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The value
of having multiple models is that each brings different
information to further illuminate or differentiate the subject under study.
Eue, that sounds cold and scientific, doesn't
it? Let's put it another
way. The value of having different "lenses" or models is that each one helps
people understand aspects of themselves different than the other model does. But
each
lens can confirm and validate the other lens and also help make valuable distinctions.
It's an
unfortunate reality that human beings tend to over-generalize when we categorize,
and generalizations soon begin to resemble limitations. By using multiple
models, we prevent people from getting pigeonholed or put in a box!
Multiple
lenses also help us shift our perspective. How does that saying go? -- If all
you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. So rather than
over-using a "hammer" to nail down someone's best-fit Type, it might
be better to back off and switch to a different tool. Perhaps a
screwdriver would be more effective. Maybe a staple-gun. Before I
abuse this metaphor further, my point is that using a variety of tools is the
best way to discern something as mutable* as psychological
Type.
Having
worked with multiple models for a time now, I couldn't do
without the Temperament tool -- and neither would I want to give up the Cognitive
Process or Interaction Styles tools. What's great is how well they work
with each other!
   
I will be
discussing all three of these models on this website as they pertain to INFJs.
If you are
struggling to decide on your best-fit type, the table below offers some
dimensions within each of the models that you may wish to explore in order to
reach a better understanding of which type fits you best. In a perfect
world, you should understand and identify with the aspects associated to INFJ in
all three models. (You can use the tables below as checklists. If you don't understand a term or aspect, I
suggest you trouble yourself to learn about it instead of going off and calling
yourself "X" or saying you're on the fence!)
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LOOKALIKES
TO EXPLORE |
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Be
sure to explore these other dimensions of Temperament in order to clarify
INFJ. (INFJs are "Catalysts" or "Idealists,"
so these names are used interchangeably throughout the site.)
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Use of Language...
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| Stabilizer |
Concrete |
| Improviser |
Concrete |
| Catalyst |
Abstract |
*
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Roles
they play... |
| Theorist |
Pragmatic |
| Improviser |
Pragmatic |
| Catalyst |
Cooperative |
*
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Attention
paid to... |
| Theorist |
Structure |
| Stabilizer |
Structure |
| Catalyst |
Motive |
Refer
to this booklet for more information:
Understanding Yourself and
Others:
An Introduction to the 4 Temperaments - 3.0
by Dr. Linda Berens
This
model particularly helps distinguish INFJ from
_ _T_ or _SF_. |
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Be sure to
explore these other dimensions of Interaction Styles in order to clarify
INFJ. (INFJs have
the "Chart-the-Course" style.)
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Communications... |
| In-Charge |
Initiating |
| Get-Things-Going |
Initiating |
| Chart-the-Course |
Responding |
*
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Role-Definition... |
| Behind-the-Scenes |
Informing |
| Get-Things-Going |
Informing |
| Chart-the-Course |
Directing |
*
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Interest
in... |
| In-Charge |
Control |
| Behind-the-Scenes |
Control |
| Chart-the-Course |
Movement |
Refer
to this booklet for more information:
Understanding Yourself and Others:
An Introduction to Interaction Styles 2.0,
by Dr. Linda Berens
This
model particularly helps distinguish _NFJ from _N_P.
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Read
some narrative descriptions of these other types in order to compare and
get at best-fit. It should really feel like "you."
It's not a bad idea to have other people who know you well read them
over and give their opinion too.
Narrative
descriptions may be found in this (inexpensive) booklet (I think they're
the best available.):
The 16 Personality Types,
Descriptions for Self-Discovery,
by Dr. Linda Berens and Dr. Dario Nardi
An
excerpt from this book may be found here.
Refer
to this booklet for more information about this model:
Understanding Yourself and Others:
An Introduction to the Personality Type Code
by Dr. Linda Berens and Dr. Dario Nardi
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If I combine all
three models now: INFJs are Chart-the-Course Catalysts who
prefer Ni Fe Ti Se (Ne Fi Te Si). Whew!
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*To
clarify what I mean by Type being "mutable" -- I don't believe
personality type changes during the course of a person's lifetime, but I do
think we look like different types at different times in our lives
(even moment-to-moment), which is all the more argument for applying multiple
models to determine best-fit.
* * *
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