What’s your personality superpower? Type dynamics and personal development tips

Posted 19 January 2022 by
Melissa, MBTI Marketing Manager

We all have parts of our personality that are more and less developed. Usually, this is partially from our upbringing where we were either encouraged or discouraged in our behavior.

In MBTI Master Practitioner Michael Segovia’s TEDTalk, he discusses how he felt different growing up. One of those differences was because Michael preferred Introversion, yet he was raised in an outgoing Latin American family and his “role” in his family was to dance with all his family at his uncle’s ice house. But after some time, Michael would find a chance to slip away from the noise and the music into a quiet room by himself.

“After 10 or 15 minutes someone would find me, and the first question I would get would be, ‘Are you not feeling well?’

“In other words, in my family Introversion looked like something was wrong.”

In Michael’s example, his upbringing didn’t support or encourage his preference for Introversion.
According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, you’re born with your personality preferences. However, most psychologists will agree that while you’re born with certain parts of your personality, your upbringing also plays an important part in our personal development.

In addition, you tend to “default” to using certain parts of our personalities that you’re more comfortable with. And usually the part of your personality that’s most developed and that you tend to rely on the most is your favorite process.

Your personality superpower (aka your favorite function)

When people first learn about their MBTI personality type, they tend to focus on each of the four letters that make up their type. Each of these letters tells you something about how you are energized, how you take in information, how you make decisions and how you like to organize your outside world.

However, a deeper and richer understanding of your personality type comes from knowing about your favorite process.

We’ll call your personality superpower the favorite process, but if you’ve done any reading about Myers-Briggs personality, you might have also heard it called the dominant function, favorite function, or Jungian function. Talking about the difference processes (favorite, second favorite, least favorite) is often referred to as type dynamics.

The favorite process is how the different parts of your personality work together and influence your life – everything from behavior to communication. It’s also usually one of your strengths.

If you’ve read this blog about Introversion and Extraversion, you’ll also know that while you can have introverted or extraverted preferences, we actually do both every day. That’s because part of understanding personality type on a deeper level (aka type development or type dynamics) means understanding that everyone extraverts part of their personality and introverts other parts of their personality.

When you introvert part of your personality, it means most things involved with that part of your personality are happening internally, in your mind. You’re thinking through things, by yourself, and most of the time not sharing these things with others out loud. You’re reflecting before you’re acting, and you’re being more contained than expressive.

When you extravert part of your personality, it means the things involved with that part of your personality are happening externally, usually out loud. It involved the interaction of other people, and you’re acting before you’re reflecting. And being more expressive than contained.

Ready to learn what your personality superpower – aka favorite function – is all about? Read on for more.

ISTJ personality superpower – introverted Sensing

For those with preferences for ISTJ, their favorite process is introverted Sensing. This process allows ISTJs to focus on recalling concrete realities of their experiences, focusing on inner images and approaching most things slowly and methodically.

ISTJs personality strengths include focusing on recalling past details – both physical details as well as emotional details. They’re usually less concerned with their intuition, and instead will compare the current situation to the photo essay in their mind of their past experiences and knowledge.

Sidenote: Because ISTJ’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Sensing part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for ISTJs. What you might notice first in behaviors for ISTJs is their second favorite function, extraverted Thinking. Extraverted Thinking is the second strongest part of the ISTJ’s personality.

ISTJ personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Sensing look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Sensing part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ISFJ personality superpower – introverted Sensing

Just like ISTJs, those with preferences for ISFJ have a favorite process of introverted Sensing. This process allows ISFJs to focus on recalling concrete realities of their experiences, focusing on inner images and approaching most things slowly and methodically.

ISFJs personality strengths include focusing on recalling past details – both physical details as well as emotional details. They’re usually less concerned with their Intuition, and instead will compare the current situation to the photo essay in their mind of their past experiences and knowledge.

Sidenote: Because ISFJ’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Sensing part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for ISFJs. What you might notice first in behaviors for ISFJs is their second favorite function, extraverted Feeing. Extraverted Feeling is the second strongest part of the ISFJ’s personality.

ISFJ personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Sensing look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Sensing part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

INFJ personality superpower – introverted Intuition

For those with preferences for INFJ, their favorite process is introverted Intuition. This process allows INFJs to focus using abstract symbols to explain things, be aware of what will be and be excited by the unknown and future possibilities.

INFJs personality strengths include focusing on potential outcomes that aren’t necessarily connected to the past, present or future. They’re usually less concerned with what’s happening in the present, and can help other’s to focus on the future and what things mean or are symbolic of. People will these preferences like to read between the lines and search for a deeper meaning.

Sidenote: Because INFJ’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Intuitive part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for INFJs. What you might notice first in behaviors for INFJs is their second favorite function, extraverted Feeling. Extraverted Feeling is the second strongest part of the INFJ’s personality.

INFJ personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Intuition look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Intuition part of your personality, but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

INTJ personality superpower – introverted Intuition

For those with preferences for INTJ, their favorite process is introverted Intuition. This process allows INTJs to focus using abstract symbols to explain things, be aware of what will be and be excited by the unknown and future possibilities.

