Which Myers Briggs Personalities Work Best Together?

Ever wonder why you work so well with some personalities and not with others? With some team members your ideas just seem to effortlessly flow and you just ‘get’ each other; as a result, an outstanding job is done and you have fun in the process.

We’ve done some research, and it seems that the characteristics within the different Myers Briggs personality types allude to the answers.

Note: It’s important to remember these personality types are not hard and fast and that there exists a spectrum even within classifications, however, there are some types that seem to work better together naturally and that’s what we’re going to talk about today (Source).

So who’s your work buddy Myers Briggs personality type BFF? Let’s take a look.

According to Myer’s Briggs, these eight pairings are best suited to working with each other:

1 | ISTJ & ESTP | Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), Judgment (J) and Extraversion (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), Perception (P)
2 | INTP & INTJ | Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), Perception (P) and Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), Judgment (J)
3 | ENFP & INFJ | Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Perception (P) and Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Judgment (J)
4 | ENTJ & ISTP | Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), Judgment (J) and Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), Perception (P)
5 | ISFP & ESFP | Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), Perception (P) and Extraversion (E) ,Sensing (S), Feeling (F), Perception (P)
6 | ENTP & ENFJ | Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), Perception (P) and Extraversion (E), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Judgment (J)
7 | ISFJ & INFP | Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), Judgment (J) and Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Perception (P)
8 | ESFJ & ESTJ | Extraversion (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), Judgment (J) and Extraversion (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), Judgment (J)

Don’t know your personality type? Click here to go to the 16 Personalities Website to do a FREE test to find out.

Knowing your strengths plays a pivotal role in your success, and pairing up with someone with complementary traits is going to make your success even better.

Knowing the personality type of a potential business partner or teammate will help you determine how to work with them in a way that leverages both of your efforts and effectively maximizes each of your gifts.

Interesting right? We decided to delve deeper. So without further ado, let’s learn why these pairings work so well according to Myer’s Briggs.

 


 

ISTJ & ESTP 

 

ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judgment) & ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perception)

ISTJs and ESTPs are both Sensing, Thinking personality types, and this means they are present-minded and use logical thought processes to make decisions.

ISTJ personalities are known for being super-organized problem-solvers who love data and facts. ESTP is an excellent balance to this personality, as ESTPs are realistic and analytical thinkers, but are also great with people.

ESTPs can sell an idea, and they possess the ability to take a team’s work and show it off to its best. ISTJs pull all the strings behind the scenes, while ESTPs thrive as the frontman- or lady.

ISTJs and ESTPs are both Thinking personalities and should address disagreements logically.

ISTJs should be conscious of ESTPs’ need to work through issues in person, while ESTPs should be conscious of ISTJs’ energy levels, allowing them space to recharge alone.

Which Personality Types Do ISTJs & ESTPs Not Work Well With?

ISTJs tend to clash with intuitive personality types who are future-oriented, and they are often detached from outdated evidence. ISTJs don’t tend to work well with INFJ, INTJ, INFP, INTP, ENFJ, ENTP, ENFJ, ENTJ personality types.

That’s quite a few! Unfortunately, intuitively led people to tend to see the ISTJ as someone who slows down the progression. 

ESTPs are not the type to have adversaries as they are naturally gifted at gauging the crowd and winning them over. ESTPs are brilliant at communicating and often find themselves in the role of a spokesperson. 

ESTPs look for the shortest line between two points and cannot stand unnecessary complications. ESTPs don’t work well with types who are more attracted to complexity such as INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, and ENFJ, as they grow impatient with a long-term strategy.

INTP & INTJ

 

INTP (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perception) & INTJ (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment)

INTPs and INTJs are both Introverted, Intuitive, and Thinking personalities, and prefer to work by themselves, Both types are forward-thinking, and both tend to make decisions logically.

Both INTP and INTJ enjoy undertaking highly conceptual work and can be found working in highly technical sectors such as architecture or engineering.

Both INTPs and INTJs are hyper-logical, but INTP plays the role of innovator, and INTJ uses their decisive nature and strength in getting the job done well.

