compassionate. Highly personal, individualistic, "true to
self." Self-revealing, emotionally honest, humane. Ironic view of self and life: can be serious and funny,
vulnerable and emotionally strong. At Their Best: Profoundly creative, expressing the personal and the
universal, possibly in a work of art. Inspired, self-renewing and regenerating—able to transform all their
experiences into something valuable: self-creative.

Average
Take an artistic, romantic orientation to life, creating a beautiful, aesthetic environment to cultivate and
prolong personal feelings. Heighten reality through fantasy, passionate feelings, and the imagination. To
stay in touch with feelings, they interiorize everything, taking everything personally, but become self-
absorbed and introverted, moody and hypersensitive, shy and self-conscious, unable to be spontaneous
or to "get out of themselves." Stay withdrawn to protect their self-image and to buy time to sort out
feelings. Gradually think that they are different from others, and feel that they are exempt from living as
everyone else does. They become melancholy dreamers, disdainful, decadent, and sensual, living in a
fantasy world. Self-pity and envy of others leads to self-indulgence, and to becoming increasingly
impractical, unproductive, effete, and precious.

Unhealthy
When dreams fail, become self-inhibiting and angry at self, depressed and alienated from self and others,
blocked and emotionally paralyzed. Ashamed of self, fatigued and unable to function. Tormented by
delusional self-contempt, self-reproaches, self-hatred, and morbid thoughts: everything is a source of
torment. Blaming others, they drive away anyone who tries to help them. Despairing, feel hopeless and
become self-destructive, possibly abusing alcohol or drugs to escape. In the extreme: emotional
breakdown or suicide is likely.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Four With a 3 Wing

Fours with a 3 wing can sometimes seem like Sevens. May be outgoing, have a sense of humor and
style. Prize being both creative and effective in the world. Both intuitive and ambitious; may have good
imaginations, often talented. Some are colorful, fancy dressers, make a distinct impression. Self-
knowledge combines well with social and organizational skills. When more entranced, often have a
public/private split. Could conceal feelings in public then go home to loneliness. Or they could enjoy their
work and be dissatisfied in love. Tendency towards melodrama and flamboyance; true feelings can often
be hidden. Competitive, sneaky, aware of how they look. Some have bad taste. May be fickle in love,
drawn to romantic images that they have projected onto others. Could have a dull spouse, then fantasize
about glamorous strangers. Achievements can be tainted by jealousy, revenge, or a desire to prove the
crowd wrong.

Four With a 5 Wing

Healthy side of this wing brings a withdrawn, complex creativity. May be somewhat intellectual but have
exceptional depth of feeling and insight. Very much their own person; original and idiosyncratic. Have a
spiritual and aesthetic openness. Will find multiple levels of meaning to most events. May have a strong
need and ability to pour themselves into artistic creations. Loners; can seem enigmatic and hard to read.
Externally reserved and internally resonant. When they open up it can be sudden and total. When
entranced or defensive, Fours with a 5 wing can easily feel alienated and depressed. Many have a sense
of not belonging, of being from another planet. Can get lost in their own process, drown in their own
ocean. Whiny - tend to ruminate and relive past experience. Prone to the emotion of shame. Air of sullen,
withdrawn disappointment. May live within a private mythology of pain and loss. Can get deeply morbid
and fall in love with death.
Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
People with this theme are often advocates of risk. Can be reckless, court disaster or just flirt lightly with
loss. Take chances to stir up emotional intensity, play out melodrama or to get attention. Can have a
desire to punish other through hurting themselves. The logic is, "If I die then they'll be sorry and finally
appreciate me." Can seem like counterphobic Sixes in their behavior. With a 3 wing this subtype is more
flamboyant and makes a show of their daring. With a 5 wing they grow more sullen and self-punishing.

Intimate
Fours with this theme tend to be highly competitive in close relationships but also more generally. With a
mate they are prone to jealousy. Want to be the most important person in mate's life. Could be jealous of
a partner's past relationships, maybe want to be the only person the partner has ever loved. Related to
the dependent side of 2. More broadly can be consumed by professional envy. Long to best others in
their work. Can jealously measure their contributions. Petty about keeping score. Want recognition for
their uniqueness. Take away from successes of others when threatened.