INTJs personality strengths include focusing on potential outcomes that aren’t necessarily connected to the past, present or future. They’re usually less concerned with what’s happening in the present, and can help other’s to focus on the future and what things mean or are symbolic of. People will these preferences like to read between the lines and search for a deeper meaning.

Sidenote: Because INTJ’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Intuitive part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for INTJs. What you might notice first in behaviors for INTJs is their second favorite function, extraverted Thinking. Extraverted Thinking is the second strongest part of the INTJ’s personality.

INTJ personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Intuition look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Intuition part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ISTP personality superpower – introverted Thinking

For those with preferences for ISTP, their favorite process is introverted Thinking. This process allows ISTPs to focus on an inner subjective framework and processes.

ISTPs personality strengths include the ability to quickly and accurately categorize ideas and concepts in a logical way. They can often be found playing devil’s advocate when a decision will be made soon. Their internal logic allows them to help other’s by asking if the current process is really the best way to do things. In their minds, just because you’ve always done something that way doesn’t mean it couldn’t be improved.

Sidenote: Because ISTP’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Thinking part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for ISTPs. What you might notice first in behaviors for ISTPs is their second favorite function, extraverted Sensing. Extraverted Sensing is the second strongest part of the ISTP’s personality.

ISTP personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Thinking look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Thinking part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

INTP personality superpower – introverted Thinking

For those with preferences for INTP, their favorite process is introverted Thinking. This process allows INTPs to focus on an inner subjective framework and processes.

INTPs personality strengths include the ability to quickly and accurately categorize ideas and concepts in a logical way. They can often be found playing devil’s advocate when a decision will be made soon. Their internal logic allows them to help other’s by asking if the current process is really the best way to do things. In their minds, just because you’ve always done something that way doesn’t mean it couldn’t be improved.

Sidenote: Because INTP’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Thinking part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for INTPs. What you might notice first in behaviors for INTPs is their second favorite function, extraverted Intuition. Extraverted Intuition is the second strongest part of the INTP’s personality.

INTP personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Thinking look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Thinking part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ISFP personality superpower – introverted Feeling

For those with preferences for ISFP, their favorite process is introverted Feeling. This process allows ISFPs to focus on living by their internal values and apply their own subjective values system anytime a decision is being made.

ISFPs personality strengths include consistency in sticking with their core beliefs or gut feelings. People who have this favorite function thrive on internal harmony – making sure that what they’re doing and their own actions are consistent with their internal values, ethics and moral compass. ISFPs can often help others to stick to their own core beliefs instead of following trends or even what’s deemed “politically correct” at the time.

Sidenote: Because ISFP’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Feeling part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for ISFPs. What you might notice first in behaviors for ISFPs is their second favorite function, extraverted Sensing. Extraverted Sensing is the second strongest part of the INTP’s personality.

INTP personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Feeling look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Feeling part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

INFP personality superpower – introverted Feeling

For those with preferences for INFP, their favorite process is introverted Feeling. This process allows INFPs to focus on living by their internal values and apply their own subjective values system anytime a decision is being made.

INFPs personality strengths include consistency in sticking with their core beliefs or gut feelings. People who have this favorite function thrive on internal harmony – making sure that what they’re doing and their own actions are consistent with their internal values, ethics and moral compass. INFPs can often help others to stick to their own core beliefs instead of following trends or even what’s deemed “politically correct” at the time.

Sidenote: Because INFP’s favorite function is introverted, that means the Feeling part of their personality happens internally in their mind, so you might not observe it easily for INFPs. What you might notice first in behaviors for INFPs is their second favorite function, extraverted Intuition. Extraverted Intuition is the second strongest part of the INFP’s personality.

INFP personal development tips:

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does introverted Feeling look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the introverted Feeling part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ESTP personality superpower – extraverted Sensing

For those with preferences for ESTP, their favorite process is extraverted Sensing. This process allows ESTPs to focus on experiencing the world through the five senses, focusing on specific data points that excite them, and looking at concrete information that happens in the here and now.

ESTPs personality strengths include focusing on present details, especially in the physical world. They’re usually less concerned with what’s happened in the past or future, and can help other’s to be mindful in the present moment and being less theoretical and more literal. They also like to spontaneously interact with the outside world.

Sidenote: Because ESTP’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Sensing part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ESTPs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Thinking. Introverted Thinking is the second strongest part of the ESTP’s personality.

ESTP Personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Sensing look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Sensing part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality

ESFP personality superpower – extraverted Sensing

For those with preferences for ESFP, their favorite process is extraverted Sensing. This process allows ESFPs to focus on experiencing the world through the five senses, focusing on specific data points that excite them, and looking at concrete information that happens in the here and now.

ESFPs personality strengths include focusing on present details, especially in the physical world. They’re usually less concerned with what’s happened in the past or future, and can help other’s to be mindful in the present moment and being less theoretical and more literal. They also like to spontaneously interact with the outside world.

