Ellie Simmonds, MSc
University of Bath, Psychology
Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.
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An ideal INFP career is one that aligns with an INFP's high standards, values, and principles. They are big-picture thinkers who are motivated to make a difference. An INFP values meaningful connections with colleagues and managers who are as committed to excellent results as they are. They often bring deep insights into current situations and inspiring visions for the way things could be. They sometimes have difficulty wrapping up projects because they can always see room for improvement.
INFPs are frequently found in careers where they have the opportunity to provide meaningful services to clients on an individual basis. They make excellent counsellors, therapists, and healthcare providers.
INFPs believe that they are what they do, so it's important for them to find employment with organizations and companies that align with their high standards, values and principles.
With their depth of big-picture vision, INFPs can often see down to the roots of major issues that affect society as a whole. They are often active in organizations that seek to make large-scale structural improvements to established institutions.
INFPs aren't afraid to pursue bold new ideas and explore new directions. They blossom in roles where they have ample freedom to follow their inspirations and where they aren't restricted by tight schedules or hierarchical decision-making. They make excellent consultants, freelancers, and independent entrepreneurs.
Due to their tendency to feel overly responsible for the feelings and experiences of others, INFPs may feel burdened and overwhelmed in roles where their duties include addressing large groups or where they conduct numerous brief interactions with people throughout the day. Roles like School Superintendent or Public Relations Manager are not likely to appeal to INFPs.
INFPs are not likely to be found in roles where they answer to shareholders or lead large teams to meet production quotas. They would prefer to trust their own creativity and intuition rather than complex data when making difficult decisions.
INFPs are happiest when they are making progress toward a goal, when they are using their creativity to bring something new to the world, and when they are making a difference in people's lives. When none of this is happening, INFPs are nagged by the constant feeling that there is something better they could be doing with their time.
Roles where the employee spend a lot of time filling or checking paperwork, evaluating budgets, or ensuring regulatory compliance are not likely to satisfy INFPs. Positions in quality assurance are difficult for INFPs because they are more inclined to notice abstract qualities instead of matching a product's attributes to a list of requirements.
Identifying which type each person who you are managing can help significantly in bringing the best out of your team during any project. INFPs are a valuable addition to any team. Their resourcefulness and willingness to contribute can be of great help. Under the right leadership, INFPs can prove to be visionary problem solvers who will not rest until they have accomplished their lofty goals.
Typically, a prosperous INFP career is one in which they can focus on enhancing the human condition.
INFPs are observant people who think holistically about problems, so they are very good at identifying root causes and articulating goals. Effective methods, timely schedules, and efficient processes may not be their strongest area, but their contributions are essential when it comes to crafting the visions that motivate those who organize the nuts and bolts.
Though INFPs often prefer to work independently, their efforts are often more effective when combined with team members of a more process-oriented type.
When asked how they think a goal or problem should be approached, they may describe a variety of different methods with no clear preference for one over the other. This is why it's often best to team INFPs up with Sensing, Thinking, and Judging types.
INFPs are passionate about making a positive difference in the workplace and in the lives of their clients.
INFPs can be quite productive when motivated, but incentives such as promotions, achievement awards, and prizes usually leave them cold. Simply telling an INFP that they've done a job well is enough. They don't like to compete much, and they are uncomfortable in the spotlight. A better way to keep INFP employees motivated is to feed their sense of purpose by supporting a shared vision for how their work is impacting clients, colleagues, and the wider community. When INFPs are working behind the scenes, managers are advised to bring it to their attention whenever their work makes a difference that they can't see, such as when a customer expresses gratitude.
Understanding how different people approach their work and their relationships with colleagues can help make for a more productive and collaborative workplace. Let's see what it's like to work with an INFP.
INFPs are perfectionists when it comes to results, but they are much more laid-back regarding methods and processes.
INFPs may come across as cool and distant, and their high standards can be somewhat intimidating, but they do want to be sure that everyone on the team feels welcome and valued. When asked, they are happy to provide advice and encouragement. It's important to them that everyone on the team shares the same goals and values.
INFPs strive to maintain harmony and are usually aware of interpersonal problems before anything is ever verbalized.
INFPs are creative types, and they are also perfectionists. Their perfectionism applies to end results much more than it does processes. The creative process often lacks organization, and messy processes can be as embarrassing and frustrating for an INFP as they may be for colleagues who share their workspaces. If the way they maintain their workspace bothers their colleagues, they are most likely aware of the problem and doing their best. They are highly sensitive to criticism and likely to apologize before receiving any complaints.
What are the most and least popular INFP career choices?
Figure 1: Survey data of which careers INFPs currently work in
What this chart shows
This chart shows the percent of INFPs who work in each industry sector compared to all types. This highlights which careers have an above-average and below-average proportion of INFP types working in them.
Notes:University of Bath, Psychology
Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.