Each MBTI type has a type opposite comprised of all the same functions but in reverse order. This opposite type is likely to pose the greatest difficulty for getting along harmoniously. Misunderstandings and clashes are likely to arise whenever these types encounter one another. Here is a look at the “arch nemesis” of each of the 16 MBTI types. Continue reading
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome MBTI types are more argumentative than others. While some personalities avoid getting into it, others actively instigate because they enjoy squaring off in a debate and the art of verbal sparring. Here is a look at how and what each Myers-Briggs personality is likely to argue about.
Problems are commonplace but finding a good solution is sometimes hard to come by. When things go wrong, do you have a nervous breakdown or keep calm and carry on? Here is a brief take on how each Myers-Briggs type is wired to address problems.
That’s it, I’m done with you. Not 50% done, not 75% done, I’m 100% done. Here’s a look at each Myers-Briggs type when they reach the limit of their patience and tolerance and become completely fed up with someone. Continue reading
Famous psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud introduced many ideas that have left an indelible mark on the world of psychology. Among them was the concept of the ego as being the center of our sense of self and identity. The ego, he believed, forms boundaries around itself separating what is and isn’t part of it’s self schema. When the ego is confronted with distressing feelings that threaten the self-concept, it employs defense mechanisms as a means of psychological protection against lowered self-esteem, depression, etc. Freud’s daughter Anna expanded on these ideas in her book “The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defence”.
Here I present to you a frivolous union of pop psychology and astrology to assess the defense mechanism each zodiac sign is likely to employ according to me.
Acting Out – Aries is a zodiac sign associated with impulsivity and intrepitude. It is also the first sign of the zodiac and as such is also viewed as the “baby”. Babies are immature, self-centered and temperamental – just like Aries. The Aries person is typically direct and confident but they also have a propensity for acting in immature ways when frustrated or emotional. When they are unable to articulate with words their anger or hurt, they may react in a physical way like punching walls, throwing objects or flipping tables.
Social Comparison – Being a sign that is known for it’s affinity for wealth, status and sensual pleasure, Taurus no doubt takes a special interest in living the good life. Social comparison is a defense mechanism whereby a person compares themselves to someone less fortunate in order to boost their self esteem or feel better about their situation. A Taurus with an unhealthy preoccupation with status and maybe an inferiority complex might be inclined to reframe their circumstances relative to those who are worst off..
Dissociation – Gemini is the sign of the twins which represent the sign’s highly dual nature. They can be coquettish going from hot to cold and switching perspective, mood and attitude without warning. Geminis are often accused of being two-faced and capricious. For this reason, it is possible that they may be guilty of dissociation, a defense mechanism whereby a person may disengage from themselves and slip into an alternate identity that is treated as a separate entity with a separate attitude.
Displacement – Cancer is an emotional zodiac sign and as such, they have a penchant for absorbing other people’s negative energy or harboring that of their own. They can build up negative feelings created in one bad relationship that carry over into their other relationships. For instance at work they may develop a lot of resentment they are unable to express towards a boss and at home that resentment may cause them to lash out in a disproportionate way over minor things.
Rationalization – Being a proud sign who’s ego is resistant to any and all attacks on it’s bearing, Leos may be inclined to reframe disappointment and rejection in a way that allows them to save face. For instance, they may meet and fall in love with a person they genuinely thought to be incredible and perfect but after being dumped by said person may later reframe their notions of them as having been suspect all along. Or they may look for a satisfying excuse to justify why it happened as a means of mitigating their sorrow over the relationship’s closure.
Repression – Virgo is associated with modesty and conservatism and they may be inclined to living a puritanical lifestyle. They are very judgemental and self-critical as well, in addition to being perfectionistic, anal and neurotic. Virgo is also the sign associated with the virgin which is to say that they try to hold themselves to a high, if not self-abnegating, standard. They may repress themselves for moral or religious reasons but also for health. Virgo is also associated with health and wellbeing and this may manifest in abstinence from an unhealthy diet.
