Burning MBTI Questions Answered #4
How can a INFP be successful in marketing?
My coaching mentor Mike Jay, has a keen distaste for a blank slate approach. He finds danger in proposing that anyone can be anything they want to be without taking the time to be explicit about a series of conditions which will allow that to happen based on self understanding and reality about the needs of the situation. His mantra is first know who you are – your preferences, strengths etc. second know what the situation requires and third design an approach that allows you to be in alignment with your personality and yet find the help and resources and the system required to do the job. While this is my simplistic interpretation of Mike’s ideas the core components are consistent with his ideas and practices.
So what does this mean for an INTP in marketing?
I am not a career advisor. I will give you my thoughts based on my knowledge of the MBTI and my years of work for a graphic design firm who were involved in aspects of marketing.
Before I go any further let me point out that the MBTI preferences are only one aspect to look at and even then we do not have the benefit of understanding the distinctions that the Step 2 version of your MBTI results could shine on this career choice.
Different marketing firms have different approaches so if you are interested in working in this field, it may be a good first step to see if the culture of a particular organization is a fit for you. Since INFP’s can be sensitive and need to be in situations that align with their values, it may be of value to spend some time asking what is important about an organization that you work for? What would make that firm an entity you could stand behind?
Another thing that you might want to ask is what kind of future do you want with any marketing firm? You may be able to find an aspect of marketing that is a fit for you and allow you to express your creativity but what about moving up the ladder to more mangerial activities and on to positions where strategic thinking and analysis may become a larger part of the job?
Now to get back to what you were probably asking.
A career in marketing would surely require excellent communication skills including both oral and writing capabilities. INFP’s are assumed to have this capacity – is this true for you? If so can you write clearly, analytically and make persuasive oral presentations? If this is where you shine, can you find work in marketing that allows you to focus on this area of strength?
For some marketing is also about being creative and innovative and adding to that the ability to “walk on the wild side”. Putting new ideas forward may require a certain level of risk taking backed up by enough enthusiasm to sell the idea and carry it through to the end. This may also require being a part of a team. As a person with a preference for Introversion – how do you react to the thought of this kind of team work? Would you be comfortable to step up and deliver your ideas to team members and clients in a compelling way? If not how can you work with others so that someone else is taking on that part of the work?
My final question has to do with INFPs being strongly influenced by their internal value system. There may be times where the client needs and the needs of the marketplace dictate an approach that may not line up with how you see things. Would you be able to step back and make your commitment to the project based on analysis and bottom line business objectives?