The MBTI’s cognitive functions offer a unique perspective into how individuals think, feel, and act, shaping their personalities and guiding their choices.
- Extraverted Thinking (Te): Te-dominant individuals excel in scenarios where they need to make objective, data-driven decisions. They’re pragmatic problem-solvers who value efficiency. In work situations, they often lead teams, create structured plans, and seek tangible results.
- Introverted Thinking (Ti): Ti-dominant individuals thrive when they need to analyze complex concepts or work independently. They excel in scenarios where they can delve deeply into their interests, research, and develop intricate logical systems.
- Extraverted Feeling (Fe): Fe-dominant individuals are adept at social scenarios where they need to understand and respond to the emotions and needs of others. They excel in team leadership, counseling, and creating harmonious group dynamics.
- Introverted Feeling (Fi): Fi-dominant individuals work best in scenarios where they can express their individual values and beliefs. They often excel in artistic endeavors, counseling, or roles that require a strong sense of personal authenticity.
- Extraverted Sensing (Se): Se-dominant individuals are great in high-stimulation situations. They enjoy experiences that engage their senses, such as sports, outdoor activities, and crisis management. They’re often quick to react and take decisive action.
- Introverted Sensing (Si): Si-dominant individuals shine in structured and routine scenarios. They are meticulous and excel in roles that require attention to detail and a focus on preserving traditions or established processes.
- Extraverted Intuition (Ne): Ne-dominant individuals are excellent in brainstorming and exploring new possibilities. They thrive in creative, idea-driven scenarios and often work well in roles that involve innovation, strategic planning, or entrepreneurship.
- Introverted Intuition (Ni): Ni-dominant individuals excel in scenarios that require them to look for underlying patterns and anticipate future developments. They’re often strategic thinkers, working effectively in leadership roles, research, and planning.
Cognitive functions for each of the 16 MBTI personality types:
- ISTJ (Introverted Sensing, Extroverted Thinking):
- Dominant: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- Tertiary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Inferior: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- ISFJ (Introverted Sensing, Extroverted Feeling):
- Dominant: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Tertiary: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Inferior: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- INFJ (Introverted Intuition, Extroverted Feeling):
- Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Inferior: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- INTJ (Introverted Intuition, Extroverted Thinking):
- Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- Tertiary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Inferior: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- ISTP (Introverted Thinking, Extroverted Sensing):
- Dominant: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Tertiary: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Inferior: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- ISFP (Introverted Feeling, Extroverted Sensing):
- Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Tertiary: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Inferior: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- INFP (Introverted Feeling, Extroverted Intuition):
- Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Inferior: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- INTP (Introverted Thinking, Extroverted Intuition):
- Dominant: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Inferior: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- ESTJ (Extroverted Thinking, Introverted Sensing):
- Dominant: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Inferior: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- ESFJ (Extroverted Feeling, Introverted Sensing):
- Dominant: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Inferior: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- ENFJ (Extroverted Feeling, Introverted Intuition):
- Dominant: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Inferior: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- ENTJ (Extroverted Thinking, Introverted Intuition):
- Dominant: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Inferior: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- ESTP (Extroverted Sensing, Introverted Thinking):
- Dominant: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Inferior: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- ESFP (Extroverted Sensing, Introverted Feeling):
- Dominant: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Thinking (Te)
- Inferior: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
- ENFP (Extroverted Intuition, Introverted Feeling):
- Dominant: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Sensing (Se)
- Inferior: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- ENTP (Extroverted Intuition, Introverted Thinking):
- Dominant: Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
- Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
- Tertiary: Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
- Inferior: Introverted Sensing (Si)
Exploring the intricacies of these cognitive functions helps us better understand ourselves and others, fostering improved communication, self-awareness, and personal growth.