The Information That Matters to You, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Do you ever find yourself at a dinner party bored out of your mind by the topics of conversation that people are delving into? Maybe everyone’s ranting about the latest political news, but you’d much rather talk about something actionable in the moment. Or maybe everyone is eagerly dissecting the latest celebrity gossip, but you’d rather share an experience or two from your own life. It’s times like these that our personalities start to shine through and influence which kinds of conversations we find interesting and engaging.

In today’s article we’re exploring the types of information that each Myers-Briggs® personality type naturally values. This article can be super helpful if you’re in a relationship or friendship and want to know what sparks the interest of the other person. Let’s get started!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

Here’s the Information That Matters to You, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

ISTJ

As an ISTJ, you’re a person of practicality and common sense. You value information that is real and tangible, such as facts and life lessons that can be applied to your daily life. When people start rambling about theoretical possibilities or hypothetical scenarios, you quickly lose interest because these ideas aren’t grounded in reality. You might be able to enjoy these conversations for a few minutes, but if they go on for a long while you start to feel restless. Whether you’re sharing a story from your past or giving how-to tips, you enjoy conversations that are filled with useful tips or meaningful lived experiences.

As a Thinking-Judging type, you also value information that is actionable. If you’re a gardener, you love learning the latest tips and tricks for growing the perfect tomato. If you’re a financial planner, you might enjoy discussions about money management strategies or economy news. The information that matters to you is mostly focused on real-world problem solving and decision making.

Find out more about ISTJs: 5 Strengths of the ISTJ Personality Type

ISFJ

Like the ISTJ, you value information that is real and tangible. You consider yourself someone grounded in the real world, with a healthy respect for the tried-and-true methods that have been proven to work. You tend to be a curator of stories and experiences, collecting bits and pieces from the conversations you have with people around you in order to form a larger picture of life. People often come to you for advice because they know your insight is based on real-world wisdom and experience, rather than pie-in-the-sky dreams.

You also enjoy when people share their feelings with you. As a Feeling-Judging type, you’re naturally interested in the stories that people have to tell. You like to take the time to really understand someone’s feelings and empathize with them, so talking about emotional experiences is a great way to connect with you.

Explore more about ISFJs: 7 Reasons Why You Need an ISFJ Friend in Your Life

INTJ

As an INTJ, you’re a person of curiosity and insight. You value information that is complex and challenging, with many layers to be uncovered. When conversations start to fall into the superficial or everyday, you quickly lose interest. Instead, you prefer topics that allow you to explore insights and theories in depth. You love when people ask big-picture questions which open up discussion about deeper issues. You also have a great respect for facts and figures, although you are not necessarily drawn to them for their own sake. To you, facts are like pieces of a puzzle that can be used to form a bigger picture which has implications beyond the data itself.

As a Thinking-Judging type, you also value actionable information. Anything useful that can help you to move forward in life is of great interest to you. Whether that means learning about a new technology, exploring the latest trends in business, or finding ways to use your skills and talents to their fullest potential, you are always on the lookout for strategies and tactics that can help you make progress.

Discover more about INTJs: 10 Things People Misunderstand About INTJs

INFJ

As an INFJ, you are a person of deep insight and intuitive understanding. You value information that can help you to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts or experiences. To you, the world is filled with multiple layers of meaning and nuance, and it’s your job to uncover them. So when people start talking about surface-level topics, you may find it difficult to stay engaged. Instead, you prefer topics that allow you to explore the deeper implications of life and foresee patterns and implications for the future. This could mean talking about psychology, relationships, spirituality, or anything that gives life a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

You also value conversations about peoples’ feelings, emotions, and values. As a Feeling-Judging type, you’re naturally drawn to conversations that involve people expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings. You enjoy understanding the motivations behind peoples’ actions and helping them to find solutions for whatever they may be going through emotionally. You enjoy helping people and it’s easy for you to empathize. Just remember to leave yourself some time for your own emotional needs, too.

Find out more about INFJs: 24 Signs You’re an INFJ, the Mystic Personality Type

INTP

As an INTP, you’re a person of imagination and logic. While some people may see these two areas of the mind to be diametrically opposed, you understand the power of combining them both. You value information that allows your mind to explore new concepts and possibilities while also noticing what makes sense logically. When you combine your imagination with your interest in how things work together, you can create groundbreaking new ideas and inventions. You notice information that has big-picture ramifications and you enjoy conversations that allow your mind to analyze, piece together clues, or make logical deductions.

You also value conversations that allow your imagination to run wild. As an Intuitive type, you’re naturally drawn to the unknown and mysterious. You enjoy conversations that ask hypothetical questions and explore the realms of possibility. Focusing on the everyday is not nearly as stimulating to you as channeling your energy into something new and unexplored.

