The Myers-Briggs® INFP Personality Type Leadership Preference

In Business and Leadership, INFP, Leadership, MBTI by Geeta Aneja

INFP Personality Type Leadership Preferences

This week’s post focuses on Introverted-Intuition-Feeling-Perceiving (INFP) personality types and how they can effectively adapt to today’s fast-paced, complex working environment.

People are often told to capitalize on their strengths to maximize their achievements, both in and out of the workplace. Before modern leadership development strategies were prominent, people would try dozens of strategies and thousands of combinations before finding the mix that was just right for them (Richmond, 2008). Today, leaders are inundated with strategies, seminars, techniques, and workshops to help them lead their teams. One of the most prominent and well known team building and leadership tool is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®).

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

INFP’s are known for their dedication, consideration for others, and focus on long-term, lasting value. They are committed to considering a variety of options and alternatives before settling on the best strategy both ethically and in the best interest of the company, employees, and clients. In other words, they try to make sure that everyone wins. The downside of this can be the consideration of too many different paths, which can overcomplicate an otherwise strong vision. Richards (2008) suggests that INFP’s adopt an adage called Occam’s razor, which states “the simplest solution is the best.” This philosophy can help distill otherwise complex problems to relatively straightforward action plans.

INFP’s also have strong interpersonal skills, and can easily build trust with others. They are compassionate and caring, both in and out of the workplace. That said, they are introverted—spending too much time around large groups can drain them mentally and physically. If you are an INFP, be sure to take the time to recharge by taking short breaks or just scheduling alone time to collect your thoughts in the middle of a busy day.

Perhaps one of INFPs’ greatest strengths is their ability to focus on long-term change for every member of their team. They trust others to perform, which helps motivate individuals, and have a drive to produce quality output, which is in the best interest of the company. In order to develop these qualities, Richards (2008) suggests that they make an effort to respect internal and external deadlines, and make an effort to accept the feedback of others. Remember that someone offering a critique of your idea or proposal – especially internally – isn’t necessarily a bad thing. On the other hand, it can be a demonstration of concern and respect – they are trying to support you in producing the best possible product.

In order to continue to progress and become even more effective in the workplace, Richmond (2008) suggests INFP’s take a voice or acting course for business people or professionals. This will help you modulate your voice so that your intonation and mannerisms work with your message to be more convincing and coherent. She also suggests that INFP’s look into human services or development organizations, as their altruistic goals may align with the personal goals.

  • MBTI® Team Report

    DIGITAL DELIVERY
    Start building and strengthening your team today with this action-oriented report

    Myers-Briggs personality types are not just for individuals! They can also provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of your team, department, or organization. This report addresses every aspect of team function—from individual contributions, to group dynamics, to professional development. Identify your team’s MBTI® type and start streamlining communication and optimizing your productivity right away with concrete action-steps. You’ll also receive personalized MBTI® details and action plans for each individual team member, so each of you has all the tools you need to become a better team player, as well as workshop outlines to work together better than ever. Boost your team’s efficiency today with this comprehensive report and create better outcomes for everyone!

    Download sample MBTI® Team Report

    Download sample MBTI® Team Facilitator Report

    Price: $94.95 Buy Now
 
 
 
  • FIRO Business® Leadership Report

    DIGITAL DELIVERY
    Discover your interpersonal needs and communication style as they apply to your job and your relationships with those you work with.

    Ever wondered how to best utilize the atmosphere and relationships inside your organization? Through the information found in your FIRO Business® Leadership report, you’ll obtain insight on how you communicate best with others in many areas, whether to your subordinates or authorities, which you can then apply to becoming a more approachable, efficient leader.

    Download sample FIRO Business® Leadership Report

    Price: $69.95 Buy Now
 
  • FIRO-B® Interpretive Report for Organizations

    DIGITAL DELIVERY
    Optimize your organization’s interpersonal relations and efficiency by learning about your employees, team members, executives, and managers need for Inclusion, Control and Affection. increase your business prowess today!

    The FIRO-B® Interpretive Report for Organizations provides valuable insights and concrete action-steps into interpersonal relations in the workplace. It measures individuals’ interpersonal needs in three areas: Inclusion, Control, and Affection, and then uses these metrics to optimize your workplace relationships. It covers multiple aspects of professional life, from individual corporate development, to team role and leadership styles. With this powerful report, you will receive detailed descriptions of your own needs and tendencies, how they affect your teams, and how you can harness your innate qualities to become even more valuable in the workplace. Finally, the FIRO-B® report will identify key areas where you can continue to develop interpersonal skills, as well as targeted action steps to get there. Start optimizing your interpersonal relationships today with this personalized report.

    Download sample FIRO-B® Interpretive Report for Organizations

    Price: $69.95 Buy Now
 
 
 
  • FIRO Business® Profile

    DIGITAL DELIVERY
    Discover how to best interact with others in the business world based on your interpersonal communication style.

    The internationally recognized FIRO Business® Profile gives you the knowledge and insight to become a more competent and understanding communicator, whether your position in your organization is at the bottom of the ladder or the top. Discover how you like to approach interactions with others, how you prefer that others act, and how to best work in group settings with this profile.

    Download sample FIRO Business® Profile Report

    Price: $65.50 Buy Now
 
  • FIRO-B® Profile

    DIGITAL DELIVERY
    Learn how you best work with others through this profile, helping you to succeed in relationships at work and at home.

    Whether you’re looking for direct answers regarding your own communication styles or you’re administering the FIRO-B® test to your employees, much insight is gained in how your team (or yourself) best works in situations with others. With the answers you receive from the FIRO-B profile, you can strive towards creating more efficient, trusting, and beneficial relationships, both at work and at home.

    Download sample FIRO-B® Profile

    Price: $65.50 Buy Now

 References

Introduction to Type and Leadership (Richmond, S. CPP. 2008)

Learn More About the MBTI INFP Personality Type

INFP Careers

Click on one of these corresponding popular INFP Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Income Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education: Audiovisual Specialist, Broadcast Technician, Craft Artist, Film or Video Editor, Fine Artist, Food Preparation Worker, Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, Occupational Therapist, Proofreader or Copyeditor, Technical Writer.

Explore Our Other INFP Blog Pages:

Click On Your Personality Type Below & Read About Your Leadership Style:

ISTJ ISFJ ESTP ESFP
ISTP ISFP ESTJ ESFJ
INFJ INTJ ENFP ENTP
INFP INTP ENFJ ENTJ