Reaction Formation – Libras are all about harmony and they strive to maintain balance in their relationships with all people in their lives. They are nice individuals who care about their social status, public image and standing with people. But Libras also get unhappy and angry and despite their charming and friendly facade, they may harbor some unglamorous and dark feelings. They would rather conceal that side of themselves from others and instead of expressing those negative sentiments, they may deliberately mask it with an overly positive attitude that belies what they really feel.
Undoing – Scorpios are deeply passionate and sensitive despite their intense, forceful nature. They are capable of destructive rage during which they may say and do things to loved ones they will later regret not long afterwards. Following such episodes, they may try to overcompensate with desperate acts of sweetness to gain forgiveness or redemption in the eyes of those they hurt or wronged. In a fit of rage they may have lambasted another person’s intelligence only to later on say and do everything they can to nullify what they did and make amends..
Compensation – This is where an individual compensates for an area in which they are deficient by over developing themselves in another area. Sagittarius is a sign that is noted for being good humored with an optimistic outlook. They are often talented, confident and athletic individuals who are competitive and take great pride in their abilities. They are typically very open minded and if they discover that they are inadequate in some area, they will likely find something else in which they can excel and earn acclaim.
Compartmentalization – Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn which is associated with restriction, duty and structure. Capricorns are considered to be workaholics who are able to structure and regiment their lives to accomplish their ends. They are pragmatic and resourceful workaholics who will do what they must to achieve their ends. Sometimes their ambitions may supercede their moral rectitude and cause them to violate their own values. They might try to section-off that act as a special circumstance so as to avoid dealing with the cognitive dissonance and guilt it would create for them.
Projection – Aquarians are supposed to be eccentric, unorthodox and inventive visionaries. As such they are likely to see things with a unique and unconventional perspective that may or may not be practical or realistic. They may develop some paranoid and neurotic tendencies and may sometimes take themselves too seriously and have difficulty coping with their inner demons. They might be prone to unwittingly projecting some of their fears and negative aspects of the personality onto others without realizing it.
Denial – Pisces is ruled by neptune, the planet of illusion and fantasy. This is why the sign of Pisces is associated with escapism, fantasy and spiritual insight. It is a sign that is not always in touch with reality and often blinded by naive idealism. Pisces people are deeply sensitive and may have difficulty in coping with personal problems or confronting them honestly. Instead they may often choose to believe what they want to believe and pretend problems don’t exist or that they can resolve them in ways that are delusional and unrealistic.
What we take offense to is invariably linked to what we value most in ourselves and the people and things that are linked to us. The most insulting insults are the ones that directly clash with what we accept as part of our ego identity. Here are the worst insults each of the 16 MBTI types is likely to take offense to.
Insulting an INFJ is not hard because they are pretty sensitive to criticism. They however may take special exception with insults about their character, sense of integrity and the quality or value of advice they give. INFJs hate being accused of being evil or malevolent since they tend to view themselves as someone who has humanity’s best interests in mind. Rejecting their advice, minimizing their feelings (like telling them to “get over it” or toughen up) and mistaking their kindness for weakness are all offenses likely to hit INFJ the hardest.
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“rabbits” by perhydrol
In a dangerous world, you must fight to survive. The streets are full of snakes waiting to do you in as soon as you let down your guard. Even the most innocuous person can be a wolf in disguise so don’t underestimate them. Here is why each of the 16 MBTI personalities can be a danger to you.
INFJs can conceal their true feelings from others and project an image or facade that is deceptive. They can be like social chameleons, reading the people they interact with and modifying their own behavior to effectively blend in. The INFJ can pretend to be obtuse and harmless when in fact they notice and pick up a lot of information about people that can be weaponized against them. INFJs have a strong will and can shift from being altruistic to Machiavellian when it comes to fulfilling their ends.
Dangerous INFJs: Osama Bin Laden, Adolf Hitler, Leon Trotsky, Ruhollah Khomeini, Chiang Kai-shek
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[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was famed psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud who introduced the concept of defense mechanisms, a topic his daughter Anna Freud later expanded on in her book “The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense
The use of psychological defense mechanisms seems to stem from the ego’s need for psychological and emotional stability. The ego forms a conception of itself and draws boundaries for what it accepts and does not accept as part of it’s identity. In every individual, there are feelings, thoughts, and impulses existing in our psyche that are not acted on because they are either deemed as inappropriate by social standards or because they conflict with personal standards or beliefs held by the individual’s “ego ideal”. There are numerous types of defense mechanisms, many of them healthy when used maturely, such as humor, altruism and sublimation. Other forms, such as projection, denial, and “acting out” are considered unhealthy and result from a lack of self-knowledge.
