INFJ – Advocate (Description + Functions + Examples)

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Do you have a friend who you know is going to change the world? They’re not like any other friend you have. You just know that whichever career or mission they choose, they’re going to succeed. And what’s more, they’re going to help other people. That friend that you have, the one who wants to change the world? Do they tend to have a strong sense of self? Do they have a serious passion for making the world a better place? Well, I would like to guess that they’re an INFJ, one of 16 Myers Briggs Personality Types.

Do you know what Meyers-Briggs type that friend is? Meyers-Briggs Personality Types describe how we take in the world around them and gather information. Not sure if you're an INFJ? Learn more about the Myers Briggs Test to find out! 

What Does INFP Stand For?

INFJ is the rarest personality type, but you certainly know who they are and what they stand for. But what do these letters mean? As we talk about what makes an INFJ an INFJ, let’s break down all of the letters in this personality type: I, N, F, and J.

Printable Myers Briggs Matrix

Introversion 

I is for introvert (as opposed to extrovert.) An introvert is more likely to be focused on their internal thoughts and feelings, rather than outside stimulation. Introverts are not necessarily shy, but they do gain more energy from reflecting on their own feelings than by surrounding themselves with other people and external stimulants. 

Intuition

N is for intuition (as opposed to sensing.) This indicates that a person makes judgments based on their intuition instead of the sensory information that is presented in front of them. They are more likely to rely on the impression they get from something than more “literal” data. Think of it as preferring the abstract to the concrete. 

Feeling

F is for feeling (as opposed to thinking.) Of course, people with both “feeling” and “thinking” in their personality type can do the other. INFJs tend to rely more on how they, and more importantly others, feel. If they want to make a decision, they are more likely to ask around for opinions instead of doing research in textbooks. This often means they feel the weight of the world. Stats may not sway them as much as a story.

Judgment 

Finally, J is for judgment (as opposed to perception.) Judgment and perception are often identified as the “least obvious” of the four letters in your personality type. Think of this as how a person works within a structure. People with a J in their personality type prefer structure. They take control of the structure of their day. They make judgments about how tasks are approached and when a job gets done. 

Put it all together, and you get a person who follows their heart. INFJs are known as “The Advocate.” They advocate for themselves and what they want out of their lives. They also advocate for the well-being of others. If they feel that another person needs help, they will go out of their way to help them. 

Functions of INFJs

Each personality type plays a handful of different functions in society.

Introverted Intuition 

The most dominant function of INFJ types is Introverted Intuition (Ni.) Using their introverted intuition, INFJ types notice patterns everywhere and therefore feel that everything is interconnected. They take individual subjects and look at them from all angles to comprehend them & how they relate to the world around them.

Extraverted Feeling

The auxiliary function of INFJ types is Extraverted Feeling (Fe.) INFJs are highly aware of the emotions that people around them feel. They actually have less of an understanding of their personal emotions. Therefore, when interacting with the rest of the world, they tend to receive communication primarily through emotions.

Introverted Thinking

The tertiary function of INFJ types is Introverted Thinking (Ti.) INFJs can interpret their Ni and Fe functions in a more internalized, stable way. In stressful or extroverted situations, they will focus more on emotions. When they are alone, they can rely more on introverted thinking and tap into the logic and reasoning of what has been going on around them. 

External Sensing

Finally, the inferior function of INFJ types is External Sensing (Se.) This may be a more unconscious function of INFJs, but it does work to increase awareness of their surroundings and ability to live in the moment. This also influences their personality and interests, making them more attracted to outdoor and physical activities. 

Examples of Real-Life INFJs 

INFJs are not just advocates - they are also musicians, poets, and political leaders! From the controversial to the beloved, here are a list of some of the most well-known, famous INFJs:

  • Taylor Swift
  • Leonard Cohen
  • George Harrison
  • Noam Chomsky
  • Jane Goodall
  • J.K Rowling
  • Mel Gibson
  • Carrie Fisher
  • Edward Norton
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Eleanor Roosevelt

A lot of these INFJs have a cause that they advocate for throughout their careers. If they can flex their creative muscles in the process, they will! At the very least, an INFJ has opinions and will stick to them passionately in any career path they take! While not all INFJs go down the humanitarian route, you are likely to see an INFJ fighting for a cause that they believe in. 