Social
Prone to shame because they compare themselves with the "normal" world around them. Can be highly
self-critical and feel ashamed for their deviance from imagined group norms. Sensitive to criticism. May
romanticize their defects but feel bad about themselves anyway. If they have a 3 wing, may cover their
shame with charm. Can also seek status or be driven to achieve to get revenge against those who once
laughed at them. With a 5 wing, can grow antisocial and depressed, bearing their shame in solitude.

Type Four Mailing List

Type Four Message Board

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Five - The Investigator

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Original, Provocative, and Eccentric

Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable

Basic Desire: To be capable and competent
The Five with a Four-Wing: "The Iconoclast"
The Five with a Six-Wing: "The Problem Solver"
Potential Neuroses: Schizoid, Schizotypal, and Paranoid Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured
out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.

Healthy
Observe everything with extraordinary perceptiveness and insight. Most mentally alert, curious, searching
intelligence: nothing escapes their notice. Foresight and prediction. Able to concentrate: become
engrossed in what has caught their attention. Attain skillful mastery of whatever interests them. Excited by
knowledge: often become expert in some field. Innovative and inventive, producing extremely valuable,
original works. Highly independent, idiosyncratic, and whimsical. At Their Best: Become visionaries,
broadly comprehending the world while penetrating it profoundly. Open-minded, take things in whole, in
their true context. Make pioneering discoveries and find entirely new ways of doing and perceiving things.

Average
Begin conceptualizing everything before acting—working things out in their minds: model building,
preparing, practicing, and gathering more resources. Studious, acquiring technique. Become specialized,
and often "intellectual," into research, scholarship, and building theories. Increasingly detached as they
become involved with complicated ideas or imaginary worlds. Become preoccupied with their visions and
interpretations rather than reality. Are fascinated by off-beat, esoteric subjects, even those involving dark
and disturbing elements. Detached from the practical world, a "disembodied mind," although high-strung
and intense. Begin to take an antagonistic stance toward anything which would interfere with their inner
world and personal vision. Become provocative and abrasive, with intentionally extreme and radical
views. Cynical and argumentative.

Unhealthy
Become reclusive and isolated from reality, eccentric and nihilistic. Highly unstable and fearful of
aggressions: they reject and repulse others and all social attachments. / Get obsessed yet frightened by
their threatening ideas, becoming horrified, delirious, and prey to gross distortions and phobias. Seeking
oblivion, they may commit suicide or have a psychotic break with reality. Deranged, explosively self-
destructive, with schizophrenic overtones.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Five With a 4 Wing

The difference between the 4 wing and the 6 wing in Fives is like the difference between Art and Science.
4 wing brings an abstract, intuitive cast of thought, as though the Five were thinking in geometric shapes
instead of words or realistic images. May be talented artistically and inhabit moods like Fours do.
Combine intellectual and emotional imagination. Enjoy the realm of philosophy and beautiful constructs of
thought. The marriage of mental perspective and aesthetics is the best of life for them. When more
defensive may seem a little ghostly, have a whisper in their voice. Fluctuate between impersonal
withdrawal and bursts of friendly caring. Can get floaty and abstract. Act like they're inside a bubble,
sometimes with an air of implicit superiority. Cliché of the "absentminded professor" applies especially to
Fives with this wing. Environmentally sensitive and subject at times to total overwhelm. Touchy about
criticism. Can be slow to recover from traumatic events. Melancholy isolation and bleak existential
depression are possible pitfalls.