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The Wizard of Oz
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ooner or later, everyone lands themselves in a bit of hot water in one form or another. In many cases, we are each to blame for our own misfortunes. The types of trouble we get into will vary from person to person but will likely correlate positively with Myers Briggs typology. Here are some of the deviant activities each Myers Briggs type will likely be guilty of.
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike INTPs, ISTPs also want to know how things work but not in regards to concepts and theories but rather that of concrete physical objects. ISTPs therefore may find themselves in trouble when their desire to figure out what’s in the “secret sauce” turns into a sticky situation. Because of their ability to reverse engineer, ISTPs can sometimes use this skill to hack into things or gain access to things for which they are not granted permission. Since ISTPs are known to be something of mavericks, they may have no qualms about defying inconvenient laws or social mores if they can get away with it.
ISTPs can also be clever pranksters able to devise elaborate gags ranging from childish to borderline cruel. Their physical dexterity and knowledge of human behavior allows them to play tricks on unsuspecting victims. They likely derive great amusement out of seeing others fall into their traps like a fly in spider’s web. If they’re not careful, their harmless fun can backfire and end up burning them in a bittersweet twist of poetic justice.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]SFPs are nice, well meaning folks but they can also get caught up in misguided causes and woo woo metaphysics. They’re not the greatest critical thinkers and book learnin’ ain’t so appealin’. They want experiences -and lots of them. They can have a quirky odd ball sense of humor that others may not appreciate or even be offended by and like Huck Finn, they can get up to all kinds of shenanigans.
ISFPs can be victims of their own delusions blinded by a highly subjective existential idealism. For fun, they may dabble in the occult or satanism, maybe playing pranks on the local churches in their area. Their attention-seeking side can lead them to be highly impulsive and histrionic doing strange things for shock value just to see the reactions from people. They can rub people the wrong way and even infuriate those who don’t understand ISFP’s airy chicanery.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]STPs by their very nature attract trouble, and when they can’t find any, they create it themselves. They can be foolhardy, risk-taking knuckleheads who act without thinking (but they do think). They are impatient and action oriented and arrogant enough to believe that they can solve anything and do it better than others. This brazen arrogance is probably what engenders the most ire in others towards the ESTP. They cannot help it though, nor would they apologize for it. Sooner or later, ESTPs will be humbled in spectacular fashion by epic failure. Tis’ but a scratch for them though because their incorrigible spirit will rebound quicklyenough to seize a new opportunity.
ESTPs can be bullies who are not afraid to instigate conflict when they feel somehow disrespected or infringed upon. They likely enjoy the drama because at heart they are thrill seekers who feel most alive when engaged in a struggle fighting for something. They want to compete, they want to win and they want to be the biggest kid on the block. One of their biggest lessons in life is to learn how to be a gracious loser because even they can’t win them all.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]SFPs are charming little buggers who love being showered with attention and affection. But behind their enchanting smiles, can be a conniving con-man/woman who knows what buttons to push to get what they want. ESFPs can also be hedonistic sensation seekers who live for the moment, extracting as much excitement and fun as they can. As a result, they can be tempted to become very immoderate in their debauchery and easily spin out of control. They can fall down the rabbit hole of addiction and dangerous self destructive behavior.
ESFPs love to feel good and they have a weak spot for sensual pleasures and instant gratification. They defy the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and enjoy shocking and impressing people with their antics and provocative hi-jinks. Their impulsive and thrill seeking tendencies will no doubt lead to many flirts with disaster. Their actions can appear very reckless at times to the point that people wonder whether they’ve lost their minds.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]STJs are reputed as dutiful law-abiding individuals with little interest in Machiavellian exploits and mischievous schemes. Therefore ISTJs are righteous angels of all that is good and perfect, right? Not so fast. While ISTJs may seem like model citizens on paper, and in many cases they are, they may get themselves in trouble with insensitive and overly blunt remarks. They can often disregard the need for tact in favor of an almost sadistically heavy-handed criticism of others. Their stubbornness can also earn them unpopularity with others especially subordinates.
