The 16 Personality Types

1. Personality types are based on cognitive functions, not just preferences

"To understand INTJs, or other IP types, it is necessary to recognize the full implications of their dominant function, Ti, being a Judging function."

Cognitive functions are key. Unlike simplistic models that only look at preferences, the cognitive function approach examines how different mental processes work together to form personality. There are eight cognitive functions - Sensing, Intuition, Thinking and Feeling, each with an introverted and extraverted orientation. A person's type is determined by their unique combination and ordering of these functions.

Functions work as a system. Each type has a functional stack of four cognitive functions that operate together:

• Dominant function: Primary way of interfacing with the world
• Auxiliary function: Supports and balances the dominant
• Tertiary function: Less conscious but still influential
• Inferior function: Least conscious, often a source of struggle

Understanding this deeper functional model provides much greater insight into personality differences than just looking at surface preferences or behaviors. It explains why types that seem similar on the surface can actually operate quite differently.

2. Each type has a unique functional stack that develops over time

"ENTPs' type development can be roughly divided according to three phases"

Functional stacks are dynamic. While a person's basic type preferences tend to remain stable, the expression and development of the cognitive functions evolves over time. The functional stack provides a roadmap for personal growth and development throughout life.

Typical functional stack development:

• Childhood: Emergence of dominant function
• Adolescence/early adulthood: Development of auxiliary function
• Adulthood: Increased access to tertiary and inferior functions
• Maturity: Greater balance and integration of all functions

Understanding this developmental process helps explain changing behaviors and challenges at different life stages. It also provides a framework for consciously working on personal growth by developing less preferred functions over time.

3. The dominant function shapes core personality and decision-making

"INTPs are best understood as predominant Judgers and display many characteristics of EJs, only that these behaviors are directed inwardly or toward the self."

The dominant sets the tone. A person's dominant function has an outsized influence on their overall personality, way of perceiving the world, and approach to decision-making. It tends to be the most conscious and well-developed mental process.

Key impacts of the dominant function:

• Shapes core motivations and values
• Determines preferred way of taking in information or making decisions
• Influences communication and interaction style
• Colors worldview and philosophical outlook

While other functions play important supporting roles, the dominant function is the central anchor of personality. Understanding your own dominant function and those of others provides crucial insight into core drives and natural tendencies.

4. The auxiliary function provides balance and support to the dominant

"Ne is INTPs' preferred extraverted function and one of the primary tools they use to explore the outside world."

A crucial counterbalance. The auxiliary function complements the dominant, providing balance and support. It's usually oriented in the opposite direction (extraverted vs introverted) to the dominant. This allows for a more well-rounded engagement with both the inner and outer worlds.

Key roles of the auxiliary function:

• Balances the dominant function's perspective
• Provides a bridge between internal and external worlds
• Supports growth and development of the dominant
• Often determines visible behaviors and outer presentation

A well-developed auxiliary function is crucial for psychological health and effective functioning in the world. It prevents over-reliance on the dominant function and allows for more flexible and adaptive responses to different situations.

5. The tertiary and inferior functions play key roles in personal growth

"Despite its relative unconsciousness, the inferior function cannot be simply ignored or dismissed as unimportant. To the contrary, it is impossible to achieve psychospiritual wholeness without it!"

Hidden potential. While less conscious than the dominant and auxiliary, the tertiary and especially the inferior functions represent important areas for personal growth and development. The inferior function in particular often represents a source of both fascination and struggle.

Key aspects of tertiary and inferior functions:

• Areas of both weakness and potential strength
• Source of internal tension and external stress
• Pathway to greater psychological wholeness
• Often emerge more prominently in mid-life and beyond

Engaging with these less developed functions can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Integrating them leads to greater balance, flexibility, and a more complete expression of one's full potential.

6. Type development occurs in three main phases throughout life

"Phase III represents the well-integrated personality."

A lifelong journey. Personality type development is not a fixed state, but an ongoing process throughout life. While the basic preferences remain stable, how they are expressed and integrated evolves over time.

The three phases of type development:

1. Childhood/adolescence: Emergence of dominant function
2. Early adulthood: Development of auxiliary and encounter with inferior
3. Maturity: Integration of all functions and greater balance

This developmental framework provides a roadmap for personal growth. It helps explain changing behaviors and challenges at different life stages. Understanding these phases can guide intentional efforts to develop less preferred functions and achieve greater psychological wholeness.

7. Understanding your type can lead to greater self-awareness and growth

"ENFPs seeking self-knowledge and personal growth must work to understand the ways their inferior function, Introverted Sensing (Si), manifests in their personality."

Self-knowledge is power. Understanding your personality type provides a framework for increased self-awareness and intentional personal development. It helps explain natural strengths and weaknesses, core motivations, and areas for potential growth.

Benefits of type awareness:

• Insight into decision-making patterns
• Understanding of stress reactions and coping mechanisms
• Awareness of blind spots and potential areas for growth
• Framework for leveraging strengths and developing weaknesses
• Improved communication and relationships

While type should not be used as a rigid box, it provides a valuable map for the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The goal is not to change your basic type, but to develop greater balance and effectiveness within your natural preferences.

8. Each type has distinct strengths, weaknesses, and core motivations

"INTJs are born leaders. They are direct, assertive, and uninhibited."

Unique type profiles. Each of the 16 types has a distinct combination of strengths, weaknesses, and core motivations shaped by their particular functional stack. Understanding these profiles provides insight into natural tendencies and potential blind spots.

Key elements of type profiles:

• Dominant function determines core approach to life
• Auxiliary function shapes supporting strengths
• Inferior function often represents areas of struggle and growth
• Interaction of functions creates unique motivations and values

While individuals vary within types, these profiles provide a starting point for understanding different personality patterns. They can be especially helpful for improving communication, teamwork, and relationships between different types.

9. Relationships and careers are influenced by personality type dynamics

"ENTPs are often better at finding their place among people (Fe) than they are at identifying an ideal job in the system (Te)."

Type impacts life choices. Personality type has a significant influence on relationship patterns and career preferences. Understanding type dynamics can provide valuable insight into potential strengths and challenges in these areas.

Type considerations in relationships and careers:

• Complementary vs similar type pairings in relationships
• Communication styles and potential conflict areas
• Natural fit with different career fields and work environments
• Sources of job satisfaction and potential stress

While type should not be the only factor in major life decisions, it provides a helpful framework for understanding natural tendencies and potential areas of compatibility or conflict. This awareness can guide more intentional choices in both personal and professional realms.

10. Integration of all functions is the key to psychological wholeness

"Phase III INTPs become increasingly aware of the insidious ways of their inferior Fe. As they become more aware of their inferior and learn to function more authentically as INTPs, they experience greater balance between their Ti and Fe."

Balance is the goal. True psychological health and effectiveness comes not from over-reliance on preferred functions, but from the integration and balanced use of all four functions in the stack. This integration is a lifelong process of growth and development.

Keys to functional integration:

• Conscious development of auxiliary and tertiary functions
• Awareness and acceptance of inferior function influences
• Ability to flexibly use different functions as needed
• Reduced grip experiences and lower overall stress
• Increased sense of wholeness and authenticity

While full integration is an ideal to work towards rather than a fixed destination, increased balance among the functions leads to greater psychological health, improved relationships, and more effective functioning in various life domains.

Last updated: October 18, 2024