Five With a 6 Wing

The 6 wing brings an orientation to detail and technical knowledge, along with the tendency to think in
logical sequence. Especially intellectual, far more analytical than Fives with a 4 wing. Can be loyal
friends, offering strong behind-the-scenes support. Kind, patient teachers, skillful experts. May have a
sense of mission and work hard. Sometimes project an aura of sensitive nerdiness and have clumsy
social skills. When defensive, they can be unnerved by the expectations of others. May like people more
but avoid them more. Especially sensitive to social indebtedness. Could have trouble saying "thank you."
Fear of taking action, develop "information addiction" instead. Ask lots of questions but don't get around
to the decision at hand. When more entranced, they develop a suspicious scrutiny of other people's
motives but can also be blind followers. Misanthropic and Scrooge-like when defensive. More able to
keep their feelings cut off in a constant way. Can be cold, skeptical, ironic, and disassociated. A Five's 6
wing can be phobic or counterphobic. Counterphobic 6 wing brings courage and antiauthoritarian
attitudes. When defensive they may mock authority, or angrily tell others off. Tend to "push the envelope,"
experiment, find what the limits are.
Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Chief defensive tendency is to withdraw. Sensitive to feeling saturated by the world, Fives with this
subtype lose their sense of privacy easily. Can feel knocked over by people's expectations. In isolation
they refind their lost sense of balance and build up to the next round of social stresses. More alienated
than the other subtypes. May hide in books, live alone or need their own room where they can close
themselves off. Take little from others. Sometimes thin. Likely to hoard time and space. Have solitary
hobbies and interests, seek comfort and solace alone.

Intimate
Intimate Fives trust only a few people but then do so totally. Friendship is based on the sharing of
confidences. Intimacy is equivalent to exchanging secrets. Can go from enigmatic, deliberate distance to
intense, unguarded openness. Seductive invitation to sharing secrets; seek a total merging. When
entranced can be a little kinky.

Social
Social Fives connect with groups of like-minded people. Enjoy living in the flow of a group interest,
sharing knowledge and affiliations. May prefer specialized or esoteric areas of knowledge that exclude all
but the initiated. Could live in high society, know the "right" people, belong to the best clubs. Might enjoy
speaking a professional language that few people understand. Can be quite friendly but, at times, terrific
snobs. Romanticize secret elitist group membership; concerned with titles, degrees, credentials, etc.
Realm of academia.

Type Five Mailing List

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Six - The Loyalist

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Defensive, and Paranoid

Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance

Basic Desire: To have security and support
The Six with a Five-Wing: "The Defender"
The Six with a Seven-Wing: "The Buddy"
Potential Neuroses: Paranoid, Passive-Aggressive, Dependent, and Avoidant Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to have security, to feel supported by others, to have certitude and reassurance, to
test the attitudes of others toward them, to fight against anxiety and insecurity.

Healthy
Able to elicit strong emotional responses from others: very appealing, endearing, lovable, affectionate.
Trust important: bonding with others, forming permanent relationships and alliances. Dedicated to
individuals and movements in which they deeply believe. Community builders: responsible, reliable,
trustworthy. Hard-working and persevering, sacrificing for others, they create stability and security in their
world, bringing a cooperative spirit. At Their Best: Become self-affirming, trusting of self and others,
independent yet symbiotically interdependent and cooperative as an equal. Belief in self leads to true
courage, positive thinking, leadership, and rich self-expression.

Average
Start investing their time and energy into whatever they believe will be safe and stable. Organizing and
structuring, they look to alliances and authorities for security and continuity. Constantly vigilant,
anticipating problems. To resist having more demands made on them, they react against others passive-
aggressively. Become evasive, indecisive, cautious, procrastinating, and ambivalent. Are highly reactive,
anxious, and negative, giving contradictory "mixed signals." Internal confusion makes them react
unpredictably. To compensate for insecurities, they become belligerent and sarcastic, blaming others for
their problems, taking a tough stance toward "outsiders." Highly partisan and defensive, dividing people
into friends and enemies, while looking for threats to their own security. Authoritarian, prejudiced, and
fear-instilling to silence their own fears. Counterphobic.

Unhealthy
Fearing that they have ruined their security, they become "clingingly dependent" and self-disparaging with
acute inferiority feelings. Seeing themselves as defenseless, they seek out a stronger authority or belief
to resolve all problems. Highly divisive, disparaging and berating others. Feeling persecuted, that others
are "out to get them," they lash-out and act irrationally, bringing about what they fear. Fanaticism,
violence. Hysterical, and seeking to escape punishment, they become self-destructive and suicidal.
Alcoholism, drug overdoses, "skid row," self-abasing behavior.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Six With a 5 Wing