Find out more about INTPs: The Childhood Struggles of INTPs

INFP

As an INFP, you are a person of depth and feeling. You value information that helps you to understand yourself and the people around you on a deeper level. To you, life is more than just the day-to-day facts or routines; there’s something magical underneath it all, and it’s your job to find it. You’re often drawn to conversations that explore the beauty and emotion of life, and you love when people share their likes or dislikes or significant stories from their past. You look for information that revolves around values – what matters to you or someone else on a deep, heart level.

You also enjoy conversations that allow your imagination to run free. As an Intuitive type, you’re naturally drawn to abstract concepts and ideas, rather than the everyday facts or routines. You love when people ask big questions about life which allow you to explore interesting new topics. You enjoy swapping ideas, dreaming up possibilities, or thinking about all the things that could happen in the future. All of these conversations help to spark your curiosity and inspire you.

Find out more about INFPs: 3 Weird and Wonderful Secrets of the INFP Personality Type

ISTP

As an ISTP, you’re a person of action and logic. You enjoy understanding how things work and amassing large amounts of technical data. If you love video games, you probably know all the stats and details about them, as well as how to beat enemies or complete levels with precision. If you’re an artist, you may appreciate the technical aspects of your craft, such as understanding color theory or learning how to sculpt from various clays. And if you’re a mechanic, you can take apart an engine with your eyes closed. Whatever your area of interest, you enjoy taking in as much information as possible and organizing it mentally so that you can use it to your advantage.

You also value conversations which focus on possibilities for fun and enjoyment. Whether this means swapping jokes or discussing the latest recreational activities, you are eager to explore new ways to enjoy the beautiful and colorful world around you. As a Sensing-Perceiving type, you value real, tangible information that can be used to make life more fun and engaging. You enjoy interacting with the physical world so discussions about activities, projects, or how-to’s are likely to hold your interest.

ISFP

As an ISFP, you are a person of feelings and physical exploration. You pay attention to information that evokes a sense of personal meaning or beauty. To you, life is made up of color and emotion that can be appreciated through the senses – whether this means a breathtaking sunset, the smell of freshly baked bread, or the rumbling notes of your favorite music. You may even find yourself drawn to conversations about what it feels like to experience something new – such as trying a new type of food or having an adventure in nature.

You also value conversations that allow you to explore the values and preferences you hold dear. This can mean talking about your favorite character in a TV show or your opinions on the causes that are close to your heart. Learning peoples’ likes and dislikes and sharing your own is a great way to form meaningful connections with others. As a Feeling-Perceiving type, you enjoy understanding the inner workings of the people around you, and conversations that involve sharing values are likely to be especially stimulating to you.

ESTJ

As an ESTJ, you are known for your practicality and matter-of-fact approach to life. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by emotions, you prefer to focus on the facts. You value information that is organized and practical – such as data about how things work or what needs to be done in a particular situation. When it comes to conversations, you enjoy sharing useful tips, recalling stories from the past (that have a useful lesson), and offering your opinion on how a situation should be handled. You have an innate sense of how things should be and you enjoy sharing your opinions and hearing others’ opinions in turn.

As a Sensing-Judging type, you also enjoy interacting with people around traditions and family activities. Conversations about shared experiences or upcoming events can be especially satisfying for you. Reminiscing about meaningful or funny memories can give you a sense of continuity, purpose, and connection. You also love conversations that involve making plans or strategizing – such as planning a family gathering or figuring out how to solve a problem. All of these conversations give you an opportunity to use your highly organized and logical mind. Additionally, they allow you to feel connected and part of something larger than yourself.

ESFJ

As an ESFJ, you are a person of warmth and connection. You value information that helps to build bridges and strengthen relationships with others. This can mean talking about someone’s opinions or values, sharing stories from the past (especially those that evoke strong emotions), or discussing the emotional world of a friend and offering support. You believe in creating meaningful experiences for yourself and your loved ones, so conversations around activities, traditions, and family events are likely to be especially satisfying for you.

You also appreciate conversations that focus on real-world experiences and lessons. As a Sensing-Judging type, you value tangible and realistic information. Finding practical how-to tips, swapping funny life stories, and getting involved in community events is of special significance to you. Information like this helps you to optimize your life in everyday ways while staying connected to your community and loved ones.

ENTJ

As an ENTJ, you are a person of ambition and insight. You value information that sparks your creativity and allows you to develop innovative plans and strategies. This can mean discussing the latest news, exchanging ideas about a project, or strategizing on how to reach a goal. You enjoy thinking big and pushing boundaries so conversations that involve dreaming big and brainstorming or taking apart a controversial idea are inspiring to you. You also love information that gives you a deeper insight about life and can get very philosophical when you’re relaxed and enjoying your free time.

