MBTI Functional Stack & Extroverted – Introverted Functions

How do you workout the functional stack of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for each of the personality types? This means being able to work out the dominant, auxiliary, tertiary and inferior functions of each individual type.

Things to remember – Judging functions are Thinking and Feeling. Perceiving functions are Sensation and Intuition.

Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) is always the last letter of the type, and they are always extroverted functions. J and P will indicate either a dominant or auxiliary function.

Example 1 – INTP

The first letter is (I) introversion, this is the first part of the dominant function. The last letter is (P) Perceiver, this is an extroverted function. Because we already know the dominant function is introverted, we know extroverted intuition or extroverted thinking can’t be the dominant function. So we bypass the P function of Intuition (N) and move onto (Introverted Thinking (Ti)) is the dominant function, Extroverted Intuition (Ne) is the auxiliary function. Finding the tertiary and inferior functions is easy because they are just on the opposite of the first two. So the completed functional stack for the INTP is.

• Dominant – Introverted Thinking (Ti)

• Auxiliary – Extroverted Intuition (Ne)

• Tertiary – Introverted Sensing (Si)

• Inferior – Extroverted Feeling (Fe)

Example 2 – ESFJ

We know the dominant function will be extroverted. The J tells us the next part of that. Judging is either Thinking or Feeling, the F tells us it’s Feeling, so the dominant function is Extroverted Feeling (Fe). The auxiliary function is introverted, because the dominant function was extroverted, so we look at the (S) sensing, this means the auxiliary function is Introverted Sensing (Si). The complete functional stack is.

• Dominant – Extroverted Feeling (Fe)

• Auxiliary – Introverted Sensing (Si)

• Tertiary – Extroverted Intuition (Ne)

• Inferior – Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Extroverted & Introverted Functions – Quick Summary

Thinking

Extroverted Thinking – This is more outwardly and objectivity focused. Using outside facts in a more objective way. It can also be defined as being more broad in their search for answers. However, not necessarily looking into things deeply.

Introverted Thinking – This is logic that derives more of the subjective inner world. It also encourages looking into things at a deeper level, these are the deepest analyzers.

Feeling

Extroverted Feeling – Has the tendency to focus on the outside world and people, so feelings are more influenced from the outside world. For example, someone with extroverted feeling will be more sensitive to the feelings of other people. Another example is, having an emotional response to a piece of artwork.

Introverted Feeling – This focuses more on our internal emotional state, and less influenced by our social group, or tribe. Those with strong introverted feelings are also more susceptible to triggering emotional responses from within themselves.

Sensing

Extroverted Sensing – Is more focused on sensations they gain from the outside exterior world. What they hear, see and smell out there in the external world. They’re generally more sensitive and receptive to their environment.

Introverted Sensing – Is directed at sensations that come from within our own bodies, and are generally more in tune with their own inner workings, or biology.

Intuition

Extroverted Intuition – This type can use their intuitive ability in a more outwardly productive way. If there was a problem which seemed hopeless. Those with strong extroverted intuition are the ones that may see a solution, or a way out which others cannot see.

Introverted Intuition – Introverted intuitive types go deeper with their pattern seeking and identifying. They look for new possibilities, while immersed in their quest for self-discovery.