Their unapologetically harsh words can make them the object of controversy and social condemnation. They can be arrogant to such an extent that they believe they know what is best and feel justified in violating rules or laws deeming it a necessary evil. In other words they can deem themselves as above the law and if put in positions of power ISTJs may become, in worst case scenarios, insufferable, self-righteous dictators.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]SFJs are emotional manipulators who can turn people against them once others catch on to ISFJ’s tricks. They take everything personal and can be both emotionally fragile and volatile. They can push the bounds of other’s patience with their need for appreciation, validation and shows of support from loved ones. To get what they want, they may extend sickingly sweet gestures such as unsolicited gifts and dumb compliments to butter up their victim so they become malleable putty in their hands. This is what the FBI calls “grooming”.
ISFJs also enjoy gossip much like the ESFJ does. They love nothing more than discussing other people’s affairs and commenting on what they do. They may be guilty of rumor mongering and spreading half truths because they tend to believe a lot of the fake news they hear and in turn share it with other people like a sad adult game of telephone.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]STJs can be unaware or uncaring of how they come across to others. They have a propensity for bullying people into behaving a certain way in the name of enforcing some principle. They can be very stubborn and dismissive of input from others without really considering it. Their willpower is formidable and once they’ve set their mind, others will find it a near impossible task to dissuade them.
ESTJs may have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings to others and also have difficulty understanding the importance of considering people’s feelings, and trying to meet their emotional needs. Because of their capacity to hold grudges, ESTJs can have difficulty forgiving people and are not above seeking out revenge. Their tempers can be intense and quick and they can be highly controlling towards others. They may be unable to place value on individual life and unable to see the long-term impact of their behavior.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]SFJs try to be everything to everyone and to their credit, are genuinely friendly and accepting of most people. This however this can backfire once others observe the lack of depth behind their persona. Their desire for status fuels a lot of their behavior and consequently can make their apparent congeniality seem disingenuous. They are susceptible towards following the crowd and doing things just to gain acceptance and feel included.
ESFJs are liable to engage in gossip and be two-faced even towards those in their inner circle. Acting as a double agent for the sake of maintaining conflicting relationships with conflicting interests they may end up compromising both. Because they are averse to conflict, they avoid making criticisms of others directly but instead voice them to their most trusted counsel. Their loyalties can be shifty and their principles rather superficial.
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]uriosity may have killed the cat, but that won’t deter an INTP from investigating! INTPs question everything and may inadvertently rub others the wrongest of ways with their sometimes invasive inquiries. Their questions may be seen as an affront by many people while also raising their suspicions. People may view the INTP as being rude or prying into business in which they ought not be concerned. Others may have a difficulty understanding the nature of INTP’s pure and noble desire to understand things simply for their own sake. Understanding the “why” and the “how” is very important to them but individuals in positions of power may view this as challenges to their authority.
INTPs, though typically not inclined to be in places or among people where they are not wanted, may nonetheless become an interloper when their single-minded information-seeking leads them to restricted territory. Their love of the unknown and thirst for secrets can compel them to trespass or tamper with things forbidden. They are like meddlesome cartoon detectives who won’t rest until they’ve gotten to the bottom of the matter. In fact, every INTP should have their own canine sidekick like Rin Tin Tin or Scooby Doo.
‘[dropcap]I[/dropcap]NTJs have notions and premonitions that they would like to test out and sometimes do so at the expense of others. They may exploit people like pawns to advance their selfish agenda or manipulate and brainwash them into their strange doomsday cult. INTJ’s brooding narcissism can lead them to form an unhealthily low regard for others as peons and pissants. As such, the INTJ will feel morally justified in expending them much like the character Col. Jessup did in A Few Good Men.
