The Most to Least Assertive Myers-Briggs® Character Sorts, Ranked

Everybody has the flexibility to be assertive, assured, and easy. However there are those that converse their thoughts so rapidly and boldly that they stand out and make folks cease and look. Do sure varieties naturally radiate this assertiveness whereas others are extra soft-spoken? That’s what we’ll be diving into in at this time’s article!

However earlier than we get into the small print, let’s get clear on definitions.

What does it imply to be assertive?

assertiveness definition

Assertiveness is outlined as the flexibility to confidently categorical one’s ideas, emotions, and wishes in a direct manner. It’s essential to notice that being assertive doesn’t imply being aggressive or impolite. Somewhat, it’s about standing up for oneself in a respectful method.

Merriam-Webster defines assertive as “disposed to or characterised by daring or assured statements and habits.”

Cambridge dictionary defines assertive as “the standard of being assured and never frightened to say what you need or imagine”

Vocabulary.com states, “In case you are upfront about what you need and daring in devising a plan that helps you get it, you could possibly be described as assertive, that means you act with authority and confidence.”

The reality is, anybody can study to be assertive. Anybody can develop this ability no matter their character kind. however sure varieties are inclined to embody assertiveness with out even having to strive. Let’s check out these varieties now!

Why Are Extroverts Listed because the Most Assertive?

Simply to preemptively reply to questions I foresee coming sooner or later, there’s a motive extroverts rank highest (in lots of circumstances) in assertiveness. In response to the Huge 5 concept of character, assertiveness is without doubt one of the core indicators of extroversion. Assertiveness is usually related to extroversion, partially as a result of extroverts deal with the exterior world first so they have an inclination to talk their thoughts in a extra forthright and fast method.

Introverts, however, are cautious about pondering issues via earlier than talking and are extra reflective and cautious. Whereas they’ll certainly be assertive, they might appear just a little extra restrained as a result of they want time to ponder first. Neither is healthier than the opposite!

Extroverts additionally scored a lot increased on assertiveness in relation to the Dominance scale of the CPI™ instrument, in accordance with the MBTI® Guide. That stated, I’ve recognized loads of assertive introverts, however they usually want a bit extra time to course of earlier than they converse their minds instantly.

Undecided what your character kind is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you possibly can take the official Myers-Briggs Kind Indicator (MBTI®) here.

The Most to Least Assertive Myers-Briggs® Character Sorts, Ranked

#1 – ENTJ

In response to the MBTI® Guide, ENTJs ranked extremely on the Dominance scale of the CPI™ instrument. The time period “Dominance” on this context refers to assertiveness, confidence, and task-orientation. This instrument, often called the California Psychological Stock, offers insights into character traits.

Anybody who’s met an ENTJ in actual life may in all probability attest to their confidence, significantly relating to articulating a imaginative and prescient, delegating duties, or stating instantly what they should see occur. These varieties hate beating across the bush, dislike passive-aggressive habits, and are unafraid to precise their opinion clearly. In actual fact, readability is massively essential to ENTJs. As Extraverted Considering varieties, they search for readability of thoughts, readability of course, and readability in how their setting is organized. Something that isn’t clear may hamper their progress and get in the way in which of their long-term objectives. As Aristotle, a rumored ENTJ, famously stated, “What number of a dispute may have been deflated right into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to outline their phrases!”

Discover out extra about ENTJs: Are ENTJs Sensible? A Have a look at the Strategic Visionary

#2 – ESTJ

ESTJs additionally ranked extremely on the Dominance scale of the CPI™ instrument. Straight-talking and arranged, these varieties haven’t any persistence for tip-toeing across the fact. Like their cousin ENTJs, ESTJs are pragmatic and direct of their drawback fixing method. They haven’t any tolerance for procrastination and rapidly develop drained of people that give you excuses, present up late, or hesitate to talk their thoughts. Their blunt, simple method will be off-putting to extra delicate varieties, however it often isn’t coming from a mean-spirited place. ESTJs simply need to get the job achieved or attain a call as effectively and expediently as attainable. Reaching an goal or objective as rapidly as attainable is without doubt one of the methods they help their household, pals, or colleagues.

