Introverted Intuition versus Extroverted Intuition
Without further ado, we’re diving into the remaining two cognitive functions—the Intuition functions!
As a refresher, there are four total Perceiving functions: Introverted Sensing (Si), Extroverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Intuition (Ni), and Extroverted Intuition (Ne).
The Perceiving functions establish how we take in information. In the most basic sense, Perceiving is the stimulus and Judging is the response. Perceiving functions gather the information that Judging functions—Thinking and Feeling—utilize to make decisions. Like the Judging functions, the energy of the Perceiving functions is also directed inward (introverted) or directed outward (extroverted). Let’s get to it!
The Intuition Functions
Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Extroverted Intuition (Ne) are Perceiving functions that enable us to take in the information around us. It is not the role of the Perceiving functions to use that information to make decisions (that’s up to the Judging functions) but to simply absorb and observe it. All four Perceiving functions do this in different ways.
The two Intuition functions differ in how they take in information. Extroverted Intuition operates by continually asking the question “What’s possible?” As it takes in data, it is compelled to explore all options and weave complex webs of information. Introverted Intuition, which can be tricky to understand because it is a largely subconscious process, functions more like a satellite dish with no off switch. It is constantly taking in information and seeing deep, underlying patterns that other types may not.
In epistemological terms, Ne represents a form of divergent thinking whereas Ni represents a form of convergent thinking. My favorite metaphor for explaining the difference between Introverted and Extroverted Intuition is: Extroverted Intuition looks at an atom and sees all the possibilities of the universe. Introverted Intuition takes in the whole of the universe and breaks it down to the single atom.
Who Uses the Intuition Cognitive Functions?
So which MBTI types use these Intuition functions? If you’ve been following the previous posts in this series, you know the answer: All of them! Every person has an Intuition function somewhere in their function stack. Here, we’ll look at the types that use Ni and Ne in the Dominant (1st) or Auxiliary (2nd) placement in their stack.
In the general population, Intuition is much less represented than Sensing. Sensors make up approximately three-quarters of the population, whereas Intuition-users represent about one-quarter. Introverted Intuition (Ni) is by far the least represented of all the cognitive functions. INFJs and INTJs, who use Ni as their dominant function, make up just 3-5% of the population. Extroverted Intuition (Ne) users are a bit more represented. ENFPs and ENTPs who use Ne as their dominant function make up about 9-12% of the population.
For quick reference, here’s a list of the MBTI types that use Intuition in either Dominant or Auxiliary position:
· Introverted Intuition (Ni) as Dominant Function: INFJ, INTJ
· Introverted Intuition (Ni) as Auxiliary Function: ENFJ, ENTJ
· Extroverted Intuition (Ne) as Dominant Function: ENFP, ENTP
· Extroverted Intuition (Ne) as Auxiliary Function: INFP, INTP
Flow State and Growth State
In this final post in the series, we will continue to look at the functions through the lens of the Flow State and Growth State. Our Dominant Function is the gateway to entering our Flow State and our Auxiliary Function is how we access our Growth State.
The Flow State—as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his extensive research on optimal experience—is the complete absorption in an experience that is both challenging and optimally suited to our abilities and interests. In the realm of personality, Flow translates to the elements of our lives that put us “in the zone” by challenging us while still aligning with our personalities. Using our Dominant Function in these moments is what helps us achieve Flow.
The Growth State in this context refers to leveraging our Auxiliary Function. This function has the opposite attitude as our Dominant function. It pushes us outside of our comfort zones and ushers in growth. If your Dominant function has an extroverted attitude (e.g. Extroverted Sensing or Se), then your Auxiliary function will always have an introverted attitude (e.g. Introverted Feeling of Fi). The reverse holds true—if your Dominant function is introverted, then your Auxiliary function will be extroverted.
Introverted Intuition
Introverted Intuition is a process that is oriented toward the inner world of insights, theories, and impressions. Its role is to collect conscious and subconscious data which it then integrates to create “impressions.” This ability to synthesize information gives Ni a penetrating and insightful quality.
Ni goes deep, seeing underlying patterns and causes. It has a keen ability to project future outcomes based on these patterns. This ability gives it a sort of ESP vibe. While it is impressive, it is not a mystical ability to see the future. Instead, it’s a subconscious process that delivers evidence-based insights that are often accurate and seem to come from “out of the blue.” These insights can sometimes be as surprising to the Ni user as they are to those they share them with. However, healthy Ni-users come to trust the process due to the regularity with which the impressions prove true.
Ni Highlight Reel
· Healthy Ni has strengths in focus and analytical ability
· Receives insight from “out of the blue” (a.k.a. A-Ha! moments) because it can tap into the subconscious mind
· Its ability to work with impressions allows Ni to assess the entirety of a situation and read what is happening
· Great appreciation for beauty, both visual and theoretical/ideational
· Because it is not bound to the rules of conscious thought, Ni can solve problems that logic cannot. It holds space for multiple and/or conflicting perspectives simultaneously.
· Ability to hold multiple perspectives allows Ni to “walk in someone else’s shoes”
· Attempts to “steer” this process can have the opposite effect, interrupting Ni pattern-finding
· Can sometimes seem critical to others due to the Ni ability to see where a situation is headed before others do (accused of “making mountains out of molehills” when the molehills truly are mountains)
· Due to its rarity, users of Ni can at times feel “alien” or misunderstood
· Places high value on truth—understands that inaccurate perceptions can lead to bad or harmful ideas and actions
· Healthy Ni can be used in conflict mediation due to its ability to hold conflicting perspectives. It knows when people are saying the same thing in different ways, or saying different things using the same terms.
