How to Identify the Myers-Briggs Types by Dominant Function

Identifying the Myers-Briggs personality types can definitely be a challenge. When trying to analyze someone’s personality, it’s easy to overthink and get lost in the details. After all, every one of us displays tendencies that can be associated with multiple different personality types. It can also be especially hard to peg which function is dominant and which function is auxiliary. Sometimes it’s best to take a step back, forget the stereotypes, and just focus on the overall feel of the person in question. When it comes right down to it, what mentality does the person yield to? What’s driving them?

Key to Identifying the Myers-Briggs Types

First, it’s important to understand that each Myers-Briggs type is made up of a specific combination of cognitive functions, ordered by priority. Each type’s most prominent theme will be determined by their dominant function, and then flavored by their auxiliary function. Of course, those within the same Myers-Briggs type aren’t carbon copies of each other, but they should still be identifiable based on possessing a similar theme, the theme of their most prioritized cognitive function.

Below, we’ve put together a brief summary that focuses on the theme of each cognitive function. We tried to give each of these a lot of thought, and present the types in an accurate way. Of course, we can’t account for every possible variation, such as different states of mental health. In other words, these are designed to represent (and help you identify) each Myers-Briggs type at an average health level. If you feel like we’ve misrepresented a certain group or left something out, feel free to comment below.

Identifying the Myers-Briggs Feeling Types

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Who am I? How does this make me feel? I have ideals, but I’m not sure how to achieve them. I need to understand myself better before I can move forward. I must remain true to myself. I have a right to be me! Don’t group me in with something I don’t agree with. I understand what you’re feeling, because I’ve felt it too. I’m responsible for my feelings, and you’re responsible for yours.

Dominant theme for: INFP, ISFP
Secondary theme for: ENFP, ESFP

Introverted feelers evaluate everything based on their value system, which is closely tied to their feelings. Anything that runs counter to those values will trigger strong feelings. This does not mean that they are hyper-emotional, and can’t be logical. Instead, they will use these feelings as indicators or warnings. They may or may not externalize any of this, and may even come across as cold individuals. However, FPs will approach life with a passionate drive to fulfill their ideals and live according to their standards. They will have an internal vision of how life should be based on their own values, and will desire to see life as if it is that way. This is why they are frequently described as naive or idealistic. (Note: there are many FPs that have had to face the reality that life rarely lives up to one’s ideals, and thus become cynical and jaded.) FPs can be very courageous, passionate, and opinionated, especially when it comes to standing on their beliefs.

Read more about Fi: Exploring Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

How does this affect everyone else? How will they react? I feel responsible for ensuring that everyone feels happy and content. That’s kind of rude. Can’t we all just get along? I can tell what you’re feeling, and I know what you need, even if you disagree with me. Let me help you! I will become what is necessary for the good of my community.

Dominant theme for: ESFJ, ENFJ
Secondary theme for: ISFJ, INFJ

Extraverted feelers are more concerned with outer harmony, then inner harmony, because they believe outer harmony will lead to inner harmony. They will automatically attempt to align their emotions and the emotions of the environment around them, whether this means making everyone else feel what they feel or feeling what everyone else is feeling. This can sometimes result in losing track of their own feelings. They often excel at acting in a way that promotes the emotional atmosphere that they want to exist in. FJs will be good at relating to people on an emotional level and drawing people together. They are group oriented, or community-focused. They need to find their role or place within a community in order to feel fulfilled and validated. (They have a tendency to be drawn into other people’s drama because of all this.) Despite popular belief, FJs do not always become doormats in their service to others. Instead, they may champion a cause that is not popular or be driven to do something initially unwanted because they know it’ll be best for the person (or group) in the long run.

Read more about Fe: Exploring Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Identifying the Myers-Briggs Thinking Types

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

That doesn’t seem right… Yeah, I don’t think that makes sense. If that’s true, then this other thing must be wrong. I don’t care who’s verified it, proven it, or said it; it it doesn’t make sense to me, it’s wrong. Most people are stupid anyway. You’re contradicting yourself. I’m not sure what I’m feeling, but it doesn’t matter. Why are you making this personal?

Dominant theme for: INTP, ISTP
Secondary theme for: ENTP, ESTP

Introverted thinkers are primarily concerned with ensuring that everything in their head makes logical sense. They trust their own internal framework above anything in the external world. They automatically question anything that doesn’t fit, even if they can’t explain why it doesn’t make sense to them. Some may reject external evidence, in favor of their preferred theory. However, if they run across a piece of information (that they deem valid) which seems to contradict their current understanding, they will obssess over it until they can make sense of it. TPs are known to be accidentally harsh when explaining their line of thinking out loud because it does not naturally take into consideration the feelings of others. They place little value on feelings in general, and tend to feel internally detached from themselves (and their identity) in that way.

Read more about Ti: Exploring Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Extraverted Thinking (Te)

What’s the fastest and most efficient way of doing what I’m trying to do? I just want to get this done already. I have goals, and I will reach them. Why is everyone so incompetent and disorganized? I know how to fix your problem. There is an obvious solution to this. You’re wrong. I’m just telling you the truth; why are you getting angry at me?

