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{<b><p16>INFJ:  An Inspiring Leader and Follower<n><p12> }
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{Wherever scholarly dependability is needed in the workplace, there's no better person to turn to than an INFJ. A popular human-services-oriented type, most of their energies, at work or home, are directed toward bettering a condition, especially the human one. No one word does justice to the complexities of the human personality. However, the word gentle continues to come to mind when thinking of the INFJ. 

The focus of the INFJ is inward, meditative, and reflective (Introversion) and their perception of life is to see it as endless possibilities, meanings, and usually in a big-picture context (iNtuition). These symbols and abstractions are translated through their subjective, interpersonal decision-making preference (Feeling), which in turn is acted out in a lifestyle that is structured, scheduled, and ordered (Judging). The INFJ's iNtuition is Introverted, and the Feeling-Judgments are more imposed on others. The combination is a rather rich and imaginative inner drive that reveals itself in the form of caring and concern for others -- with just enough structure to be believable. They're not all talk; they deliver the goods. 

Many of the INFJ's descriptors -- gentle, caring, concern, imaginative, interpersonal -- are those typically seen as more female than male. As a result, INFJ females fit most socially traditional female expectations; one exception might be the aura of mysticism that many INFJs possess. It is only as she gets driven by her causes and concerns that she may be less than pliable and, therefore, more threatening to the male-dominated workplace. When this occurs, it can become compounded because as the male pushes for facts and objectivity (a typical Sensing-Thinking model), the INFJ female can appear less than grounded -- but no less firmly committed. At such times, the ST male pushes harder and harder, only to be stymied in the INFJ's rigid (Judging) but idealistic (iNtuitive-Feeling) issues. Still, INFJ women are respected for the intellectual acumen and are seen as generally soft, gentle, and caring at work. 

In our society, these same characteristics in males are problematic. INFJ males are confronted with a difficult situation: their natural caring gentleness is threatening to others in the workplace, particularly other males. The INFJ's colleagues, superiors, and subordinates alike are prone to wonder, "Who is this person? Is he a man? A wimp? A guru? A flake?" The INFJ is aware of this paradox. He knows he is different from society's norm, and he feels society's pressure to be tough and macho. That leaves him with inner turmoil and with jammed circuits in his body. 

All INFJs are more likely than most other types to suffer illnesses of the stomach and lower colon. It is almost as if they are punishing themselves for being unable to reconcile the public's expectation of their gender with their natural preferences. This can apply to women, as well, but in our clinical observations we have seen this much more in men.

In most cases the solution to this situation probably is not medical. It begins with an awareness of the dilemma and a recognition that INFJs are naturally adept at meditation -- anything from a discipline such as yoga to the simple opportunity for a few minutes' quiet reflection. INFJ males would do well to take advantage of this for a few moments each day, even at company expense, for some sort of a meditative release. Such a break allows them to continue to be productive and allows others to benefit from their special contributions. 

Outside of clergy, and perhaps private-practice psychology, it is not an easy lot to be an INFJ male at work. Their intense concern internalized can become a heavy daily burden. It can also set them up for a martyr complex ("I'm so concerned about Sam, but he doesn't even seem to hear, let alone appreciate, my concern. Poor me."), which serves no one effectively. 

The INFJ's overall work style brings a good balance of schedule and accountability with an awareness of others' needs. INFJs are particularly reticent when it comes to conflict and often know ahead of anyone else when it is about to erupt. Their Introverted-iNtuitive-Feeling provides a radar-like perception that can serve as an early warning system. Unfortunately, this ability flies in the face of their intense fear of conflict. The result leaves them debilitated. They bury the trauma in their Introversion and hope that it will simply go away. 

INFJs like neatness and order at work and prefer a setting of quiet congeniality, a place where each person can be affirmed for his or her contribution, each feels a sense of accomplishment, and all work harmoniously toward some common good. Such qualities are extremely valued in the teaching profession, helping students to think for themselves and to appreciate learning; of course in the faculty lounge between classes, the process will continue. These same traits are equally valued in other professions, as INFJs share some friendly exchange, insight, or inspiration.