Sixes with a 5 wing are generally introverted and somewhat intellectual. When healthy, they often have
many realms of interest as well as surprising competencies and skills. May have an original and
idiosyncratic point of view. Can be bookish; some are interested in history or feel rooted in the past or
related to a long tradition. Also good at predicting the future. May test potential friends for a long time but
once you're in, you're in - a friend for life. When more entranced, they may project a willed remoteness.
Have a "tip of the iceberg" quality - they show little but you sense hidden dimensions, intensity and
activity. Tension between needing to be seen and withdrawing for protection. Might act arrogant or cryptic
or cynical when afraid. When phobic, can be diplomatic and say things without saying them. Entranced
counterphobics are either cool and loners or argumentative, tending towards violence. Can brood over
injustices to them, entertain conspiracy theories, spend time alone building cases. Paranoia in private.
May like secretive behind-the-scenes group activity. Sneaky vengeance, passive/aggressive toward
others, self-attacking and self-destructive at home.

Six With a 7 Wing

Sixes with a 7 wing are generally outgoing and may appear more overtly nervous. More plainly want to be
liked and will pursue others in contrast to 5 wing who pulls in. Can be charming, sociable, ingratiating.
Have a faster tempo, stronger connection to 3. Often self-preservation subtypes, characterized by a
personal warmth. Can have a cheerful, forward-looking drive and be disarmingly funny. Self-effacing,
gracious and curious. When more entranced, may be self-contradicting and seem as if they want two
things at once. Sometimes test others overtly, drive you crazy with mixed messages. It may be hard to
follow what they're saying. When threatened, one defense is to become impossible to please. When
counterphobic, they tend to be accusative. Some get caught up in big plans that they hope will result in
material security. Also can be insecure, irritable, petty, irrational, chaotic. Subject to mood swings,
inferiority complexes, runaway fears. May have hair-trigger flare-ups of paranoia. Falsely accuse others
and then seem not to realize it. Other times they plead to be taken care of. Sometimes defensively
conservative in their lifestyle. Some struggle with appetite.
Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Self-preservation Sixes often display a personal warmth that is meant to defang the potential hostility of
others. If they sense aggression or disapproval in the environment, they may counterphobically zero in on
it. Use humor, charm, self-depreciation to make friends out of possible enemies. Can flatter like Twos,
play themselves down, work to maintain other people's affection. Act vulnerable, invite rescue.
Ingratiating, but more nervously dependent than other Six subtypes. Also less in touch with their own
hostility. Their home environment is sometimes important. May feel like their house is a fortress against
the outside world's dangers. Worry about their ability to survive; have scary "worst-that-can-happen"
fantasies.

Intimate
Sixes with this subtype tend to act strong or seductive when insecure. They are much more likely to be
counterphobic, especially the men. May seem like Eights, take risks, talk tough. Act powerful and in
control at the times when they feel most frightened. Worry about looking weak, having their fears show.
May act arrogant but aren't really. Some study martial arts or seek a way of life that makes them strong.
Beauty is another focus; trying to seem attractive so as to contain fear, get approval, and distract others.
May consciously hide behind a seductive mask. Unlike Threes, Sixes know they are hiding. Can act cool
and patrician or be flirty. Some have a focus on aesthetics. This subtype often has a stronger connection
to the vanity of 3.

Social
Social Sixes tend to be dutiful and especially dependent upon authority. More often phobic than
counterphobic. Often dedicated to a cause. When acting alone they will still refer to others in their mind
for safety and agreement. May want to see your opinion first before they will offer their own. Could
change their mind to agree with you. Often align with a group or a cause and will follow the rules loyally,
trying to please the boss. "Company men." Focus on a social or work context and try to be ideal within it.
Could persecute others in the name of their group's ideals. May imagine they can't live without the group's
support: "If I don't play by the rules I'll be out on the street selling pencils." Later there's inevitable
disillusionment. Then Six starts grumbling that they are not appreciated. Could go passive/aggressive,
resent a boss they had romanticized. Connection to 9 is stronger with this subtype.

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Two - The Helper

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Caring, Nurturing Type: Concerned, Generous, Possessive, Manipulative

Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved

Basic Desire: To be loved unconditionally
The Two with a One-Wing: "Servant"
The Two with a Three-Wing: "The Host/Hostess"
Potential Neuroses: Histrionic, Self-Defeating, and Factitious Disorder.

