Snape (INTJ) vs. Dumbledore (INFJ) !! Keep this in mind when you read the description below
@twiqss somehow your ask got deleted, but here’s your response!
INTJ vs. INFJ: Summary of Differences
INTJs make decisions using objective logic (what’s objectively logical or efficient?). They also consider personal values.
INFJs make decisions using group-oriented values (how will this affect others?). They also consider personal logic.
How They’re Similar: Perceiving Functions
INTJs and INFJs are both dominant Ni users. Ni is convergent intuition. This means that both types perceive the world by continuously reading between the lines and synthesizing new ideas into singular understanding. They are generally more interested in ideas than tangible things or experiences.
Manifestations of dominant Ni include innovation, future oriented/visionary thinking, interest in the big picture over the details, speaking with purpose and insight, and a level of certainty about people or concepts that is difficult to explain (they often say that they “just know”).
These types also share inferior Se, which manifests as a lack of trust or interest in the physical world. This means both types can get caught up in their own heads, as well as not appear physically engaged or present in reality. At times they can be surprisingly agile, observant, and adaptable, but these are by no means their defining qualities.
How They’re Different: Judging Functions
Decision-making is where INTJs and INFJs diverge.
INTJs decide primarily based on what’s objectively logical and efficient, while INFJs decide based on criteria related to the wants and needs of other people.
INTJ Decision Making: Te-Fi
INTJs seek logic, facts, truth, efficiency, and objective understanding. They “just know” using their dominant Ni, and then apply straightforward logic to bring their vision or understanding to life in the most efficient way possible.
Te: They tend to be blunt and direct. They generally are not worried about saying something offensive, because the truth is the truth. They are decisive and use logic to follow through with their plans. They can work steadily on a project for long periods of time without losing focus. Combined with the “just know” tendency of Ni and the “obvious truth” objective judgment criteria of Te, they are usually confident that their decisions are “correct.” Their advice giving style is simple, direct, and to the point.
Fi: INTJs also have deeply held personal values that they stick to with conviction. However, what differentiates them from higher Fi users it that INTJs only hold values they believe make objective sense. They use themselves as their point of reference for judgments about people, so unhealthy INTJs tend to have a hard time understanding why things that don’t offend them personally could offend other people. They are private about their emotions and usually aren’t quick to “open up”. They tend to be emotionally subdued (at least outwardly), and prefer to work through their emotions alone.
INFJ Decision Making: Fe-Ti
INFJs on the other hand tend to seek harmony, cohesion, morality, goodness, and understanding about people. They use their intuitive understanding and apply it to problems related to individuals, groups, and even ideals for humankind.
Fe: They are generally idealistic and good-natured. When healthy they seek harmony, cooperation, and strive for moral good that will benefit all involved. They are highly empathetic, being able to physically “feel” the emotions of others, and are good at intuitively reading people. They are quietly emotionally expressive and generally like to work through their emotions with other people. They are great listeners.
Ti: However, INFJs also look for internal logical consistency to make decisions. Things have to make sense to them. This can lead to a tendency to overthink - especially about the actions and motives of others. If unhealthy, this can lead to crippling anxiety. They are great mediators, being able to “feel” each side’s emotional experience and then determine what makes sense to move the situation forward. They often give off a “dreamy” vibe of being lost in thought.
INTJs are more interested in logic, while INFJs are more interested in people.
INTJs reference themselves for value judgements, while INFJs reference others.
INTJs will criticize your logic, INFJs will criticize your morals.
INTJs are closet softies, INFJs are closet nerds.
INTJs can be independent to a fault, INFJs can be idealistic to a fault.
INTJs have strategic vision for efficiency, INFJs have strategic vision for peace.