Seriously though, INTJs are no more malevolent than other personality types. Those INTJs with a pronounced intellectual arrogance however will run short on patience when among the more vapid, superficial people of the world. They may earn themselves a reputation for their scathing criticisms lobbied against lay people and authority figures alike. This is because INTJs do not value symbols of status or rank but rather merit and competency. Others will be intimidated or impressed but INTJs will nonetheless likely end up facing consequences for challenging the status quo.
It’s a long running joke that INTJs are melancholy misanthropes with a disdain for humanity but it’s not a joke. Just check this INTJ out:
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]NTPs can be highly unreliable in regards to important matters of responsibility. Their tendency towards forgetfulness often results in self sustained headaches such late payments and other problems due to unpreparedness. ENTPs are excellent at generating a multitude of ideas but not as great at actualizing them. They often have difficulty finishing the projects and assignments on which they’ve started.
ENTPs can irritate others with their flippant and jocular attitude. It’s as though they don’t take anything seriously enough to stick with and follow through on. Their skill at playing devil’s advocate compels them to get into frivolous arguments and debates just to see where they can take it. For them it is fun, but for others more emotionally involved in their arguments, they can get their feelings hurt and become deeply offended. ENTP’s big mouths can get them into altercations that go from verbal to physical.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]NTJs are big, bold and ballsy. Even before they gain any type of power or standing in the world, they can act as though they are the ordained kings and queens of their friends and family. They are possessed with energy and enthusiasm which gives them an aura of authoritative charisma that is difficult for others to resist. They seem to have a plan and know what to do and how to do it and so others follow them like baby ducklings trailing their mother. ENTJs know how to organize people, but in the throes of their ambition they can get ahead of themselves acting like an arrogant dictator.
Others can be put off by ENTJs arrogance and excessive competitiveness. At their worse, ENTJs can be treacherous back stabbers looking out for their own self interests. This ruthless form of ambition can overtake an ENTJ without a strong moral compass. Consequently in their path to success, they will have created a load of stress and paranoia down the road from all the enemies they made along the way.
INFP’s can be emotionally immature about criticism from others. It is probably harder for INFPs than other types to brush aside or ignore negative remarks from people. It can either deflate their self esteem or trigger a petulant conniption. Unless they were fortunate enough to have non-controlling, tactful parents, they will likely develop a defiant rebellious relationship with them. They likely get into trouble for back-talking and being a smart-alek.
INFJs can be so involved in other people’s lives that their understanding of themselves will be lagging. They enjoy counseling people and will spend days studying them while subconsciously absorbing their characteristics and mimicking them. INFJs want to help and their altruistic nature can lead them to give money at their own expense. INFJs aren’t going to lose any sleep over charitable financial sacrifices… until it sinks in later that they’re broke.
ENFPs are also comfortable with their body and bodily functions. They would probably love to be naked all the time even around embarrassed house mates. When the ENFP is passionate about something, they may have a tendency to take over entire discussions making it difficult for fellow interlocutors to get a word in edgewise. The ENFP also has a really hard time censoring themselves. They can hardly resist the urge to call people out and speak their mind at the expense of ruffling some feathers.
At times, the ENFJ gets depressed and unsure what to do and an ENFJ that goes off the rails can be a total train wreck. Drunken hysteria, crying, excessive introspection, and desperate clinging on to others. ENFJs can become total psychopaths if not matured properly. If they’re aligning with people who are on the dark side, the ENFJ can be conditioned to be a total clueless a-hole.
source: myersbriggs.org
source: INFJ In Depth – Discover Your Strengths and Make the Most of Your Personality
riddled with conflict
by collien
While each of the MBTI preferences influences how people approach and respond to conflict, research has shown that the preferences represented by the last two letters in the four-letter MBTI type code have the greatest impact on one’s conflict style. These letters are called the conflict pairs, and they represent the combination of one’s decision-making preference for either Thinking (T) or Feeling (F) and one’s lifestyle preference for either Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).
ISTPs are not afraid of conflict and they are not easily intimidated or threatened by confrontation. In most cases, especially in their public lives, ISTPs are not likely to respond to situations emotionally, but rather stoically, with a focus on understanding the issue and gathering information. They are willing to compromise when they can and they take criticism rather well, at least when it’s coming from people they respect.