Strengths and Weaknesses of INFJs

You can’t hold an INFJ back from following their dreams. If they want to be an artist, they will be an artist. If they want to change the world by becoming a lawyer, they will change the world by becoming a lawyer. There are many career paths that an INFJ chooses, but they all have one thing in common: they welcome passion and excitement. 

The INFJs in your life are:

  • Sensitive to the needs of others
  • Creative and artistic
  • Insightful
  • Altruistic
  • Principled

Of course, no personality type is perfect. Their passion can often be mistaken for stubbornness. Passion can also lead them down a road of dissatisfaction. INFJs are likely to: 

  • Be sensitive to criticism
  • Be stubborn
  • Dislike confrontation
  • Perfectionist & prone to burnout
  • Prone to unrealistic expectations

Basic Stats about INFJs 

INFJs are the rarest group of people! Less than 2% of the general population are INFJs. Male INFJs are especially rare. Women are twice as likely to be INFJs as men. 

Living, Working, and Communicating with INFJs

You are lucky if you have an INFJ in your life. Advocates are empathetic, kind, and fascinating to be around. With any personality type, it’s important to meet them where they are for effective communication and collaboration. Work with an INFJ? Is your partner an INFJ? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for how to live and work with this rare personality type.  

INFJs at Work

The most important thing to an INFJ at work is their values. They are not likely to work at a place that compromises those values. And if a manager or colleague tries to challenge these values, conflict is sure to follow. 

INFJs are sensitive and empathetic, and they work best with people who are the same. They treat their colleagues equally and do not like to be part of a strict hierarchy. For that reason, you’re unlikely to see an INFJ as a manager. But if you do have one, you probably appreciate them! 

Hear your INFJ coworkers out. They appreciate your listening ear. Mind their sensitivity and provide constructive criticism alongside praise. INFJs will work hard - after all, they’re passionate about what they do and advocate for change! If you manage an INFJ, don’t let them work to the point of burnout. Give them permission to relax. 

INFJ Friendships

In their personal relationships, INFJs will find deep, emotional connections with others around them. They like to help others, listen to others, and care for them. One could even say they…advocate for others? Of course they do! They can come across as introverted in some situations and will need time to themselves after socializing.

Give the INFJs in your life the space to open up. Ask them about their passions and watch them light up a room. INFJs have no ulterior motives and don’t form friendships out of convenience or to advance their place in life. They just want someone who will share their passions in life and offer the support they need to pursue them. 

To be a good friend to an INFJ, you have to show up as yourself. Be authentic. Without authenticity, an INFJ will have a hard time advocating for you and what you do. With authenticity, you will have a loyal friend for life.  

INFJ Compatibility and Romantic Relationships

When it comes to romantic relationships, INFJ personalities look for ideal partners that are compatible with their values. Once they find a romantic partner, they work to strengthen the bond and grow their connection to a deeper level than most couples. 

What INFJs want, ENFPs and ENTPs can give. ENFPs are considered the best match for INFJs. "The Campaigner" has the confidence and giving nature that offers much-needed support to the INFJs, while balancing out the INFJ's introverted personality. Similar to ENFPs, ENTJs also make a great match! 

Connecting With INFJs

Interested in learning more about INFJs, from INFJs themselves? Looking to connect with INFJs? You might be surprised to learn that Reddit is a great source for information on all the Myers Briggs types! Not only is there a general MBTI subreddit, but each type also has their own subreddit. 

On the INFJ Subreddit, you will find topics such as: 

  • Tips for Attracting INFJs on dating apps/websites
  • Do INFJs Trust INFJs?
  • Calling all INFJ Readers and Writers! Fiction or Nonfiction?

If you have further questions about INFJs, this is a great place to ask them. 

INFJ-A vs. INFJ-T

Phew! That’s a lot about INFJs. Advocates are rare gems. They’re reliable, passionate, and a good person to have in your corner. But I’m not done talking about INFJs yet. Did you know that there is another letter that you can have in your personality type? That’s right - in the past few years, a fifth letter was added. This letter is A or T: assertive or turbulent. 

Assertive INFJs (INFJ-A) are more likely to look on the bright side and remain hopeful, even in the face of conflict/drama. They are also less influenced by regret or outside opinions, and therefore rarely learn from their mistakes.

Turbulent INFJs (INFJ-T) are more affected by negative opinions and problems surrounding them. They allow regret to weigh on them, unlike INFJ-As. They also see having other people in their lives as a necessity.

Reference this article:

Practical Psychology. (2021, April). INFJ – Advocate (Description + Functions + Examples). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/infj/.

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