You also value conversations that revolve around productivity and personal growth. As a Thinking-Judging type, you appreciate information that can help you to improve or optimize your life. Talking about time management strategies, learning tips for staying organized, and debating the merits of different methods are likely to be particularly stimulating for you. With conversations like this, you can continue to expand your horizons and leave your mark on the world.

Find out more about ENTJs: 10 Things That Terrify ENTJs

ENFJ

As an ENFJ, you are a person of warmth and understanding. You value information that helps you to understand the emotional world around you, such as conversations about values, beliefs, and personal preferences. This gives you an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level and establish meaningful relationships. You enjoy forging raw, real conversations that put you in touch with someone’s true feelings – even if they’re a little “uncouth.”

You also value conversations that get into the deeper, philosophical side of life. As an Intuitive-Feeling type, you draw strength from exploring long-term ideas and possibilities. You may enjoy discussing books or films that spark your imagination, delving into the human psyche to figure out why people think and act the way they do, or getting into discussions about how you could improve communities or problems facing the world today. All of these topics allow you to connect with your values as well as your intuitive understanding of the world itself.

ESTP

As an ESTP, you are known for your enthusiasm and quick-thinking. You value information that is tangible and actionable – such as tips about how to build something, strategies for getting ahead in a competitive field, or stories about opportunities and activities for fun in the present moment. You enjoy conversations that involve witty comebacks and clever banter, as you love to play with language and use it to your advantage. Friendly debate is also stimulating for you, as it allows you to tap into the logical side of your personality and play with spotting logical fallacies or inconsistencies.

You also appreciate conversations that get people fired up and moving in actionable ways. This could mean dreaming up party ideas, coming up with an impromptu road trip, or swapping stories about especially interesting recent experiences. As a Sensing-Perceiving type, you love to live in the moment and learn through experience. You draw energy from conversations that involve tangible ideas or topics that can be acted on right away. Not only do these conversations make you feel alive and connected with others, they also give you an opportunity to learn by doing.

ESFP

As an ESFP, you are known for your warmth and spontaneity. You value information that is entertaining and emotionally engaging – such as stories about funny or memorable experiences, anecdotes about interesting people, or information that could spark a fun opportunity in the present. You appreciate conversation partners who can keep up with your witty banter and clever observations! It’s also essential that whoever you’re talking to is being 100% real. Even if it isn’t always “proper” you prefer to spend your time with people who say it like they see it (or feel it).

You also enjoy conversations that involve expressing your values and opinions. As a Feeling-Perceiving type, you have core values that influence every aspect of your life. Being able to share your opinions about social issues or discuss the merits of different lifestyle choices is very stimulating for you. You may find yourself drawn to discussions about popular culture, morality, and even religion – all of which help you to feel connected with your values as well as those of other people. With conversations like these, you can find deeper meaning in life and express your unique perspective on the world.

Discover more about ESFPs: ESFP Cognitive Function Guide

ENTP

As an ENTP, you are fascinated by all the things that could exist in your future. You are interested in potential; so ideas, possibilities, and theories about innovative future plans and projects will often draw your attention. You enjoy conversations that involve brainstorming, thinking creatively, and bouncing ideas off one another. With these sorts of discussions, you can explore the depths of your imagination and come up with game-changing strategies or ingenious solutions.

You also appreciate conversations that let you debate and analyze different perspectives. As an Intuitive-Thinking type, your mind loves to pick apart any given topic and explore it from multiple angles. This kind of exploration allows you to tap into the depths of your intuition and logic to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the world around you.

ENFP

As an ENFP, you are an individual with deep emotions and profound imagination. You value information that sparks possibility, produces visions of alternative futures, and provides insight into the human condition. You love brainstorming ideas for the future and coming up with creative dreams and and insights. You love storytelling, exploring metaphors, and diving deep into abstract subjects to gain insight into the world around you. You are more interested in what could be than what is, more fascinated by possibilities than raw reality.

You also appreciate conversations that get into the deeper qualities of ethics, morality, and emotion. As a Feeling-Perceiving type, you are drawn to topics related to values and personal growth. You may find yourself talking about meaningful experiences, discussing books or films with profound themes, or exploring your own emotional journey. Conversations like these allow you to connect with your values, explore different ways of living life, and gain insight into the human experience.

Find out more about ENFPs: Your ENFP Personality Type and Your Enneagram Type

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article? Do you relate to what has been written here? Let us know in the comments!

Discover more about your personality type in our 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. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

References:

Introduction to Myers-Briggs® Type by Isabel Briggs Myers (CPP, Inc. 1998)

Understanding Yourself and Others™: An Introduction to Interaction Styles 2.0 by Linda V. Berens (InterStrength, 2008)

The Art of Speed Reading People by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger (Little, Brown and Company, 1998)