Discover out extra about ESTJs: 24 Indicators That You’re an ESTJ, the Captain Character Kind

#3 – ESTP

Sharp-shooting and practical, ESTPs even have a knack for being assertive. They imagine in the event you can say one thing in ten phrases versus eleven, you must completely do it. Sure, they’re extroverts with a expertise for storytelling and will be fairly talkative, however once they want or need one thing they’ll get straight to the purpose and received’t waste anybody’s time. This assertiveness reveals up of their work type, as effectively. They take cost of the staff, act on the fly, reply rapidly to chaos, and haven’t any worry of taking over new challenges. Like different assertive varieties, ESTPs transfer with goal, momentum, and pace, hoping to get to a call rapidly.

Discover out extra about ESTPs: Your ESTP Cognitive Perform Information

#4 – ENFJ

Whereas ENFJs may appear heat and fuzzy on the skin, they are often surprisingly assertive when wanted. In actual fact, psychologist Linda Berens lists ENFJs as the one Feeling In-Cost™ character kind. In-Cost™ varieties worth assertiveness, productiveness, and ahead momentum in the direction of a objective. Lack of directness can hamper ahead motion, so ENFJs can develop impatient when individuals are waffling on a call or not talking their thoughts instantly.

ENFJs are additionally glorious at studying non-verbal cues and realizing precisely the best way to method a scenario that requires a direct method. They might not be as task-oriented as ENTJs or ESTJs, however their means to learn folks’s feelings and reply in a caring but assured method is outstanding. They’re additionally nice communicators and have an unbelievable means to inspire and encourage others to achieve their objectives and use their skills.

Discover out extra about ENFJs: 12 Wonderful Fictional ENFJs

#5 – INTJ

INTJs want time to mirror and course of, however once they’ve selected a plan of action they’re forthcoming and decisive. Their fundamental decision-making operate is Extraverted Considering, which hates ambiguity and is consistently on the lookout for methods to deliver order to chaos. When INTJs have a plan, they aren’t afraid to place it into observe, even when it means difficult the established order or delegating the fitting folks to the fitting activity. They don’t transfer ahead with out weighing the entire choices and creating an clever technique first, however as soon as they’ve reached a conclusion they’re assured and clear with what they imagine and the way they assume issues ought to be achieved.

Discover out extra about INTJs: The Underrated Kindness of the INTJ Character Kind

#6 – ISTJ

ISTJs could also be quiet and reserved, however they are often surprisingly assertive once they’ve obtained a job to do or initiatives are being mishandled. They’re recognized for respecting authority, but even have the boldness to query it when obligatory. As Considering varieties, ISTJs use knowledge and info to help their arguments, in order that they usually come throughout as logical and smart of their concepts. They worth fact over likability and can usually converse their minds even when it’s unpopular. They don’t simply depend on logic, nevertheless; ISTJs additionally use their detailed historical past of life expertise to again up their arguments, recalling what has labored previously to make sense of the current. There’s a relaxed, smart confidence in the way in which an ISTJ varieties speaks that instructions respect.

Discover out extra about ISTJs: The ISTJ Chief

#7 – ESFP

Excitable and adventurous, ESFPs reside life boldly and with a way of curiosity and enjoyable. They’ve a style for impactful experiences and luxuriate in taking life by the horns. But behind their good-natured power is an assertive, outspoken streak. ESFPs are recognized for having a powerful sense of what they need and aren’t afraid to go after it. They’re additionally recognized for championing the underdogs and standing up for what they imagine in. Many ESFPs aren’t afraid to name out injustice, bullying, or social disparities. Their bubbly exterior usually masks a assured conviction and a no-nonsense perspective.