Sidenote: Because ESFP’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Sensing part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ESFPs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Feeling. Introverted Feeling is the second strongest part of the ESFP’s personality.

ESFP personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Sensing look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Sensing part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ENFP personality superpower – extraverted Intuition

For those with preferences for ENFP, their favorite process is extraverted Intuition. This process allows ENFPs to focus on generating possibilities for the future, seeing patterns and connections and being aware of what could be.

ENFPs personality strengths include seeing patterns and connections between events, things and ideas in the outside world. They’re often focusing on the future and can often help others get excited about future possibilities as their enthusiasm is many times infectious. They often enjoy the exploration process because they’re excited by new opportunities.

Sidenote: Because ENFP’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Intuitive part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ENFPs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Feeling. Introverted Feeling is the second strongest part of the ENFP’s personality.

ENFP personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Sensing look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Sensing part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ENTP personality superpower – extraverted Intuition

For those with preferences for ENTP, their favorite process is extraverted Intuition. This process allows ENTPs to focus on generating possibilities for the future, seeing patterns and connections and being aware of what could be.

ENTPs personality strengths include seeing patterns and connections between events, things and ideas in the outside world. They’re often focusing on the future and can often help others get excited about future possibilities as their enthusiasm is many times infectious. They often enjoy the exploration process because they’re excited by new opportunities.

Sidenote: Because ENTP’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Intuitive part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ENFPs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Thinking. Introverted Thinking is the second strongest part of the ENTP’s personality.

ENTP personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Intuition look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Intuition part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality?

ESTJ personality superpower – extraverted Thinking

For those with preferences for ESTJ, their favorite process is extraverted Thinking. This process allows ESTJs to focus on external conditions and criteria, scoping the problem and rules and regulations.

ESTJs personality strengths include using objective analysis to arrive at conclusions. They’re often focusing on corralling the scope of the problem in measurable ways so that everyone can get to a solution that works. They like working within rules and stated policies and often don’t understand why others don’t follow established procedures.

Sidenote: Because ESTJ’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Thinking part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ESTJs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Sensing. Introverted Sensing is the second strongest part of the ESTJ’s personality.

ESTJ personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Thinking look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Thinking part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality

ENTJ personality superpower – extraverted Thinking

For those with preferences for ENTJ, their favorite process is extraverted Thinking. This process allows ENTJs to focus on external conditions and criteria, scoping the problem and rules and regulations.

ENTJs personality strengths include using objective analysis to arrive at conclusions. They’re often focusing on corralling the scope of the problem in measurable ways so that everyone can get to a solution that works. They like working within rules and stated policies and often don’t understand why others don’t follow established procedures.

Sidenote: Because ENTJ’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Thinking part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ENTJs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Intuition. Introverted Intuition is the second strongest part of the ENTJ’s personality.

ENTJ Personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Thinking look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Thinking part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality

ESFJ personality superpower – extraverted Feeling

For those with preferences for ESFJ, their favorite process is extraverted Feeling. This process allows ESFJs to focus on values and what’s culturally acceptable and interpersonal harmony.

ESFJs personality strengths include making sure there’s harmony within a group and “reading” and taking care of other people. They’re often focusing on what values are involved in a decision and whether those values match the outside world. They like harmony in relationships and will often ask personal questions to see if other’s values line up with theirs. They often make decisions based on what they believe is happening with others.

Sidenote: Because ESFJ’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Feeling part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ESFJs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Sensing. Introverted Sensing is the second strongest part of the ESFJ’s personality.

ESFJ personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Feeling look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Feeling part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality

ENFJ personality superpower – extraverted Feeling

For those with preferences for ENFJ, their favorite process is extraverted Feeling. This process allows ENFJs to focus on values and what’s culturally acceptable and interpersonal harmony.

ENFJs personality strengths include making sure there’s harmony within a group and “reading” and taking care of other people. They’re often focusing on what values are involved in a decision and whether those values match the outside world. They like harmony in relationships and will often ask personal questions to see if other’s values line up with theirs. They often make decisions based on what they believe is happening with others.

Sidenote: Because ENFJ’s favorite function is extraverted, that means the Feeling part of their personality happens externally, so you’ll probably be able to observe it easily for ENFJs. What you might not notice as easily is their second favorite function, introverted Intuition. Introverted Intuition is the second strongest part of the ENFJ’s personality.

ENFJ personal development tips

If this is your favorite process, think about how often you use this part of your personality.

What does extraverted Feeling look like to you?
Where has it helped you and what advantages does it give you in your relationships, in your work, and in your life?
When you were growing up, was this part of your personality encouraged? Discouraged?
Understanding your favorite process, and the fact that it’s not everyone else’s favorite process, can often help you resolve conflict. Can you think of a conflict you’ve had where you relied on the extraverted Feeling part of your personality but problems arose because the other person didn’t have the same perspective? How might this have been different if you’d known about this strong part of your personality

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