International MBA Institute™
Idealist (INFP)
People with INFP preferences have a great deal of warmth, but may not show it until they know a person well. They keep their warm side inside, like a fur-lined coat. They are very faithful to duties and obligations. related to ideas or people they care about. They take a very personal approach to life, judging everything by their inner ideals and personal values.
They stick to their ideals with passionate conviction. Although their inner loyalties and ideals govern their lives, they find these hard to talk about. Their deepest feelings are seldom expressed; their inner tenderness is masked by a quiet reserve.
In everyday matters they are tolerant, openminded, understanding, flexible, and adaptable. But if their inner loyalties are threatened, they will not give an inch. Except for their work’s sake, INFPs have little wish to impress or dominate. The people they prize the most are those who take the time to understand their values and the goals they are working toward.
Their main interest lies in seeing the possibilities beyond what is present, obvious, or known. They are twice as good when working at a job they believe in, since their feeling puts added energy behind their efforts. They want their work to contribute to something that matters to them-human understanding, happiness, or health. They want to have a purpose beyond their paycheck, no matter how big the check. They are perfectionists whenever they care deeply about something.
INFPs are curious about new ideas and tend to have insight and long-range vision. Many are interested in books and language and are likely to have a gift of expression; with talent they may be excellent writers. They can be ingenious and persuasive on the subject of their enthusiasms, which are quiet but deep-rooted. They are often attracted to counselling, teaching, literature, art, science, or psychology.
The problem for some INFPs is that they may feel such a contrast between their ideals and their actual accomplishments that they burden themselves with a sense of inadequacy. This can happen even when, objectively, they are being as effective as others. It is important for them to use their intuition to find ways to express their ideals; otherwise they will keep dreaming of the impossible and accomplish very little. If they find no channel for expressing their ideals, INFPs may become overly sensitive and vulnerable, with dwindling confidence in life and in themselves.
How Common Is This Type?
- 4% of the general population
- 4% of men
- 5% of women
Stärken
Introverted Feeling with IntuitionMerkmale
Full of enthusiasms and loyalties, but seldom talk of these until they know you well. Care about learning, ideas, language, and independent projects of their own. Tend to undertake too much then somehow get it done. Friendly, but often too absorbed in what they are doing to be sociable. Little concerned with possessions or physical surroundings.Career Paths
- Strong value systems
- Warmly interested in people
- Service-oriented, usually putting the needs of others above their own
- Loyal and devoted to people and causes
- Future-oriented
- Growth-oriented; always want to be growing in a positive direction
- Creative and inspirational
- Flexible and laid-back, unless a ruling principle is violated
- Sensitive and complex
- Dislike dealing with details and routine work
- Original and individualistic - "out of the mainstream"
- Excellent written communication skills
- Prefer to work alone, and may have problems working on teams
- Value deep and authentic relationships
- Want to be seen and appreciated for who they are
The INFP is a special, sensitive individual who needs a career that is more than a job. The INFP needs to feel that everything they do in their lives is in accordance with their strongly-felt value systems, and is moving them and/or others in a positive, growth-oriented direction. They are driven to do something meaningful and purposeful with their lives. The INFP will be happiest in careers that allow them to live their daily lives in accordance with their values, and that work towards the greater good of humanity. Its worth mentioning that nearly all of the truly great writers in the world have been INFPs.
The following list of professions is built on our impression of careers that would be especially suitable for an INFP.
Recommended Career Paths for INFPs are:
- Fine Artist
- Fashion Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Multimedia Artist or Animator
- Mental Health Counselor
- School or Career Counselor
- Community Service Manager
- Social Worker
- Archivist or Curator
- Elementary School Teacher
- Librarian
- Preschool Teacher
- Professor or College Instructor
- Special Education Teacher
- Audiologist
- Chiropractor
- Nutritionist
- Genetic Counselor
- Massage Therapist
- Midwife
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary Technician
- Fundraiser
- Human Resources Specialist
- Training or Development Manager
- Anthropologist or Archaeologist
- Geographer
- Historian
- Psychologist
- Sociologist
- Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
- Editor
- Film Editor
- Interpreter or Translator
- Photographer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Writer
Hobbies and Interests
Poetry, creative writing, music, photography, theater, and visual art.People Associated With This Type
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Philosopher and author
- Albert Camus - Philosopher and author
- George Orwell - Author
- J.K. Rowling - Author of the Harry Potter series
- Franz Kafka - Author
- Vincent van Gogh - Artist
- William Shakespeare - Playwright
- George R.R. Martin - Author of A Game of Thrones
- John Lennon - Singer, Songwriter
- Johnny Depp - Actor
- Nicolas Cage - Actor
- Bjork - Singer, Songwriter
- Jude Law - Actor
- Robert Pattinson - Actor
- Marlon Brando - Actor
- Lana Del Rey - Singer, Songwriter