In the midst of crisis they have the ability to perform decisively and skillfully. They seem to have a high tolerance for stress, but when they reach their limits, they can blow up in heated anger. Those close to them may know this aspect unfortunately because ISTPs can sometimes take their pent up frustration out on loved ones. This is especially true when they feel double-bound or restricted in their relationships. Fortunately, ISTPs tend not to hold on to grudges and are happy to move past the drama.
While ISFPs typically dislike conflict, they are often not in a rush to reach closure as they appreciate the time needed to listen to everyone. They have difficulty with others offering a logical analysis that appears to overlook the possible negative impact on others. For FPs, conflict issues tend to involve something they are passionate about, be it a value or people who are important to them. The amount of time ISFPs spend exploring people’s concerns can be frustrating for TJs, whom they perceive as impatient to move on. Their intention is to have everyone’s opinions, feelings, and values respected. Including others is often more important than the issue. You are naturally sensitive to any conflict around you. Success for you is achieved when you or others create a safe environment to allow an exploration of all viewpoints.
ESFPs are likely to be viewed in conflict as people who seek to hear all sides of the story. Others typically see them as being accepting of disparate views and committed to their own values. For FPs, conflict issues tend to involve something they are passionate about, be it a value or people who are important to them. While ESFPs would not typically want to engage in conflict, they accept that it is necessary when they care so much about who or what is involved. Throughout a conflict, ESFPs have a strong need to include the opinions and feelings of everyone. They are naturally sensitive to any conflict around them. Success for for the ESFP is achieved when they or others create a safe environment to allow an exploration of all viewpoints.
As ESTPs’ tolerance of conflict situations is higher than that of most people, don’t be surprised if they see conflict as a challenge or as healthy. Remember that for them, the process of addressing the conflict is as important as the outcome. ESTPs’ comfort with exploring means they will be in no rush to reach closure. ESTPs will express feelings only when they are sure everyone present can be trusted. ESTPs may frustrate others with their seemingly ever-changing rules of engagement. They are acutely aware of where the power lies in any situation and will fluctuate between needing to have access to the power and supporting the underdog. Their intention is to ensure the conflict has been explored from all angles.
They may tend to overlook the emotional content in conflict even though strong emotion does exist. Their engagement can shift from easygoing and agreeable to intense and seemingly angry, all within the same situation. This paradox could be the root of the changeable intensity those with TJ preferences can show—holding back emotion for a time, then having it burst out, albeit for a short period. Success in a conflict is measured not by whether their particular viewpoint prevails, but by the clear identification of a viewpoint as a way forward.
ISFJs typically view conflict as a difficult or negative experience. Their rush to closure is likely motivated by a desire to make sure no one gets hurt rather than an objective assessment that everything is sorted out. It is only after ISFJs are certain everyone’s concerns and feelings have been given attention that they can begin to look at other factors. Once engaged in a conflict, FJs can be intense and emotional and will encourage others to share their feelings and opinions in the hope that this will lead to a resolution. Typically they will equate success in a conflict with the relationships remaining intact and there being no lingering bitterness.
For TJs, conflict tends to arise around authority issues. Questioning of hierarchy, reporting lines, seniority, and decision-making roles can be a red flag for them. When they are involved in a conflict, their primary need is for closure or resolution—to have it over and done with. They may tend to overlook the emotional content in conflict even though strong emotion does exist. Their engagement can shift from easygoing and agreeable to intense and seemingly angry, all within the same situation. This paradox could be the root of the changeable intensity those with TJ preferences can show—holding back emotion for a time, then having it burst out, albeit for a short period. Success in a conflict is measured not by whether their particular viewpoint prevails, but by the clear identification of a viewpoint as a way forward.
FJs are likely to be viewed in conflict as needing and seeking harmony. They typically view conflict as a difficult or negative experience. Others typically see them as being warm and caring, and at times uncomfortable with the tension associated with conflict. For FJs, conflict tends to arise when their core beliefs or values are being challenged. Their primary concern during conflict is the well-being of the relationships between those involved. At times this can lead them to ignore signals of conflict in the hope that it will go away or to brush conflict under the rug to avoid dealing with the painful issues that may come up. Their rush to closure is likely motivated by a desire to make sure no one gets hurt rather than an objective assessment that everything is sorted out.