INTPs and INTJs work better when they are direct in addressing conflict and decisive in finding a solution; their shared skills in rational thinking and creative problem solving will help bring a quick end to tense situations.

Which Personality Types Do INTPs & INTJs Not Work Well With?

The INTP can dig deep into projects, issues, and situations to identify the key elements that don’t line up with the overall plan. They can be excellent educators and writers.

INTPs can run afoul with outcome-oriented types such as the ESTJ, the ENTJ, and other types that conflict with the INTP when they feel that they want to call back the train after it has left the station. INTPs never feel it’s too late.

INTJs gather significant backing in an organization because of their intellectual ability to grasp complicated issues and to suggest sophisticated solutions.

They prefer to take a step back and observe which means they may come into conflict with action types such as the ESTJ, ESTP, ESFJs, and ESFPs who value doing overthinking.

While INTJs interest is infinite, unfortunately, their level of focus and concentration isn’t, and they may abruptly become disengaged in a project.

 


 

ENFP & INFJ

 

ENFP (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception) and INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judgment)

INFJs and ENFPs are both Intuitive, Feeling personalities, meaning they tend to process emotionally and focus their attention on the bigger picture.

However, INFJs tend to follow schedules and prefer to spend time alone or in small groups, while ENFPs are generally more flexible in their plans and thrive in more extensive group settings. 

ENFP personalities are profoundly caring and people will perceive them as warm and outgoing. They thrive in service-oriented roles that encourage their creative skillsets.

Both personalities have excellent communication skills, which supports their creative endeavors. INFJ collaborates well with ENFP due to their emotional intelligence, solid social skills, and their strength for reading people, combined with a passion for working on adding value.

Since INFJs and ENFPs are both Feeling personalities, they could benefit from each focusing on expressing the emotional impact of a situation, while remaining empathetic to one another.

To avoid stress, INFJs and ENFPs should both be open about their perspectives, and ENFPs should encourage INFJs to make space to reflect if needed.

Which Personality Types Do INFJs & ENFPs Not Work Well With?

INFJs don’t usually face conflict as they tend to work independently and avoid interacting with the team. If they do find themselves at the center of a conflict it’s most likely to be caused by a specific situation rather than people from which INFJs keep their distance.

ENFPs find themselves at the heart of most companies. They are often in human relations departments and have the ear of senior executive teams. They can be seen leading the latest organizational initiative. They have an affinity with their ideas and will defend the ideas that they have generated. 

ENFPs often have difficulty staying engaged in projects through completion, frequently changing initiatives or jobs. ENFPs are most successful at getting organizations to see a vision and to participate in change management during the early stages.

ENTJ & ISTP

 

ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgment) & ISTP Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perception)

ISTPs and ENTJs are both Thinking personalities, meaning they tend to think through decisions logically. However, ISTPs usually prefer spending time alone, focusing on specifics, and pursuing last-minute opportunities.

At the same time, ENTJs tend to enjoy being around other people, paying attention to the bigger picture, and following set schedules.

ENTJ personalities are corporate world rockstars. ENTJs are those leaders who seem to have everything together all the time. They are future-orientated individuals who excel at organization and planning, and they also have hyper-logical expert critical thinking skills.

ENTJs work exceptionally well with ISTP personalities. ISTPs are analytical and hands-on workers who have a natural strength for problem-solving and respond well to working in a structured and orderly fashion, something that ENTJs want in a work partner.

When ISTPs and ENTJs have conflict, they should address it rationally and promptly. ISTP types should try to engage in a thorough discussion and share their thoughts openly. ENTJs should listen carefully to ISTPs and allow them to take a break from the conversation if needed.

Which Personality Types Do ENTJs & ISTPs Not Work Well With?

ENTJs always attempt to lead groups through formal or informal authority. They see the end objective as more important than anything else and frequently clash with almost everyone in the organization. Often chosen when outcomes are critical, people who want outcomes ally with them.

ISTPs don’t tend to have workplace enemies. They are typically conflicted averse, socially competent, and are naturally witty. Since their work style is reactive, they’re naturally gifted at problem-solving and often win people over by finding solutions. 

