The 16 Personality Types

INTJs are abstract, self-directed thinkers. They have a drive for self-mastery to make the most of what they can achieve. They have a talent to calculate far ahead and see deep reasons behind things. They think in terms of concepts, evidence, efficiency, systems, and strategies. INTJs build a vision and take steps to realize progress to their goals. They like to stay independent and are invariably at the leading edge. Their secret is creative flow. They can find it hard to let go to interact freely with others.

INTPs like to explore ideas to deepen their expertise. They notice new patterns and elegant connections. They easily cross boundaries of thought. They play with ideas and detach to analyze. They clarify, reference, and define. INTPs have a talent to design and redesign. They are open to try whatever starts up their imagination. They like to reflect on thinking. They hold to core principles and solid models. Making discoveries brings them joy. They struggle to attend to the physical world.

ENTJs easily act as leaders with a vision. They bring in resources of all kinds and maximize talents to make the most progress. They can predict what’s coming up in the big picture. They enjoy intuitive explorations and can buck convention. Where they can, ENTJs forge partnerships, mentor, and empower others. Often, they find they are running many projects. They know peace and conflict go together. They have a soft spot. They can get overwhelmed managing a lot of details of time and resources.

ENTPs are inventive and life-long learners. They explore lots of ideas. They have a talent to build prototypes and launch projects. They enjoy creative problem solving and like to share their insights about life’s possibilities. ENTPs are pragmatic as they come up with strategies for success. They enjoy the drama of give and take. They try to be diplomatic, invite others, and host. At some level, they need to feel safe. They are surprised when strategizing a relationship doesn’t work.

INFJs focus on personal growth. They have a talent for foreseeing. A flash of insight comes and they know what will happen. They can sustain a vision while honoring the gifts of others. They need a sense of purpose and take a creative approach to life. INFJs can get into exploring issues to bridge differences and connect people and ideas. They can get analytical when problem solving. Living an idealistic life often presents them with a great deal of stress and a need to withdraw.

INFPs need a quest or core meaning. Yet they tend to go with the flow. They have a talent to listen in order to help, noticing what sits behind what’s said. They explore moral questions, enjoy uncovering mysteries, and relate through stories and metaphors. INFPs have a way of knowing what is believable. They seek to balance opposites. To get to really know oneself again is a beautiful moment. They can manage others pretty well. They struggle with structure and getting their lives in order.

ENFJs like to communicate and share values. They set goals and seek shared success. They strive to realize dreams—their own and others. They look for ways to grow together. They heed the call to a life’s work or mission. They have a talent for noticing potential in others. ENFJs enjoy being creative, using their intuitive intellect. They try to bridge the past and the future. When needed, they can get very precise or technical. They find it hard to live in the present moment, to feel at peace.

ENFPs explore perceptions and try out stories. They often see what’s hidden and voice what’s really meant. They notice others’ potential and like to inspire. They ask what-if and fly with creative new ideas. They want goodness and happiness. ENFPs strive to honestly believe in and live with themselves. They have a talent to bring about ideal or magical moments with someone. When needed, they can organize and manage a lot. They often feel restless with a hunger to discover their true direction.

ISTJs like to be prepared and draw up plans. They take responsibility as best they can. They get work done first, are active in the community, and loyal to their roles. Doing the right thing is important to them. Every day they strive to cultivate good habits. ISTJs bear life’s burdens and cross bridges of adversity. They have a talent to plan, sequence, fill in details, and note what’s missing. They have a sense of history and a subtle sense of humor. Learning so much in hindsight pains them at times.

ISFJs notice what’s needed and valuable. They have a talent for arranging careful support. They enjoy their traditions and work to protect the future. They often listen closely to remember a lot of details. They tend to be agreeable. They are sensitive to the small things, with strong preferences. When appropriate, ISFJs like to volunteer. They like to feel a sense of accomplishment. They can get technical, knowing all of the ins and outs. They get frustrated when people ignore rules and don’t get along.

ESTJs strive to bring order to chaotic situations. They have an industrious, hard-work attitude. They quickly educate themselves and connect the dots. When needed, they step up to supervise. They rely on a philosophy of life and seek the steps to success. ESTJs like to keep up traditions and reflect on life’s wealth of experiences. They value being well balanced. To reveal a person’s character, they can get sharp. They can feel let down when their standards for economy and quality are not met.

ESFJs easily accept and help others. They are often managing people. They hear out others, voice concerns, and accommodate needs. They easily keep in mind what’s personally important, and they have a talent to provide what’s needed. ESFJs admire others’ success. They strive to keep things pleasant. They keep up a sense of continuity. They account for the human costs. They can surprise others, act as a rebel, or get inventive. They can easily feel let down by entrepreneurial projects.

ISTPs are hands-on problem solvers. They closely observe how things work. They will carefully take apart or poke at something to understand it. They have a talent for using tools to take the best approach to a problem. ISTPs need to be independent to follow their own paths. They like to test, challenge, and push their own limits to find success. They act on their hunches or intuitions. Making and sharing their own discoveries is satisfying. Powerful emotional experiences can really unsettle them.

ISFPs seek life’s pulse to go with its flow. They are patient to take advantage of opportunities as they come up naturally. They stick with what’s important, to be their true selves with their own personal style. They have a talent for pulling together what feels just right for an artistic impact. ISFPs attract others’ loyalty and build relationships with care. They like to play against expectations and can get really creative at solving a problem. They struggle to nurture their self-esteem.

ESTPs smoothly get on top of things. They are tactical and quickly play off of the relevant details. They set a priority while staying open to options. They enjoy exhilaration at the edge. They have a talent for negotiating and can win over people to get a lot done through others. ESTPs want a bottom-line measure of their success. They enjoy acting as a consultant. They have a deep, heart-felt care for their family and friends. They are disappointed when others don’t show respect.

ESFPs are active and fun. They easily engage others. They have a sense of style and a talent to present things in a useful way. They look for ways to motivate and stimulate action, to take pleasure in life. They enjoy learning about people. ESFPs like their freedom and are open to taking risks. They are adaptable, charming, and enjoy opening others to what they can do. In their heart, they care deeply. Many kinds of tasks come naturally to them. Over-analyzing situations can trouble them.