· Healthy Ni needs time free from distraction to perform optimally
· When overstimulated, Ni can become irritable, overwhelmed, and frustrated
· When under-stimulated, Ni can become detached and apathetic. Because of its take-in-the-whole-universe approach, it needs to have access to new and interesting ideas and, to a slightly lesser degree, new experiences.
Ni Dominant Function (Flow State)
INFJs and INTJs use Ni as their Dominant function. It is how they show up to the world first. Due to the unique nature of Ni’s relationship to the subconscious, INFJs and INTJs can experience the Flow State more readily than other types when conditions support it. This is especially true when they learn to trust their insights and impressions.
Noise and distraction—especially when coming from behind the Ni user—may be especially jarring. Sitting with their back to corner or wall can feel like a relief. Time and space free of distraction are essential for INTJs & INFJs to access their Flow State. Ni appreciates as much sensory deprivation as you can offer it. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a welcome detachment from external stimuli when Ni is in use.
According to Dr. A.J. Drenth, there are some physiological signs that Ni is in use. These include a downward-oriented gaze and eyelids dropping to “half-mast.”
Ni Auxiliary Function (Growth State)
For ENFJs and ENTJs, developing Ni is the key to their growth. Ni can slow down the Fe or Te processes and ask them to consider what the long-term results of a decision or action may be. It also allows these types the opportunity to step into other perspectives to inform decisions. This can be valuable to ENFJs and ENTJs who are both concerned with getting needs met. Emotional needs in the case of ENFJs and practical or logical needs for ENTJs.
Using Ni to back up and take in the 30,000-foot view helps ENJFs and ENTJs avoid acting for acting’s sake. Te appreciates this because taking thoughtful action prevents goose chasing and increases efficiency. And Te loves efficiency. Fe loves this because taking action too quickly in service of someone's needs may alienate the needs of others by consequence. Taking the time to lean into Ni allows both Te & Fe to function at their best.
Examples of People with an Introverted Intuition Dominant Function:
· Eleanor Roosevelt (INFJ)
· Carl Jung (INFJ)
· Michelle Obama (INTJ)
· Steven Hawking (INTJ)
Extroverted Intuition
Extroverted Intuition is a process that is oriented toward the outer world of possibilities and novel experiences. Its role is to seek new combinations of existing data, expanding its “web” of patterns. This ability to expand upon information gives Ne an innovative and open-minded quality.
Where Introverted Intuition goes deep, Extroverted Intuition (Ne) goes wide. Ne surveys a breadth of information and seeks fresh experiences. Continually asking “what’s possible?” is the strength behind Ne’s divergent thinking. Both types of intuition work with patterns. However, Ne patterns take on an expansive, non-linear flavor. This allows Ne users to be open-minded and innovative. To an outside observer, Ne pattern-seeking may result in users appearing witty, quirky, and curious, if a bit random.
The tendency towards divergent thinking—the need to explore all options—can sometimes make it difficult for Ne users to make decisions or draw hard conclusions. This is especially true with Ne users who also use Introverted Feeling (ENFPs and INFPs). Introverted Feeling is the slowest, most reflective of the Judging functions.
Ne Highlight Reel
· Always expanding and asking “what’s possible?”
· High-energy—needs it and expends it
· Optimism of healthy Ne can be contagious
· Makes associations in diverse areas of thought that others miss—can result in cleverness, innovation, and inventiveness
· Ne brains sometimes make associations so rapidly, bouncing from one idea to another making their speech difficult to follow (“brainstorming out loud”)
· Place high value on novel and innovative thought
· Enjoys the idea that everything is connected
· Restless by nature, Ne seeks new and varied experiences
· Ne can learn to test its ideas by putting them into action, benefiting from outside feedback and adjusting as needed
· When stressed or immature, Ne can expect too much of themselves and others and feel overwhelmed and upset when things don’t come to fruition fast enough
· When underused, Ne may run out of energy and feel depressed and lethargic
Ne Dominant Function (Flow State)
For Ne to work at its best, ENFPs and ENTPs need to continually throw themselves into novel experiences and push beyond their comfort zones. When life circumstances prevent this, Ne users can become irritable and even cutting. New experiences fuel Ne open-mindedness and Ne finds its Flow State easiest when it gets daily doses of novelty. Growth and expansion become the standard operating procedure of Ne in this state.
Contrary to Ni, which needs to eliminate distraction to flourish, Ne must avoid the mundane to activate its Flow State. Engaging in new projects and lively conversation or exploring new ways to be innovative each day will keep Ne healthy. Yet it’s helpful to take a measured approach and work to keep their innovative ideas grounded.
Ne Auxiliary Function (Growth State)
INFPs and INTPs can use Ne to grow by getting outside themselves to test convictions and ideas in the outer world. INFPs use Introverted Feeling as their Dominant function, and INTPs use Introverted Thinking. Both of these processes are reflective and subjective. Using Ne for exploration helps INFPs and INTPs reconcile what’s happening inside of themselves with what’s happening outside. Being pulled into the outside world reminds INFPs and INTPs of their lust for life and ideas. Exploring new places, food, and experiences fuels Ne and allows for deeper and deeper growth.
Examples of People with an Extroverted Intuition Dominant Function:
· Ellen Lee DeGeneres (ENFP)
· Walt Disney (ENFP)
· Amy Poehler (ENTP)
· Jon Stewart (ENTP)
Got questions? Leave a comment below or email me!
For a deeper dive into these functions, check out the Personality Hacker book by Joel Mark Witt and Antonia Dodge and Dr. A.J. Drenth’s books My True Type and The 16 Personality Types!