ISTPs might run into problems with Judging types who appreciate advanced planning. ISTPs don’t thrive in strategy meetings or big picture thinking roles and may withdraw from long-term planning.

ISTPs are not fans of hierarchical structures and might be resistant to dictatory styles of leadership.

 


 

ISFP & ESFP

 

ISFP (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception) & ESFP (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception)

ISFP and ESFP personalities both possess the Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving traits, meaning they are present-focused, empathetic, and tend to avoid strict schedules. ISFPs tend to be reserved, while ESFPs tend to be charismatic and outgoing. 

ISFP personalities are people pleasers and tend to reflect this through loyalty, flexibility, and compassion towards the experiences of others. ESFP is similar to ISFP in this regard; however, they are more open and energetic.

ESFPs seek excitement in their work and enjoy tapping into their innate resourcefulness to create something that does the job well and creates excitement.

Since ISFPs and ESFPs are both Feeling personalities, they should address conflict by openly expressing their emotions, while showing empathy to one another.

ISFPs should communicate honestly with ESFPs, rather than letting their feelings fester. ESFPs should be conscious of ISFPs’ need for personal space, allowing them to be alone if the conflict becomes too tense.

Which Personality Types Do ISFPs & ESFPs Not Work Well With?

ISFPs tend to be individual contributors and rarely have workplace conflicts. They are generally well-liked and have a defined role that they accomplish well.

ESFPs may clash with types who insist on a win or lose style of leadership and they’re not fans of people who encourage conflict.

ESFPs often build friendships with the people they work with to get cooperation and are most often individual contributors. ESFPs value diplomacy, positive energy, and support within the company.

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ENTP & ENFJ

 

ENTP (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perception) & ENFJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judgment)

Get these two extroverts on a team together, and sparks will fly! ENTPs and ENFJs are both Extroverted, Intuitive personalities, meaning they tend to enjoy being around others and focusing on the big picture.

However, ENTPs are also logical thinkers who enjoy pursuing new experiences, while ENFJs are empathetic and prefer the following set schedules. 

ENTPs are known for being great problem-solvers and natural-born leaders. ENTPs work well with pretty much everyone, but pairing them with an ENFJ brings a whole other level to the equation.

Both ENTPs and ENFJs have group-focused mentalities, and this is demonstrated by their strong communication skills and energetic personalities.

ENTPs bring tons of energy, ENFJs bring their natural charisma, and boom! Suddenly there’s a huge buzz around what they’ve been cooking up.

To ensure they both continue to get along, ENTPs should be sensitive to ENFJs’ feelings by addressing issues gently and helping ENFJs feel safe enough to share their thoughts openly.

ENFJs should work to focus carefully on the facts of the situation and avoid overly emotional expressions around ENTPs.

Which Personality Types Do ENTPs & ENFJs Not Work Well With?

ENTPs are big picture people who make for excellent entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs within companies. They impress many people while at the same time confusing others who can’t get their heads around the ENTP’s erratic changes in attention.

The ENTP has the gift of the gab and they’re good at coming up with solutions. However, their communication style means they often clash with people who perfect a smoother well-established course of action, as opposed to in-the-moment decisions and erratic switches.

People admire the ENTP, but they can rub people the wrong way when they act too big for their boots. The ENTP likes to show off their skills and expertise, and they have strong communication skills to match.

ENFJs are highly skilled at building connections with multiple people at a time and in one-on-one situations. People most often feel that the ENFJ understands them at a deep level, and it is often the case.

ENFJs can be frustrating to NTs and SJs in situations of conflict because not only is the ENFJ conflict-averse, they often believe that conflict in and of itself is inappropriate and ineffective.

When in leadership roles, ENFJs can have a great sense of the appropriateness of their role and status and may find it challenging to share the limelight and decision-making with others. If everyone likes them, they must be right.

 


 

ISFJ & INFP

 

ISFJ (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment) & INFP (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception)

How can INFP and ISFJ types communicate effectively with each other? Both INFPs and ISFJs are Introverted Feeling personalities, meaning they are generally reserved, emotional processors.