Dominant theme for: ENTJ, ESTJ
Secondary theme for: INTJ, ISTJ

Extraverted thinkers naturally focus on external standards and logic. They notice the structure or rules of the environment around them, and automatically judge what they see. Some TJs will adapt to that structure for the sake of success or stability, while others will focus on restructuring what’s around them to fit their needs. This can span from small things like the organization of their desk to large scale matters like a company’s management plan. They will choose a goal and form an actionable plan to reach said goal. TJs will look for the most efficient path and take it, possibly in spite of how it’ll affect those around them. Although, some will recognize the need to account for others in a strategic way. The TJs who don’t may clash frequently with those around them, especially authority figures or anyone that doesn’t agree with their plan of action. ENTJs and ESTJs, since their Te is dominant, may even appear hasty at times as they bulldoze their way toward their goal. Healthy TJs are typically disciplined and ambitious.

Read more about Te: Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Identifying the Myers-Briggs Intuition Types

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

What are the future implications of this? There’s more going on here than meets the eye; try reading between the lines. I’m not sure I believe in coincidences. I can see how this is going to turn out, but I can’t explain why to you. I need to gather perspectives so I can see the big picture. What do you mean by that? Please get to the point.

Dominant theme for: INFJ, INTJ
Secondary theme for: ENFJ, ENTJ

Contrary to popular belief, introverted intuition is not about goals, but rather, understanding the meaning or future implication of everything that happens. NJs seek to perceive patterns so they can interpret and navigate life effectively or in whatever way pleases them. They want to know where events are leading and what the future holds, so they can be adequately prepared. They will try to get above the forest, out of the weeds, and look toward the end conclusion to produce the most linear path forward. They translate events into abstract impressions or lessons, which are later subconsciously used to predict future scenarios. They often discard the physical details in favor of these abstractions. These types aren’t focused on all the possibilities, but rather what the final implication or endpoint needs to be. They’ll want to know the point or purpose of what’s being told to them. This can make NJs appear very focused and perceptive.

Read more about Ni: Exploring Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

What if this happens? What if that happens? I have a few ideas, but I’m struggling to settle on just one. I need to keep my options open. That looks really interesting, can you tell me more about it? You know, that’s kind of related to this other thing that I know. Everything is connected! Let’s talk about this really cool new concept for a while.

Dominant theme for: ENFP, ENTP
Secondary theme for: INFP, INTP

Extraverted intuition is all about exploring possibilities and coming up with big ideas. These types are known for being open-minded, because they often struggle to rule out possibilities. They may enjoy entertaining the “what ifs” too much, and as a result, may find coming to a conclusion to be too constricting. They love to speculate, and discuss ideas or theories with those who share their enthusiasm. This is also why they tend to be pegged as debaters. Many also use debate as a way to test out how well certain concepts or positions hold up. They won’t be the types to naturally hone in on one particular thing for too long, which may make them seem scattered, flighty, easily distracted, or not fully engaged in the physical realm. As such, they are usually fascinated by any new concept, new gadget… pretty much anything new. Anything that’s new and interesting will probably be approached with an energetic or child-like wonder and fascination.

Read more about Ne: Exploring Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Identifying the Myers-Briggs Sensing Types

Introverted Sensing (Si)

Am I eliminating all of the possible risk? What is the most secure path forward for myself and those around me? I know what’s going to happen, because I’ve seen this before. I need more information. Can you explain this to me? Be as detailed as possible. This experience didn’t meet my expectations, so I’d rather never do that again.

Dominant theme for: ISTJ, ISFJ
Secondary theme for: ESTJ, ESFJ

Introverted sensing is about understanding what has happened in order to predict future consequences. SJs seek to perceive details so they can identify scenarios in order to navigate life effectively and eliminate risk. They want to know where events are leading and what the future holds, so they can be adequately prepared. They will try to examine every detail, getting deep into the weeds, using those details to see an end conclusion and produce a comprehensive path forward. They store away events and experiences turning them into data points and lessons, which are later referenced to predict future scenarios. They often discard the abstract and ambiguous in favor of details. Contrary to popular opinion, SJs are forward thinking so long as their is supporting concrete data. They’ll want to know the reasons and purpose of what’s being told to them. This can make SJs appear very meticulous and thorough.

Read more about Si: Exploring Introverted Sensing (Si)

Extraverted Sensing (Se)

I want to experience everything life has to offer! Things didn’t go quite right last time, but I’m sure it’ll work out this time. You’re overthinking again; just do it! I need to see it for myself. Out of sight, out of mind. Focus on the here and now; why are you worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet? Let me try!

Dominant theme for: ESFP, ESTP
Secondary theme for: ISFP, ISTP

Extraverted sensing brings an appreciation and preference for new experiences. Will a high Se user always be an adrenaline junkie? No. That is only one facet of potential sensory experiences. If it’s food, Se users will probably want to taste it at least once. When it comes to problem-solving, they’ll want to see the problem and tackle it themselves, not just hear you talk about it. These types are present-oriented, wanting to enjoy the moment as best as they can. They won’t be satisfied doing the same thing day after day. (An anxiety-ridden SP will be most miserable.) They will get frustrated with anything that gets in the way of their desire for action or hands-on experience, because that is their primary drive. They will enjoy spontaneity and acting on impulse, or maybe on a skeleton of a plan. They will probably think that overly planning something takes the fun out of it.

Read more about Se: Exploring Extraverted Sensing (Se)