INFP VS INTP

This blog will attempt to answer the question “INFP vs INTP”. It will begin by
giving a definition of both INFP and INTP according to the Myers Briggs
personality traits, and compare how both personalities react in different situations
in contrast to one another.

Meaning, harmony and personal values are at the heart of the INFP. It is essential
to the INFP that their beliefs and actions are totally in sync. An INFP is unlikely to
take any action which they don’t believe in their heart is right.

Sensitive, caring and empathetic INFPs are excellent in supporting roles. Deep and
private, they do not like being boxed in or constrained by rules. The INTP is deep,
private, difficult to know and extremely independent.

They focus on things that interest them most, putting off completing tasks until the
last minute as the routine bores them. INTPs love logic and an indicator of being
an INTP is obsession with logical correctness. An INTP will struggle with
emotion, great at reading situations but less good at reading people.

What are INFP and INTP personality traits?

The INTP and INFP can be regarded as similar but also profoundly different. If we
take a surface-level view, we quickly see that these two types share three
preferences in common—introversion (I), intuition (N), and perceiving (P) and
differ only in their Thinking and Feeling preference.
An INFP sometimes referred to as a Mediator is someone who possesses the
Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving personality traits. These rare
personality types tend to be quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and they apply a
caring and creative approach to everything they do.

On the outside, INFPs may seem quiet or even shy. But they often have vibrant,
passionate inner lives. Because they make up such a small portion of the
population, people with this personality type may sometimes feel misunderstood or
out of step with the world. Fortunately, their caring nature can help them create
and sustain deep relationships with their loved ones.

To the INFP personality types life is a long quest for meaning and harmony and
their personal values are so important to them. This means that it is essential to the
INFP that their beliefs and their actions are totally in sync at all times.

Some famous people in history with the INFP personality type include Helen
Keller, Princess Diana and William Shakespeare.

An INTP sometimes referred to as a Logician is someone with the introverted,

intuitive, thinking, and perceiving personality traits. These flexible thinkers enjoy
taking an unconventional approach to many aspects of life. They often seek out
unlikely paths, mixing willingness to experiment with personal creativity.

People with the INTP personality type view the world as a big, complex machine,
and recognizes that as with any machine, all parts are interrelated.

The INTP personality type is intellectually curious and enjoys the more complex
and theoretical problems, often for their own sake. Practical application has little
interest for them, preferring to identify the solutions and then leave someone else
to plan the work.
Some famous people in history with the INTP personality type include Albert
Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, and Abraham Lincoln.

How do INFP and INTP vary in the work space?

We all bring something different to the team and we all agree that diversity and
balance are good things.

However when someone is different from us we might not understand them so well
so in this section we allow you to compare the differences at work, how these
might manifest themselves and how best to manage them.

Contribution to the team

The INFP will tend to prefer a less visible role as their strengths are working from
the back and supporting others, using their insight and wisdom and lack of ego
rather than being the leader.

The INTP will not fit snugly into a typical structure. They value independence, of
thought and action and they need their space: to think, to be free from other people
to work in short bursts of energy.

Being managed
The INFP does not want to be constrained by rules, and they dislike the routine.
Others will see the INFP as flexible, gentle and difficult to understand. They do not
appreciate criticism or a hard taskmaster.
The INTP will not fit snugly into a typical structure. They value independence, of
thought and action and they need their space: to think, to be free from other people
to work in short bursts of energy.

Leading
The INFP will tend to prefer a less visible role as their strengths are working from
the back and supporting others, using their insight and wisdom and lack of ego
rather than being the leader.

INTPs need those around them to be proactive and not keep coming to them with
questions. They like arguments and actions to be well thought through and will
excel at ensuring this is the case.

Attention to detail / focus

Flexible and spontaneous INFPs will need their space and freedom to work their
way. They dislike routine and need meaning to be part of something special, and
they will be loyal and diligent and productive.