INFPs are also creative and adaptable, while ISFJs are present-focused and organized. Despite stereotypes, both INFP and ISFJ personalities are naturally warm individuals and will help whenever they can. 

ISFJs are gifted at detail-oriented work tasks and always seem to be effortlessly organized. INFPs balances this nicely with their innately curious and creative nature and strong communication skills (particularly in writing).

Since INFPs and ISFJs are both Feeling personalities, they should address how they each feel, while remaining calm and empathetic toward the other.

To avoid stress, both INFPs and ISFJs should work to fix the situation, rather than prevent the confrontation; INFPs should avoid speaking too conceptually or philosophically, while ISFJs should avoid getting too stuck in the specifics of the case.

Which Personality Types Do ISFJs & INFPs Not Work Well With?

ISFJ’s are extremely useful in social interactions, leading groups to reach harmony and consensus. They may clash with ESTJ’s, ENTJ’s, and ENTP’s, who place outcome above feelings and relationships.

ISFJ’s are not apt to cut corners on rules and procedures and may clash with those personality types who bend the rules to get outcomes. These may consider the ISFJ to be obstructionist in gaining results.

INFPs are generally very talented people in organizations and can excel in technology, design, and project management. They have outstanding technical and interpersonal skills.

Because they have typically healthy boundaries and personal definitions that they don’t articulate to others, they often confuse Judging types who do not understand how they want to be engaged. 

Since they have strong inner expectations, they can be desperately unhappy or offended, and no one knows why. Once they disconnect from people and situations, they are challenging to reconnect with.

There is no more insightful and able person if an INFP is engaged in what they are doing.

ESFJ & ESTJ

 

ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment) & ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

ESTJs and ESFJs are both Extroverted, Sensing, Judging personalities, meaning they tend to value details, follow set schedules, and enjoy spending time with others. However, ESTJs prefer to base decisions on logical thinking, while ESFJs usually process situations emotionally. 

These personalities have a lot of overlapping traits but differ in the Feeling vs. Thinking component. As a ‘People Person,’ ESFJs are social and thrive on communication and being able to help others.

ESTJs are natural leaders, and their “thinking” strengths mean that they are logical, self-assured, and decisive. The combination of both pairings is powerful.

ESTJs prefer to work through problems logically, while ESFJs tend to consider the emotional impact. ESTJs should be patient and attentive when ESFJs express themselves in arguments.

ESFJs should recognize ESTJs’ desire to study logic by avoiding overly sensitive phrasing.

Which Personality Types Do ESTJs & ESFJs Not Work Well With?

ESTJs can rise to high positions in organizations because of their ability to achieve outcomes within the framework of organizational constraints — they deliver ahead of time and under budget. They can clash with Feeling types because they tend to believe that results are the most important factor.

ESTJs may have difficulty finding similar innovative solutions that an ENTJ or ENTP might discover, and they’ll likely have trouble putting those ideas into action as they always opt for the well-trodden path.

ESTJs may frustrate forward-facing types like the ENFJ or ENFP because the larger vision does not resonate with them.

ESFJs have some of the best interpersonal skills of all personality types. They rarely find themselves in conflict, and almost always skillfully and diplomatically handle the needs of others with grace.

Their abilities can become a hindrance when they delay fixing an issue so that they do not overstep their authority. They often think that their role is to work within a defined framework with an assigned set of duties and may not entertain activities outside of their usual scope of works.

 


 

These are just a few of the personality combinations you may encounter throughout your career.

And while there will always be room for differences within the personality classification types, a general understanding of how your partner or teammate sees the world and what their strengths are is a huge asset!

At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life’s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you’d like example templates for, request a topic here.  

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Never the Right Word

Never the Right Word

Hi there! I’m Amy, and I’m the person behind Never the Right Word. I’m a designer-by-day who’s fascinated by human psychology; you’ll find me learning about what makes others tick through all types of media and good old-fashioned conversation. Learn more about me here.

In 2019 Never the Right Word was born to fill the gap of ‘how-to’ websites with copy and paste examples showing you EXACTLY what you need to say to steer difficult conversations into positive outcomes.

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