Key Motivations: Want to be loved, to express their feelings for others, to be needed and appreciated, to
get others to respond to them, to vindicate their claims about themselves.
Healthy
Empathetic, compassionate, feeling with and for others. Caring and concerned about their
needs.Thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving and sincere. Encouraging and appreciative, able to see the
good in others. Service is important: they are nurturing, generous, and givinga truly loving person. At
Their Best: Become deeply unselfish, humble, "disinterested", and altruistic: giving unconditional love to
self and others. Feel it is a privilege to be in their lives of others.

Average
Want to be closer to others, so start "people pleasing", becoming overly friendly, emotionally
demonstrative, and full of "good intentions" about everything. Give seductive attention: approval,
"strokes," flattery. Love their supreme value, and they talk about it constantly. Become overly intimate and
intrusive: they need to be needed, so they hover, meddle, and control in the name of love. Want others to
depend on them: give, but expect a return: send double messages. Enveloping and possessive: the self-
sacrificial, mothering person who cannot do enough for others—wearing themselves out for everyone,
creating needs for themselves to fulfill. Increasingly self-important and self-satisfied, feel they are
indispensable, although they overrate their efforts in others' behalf. Hypochondria, becoming a martyr for
others. Overbearing, patronizing, presumptuous.

Unhealthy
Can be manipulative and self-serving, instilling guilt by telling others how much they owe them and make
them suffer. Abuse food and medication to "stuff feelings" and get sympathy. Undermine people, making
belittling, disparaging remarks. Extremely self-deceptive about their motives and how aggressive and/or
selfish their behavior is. Domineering and coercive: feel entitled to get anything they want from others: the
repayment of old debts, money, sexual favors. Able to excuse and rationalize what they do since they feel
abused and victimized by others and are bitterly resentful and angry. Somatization of their aggressions
result in chronic health problems as they vindicate themselves by "falling apart" and burdening others.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Two With a 1 Wing

This wing brings conscience and emotional containment to the basic Two style. When healthy, they act
from general principles about the value of serving others. Ethics come before pride. May hold themselves
to high standards. More discreet and respectful of other people's boundaries. When upset, tend to go
quiet and experience strong emotions internally. More melancholy than Twos with a 3 wing. When less
healthy and entranced, tend to confuse their sense of mission with self-centered needs. Go blind to their
own motives; invade and dominate others. Believe their actions are perfectly justified by their ethic of
helping. May repress their personal desires and focus on others as a way to avoid guilty dilemma
between the rules and their inner needs. If really blind they will warp their ethics crazily to justify personal
selfishness and prideful hostility.

Two With a 3 Wing

This wing brings Twos an extra measure of sociability and the capacity to make things happen. When
healthy, can be charming, good-natured and heartfelt. Really get things done, serve effectively on
projects that involve the well-being of others. Thrive on group process and are generally good
communicators. Enjoy keeping several threads or projects going at once. Entranced Twos with a 3 wing
can be quite emotionally competitive and controlling. 3 wing brings a double dose of vanity. Strong
tendency to live in one's images. May grow brazenly deluded, preferring their glamorous, self-important
scenarios to reality. Tendencies to deceit and emotional calculation. Highly manipulative. This wing is
also more extroverted; dramatization of feeling in the form of hysterical snit-fits is far more possible.
Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Self-preservation Twos often harbor a striking sense of entitlement. May act superior to others and expect
preferential treatment that reinforces their pride. Can seem shameless in their expectation of pampering.
Behind this attitude is a logic that says, "I give and do so much for others, I deserve to be treated as
someone special." Like an unconscious collection of fees for sacrifices made. Others who encounter this
attitude are often amazed at a self-preservation Two's self- importance and diva-like behavior. Real-life
people with this subtype often have a 3 wing. Dip easily to the low side of 8 when angry.

Intimate
Tend to act seductive and aggressive by turns. Basic interest is in finding romantic union. Generally
confuse sexual desirability with being loved and valued. Act receptively interested in others, use inviting
touches. May ooze some combination of charm and sexuality. When they encounter resistance will begin
to push and challenge. Try to find a way around the other's objection. May go militant and angrily blame
(connection to 8). Behind these flare-ups is a melancholy desire for total enmeshed connectedness to
another. Yearning is related to the low side of 4.

