INFPs in the Corporate World

INFP – Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving

In case you still have no idea what this is about, INFP is one of the 16 personality profiles outlined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. INFP personalities make up just a small fraction, ~4%, of the population. Being true idealists and dreamers, they are motivated by their principles and beliefs rather than practical concerns, logic or emotions.

A quick look at this personality type:

Introversion does not necessarily equate to being quiet or shy. It simply refers to the state of or tendency to draw energy from introspective activities. This trait predominantly affects our interaction with others. As such, introverts are thus often stereotyped to be the shy, quiet, withdrawn and reserved types.

Intuitive individuals are driven by the possibilities rather than proven methods. Not ones to be bound by structure, they pursue creativity and novelty. Their perspectives and approaches are hence strongly influenced by their intuition rather than observation.

Feeling types base their decision-making on emotions rather than rational logic, and are more emotionally expressive and harmonious than their Thinking counterparts.

Perceiving individuals are of an open mind and have a tendency to deviate from the norm and structure. Rather than forming a plan right down to the nitty-gritty details, they form a loose one, allowing for adaptation and improvisation.

In short, the INFPs are your archetypal artists and writers - the creative group who seeks a deeper meaning and beauty in their work. Work, has to be more than just a mere job of what needs to be done. Work to them, equates to the birth of their efforts and thoughts, served with that individualized touch of sincerity and splendor.

The corporate world is built from a scaffold of bureaucracy and moves at a pace powered by the turbo evolution of technology in order to match the ever changing needs of its markets to generate the necessary revenue. Amidst the hectic pace, excessive exchange of information and data, applauded voices of the extroverted and oppressing structure, most INFPs find themselves sucked into a cycle of tasks lined with routine mediocrities and necessities, and drown.

This leads us to the inevitable question – are INFPs less likely to succeed?

The natural talents and gifts of the INFPs make them well suited for careers in the arts and social work – career fields which are generally not well looked upon by those in the corporate world. The instability of the aforementioned career fields, prospects and output cannot be measured with the same quantitative standards favored by the corporate workers. However, we need to constantly remind ourselves that success can be defined in many ways. The significant amount of time we invest in work is exchanged with monetary gain or personal satisfaction; the latter is what most INFPs work towards.

“You can achieve nothing if you forsake yourself.”
- Franz Kafka (one of the most famous INFPs of all time)

To all INFPs – your ideals will be your internal compass to lead you forward. There is a place for every individual in this world. Define your own success.

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