ENTJ/ESTJ/ENFJ/ESFJ: Inferior Fi vs Inferior Ti

I’ve been overdue to write this article, inferior Fi vs inferior Ti, for a long time. Technically, this article is the final part of a series. The previous articles were ENFP/ENTP/ESFP/ESTP: Inferior Si vs Inferior Ni, INFP/ISFP/INTP/ISTP: Inferior Te vs Inferior Fe, and INTJ/INFJ/ISTJ/ISFJ: Inferior Se vs Inferior Ne. To be honest, I initially didn’t see a point in writing this article because it felt like an odd comparison to have to make. After all, who confuses Te dominants with Fe dominants? Well, actually, a lot of people do. Over time, I’ve realized this as my knowledge of personality theory has grown. (There are actually a lot of stereotypes surrounding EXTJs that have caused them to be misrepresented)  So, in this article, I’m going to compare the EXTJs and EXFJs by analyzing inferior Fi vs inferior Ti. But, first, let’s start with some basic prerequisite information.

What is an Inferior Function?

The inferior function is the fourth function, or last, function in a type’s cognitive function stack. Each type’s inferior function is their greatest weakness, and the way in which they respond to severe stress. People can learn to use their inferior function in a positive way, but by default, at least initially, it will primarily show up negatively. Although, to be clear, an individual can use their dominant function in the same way as an inferior user would.  The difference is that the dominant user should have a greater capacity to use that function well, in addition to using it more consistently, more often, and in more ways. Remember, function placement measures range of use. An individual who is immature or generally unhealthy (in an emotional or mental sense) may manifest primarily negative uses of their dominant function, because they themselves are in a negative state overall. You can be in a negative state without being in a grip.

Inferior Fi vs Inferior Ti: Cognitive Function Prerequisites

For those who are new to the cognitive functions, I am going to list out the types and their cognitive function stacks in order below, so you can quickly reference which function goes with which personality type, if necessary.

ENTJ: Te-Ni-Se-Fi
ESTJ: Te-Si-Ne-Fi
ENFJ: Fe-Ni-Se-Ti
ESFJ: Fe-Si-Ne-Ti

As you can see, ESTJs and ENTJs (or the Te dominants) have inferior Fi, while the ENFJs and the ESFJs (or Fe dominants) have inferior Ti.

Inferior Fi vs Inferior Ti: Comparing the Functions

In the following sections, I’m going to provide brief overviews of how Fi and Ti look when used well. The goal is to rationalize how Fi or Ti would show up in the negative, based on what they do in the positive.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) in the Positive

Fi gives the user a close connection to their feelings and values. Fi users embrace their feelings, experience them, and channel them. Their close connection to this part of themselves gives them a strong, nuanced sense of self. They form their external image and identity around what they feel expresses their feelings and values. These types believe they have the right to remain true to themselves and express themselves, whatever that subjectively means, and in return, allow others the same right. However, Fi is a judging function. Fi users internally analyze actions and behaviors, and judge them based on the underlying value that they represent. If an action represents a value that is counter to their personal value system, they will reject it, whether vocally or simply by walking away.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) in the Negative

Now, let’s talk about how Fi shows up in the negative, and what that might mean for the EXTJs, with their inferior Fi. We’re essentially going to take the description above, and flip it on it’s head.

If Fi gives one a desire to express themselves, an EXTJ with inferior Fi desires to do so as well, but doesn’t know how. They may waffle between feeling things intensely, and feeling their emotions distantly. While the high Fi user is forming their external image around their internal sense of self, inferior Fi users are doing the opposite, because they are struggling to form a nuanced sense of self. So instead, they find something in the external world to define them, and give them a sense of self. They may latch onto a certain skill set, accomplishment, or image that they feel capable of excelling at. Similarly, EXTJs may adopt other people’s value systems, as a shortcut, rather than developing their own. They may need other people to help keep them in check, or keep them consistent with a set of values. EXTJs, especially when gripping, may occasionally obsess over their immature Fi, wondering who they really are, how they truly feel about something, and how to go about expressing that. However, on the average day, they may see these concerns as a waste of time, and not something worth dwelling on, resulting in an attitude that discredits individuality.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) in the Positive

Many mistakenly describe Ti as the sole possessor of logic, but that is not true. Rather, Ti users form a complex internal identity based on logical rules. The key thing to note here is that Ti is an identity based on logic, rather than logic in and of itself. TPs have complex internal systems, that are constantly being tweaked, expanded, and updated to provide further nuance and context. Because this form of identity places no value on emotions, these types tend to analyze themselves in a technical way, using things like impersonal facts to describe who they are. (Because of this detached approach to themselves, they can appear self-critical or self-deprecating, even if they really aren’t.) Likewise, they are good at approaching external systems in this detached way, and learning the unique rules and components that make up any particular system. High Ti users are known for being good at troubleshooting because they form a nuanced understanding of how things are built, an understanding which not only highlights the main components but categorizes them based on key data points. Since this form of analysis is technical in nature, it makes them prone to excelling at technical tasks.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) in the Negative

Now, let’s talk about how Ti shows up in the negative, and what that might mean for the EXFJs, with their inferior Ti. Once again, we’re going to take the description above, and flip it on it’s head.

While a high Ti user is basing their identity on their internal logical rules, an inferior Ti user will struggle to understand who they are outside the context of their chosen community. Instead of forming an independent identity based on their own logical rules, these types will look external, and form an identity around their place within their community. As a result, their identity becomes dependent on them maintaining their place of belonging, thus making their Ti logic subservient to the rules of their community. This will create a blind spot within them. They will struggle to form stances that threaten group cohesion. Some EXFJs may altogether avoid thinking about who they are in isolation, wanting to merge fully with their community. They may become reliant on other people to help them understand themselves, or validate their thinking. In addition, they may avoid facing certain underlying issues, and label anyone as a threat who merely points these issues out (shooting the messenger, so to speak). They may only accept ideas or criticisms that help maintain the status quo, or don’t overturn any goals or ideas that the group has united around, because their Ti is being filtered through what is safe and acceptable for their community. In other moments, they may turn Ti on overdrive, becoming highly self-deprecating, critical, and cynical, as they start to logically (and coldly) strip everything down to its components.

Inferior Fi vs Inferior Ti: In Conclusion…

As you can see, there are some general similarities between inferior Fi and inferior Ti, in the sense that they are both identity functions. Both types are basing their identity on something external, and struggling to understand themselves, albeit in different ways. Of course, not everyone among this personality type grouping will fall prey to all of these struggles. People can and do develop their inferior function. My goal was not to insult any particular type, or portray them negatively. Discussions about inferior functions just tend to focus on the negative due to the nature of the subject.

I hope you found this article helpful. Comment below with your thoughts!