Uncover extra about ESFPs: 7 Methods That ESFPs Make an Influence

#8 – ENTP

ENTPs have a fame for being intellectually curious and assured of their concepts. They are usually quick-witted and good-humored, with a capability to assist folks open up and share their insights. They like to bounce concepts off folks, share their objectives, and experiment with new approaches. In the case of talking their thoughts, ENTPs are  comfy expressing themselves instantly – even when what they must say is unconventional. They don’t really feel the necessity to mince phrases or sugar-coat something, and infrequently really feel greater than outfitted to debate any matter. As NT varieties, they worth directness, logic, fact, and competence. In the case of an argument, these varieties are more than pleased to take the driving force’s seat and defend their perspective.

Uncover extra about ENTPs: 24 Indicators That You’re an ENTP, the Trailblazer Character Kind

#9 – ISTP

Quiet however direct, ISTPs don’t beat across the bush relating to expressing their opinions. As Considering varieties, they are usually matter-of-fact and infrequently use blunt language to convey their factors of view. They’ve a present for analyzing a scenario, adapting to unexpected adjustments, and fixing issues on the fly.

ISTPs additionally worth autonomy and quiet greater than many different character varieties. They don’t wish to put their nostril in everybody else’s enterprise, and infrequently keep away from confrontation except completely obligatory (why waste the power?). Usually, they might not appear as assertive as many different varieties just because they have an inclination to maintain extra to themselves. Nonetheless, when individuals are being incompetent or discarding fact in favor of their very own agendas, ISTPs will be surprisingly daring in voicing their dissent.

Discover out extra about ISTPs: 10 Issues You Ought to By no means Say to an ISTP

#10 – ENFP

Enthusiastic and galvanizing, ENFPs take pleasure in getting folks concerned in resolution making and discovering consensus in a bunch. ENFPs will be surprisingly forthcoming in protection of their values and the concepts that drive their curiosity. Inquisitive and artistic, they aren’t afraid to take dangers or converse their fact even in uncomfortable conditions. They’re fast to talk out towards unfairness and are sometimes the primary to champion causes they imagine in. They’re additionally extremely unbiased, so if one thing stands of their manner or contradicts a worth of theirs, ENFPs don’t again down simply.

Uncover extra about ENFPs: Find out how to Talk Successfully with an ENFP

#11 – ESFJ

Conscientious and heat, ESFJs are the last word pleasant hosts. They’re usually desirous to please and put the well-being of different folks first. Whereas they might not be as vocal or direct as a few of their extra assertive counterparts, ESFJs have a knack for getting issues achieved and ensuring everyone seems to be joyful whereas doing it.

ESFJs even have very robust values and concepts about correct habits. They don’t shrink back from expressing their opinions and can rapidly get folks in line if they’re appearing in a manner that defies their values or creates friction for others. Within the phrases of Colin Powell, a rumored ESFJ, “Management is all about human connections. It’s all about conveying to the followers that you just imagine in them … and that we’re all on this collectively.”

#12 – INFJ

Whereas INFJs might not possess an overtly loud and showy demeanor, they’re people with imaginative and prescient they usually don’t thoughts backing that up with assertive motion. As idealists, they’ve a craving to deliver their beliefs to actuality. Which means they are often surprisingly assertive at instances, significantly in protection of their values or when making a long-term plan.

Because of their deeply intuitive nature, INFJs usually possess a eager consciousness of patterns and trajectories that others might overlook. Each time they sense that one thing is amiss or somebody is struggling, they gently voice their opinions and supply steering to steer folks again onto a greater path. Serving as calm and compassionate mentors, they ceaselessly pursue careers in counseling or faith, leveraging their empathic strengths to supply invaluable help to others. As rumored INFJ Mahatma Gandhi said, “In a mild manner, you possibly can shake the world.

Discover out extra about INFJs: 10 Issues That Terrify INFJs

#13 – ISFP

ISFPs aren’t naturally loud or boisterous folks, however they’ve a powerful sense of justice and what’s proper and mistaken. They have an inclination to maintain to themselves more often than not, but when somebody is being handled unfairly, ISFPs received’t hesitate to step up and name out the injustice. They usually seem laid-back and quiet, but when pushed, an ISFP will readily defend their values with stunning vigor.