The INTP does not like too much detail, preferring a broad-brush stroke approach.
The simple, the obvious bores them and anything they see as trivial or unimportant
will be pushed away.
How do INTP and INFP behave in Interpersonal
relationships?
We all have different motivators, values and views on the world, in part driven by
our personalities. The section below describes how each person is likely to engage
with others, and how others may see them.

Being around them

The INFP has two contrary characteristics, curiosity and shyness. They love to
know what's going on, feel excluded if not kept informed but do not like to be the
centre of attention, shunning the limelight.

The INTP is very independent, deep and private yet can at times seem totally
outspoken because of their directness of communication and economy of words
speaking only when there is something to say.

Dealing with emotions

INFPs are incredibly emotional, indeed they can actually feel what others are
feeling and this can even stay with them. They are tuned in and insightful and they
are happy to deal with the emotions of others.

INTPs find emotion difficult as they are at heart logical, analytical and objective
with no time for anything they see as 'fanciful.' They will not be motivated by
someone saying, 'please,' or by emotional pleading.
Openness and sharing feelings
The INFP will often display their reactions to their feelings, rather than their
feelings, and may bottle things up which then leak out at strange moments thus
adding to the 'difficult to understand' image.

The INTP will find it difficult to share their feelings, although they will be blunt
and outspoken regarding their thoughts. In moments of single-minded
concentration, the INTP will appear aloof and detached.

Drivers and values

It is essential for the INFP that their beliefs and their actions are totally in sync at
all times. An INFP is unlikely to take any action which they don’t believe in their
heart is right.

Sceptical and difficult to know the INTP is wary of close emotional involvement as
emotions tend to be slightly outside their own life-space and if someone gets too
close too soon they close down.
How do the INFP and INTP react in conflict
resolution?

Initial response to conflict situations

INFPs have a deep desire for harmony and balance and will prefer to see the good
in people, focusing on the positive issues and the interconnections between people
rather than with the negatives.

Rational argument, logic and intellectual theory are the routes to the ‘heart’ of the
INTP who will have no problem taking the hard decision, as long as it is the 'right'
decision, one based on logic and evidence.

Issues they'll fight on

For a type so caring and gentle there is a surprisingly crusading side to the INFP.
When a personal value is trodden on, the INFP can become uncharacteristically
outspoken and champion of the cause.

INTPs are relatively easy-going until something violates a principle. Then they
can become outspoken, inflexible and unreasonable, switching from reserved to
actually enjoying the heated drama.
Conflict style / communication
The INFP does not like conflict and will seek to be the one who brings harmony,
diffusing tension and seeing things from the other person’s perspective, excellent
supporters and empathetic friends.

Blunt and to the point, the INTP will rarely let emotions get in the way and will
use logic and data to make their point. Those who are more emotional may find
them at such times a little cold and harsh.

Conclusion
This blog answered the question “INFP vs INTP”. It defined the INFP and INTP

and gave descriptive information on their personalities. It compared INFP and

INTP in various situations to show their differences.

INFs are Sensitive, caring and empathetic INFPs are excellent in supporting roles.
They are deep and private, they do not like being boxed in or constrained by rules.

The INTP is deep, private, difficult to know and extremely independent. They
focus on things that interest them most, putting off completing tasks until the last
minute as the routine bores them

INTPs love logic and an indicator of being an INTP is obsession with logical
correctness. Their differences in personality traits make an interesting comparison
in different situations.
 REFERENCES

Drenth, A. (2021) INTP vs. INFP: Similarities, Differences, & Paths to Growth. Retrieved from
https://personalityjunkie.com/05/intp-vs-infp-similarities-differences-personal-growth/

Personality at work (2021), INFP vs INFT. Retrieved from

https://personalityatwork.co/types/intp/vs/infp#:~:text=INTP%20The%20INTP%20is
%20deep,to%20know%20and%20extremely%20independent.&text=An%20INTP%20will
%20struggle%20with,the%20heart%20of%20the%20INFP.