While it seems like two personality types with one different preference would be similar, the differences between them can be staggering. Looking at two similar types may help you realize the similarities you first thought reigned supreme aren’t as deep as you once thought. The ISFJ vs. the INFJ is a case in point: the two types share many commonalities but are different when broken down to their nuts and bolts.
The ISFJ and INFJ are both compassionate types with an immense threshold for empathy, and although you might call them “people” persons, the differences between them make it easy to spot which type is which. Here’s what to look for to tell them apart.
ISFJ vs INFJ thought processes through Sensing and iNtuition
When it comes to their thought processes, the ISFJ and the INFJ couldn’t be more different. Their preferences, “Sensing” and “iNtuition,” make these two types from the 16-type system vary in how they process information.
By looking at their similar preferences, you’ll notice the ISFJ and INFJ are both Introverted types, Feeling types, and Judging types. However, because an ISFJ is a Sensing type, the ISFJ will focus more on facts and tangible details when analyzing information. At the same time, an INFJ’s iNtuitive preference means they’ll lead with ideas and concepts, putting hard logic aside when they don’t feel it fits into the pattern they’re seeing.
This Sensing vs iNtuition preference rules many factors in a person’s life, whether taking in information about a new person they met, discerning other peoples’ thoughts and desires, or learning information during a course or career training event.
ISFJ and INFJ: introverted Sensing vs introverted Intuition
Going off of the differences between the ISFJ and INFJ, the most obvious is their introverted Sensing and introverted Intuition, respectively. An ISFJ’s dominant function is introverted sensing (Si), while the INFJ’s dominant fiction is introverted intuition (Ni). Si and Ni differ in many areas, the first being the INFJ’s tendency to see the bigger picture, while the ISFJ tends to focus more on the small details.
Read more: Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Cognitive Functions
While the ISFJ possesses an uncanny talent to remember details of the past and present, the future-focused INFJ will spot oft-missed patterns and metaphors that can change the shape of their visions and goals. Furthermore, an ISFJ is often hands-deep in the gritty details of life, while an INFJ lends their minds to less practical matters by observing patterns and analyzing concepts others overlook.
ISFJ vs INFJ at work
The ISFJ wants to do what the boss expects them to and receive accolades for following the rule book. The INFJ does, too, but not when it comes to sacrificing their core values or feeling like they’re “selling” themselves out for money.
Despite their shared desire to do meaningful work, the ISFJ can hang onto a job longer than the INFJ if their boss’ and colleagues’ reception of them is top-notch because they get fulfillment in people’s acceptance and praise. Because the ISFJ values fitting in and doing the right thing in terms of job perception, they’ll view the facts and stay with a profession, even when they might have other dreams (though, in the end, they may move on if they find their vision fits into a logical plan for their lives).
Meanwhile, the INFJ wants to feel they’re doing something meaningful so, if they don’t have a deep emotional connection with their profession, they’ll leave to try a different, more fulfilling path. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that an INFJ can better accept change than the ISFJ personality type, who may find it much harder to move on from a comfortable status quo.
ISFJ vs INFJ creativity
It may be unsurprising that the INFJ, known for creativity and open-mindedness, is more conventionally creative and imaginative than the ISFJ. But what’s the reason for the difference? Again, it has to do with the combination of preferences present in the two types. As a rule, the iNtuitive preference brings out more creativity compared to Sensing types, but it doesn’t mean the ISFJ isn’t creative (they often are).
The ISFJ and INFJ are skilled crafters, and you might spot them at art supply stores. The difference lies in how prolific and what type of art these two create. The INFJ will be unafraid of every medium, ready to dive in and learn, no matter their failures. They’ll also incorporate outside-the-box thinking because their iNtuitive nature makes them more creative because they’re open to abstract concepts. The ISFJ, however, might stick to the book more, creating things based on what they know they can achieve and what they feel is helpful to them and others.
ISFJ vs INFJ problem-solving
Problem-solving isn’t an easy feat, but the ISFJ solves problems with logical ease. Since INFJs are “Idealists,” their nature is to fix issues with a flexible, creative light. However, creativity isn’t always the quickest solution. In contrast, an ISFJ will look at the down-and-dirty details of the problem, figure out how best to incorporate a logical and achievable solution, and make it happen. An INFJ, on the other hand, may find themselves stuck on one or several options that sound great on paper but struggle to come to fruition in the real world. An ISFJ also has a one-up since they’re better at planning than the INFJ is, despite their shared Judging preference.
ISFJ vs INFJ future planning
Although the ISFJ is better at planning than the INFJ, their two focuses will yield different outcomes in a logical sense. The ISFJ will be better at planning, and thanks to their rational mind, will also be better at incorporating goals in the present, but those may be short-lived due to their lack of insight for the future. On the other hand, since the INFJ is so future-central, they might seem incompetent when formulating a day-to-day plan toward their goal, but their results, in the long run, may surprise you, despite their struggle to incorporate small milestones. The INFJ’s all-in attitude can change their fortunes in an instant, despite their less-than-meticulous plan.
ISFJ vs INFJ routine
The ISFJ and INFJ both share hardy respect for routine, but how much they have will vary. As a rule, the “Judging” preference of the two types should instill a love of schedules, organization, and routine, but how far their love of structure goes depends on their other preferences. The ISFJs’ love for facts and logic (due to their Sensing preference) combined with the Judging preference makes them bigger sticklers to the day-to-day schedule than an INFJ. While an ISFJ doesn’t mind each day being the same, an INFJ has an internal fight with their “iNtuitive” preference, making a strict schedule feel too structured after several days. Despite their desire for organization and commonality, an INFJ also yearns for variety. When their creative whim takes them in a separate direction from their usual routine, they want to follow the flow. The ISFJ, however, doesn’t mind their task list as a rule.
The takeaway
The ISFJ and INFJ share a lot of common traits, but some easy ways to spot who is who include whether they’re traditional or outside-the-box thinkers and how they handle life in social and professional aspects. ISFJs might look to the past and present more than the INFJs, and both types, despite their need for structure, display differing schedules and desires that rule their day-to-day lives.
Sensing and iNtuition play the largest part in the ISFJ and INFJs’ differences, so once you know how to spot these traits, you’ll have an easier time discerning who is who.
