Basic Assumptions of Emotional Intelligence
- Emotions contain important practical information about yourself and others. Managing this information is essential to personal well-being and to building relationships.
- Identifying assessing and expressing your emotions inappropriate ways and riches your experience.
- Acknowledging, empathizing with, and facilitating the emotional expression of yourself and others enhances your relationships.
- Emotions play out in your private life and public roles to produce well-being, leadership, and flow- the experience of focused Blissful expenditure of energy- or to result in distress, distraction, and being emotionally overwhelmed.
Introduction
INFPs, known as “The Mediator,” are celebrated for their deep sense of idealism, empathy, and creativity. This post draws on Roger Pearman’s “Introduction to Type and Emotional Intelligence: Pathways to Performance” to explore the unique journey of INFPs in developing emotional intelligence (EI). We will examine how INFPs engage with the intrapersonal and interpersonal arenas of EI and outline specific EQ To-Dos designed for the INFP personality type.
Pearman’s Approach to Emotional Intelligence:
Pearman integrates the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) with the concept of emotional intelligence, providing a framework for each personality type to develop EI effectively. His approach highlights two critical areas:
- Intrapersonal Arena: Focuses on self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation, emphasizing the management of one’s emotions. For INFPs, this involves aligning their deep inner values with their external environment and actions.
- Interpersonal Arena: Involves empathy and social skills, centering on understanding and interacting with others’ emotions. INFPs naturally excel in this area due to their inherent empathy and ability to connect on a profound emotional level.
INFP and the Intrapersonal Arena:
- Empathy: INFPs have a natural gift for empathy, often sensing what others feel and offering genuine understanding and support.
- Social Skills: While INFPs are compassionate and caring, they might face challenges in more extensive social settings or when navigating conflicts.
EQ To-Dos for INFPs:
- Cultivate Emotional Resilience: Develop strategies to manage and process intense emotions, ensuring they contribute positively to your well-being and relationships.
- Practice Assertive Communication: Work on expressing your needs and boundaries clearly and confidently, balancing your tendency to prioritize others’ feelings.
- Enhance Social Engagement: Gradually challenge yourself to engage in broader social activities, building confidence in diverse interpersonal interactions.
- Embrace Conflict Resolution: Learn constructive approaches to resolving conflicts, seeing them as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.
- Seek Balance Between Idealism and Reality: While honoring your ideals, practice grounding your expectations and actions in realistic and achievable terms.
Conclusion:
For INFPs, mastering emotional intelligence is a journey that marries their deep internal values with their desire to connect and empathize with others. By focusing on both the intrapersonal and interpersonal arenas of EI and implementing these EQ To-Dos, INFPs can navigate their emotional landscape more effectively, leading to enhanced personal growth and more meaningful relationships.
Introduction to Type and Emotional Intelligence: Pathways to Performance” by Roger Pearman is a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the concept of emotional intelligence (EI). Pearman’s work is pivotal in understanding how different personality types, as identified by the MBTI, can develop and utilize emotional intelligence in various aspects of life, including personal growth and professional performance.
For further reading and personalized career advice, you might consider scheduling a consultation with Ken Meyer a Myers-Briggs master practitioner and creator of this blog site.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