Social
Twos with this subtype are notable for their ambition, particularly to be publicly recognized as someone
special. Seek attention either directly from their own efforts or via affiliation with powerful people. In the
former scenario, a Two works to draw an audience through socially useful works or some kind of
performing. Confuse being noticed with being loved. Can sometimes act provocative or obnoxious as this
is better than being ignored. Might also marry someone influential and concentrate their energies on the
spouse's ambitions. Can groom their children to become achievers. Stage mothers and political spouses
are possible roles. Often have a 3 wing but a 1 wing is possible.

Type Two Mailing List

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Nine - The Peacemaker

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Pleasant, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Optimistic, Complacent, and Disengaged

Basic Fear: Of loss and separation

Basic Desire: To have inner stability "peace of mind"
The Nine with an Eight-Wing: "The Referee"
The Nine with a One-Wing: "The Dreamer"
Potential Neuroses: Schizoid, Dissociated and Dependent Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve
things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them.

Healthy
Deeply receptive, accepting, unselfconscious, emotionally stable and serene. Trusting of self and others,
at ease with self and life, innocent and simple. Patient, unpretentious, good-natured, genuinely nice
people. Optimistic, reassuring, supportive: have a healing and calming influence—harmonizing groups,
bringing people together: a good mediator, synthesizer, and communicator. At Their Best: Become self-
possessed, feeling autonomous and fulfilled: have great equanimity and contentment because they are
present to themselves. Paradoxically, at one with self, and thus able to form more profound relationships.
Intensely alive, fully connected to self and others.

Average
Fear conflicts, so become self-effacing and accommodating, idealizing others and "going along" with their
wishes, saying "yes" to things they do not really want to do. Fall into conventional roles and expectations.
Use philosophies and stock sayings to deflect others. Active, but disengaged, unreflective, and
inattentive. Do not want to be affected, so become unresponsive and complacent, walking away from
problems, and "sweeping them under the rug." Thinking becomes hazy and ruminative, mostly comforting
fantasies, as they begin to "tune out" reality, becoming oblivious. Emotionally indolent, unwillingness to
exert self or to focus on problems: indifference. Begin to minimize problems, to appease others and to
have "peace at any price." Stubborn, fatalistic, and resigned, as if nothing could be done to change
anything. Into wishful thinking, and magical solutions. Others frustrated and angry by their procrastination
and unresponsiveness.

Unhealthy
Can be highly repressed, undeveloped, and ineffectual. Feel incapable of facing problems: become
obstinate, dissociating self from all conflicts. Neglectful and dangerous to others. Wanting to block out of
awareness anything that could affect them, they dissociate so much that they eventually cannot function:
numb, depersonalized. They finally become severely disoriented and catatonic, abandoning themselves,
turning into shattered shells. Multiple personalities possible.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Nine With an 8 Wing

Awakened Nines with an 8 wing have a modest, steady, receptive core. They are charged by the
dynamism of 8 - when focused on goals they often have great force of will. Get things done, make good
leaders. May have an animal magnetism of which they are only partly aware. Can seem highly centered,
take what they do seriously but remain unimpressed with themselves. 8 wing can bring a strong internal
sense of direction. Relatively fearless and highly intuitive. Generally not intellectual unless they have it in
their background. When more entranced, they manifest the contradictions of the two styles expressing
them in sequence. Could be passively amiable like a Nine and then turn horribly blunt like an 8. One
moment they are opinionated or nasty, next moment kindly and supportive. Often don't hear their voices
when angry. Can have a sharp, grating edge. May be slow to anger and then explode. Or angry but don't
know it; may confuse being assertive with being rude. Placidly callous - both styles support numbness.
Tactless and indiscriminate and indiscreet. May be unwittingly disloyal, spilling everyone's secrets. Sexual
confusion, sometimes they are driven by lust.

