Workplaces at present are more inclusive and diverse. It has become pivotal to recognize distinct forms of personalities to enhance collaboration and performance. ISFP and INFP are two of the personalities known from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. While both personalities may align more often, they are evidently different and offer different unique values.
Here we will learn about ISFP vs. INFP to see their personality differences and similarities at work.
What is ISFP?
ISFP can be seen as the Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving. Individuals with this profile are called ‘The Adventurers.’ These are special people who are gifted in arts, spontaneity, and being empathetic.
ISFPs prefer to be on their own or in small groups. They often need quiet time to recharge. Their attention is drawn towards what is happening in their immediate environment around them. They value aesthetic elements of existence including paintings, the environment, and music.
When it comes to Decision making, ISFPs are inclined to rely on feelings and values. They are also compassionate in most cases with the tendency to seek compromise in interpersonal relations.
What is INFP?
INFP is all about Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. These individuals are often called "The Mediators." People of this group are associated with being idealistic, creative as well as being sensitive towards others.
Similar to ISFP, INFP is also introvert, meaning that they enjoy being alone or in small companies since they need time to be alone and think. The INFP tends to act like a visionary or a philosopher at times because he or she likes to consider on the abstract ideas. INFPs often think about the big picture.
Decision making of these people is determined by their beliefs and they are inclined to have mercy.
Similarities and Differences in ISFP and INFP Personalities
Here we will explore key differences and similarities in ISFP and INFP personalities.
Differences Between ISFPs and INFPs
ISFP: Grounded in the Moment
ISFPs are adventurers. They are mostly oriented by the present world. Specifically, they are more interested in what is going on at the present moment.
They enjoy the experiences around them. This trait helps them to be practical and to make the most out of their current situation. Their ability to enjoy life as it unfolds makes them fun-loving and vibrant team members.
INFP: Future-Oriented Dreamers
On the other hand, INFPs, often called the "Mediators," tend to be more future-oriented. They like to think about what could be and often dream of new possibilities.
This ability enables them to come up with innovative concepts and strategies. Thereby, the prominent skills are in the verbal area, such as poetry or writing. It allows INFPs to cognitively verbalize their emotions. However, this dreaminess may also cause anxiety sometimes, especially if they feel pressurized by their ideas or other’s expectations.
Expressing Themselves
ISFP expresses themselves through the use of behavior. They may choose to express it through words or describe something through painting a picture or sculpting it. This provides them an active way of interacting with people in a social setting.
In contrast, INFPs prefer to express themselves through their words. They may write heartfelt poems or stories to share their inner feelings. This difference in expression can impact how they communicate in the workplace.
ISFPs may engage in lively discussions that involve demonstrating their ideas. While INFPs might share their thoughts in writing or through deep conversations.
Social Interactions
ISFPs tend to gel well with new people. They are open and friendly, making it easy for them to connect with others. This quality makes them great team players who can adapt quickly to new work environments. They enjoy meeting new colleagues and exploring collaborative projects.
In contrast, INFPs may struggle to connect with new people. They often feel anxious in unfamiliar social situations and may take longer to open up. While they value deep relationships, they might need time to feel comfortable with new team members.
This can lead to a more reserved approach in social settings, which may be misunderstood by others.
Similarities Between ISFPs and INFPs
Despite their differences, ISFPs and INFPs share several important similarities that can enhance their work relationships.
Enjoying Time Alone
Both ISFPs and INFPs enjoy spending time alone. This independence allows them to work well on individual projects and think creatively without distractions.
While they may enjoy teamwork, both types also value their personal space.
Independent Thinkers
Both personalities are independent thinker. They are highly involved with their thought processes. They are not compelled to adhere to the trend or culture. In fact, they can act based on what is right according to their perception of things.
They are able to do this independently. This can create great diversity in the teams. This is because it in turn creates new ideas for problem solving. They may be an advantage if the work involves a lot of creativity because they are open to experimenting.
Personality Type of ISFP at Work
In the workplace, ISFPs are friendly, practical, and like to work on their own. However, they also enjoy teamwork when they have similar-minded people around them. Let’s look at how ISFPs act as leaders and team members, what their work habits are like, and how they manage others.
ISFP as Leaders
However, if ISFPs do not generally accept leadership roles. Still, they can become quite effective at leading a friendly set of employees or workers.
Instead of having huge targets they choose to have achievable targets for the team. They will also do everything possible to assist the team. It makes them good listeners and they have a feel of the challenges that is experienced in their respective teams.
ISFP leaders are good at figuring out what a project needs and using resources wisely. They handle changing project demands well because they can adapt quickly.
ISFP in Employment
ISFPs enjoy jobs that match their values and purpose. They like tasks that have clear, visible results. They prefer a friendly and cooperative workspace where they can work on their own. They also appreciate a nice-looking workplace, especially their desk or office.
While ISFPs like to work alone, they also do well in a team. As team members, they are adaptable, helpful, open to feedback, loyal, and creative. This is because they are naturally introverted, they don’t like public speaking or leading big groups.
Jobs with tight deadlines or strict rules can stress them out, as can work environments with a lot of conflict.
Career Options for ISFP
Some of the best career options for ISFP are:
Artist
Graphic designer
Fashion designer
Interior designer
Chef
Jeweler
Musician
Florist
Teacher
Nurse
Social worker
Retail manager
Personality Type of INFP at Work
INFPs focus less on checking off tasks or making more money; their main goal is to help others at work. They appreciate positive feedback, have high self-esteem, and love having the freedom to be creative.
INFPs as Leaders
INFP leaders trust their instincts. They set idealistic goals while keeping the big picture in mind. Their hopeful view of the future inspires team members to work harder and do their best to reach these goals.
INFPs are good at seeing how actions lead to results. It helps them to plan the steps needed to finish a task and delegate work effectively.
As leaders or managers, they are dedicated to the growth and improvement of themselves, the organization, and their team members.
INFP in Employment
INFP employees do best in small teams where they can have meaningful conversations. Large teams and back-to-back meetings can tire them out. So, they work better when there is a good mix of teamwork and independent tasks.
They are naturally passionate, and when they care about a project, they give it their all. Even though they are introverts, they can easily build friendly working relationships with their teammates.
Their creativity and love for new ideas help them excel at brainstorming, solving difficult problems, and adding a creative flair to simple tasks. Their empathy and understanding also make it easier for them to resolve conflicts.
Career Options for INFP
Here we have listed some suitable career options for INFP:
Multimedia artist
Librarian
Graphic designer
Curator
Writer
Nutritionist
Film editor
Teacher/Professor
PR manager
HR Specialist
Psychologist
Mental health counselor
Final Thoughts
ISFPs and INFPs may have different approaches to work. However, their shared values and strengths can create a collaborative and productive workplace. These two personality types can collaborate effectively and contribute positively to their teams. Understanding both personalities will also help you to build meaningful relationships with your colleagues.