INFJs' strengths include their intellectual prowess, their personal idealism, and their general caring and concern for humanity. The combination of their four letters leads them to pursue the theoretical and accomplish most goals by which academic achievement is measured. Few people fully appreciate the rich inner life of the INFJ and how steeped it is in imaginative, creative, abstract ideas and concepts. The INFJ can easily spend an entire day just dreaming and envisioning. Such pursuit is its own reward, and to be allowed to do that -- and to encourage others to do the same -- is what life is all about for the INFJ. Consequently, any task or event will always be the richer if he or she can first place it in some conceptual frame of reference that includes thinking it through thoroughly. INFJs' nonstop search for learning, self-growth, and development - and wishing the same for everyone else -- makes them very reassuring to others and people worth emulating. Their keen insights and generally strong character are an inspiration to all.  

Feeling types as a rule are idealists, and INFJs (along with their cousins, the INFPs) lead the pack. This is interesting, because while they are not given to rocking the boat, when an INFJ's ideals are on the line it seems that he or she can take on any odds and win. So, if the issue is better pay for teachers, it will be the INFJs who will present it to the public in a formidable fashion. They may be less likely to walk the picket lines or making speeches, but they will no doubt be a driving force nonetheless. Suddenly, this pliable, gentle, concerned INFJ can become a strong-willed determinist who faces a cause equipped with the intellectual foundation that can render opponents defenseless. Whatever the cause, you won't do badly having an INFJ on your side. 

It is not unlike an INFJ to wonder why everyone isn't affirming, honest, and productive with one another. There is no need for war, believes the INFJ, only understanding. INFJs are embodiment of the Golden Rule and the notion that, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." That is what INFJs give, that is how they live, that's what they want from everyone, and as much as possible, that's where they put their energies, at work and at home. Though their Introversion may make them somewhat slow to give strokes freely and easily, they nevertheless can be counted upon to stand by those to whom they feel loyal. Their interest in their fellow human beings is fierce, firm, and genuine. Life is generally a better place because INFJs have passed through it. 

INFJs are not without their shortcomings. For example, they have a tendency to become severely depressed when their ideals go unfulfilled. It is amazing how quickly the strength of the INFJ's rich inner imagination can turn to discouragement when others don't readily join or support their cause. What was inspiration now spirals ever inward toward self-punishment and deep-seated feelings of failure. Guilt becomes overriding and depression abounds. In such cases, the INFJ tends to distort reality and bury himself or herself in a barrage of despair, ending in, "No one gives a damn. How foolish of me to have thought otherwise." 

Another INFJ weakness is their overpersonalization -- almost fanaticism -- of events that may not even concern them. Once an INFJ has taken on the cares and concerns of a situation, even a simple office issue can escalate into a major disaster. Once an INFJ has accepted the burden of a problem, it is now his or her total responsibility to save everyone and to make things right. Anything from an unhappy colleague to the needs of a Third World country can be translated by the INFJ as a personal failure. If this eagerness to take on burdens is not checked, the feeling of failure only deepens, giving way to total self-deprecation and punishment. The INFJ's resulting sense of worthlessness can permeate an entire organization. 

A third weakness is the INFJ's propensity for making the simple complex, then becoming quite extreme in response -- in short, making mountains out of molehills. They can become fanatics, responding to a situation in a manner totally disproportionate to what's demanded. A disagreement over a company's new lunchroom policy can quickly move from a simple dispute over rules and regulations into a crusade for ending hunger worldwide. Others are baffled at how this occurs. Moreover, the INFJ will become rigid, with fits of anger followed by extreme withdrawal, making it almost impossible for others to reason with the INFJ. 

When such behavior is minimized, the INFJ's contributions to the workplace can be significant. At their best, they are imaginative and creative visionaries who are a source of inspiration to everyone. They are often the ones behind the scenes who make others look good, providing words, wit, and wisdom.

<b>Workplace Contribution:<n>
Turns work into a cause and injects--with quiet, serious focus--inspiration and devotion throughout the organization

<b>Pathway to Professional Growth:<n>
Must learn that your excitement about the future and the possibilities it holds for people are often inaccessible, buried beneath a serious, troubled-seeming exterior that can work against your goals

<b>Leadership Qualities:<n>
Provides inspirational and visionary direction with a moralistic or values-related spin, working with focus toward change and development 

<b>Team Spirit:<n>
Teams are complex human systems that need understanding and care and that if well managed can produce inspirational, valuable work}