True to Type by William C. Jeffries

Author:William C. Jeffries
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781612832371
Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing

QUESTION 36: As an ENFP, why do I have such a hard time introducing myself to others or sharing personal insights during presentations? Aren't I supposed to be gregarious and friendly?

We occasionally assign behavioral characteristics to types based on assumptions about one or two letters, when in fact those assumed behaviors do not really match our preferences. Such superficiality is unfortunate. The ENFP is not alone in this regard, but the question takes us to the heart of type theory. For each type there is, theoretically, a priority according to which we prefer to use our functions: we refer to them as follows:

Dominant—most preferred, most comfortable, most trustworthy

Auxiliary—second most preferred, second most comfortable

Tertiary—third most preferred, third most comfortable

Inferior—least preferred, least comfortable, most uncontrollable

Each of these functions is also expressed in a characteristic attitude, either extraverted or introverted. All those who are knowledgeable in the field of type agree as to the attitudes of the dominant, auxiliary, and inferior functions. For all extraverted types, the dominant function is extraverted and the auxiliary and the inferior functions are introverted. For all introverts, the dominant function is introverted and the auxiliary and the inferior functions are extraverted.

Where the disagreement exists is in regard to the attitude in which the tertiary function is expressed. Those who authored the Manual hold to the view that the tertiary function is introverted for extraverts and extraverted for introverts (p. 18). I, along with Grant, Clark, Thompson, Kroeger, and others disagree. We hold to the view that the tertiary function is always “in the same attitude as the dominant function” (Manual, p. 294, note 10). For us the attitudes are expressed as follows:

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