Can an INFJ be a leader? (5 reasons INFJs can)
This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFJ be a leader?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFJ that will help understand the answer.
Can an INFJ be a leader?
Yes, an INFJ can be a leader. An INFJ can become a leader because of the following 5 reasons –
- INFJs are idealistic and set high standards for themselves.
- INFJs can predict the future and help their team avoid trouble.
- INFJs read others well, which helps them build strong teams.
- INFJs bring out the best in others.
- INFJs are good at creative problem-solving.
These 5 reasons why an INFJ can become a leader will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFJ means.
Who is an INFJ?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers established sixteen personality types. INFJ is one of them. Introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgement (INFJ) are four key personality traits based on psychologist C.G. Jung’s work.
Each of the four letters in the INFJ code represents a significant personality feature associated with this personality type.
INFJs prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible because they are energised by time alone (introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (intuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (feeling), and prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).
Because of their inclination to be idealistic, sympathetic, and sensitive, the INFJ personality type is also known as the “Counselor.” The INFJ is also known by the following nicknames:
- The Insightful Visionary (MBTI)
- The Advocate (16Personalities)
INFJs are nurturers who are creative and nurturing, with a strong sense of personal integrity and a desire to help others reach their full potential. They have a knack for coming up with unique answers to people’s problems, and they are both creative and dedicated.
The Counselor has a unique ability to sense other people’s emotions and intentions, and will frequently know how they are feeling before they do. They have faith in their capacity to read others and trust their perceptions of others.
The INFJ is a secretive type who is choosy about communicating inner thoughts and feelings. They are sensitive, yet they are also guarded.
INFJ Personality Type Characteristics Are –
- INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathic due to their high sense of intuition and emotional understanding. This does not, however, imply that they are cowards. INFJs have strong convictions and the capacity to act aggressively to achieve their goals.
- Despite their introversion, persons with the INFJ personality type may develop deep, lasting relationships with others. INFJs appreciate assisting others, but they also require rest and relaxation.
- The INFJ is distinguished by their ability to put their ideals into action. They don’t merely want a better world; they make it happen.
- People with the INFJ personality type enjoy taking charge by planning, organising, and making choices as soon as feasible.
- INFJs prioritise their emotions above objective facts when making judgments. This does not, however, imply that they view the world through rose-coloured glasses. INFJs have an excellent understanding of the world, including the good and the terrible, and aim to improve it.
What are these 5 reasons why an INFJ can become a leader?
INFJs are idealistic and set high standards for themselves.
They are well-organized and planned, and they frequently use a calendar or organiser to keep track of their activities. They are enthusiastic about personal development and want to see themselves improve as a result of reading and learning from others.
INFJs have a vision of the future that is idealistic and humanistic, and they strive to realise this vision via their work.
When they do express their vision, INFJs inspire people with their vision of how the world can be a better place and how the organization’s efforts can help make that happen. Leaders that are INFJ believe in the best in people and are more trustworthy and encouraging of their followers.
INFJ leaders want to assist their team members to grow as individuals, therefore they provide opportunities for them to do so at work. These characteristics make INFJ leaders highly approachable and likeable, and they frequently foster a pleasant and friendly work atmosphere.
INFJs are positive about achieving their goals; they move fast to action, and they naturally become a role model for others to emulate. They are skilled at strategic and operational planning, as well as allocating people and resources to the appropriate locations.
INFJs can predict the future and help their team avoid trouble.
Introverted Intuition, INFJs’ primary cognitive function, would be their superpower if they had one. Thanks to their second function, Extroverted Feeling, INFJs may assimilate information at a deep, almost subconscious level and discern patterns in human emotion and behaviour.
Magic comes when these two cognitive systems operate together in the background. INFJ leaders have the ability to prevent issues from occurring.
They may then prepare their team by discussing the measures they will need to take to get through a difficult month, a drop in numbers, or simply habits that will create future difficulties.
INFJs read others well, which helps them build strong teams.
The Extroverted Feeling function of INFJs is very adept at detecting other people’s “vibes” or emotions. They notice things like body language, voice tone, and other little subtleties that other people overlook.
They don’t mind readers and don’t always know what’s going on, but they can sense when something isn’t quite right and utilise that information to connect with their team, check on their overall health, and be emotionally present to them.
INFJs bring out the best in others.
Because INFJs are keen observers, they are adept at determining what other individuals are naturally gifted at. This may be utilised to construct a picture of how they can contribute most effectively to the group and play a specific role while working on projects together.
People are encouraged and validated by INFJs. Their words have power, and they utilise it to bring out the best in people as a leader. One-on-one conversations allow INFJ leaders to demonstrate that they care about and sympathise with what others are going through at work or at home.
INFJs are concerned, and they are concerned intensely. When it comes to gaining influence as a leader, especially for an introverted leader, demonstrating that they care is critical.
INFJs are good at creative problem-solving.
The fastest method to gain influence as a leader, according to John Maxwell, is to solve issues. Depending on the scenario, the INFJ leader has the ability to solve problems in one of two ways: fix a problem before it occurs or come up with creative solutions after the fact.
The mature INFJ is a master at seeing trends that might lead to major difficulties. The INFJ leader can anticipate an issue and begin working on a solution before it occurs, or come up with a solution if the problem is unavoidable. The team will never face the problem if it is fixed before it occurs.
When it comes to being creative, the INFJ is a living paradox. They are both emotional and rational and analytical, despite being highly emotional. This aids their ability to come up with innovative ideas.
Their empathy allows them to see things from other people’s viewpoints, and they may utilise their analytical skills to determine which ideas have the best chance of succeeding.
It’s difficult to be an introverted leader in an extroverted culture. INFJ leaders, on the other hand, need to be supported and recognise that they have unique abilities that will enable them to lead others in their own unique style.
They should study them, hone them, and put them to use so that they may have an influence on people around them.
Conclusion –
This blog post aimed to answer the question, “Can an INFJ be a leader?” and reviewed the features and functions of this introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFJ to help determine whether INFJs can become leaders. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.
References –
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