ISFPs even have a powerful sense of journey and individuality; they’re not afraid to march to the beat of their very own drum or strive new issues, even when there’s some danger concerned. This could result in some daring and daring habits, particularly if it’s one thing they’re enthusiastic about. For the ISFP, life is about residing in alignment with deeply-held values and experiencing the world in all its depth, emotion, and wonder. As rumored ISFP Thich Nhat Hanh stated, “I promise myself that I’ll take pleasure in each minute of the day that’s given me to reside.”

Discover out extra about ISFPs: 24 Indicators That You’re an ISFP, the Virtuoso Character Kind

#14 – INTP

Quiet and personal, INTPs don’t are usually essentially the most outspoken folks within the room. But when requested for his or her ideas or opinions on a subject, they received’t hesitate to supply a rigorously thought-out and logical response. INTPs are extremely analytical, and like to method issues by weighing leverage factors and greedy the underlying ideas. They verify for logical consistency, and don’t thoughts stating inconsistencies or errors in reasoning to again up their place. This could make them glorious debaters, though they don’t naturally search out battle.

INTPs additionally aren’t afraid to problem conventional values and push boundaries relating to fixing issues. They usually really feel extra comfy questioning the established order and exploring completely different prospects than sticking to established strategies. And whereas they might not be as vocal as another varieties, INTPs will be fairly assertive in expressing their concepts and defending them. As INTP physicist Marie Curie stated, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it’s only to be understood.

Discover out extra about INTPs: 24 Indicators That You’re an INTP, the Prodigy Character Kind

#15 – INFP

Imaginative and compassionate, INFPs try for a reside of creativity and integrity. Loyal advocates and champions, they try to make a distinction on the earth and infrequently combat for underrepresented or unheard teams. INFPs might not be loud or pushy, however they’ve a powerful judgment of right and wrong that they’re unafraid to defend. In actual fact, they usually exit of their solution to converse up for the unvoiced or be sure individuals are being handled pretty. As INFP creator Antoine de-Saint Exupery stated, “One sees effectively solely with the guts. What is crucial is invisible to the attention.”

INFPs additionally don’t shrink back from expressing their inventive concepts and sharing them with others. They could wrestle with self-doubt or perfectionism, however they’re nonetheless able to producing insightful work that shines a lightweight on points others have ignored.

Discover out extra about INFPs: A Have a look at the INFP Chief

#16 – ISFJ

Mild and unassuming, ISFJs might not be essentially the most talkative or assertive folks within the room. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply they don’t have an opinion. When there’s an issue that must be solved, they like to supply options and options and gently information folks in the direction of a harmonious resolution. Nonetheless, they usually don’t like to attract consideration to themselves and like as an alternative to focus behind the scenes. They’ve a knack for seeing alternatives to lend a serving to hand or choose up the slack when another person is in want. They might not be significantly outspoken, however they received’t hesitate to step in and defend their values if obligatory.

ISFJs additionally are usually extremely loyal and dependable. They don’t shirk from duty, and are sometimes prepared to go above and past to make sure the success of any challenge or trigger they care about. They might not be vocally assertive, however their presence continues to be felt in a strong manner.

Discover out extra about ISFJs: A Have a look at the ISFJ Chief

What Are Your Ideas?

Now that my private rankings of the 16 Myers-Briggs character varieties from most to least assertive, what are your ideas? Do these rankings align with your personal observations and experiences? Tell us within the feedback beneath!

Discover your character kind additional with our assortment of eBooks: “Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,“The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic,” “The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist,” and “The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer.

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References:

MBTI® Guide: A Information to the Improvement and Use of the Myers-Briggs Kind Indicator® Instrument by Isabel Briggs Myers, Mary H. McCaulley, Naomi L. Quenk, and Allen L. Hammer (2009, CPP)

Understanding Your self and Others: An Introduction to Interplay Types 2.0 by Linda V. Berens (InterStrength, 2008)

Big 5 Personality Traits: What Are the Big 5 Personality Traits?

Discovering You eBook about the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types