While aware of the emotions involved, they prefer to set these aside so as to allow a healthy and hearty debate. However, this may be done without due regard for others’ feelings, resulting in TPs’ being perceived as a catalyst or creator of conflict. Their attitude toward conflict fluctuates between seeing it as a waste of time and considering it a useful mechanism for working through issues. For them, success in a conflict is about seeking to clarify the situation. As a result, they often subsequently review and analyze matters.
likely to be viewed in conflict as being rational, offering critical commentary and demonstrating a keen ability to make decisions based on the information at hand. Others typically see them as cool-headed, analytical, and clear thinking. For TJs, conflict tends to arise around authority issues. Questioning of hierarchy, reporting lines, seniority, and decision-making roles can be a red flag for them. When they are involved in a conflict, their primary need is for closure or resolution—to have it over and done with.
’ENTP’s tolerance of conflict situations is higher than that of most people, don’t be surprised if they see conflict as a challenge or as healthy. They are likely to be viewed in conflict as being critical and prepared to question anything relating to the conflict or the people involved. Others typically see them as being comfortable playing the role of devil’s advocate or championing the underdog. For TPs, conflict tends to arise around issues of trust and personal credibility. Instances that challenge these concepts tend to be at the core of their conflicts. When involved in a conflict, they are driven to find a way to navigate through the issues.
Most ENTJs believe they are right and may be stubborn when confronting an alternate point of view. All will want a quick resolution, but don’t brush aside important matters solely to move on. Keep in mind that your objectivity will allow all to find a way out of a conflict but may not limit its underlying emotional impact. Encourage everyone to give time to listen to each viewpoint. Don’t interpret succinct responses as being abrupt or disrespectful. Remember that it will be difficult to create an environment in which it is safe to express emotions. ENTJs believe that once a conflict is over, it’s over, so don’t miss opportunities to say what you need to say.
In conflict situations, INFPs pay most attention to who is involved and on the needs being expressed and the values at stake. They tend to accept and appreciate the differences between people and the positions they hold. INFPs communicate in a tactful manner and are prepared to give and take when settling differences. Like others with a preference for Perceiving they tend to seek clarification and progress rather than an immediate solution. They focus on the present when describing the conflict and concern themselves primarily with the input from all perspectives. They experience satisfaction once the conflict is being addressed.
Their primary concern during conflict is the well-being of the relationships between those involved. At times this can lead them to ignore signals of conflict in the hope that it will go away or to brush conflict under the rug to avoid dealing with the painful issues that may come up. Once engaged in a conflict, FJs can be intense and emotional and will encourage others to share their feelings and opinions in the hope that this will lead to a resolution. Typically they will equate success in a conflict with the relationships remaining intact and there being no lingering bitterness.
In most situations, you endeavor to create a warm and caring environment in which everyone can thrive. Conflict is no different. You want everyone to have an opportunity to have his or her say in a comfortable and safe setting. Challenges to your values trigger conflict for you. When you believe that something or someone you care about is in danger, you will readily fight to defend it or him or her. Occasionally someone’s perceived overreaction to what you have said or done can spark a similar response in you and lead to a conflict situation. In addition, your frustration with bureaucracy or systems that inhibit your creativity or personal well-being can trigger conflict. May take things too personally and have difficulty being objective. May not be ready to move on when others are. May be satisfied with partial resolution of a conflict. May not accept that all conflicts can end amicably
ENFJs are likely to be viewed in conflict as needing and seeking harmony. Others typically see them as being warm and caring, and at times uncomfortable with the tension associated with conflict. For FJs, conflict tends to arise when their core beliefs or values are being challenged. Their primary concern during conflict is the well-being of the relationships between those involved. Their rush to closure is likely motivated by a desire to make sure no one gets hurt rather than an objective assessment that everything is sorted out. It is only after FJs are certain everyone’s concerns and feelings have been given attention that they can begin to look at other factors.