Nine With a 1 Wing

Tend to have been "model children." Instinctively worked to please their parents by being virtuous,
orderly, and little trouble. When awakened, they have great moral authority plus good-hearted
peacemaking tendencies. Often have a sense of mission, public or private, that involves working hard for
the welfare of everyone they are committed to. Principled expression of love. Desire to contribute, do little
harm. May be well-liked, modest, endearing, gentle yet firm. Some have great grace and composure with
bursts of spontaneity and sweetness. Elegant simplicity. When entranced, they tend to be self-neglectful.
May go passively dead and operate from a dubious, fractured morality. Dutiful to what they shouldn't be.
Play the good child, disappear into contexts, settle for being overlooked or just partly recognized. Passive
tolerance of absurd or damaging situations. One-sided relationships where the Nine gives too much.
Rationalize, minimize, tell themselves they had a great childhood, everything's fine. Placid numbness
creeps over them. Intolerance of their own emotions. Gradually deaden their soul.
Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Preoccupied with physical comfort, maintaining habits and satisfying appetites. The image of the lazy
couch potato goes with this subtype. Strategy for getting along is to ask as little of life as possible. Can
have a love of the minimal and enjoy the repetition of known routines. Distract themselves with pleasant
domestic activities. Live conservatively. Consume food and drink for anaesthesia. May have large
appetites, drug addictions, be physically slow moving.

Intimate
Focused on an ideal of romantic union. Get lost in one relationship or in the yearning to have one. High
expectations of partner. Sometimes sound melancholy like a Four. Prone to jealousy. May settle on
someone and then grow critical and have a wandering eye. Can also deny their partner's flaws and
idealize them to stay in union. Another scenario involves multiple relationships, searching from one
person to the next. Sometimes the Nine can't decide between two people. Triangulation. Paradoxically,
this subtype can be fickle because they are so easily disappointed.

Social
Social Nines tend to gravitate toward groups and then have conflicts about joining or staying apart. Can
enjoy group energy and interests but may be also aware of the group's expectations. These the Nine will
both play along with and resist. When immersed in a group, social Nines can lose themselves, trying to
become all things to all people. Gregarious but may start to resist being too heavily influenced, to
compensate for their sense of lost identity. Can sometimes resent how the group doesn't really see them.
May fixate on what others think of them. Or resent the group and make fun of it. Some social Nines stay
basically uninvolved but hang out at the group's edge. Frequently there's lots of activity. May get caught
up in roles - a stronger connection to 3 goes with this subtype.

Error! Filename not specified.

Type Eight - The Chief

Profile by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson - The Enneagram Institute

The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Aggressive, and Combative

Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others

Basic Desire: To protect themselves, to be in control of their own life and destiny
The Eight with a Seven-Wing: "The Maverick"
The Eight with a Nine-Wing: "The Bear"
Potential Neuroses: Antisocial and Sadistic Personality Disorders

Key Motivations: Want to be self-reliant, to prove their strength and resist weakness, to be important in
their world, to dominate the environment, and to stay in control of their situation.

Expanded Profile

Healthy
Self-assertive, self-confident, and strong: have learned to stand up for what they need and want. A
resourceful, "can do" attitude and passionate inner drive. Decisive, authoritative, and commanding: the
natural leader others look up to. Take initiative, make things happen: champion people, provider,
protective, and honorable, carrying others with their strength. At Their Best: Become self-restrained and
magnanimous, merciful and forbearing, mastering self through their self-surrender to a higher authority.
Courageous, willing to put self in serious jeopardy to achieve their vision and have a lasting influence.
May achieve true heroism and historical greatness.

Average
Self-sufficiency, financial independence, and having enough resources are important concerns: become
enterprising, pragmatic, "rugged individualists," wheeler-dealers. Risk-taking, hardworking, denying own
emotional needs. Begin to dominate their environment, including others: want to feel that others are
behind them, supporting their efforts. Swaggering, boastful, forceful, and expansive: the "boss" whose
word is law. Proud, ego-centric, want to impose their will and vision on everything, not seeing others as
equals or treating them with respect. Become highly combative and intimidating to get their way:
confrontational, belligerent, creating adversarial relationships. Everything a test of wills, and they will not
back down. Use threats and reprisals to get obedience from others, to keep others off balance and
insecure. However, unjust treatment makes others fear and resent them, possibly also band together
against them.

Unhealthy
Defying any attempt to control them, become completely ruthless, dictatorial, "might makes right." The
criminal and outlaw, renegade, and con-artist. Hard-hearted, immoral and potentially violent. Develop
delusional ideas about their power, invincibility, and ability to prevail: megalomania, feeling omnipotent,
invulnerable. Recklessly over-extending self. If they get in danger, they may brutally destroy everything
that has not conformed to their will rather than surrender to anyone else. Vengeful, barbaric, murderous.
Sociopathic tendencies.

