The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® and INFPs and ESTJs in Organizations

This time we'll consider INFPs and ESTJs and examine where they might fit best and some of the possible weak spots for each.

Our friends the INFPs frequently enjoy workplaces that are low on bureaucracy, calm, quiet, and allow time and space for reflection. They often like flexible jobs that have little routine, while maintaining a collegial, cooperative atmosphere. INFPs generally prefer to work with pleasant colleagues who are committed to the same values. They are more likely to praise than criticize fellow employees or subordinates. INFPs rarely enjoy the traditional leadership role, preferring to create their own unique version. They would rather be facilitators than leaders much of the time. As with other NF types, they frequently focus on ideals, both their own and the organization's.

Some areas of concern for INFPs can be trying to please everyone, procrastination because of perfectionism, spending too much time in reflection and too little in action, and missing the reality of a situation. As stated, many INFPs focus on their ideals, and may ignore realities that conflict with their ideals. One skill to acquire might be learning to deal with what is versus searching for the perfect solution. Likewise, learning to say no and being tougher can help. Action plans (if used!) can be quite useful in helping INFPs move out of the reflection phase. Again, it might be important to adjust to the facts and logic of a situation or problem instead of rigidly adhering to personal values.

Let's turn our attention to ESTJs. Many of them like to work with other hardworking, determined, task-oriented, and committed people. ESTJs generally like jobs that provide structure and organization, that are stable and predictable, and that emphasize efficiency and productivity. ESTJs can have the motto, "If you're going to do the job, do it right." They can enjoy jobs that reward meeting or exceeding established goals. ESTJs often like working in teams. They can be logical, objective critics, as well as being quite decisive. ESTJs tend toward leadership roles in traditional, hierarchal organizations. Many are great at organizing resources to solve problems and reach their goals.

Potential areas for development include avoiding deciding too quickly, failing to see the need to change, low interpersonal skills, and ignoring others' opinions. ESTJs can move on so quickly they forget to ask others for input. Their focus on facts, figures, and data increases the chance that they'll overlook the human factors in a problem. ESTJs might say, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." In other words, they might be unaware of the need to change an existing process, especially if it still appears to be working well. Other ESTJs fail to show appreciation to subordinates and colleagues. Many enjoy a fast pace and can pressure others to move at the same speed, particularly to make decisions. Obviously, people have different styles and need different amounts of time to make decisions. It might be worthwhile to allow others more time and space to work on problems.