Wings by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Eight With a 7 Wing

Awakened Eights with a 7 wing are often expansive, and powerful. Gregarious and generous, they may
display a cheerful bravado. Can be forceful but with a light touch, funny. Often have a sense of humor
about themselves. Generally more extroverted, ambitious and materialistic. May talk loud and be sociable
partygoers. Sometimes driven to bring the new into being. Can be visionary, idealistic, enterprising.
Willing to take risks. May think more clearly than Eights with a 9 wing; 7 wing brings an intellectual
capacity. When more entranced, aggression combines with gluttony to form an almost virulent tendency
to addiction. Many entranced Eights with a 7 wing have had drug and alcohol problems or tensions
around addiction. Prone to temperamental ups and downs - can be moody, egocentric, quick to anger.
Tendency to court chaos, inflate themselves narcissistically. Some are ruthlessly materialistic. Can use
people up, suck them dry. Maybe be explosive or violent, prone to distorted overreaction.

Eight With a 9 Wing

Healthy Eights with a 9 wing often have an aura of preternatural calm, like they haven't had a self-doubt in
decades. Take their authority for granted - queen or king of all they survey. May be gentle, kind-hearted,
quieter. Often nurturing, protective parents; steady, supportive friends. Informal and unpretentious,
patient, laconic, generally somewhat introverted. Sometimes a dry or ironic sense of humor. May have an
aura of implicit, simmering anger rather like a sleeping volcano. Slow to erupt but when they do it's
sudden and explosive. When entranced, the 9 wing brings an Eight a kind of callous numbness. They can
be oblivious to the force of their anger until after they've hurt someone. Calmly dominating, colder; may
have an indifference to softer emotions. If very unhealthy, they can be mean without remorse or
aggressive in the service of stupid ends. Paranoid plotting, muddled thinking, moral laziness. Can be
vengeful in ill-conceived ways, abuse those they love, don't know when to quit.

Instinctual Variants by Thomas Condon - The Changeworks

Self-Preservation
Self-preservation Eights often grow up poor or struggling. Food, home, money may be crucial. Generally
seek control over their immediate environment and may worry about survival. Tend to value things over
people. Maintaining order and material security are important. Eights with this subtype have a stronger
connection to 5. Can be materialistic and feel deserving about it; more often have a 7 wing. Could be
collectors or have prized objects. Sometimes domineering towards those within their sphere. Might
preach an ethic of selfishness - justify their bullying of intimates as necessary to "toughen them up" for the
hard world outside. Life is a jungle, only the strong survive. Survivalist mentality, territorial imperatives,
angry at family members because they threaten household objects. Hiding in and presiding over their
castle; sometimes extra Fiveish

Intimate
Want stability, loyalty and predictability in close relationships. May feel easily betrayed, and are prone to
suspicion. Can love deeply, have a genuine close-up interest in and concern for spouse. Since life is
dangerous they want to choose close allies carefully. Attached to the idea of being able to trust
completely. Lots of testing of their partner's motives. If they pass the tests then the Eight relaxes. When
entranced, this can lead to possessive obsession, and a need to dominate and control partner. Intimate
Eights can get codependent, jealous, hooked into the other. Sometimes can't let go; their partner's every
move is (over)reacted to. When very unhealthy, spousal abuse scenarios are possible. Stalking, vengeful
vows to follow other to the ends of the earth, etc. Connected to the low side of 2.

Social
Social Eights are often loyal to a group and conceive of friendship as a pact of mutual protection. Want
everyone to benefit; group's cohesion and welfare is most important to them. Often oriented to family,
honest, hold themselves accountable to others. May be the group's protector or provider. Emphasis on
cooperation. When healthy, they are aggressively blustery but will back down and apologize when they've
been unfair. More able to say the Three Little Words -"I was wrong." Stronger connection to 2, can
emotionally switch places with others in their chosen group. As friends they want to protect what's soft or
young in you and appreciate the same in return. Hostility directed towards outside forces who threatens
the group's welfare.

Error! Filename not specified.