TEMPERAMENT PROFILE: INFP (Ni-Fi-Te-Se)

Phlegmatic/Phlegmatic (P/P) = Patient Catalyst

Tim LaHaye

P/Ps tend to be spectators in life, and they try not to get too involved with the activities of others. In fact, it is difficult for them to be motivated to move beyond their daily routine. This does not mean that they cannot appreciate the need for action and the difficulties of others.

Calm, cool, slow, easy-going, wellbalanced temperament, never seems to get ruffled. He has a high boiling point and seldom explodes in anger or laughter but keeps his emotions under control. Is usually kindhearted and sympathetic but seldom conveys his true feelings. He feels much more emotion that appears on the surface and has a good capacity to appreciate the fine arts and the “finer things” of life.

Beneath the reticent, almost timid P/P is a very capable combination of abilities. When once aroused to action, he proves to be a most competent and efficient person. P/Ps tend not to take leadership on their own, but when it is thrust upon them, they can be good leaders. I’ve labeled them “reluctant leaders.” Secretly, a P/P may aspire for a promotion on the job, but it would be against his nature to volunteer. Instead, he may patiently wait until more discordant and inept personalities make a mess out of things and then assume the responsibility only after it is forced upon him. In many instances P/Ps wait their lives away and opportunity never knocks, because, although employers appreciate their capabilities, they don’t envision them as leaders.

The world has benefitted greatly from the gracious nature of P/Ps. They have a conciliating effect on others and are natural peacemakers. In their quiet way, they have proven to be fulfillers of the dreams of others. They are masters at anything that requires meticulous patience and daily routine.

P/P seem drawn to the field of education. Their gentle nature assures the ideal atmosphere for learning. Because they are diplomatic and unabrasive, they work well with people. When given positions of leadership, they seem to bring order out of chaos and produce a working harmony conducive to increased productivity. They are well organized, never come to a meeting unprepared or late, tend to work well under pressure, and are extremely dependable.

P/Ps are definitely not risk takers. They often stay with one company for their entire working career. Rarely do P/Ps either live up to their full capabilities or launch out on a business venture of their own, although they are eminently qualified to do so. Instead, they usually enhance the earning power of someone else and are quite content with a simple lifestyle.

Unwritten Grace

A people-oriented introvert, a P/P’s main inclination is inoffensiveness. They are the low-key types who sometimes have the most trouble standing out; this is more due to their quiet, “slow but steady” approach to life, rather than lack of any ability. P/Ps are the slowest to show emotion, because they can take a while to experience it and don’t express themselves naturally anyway. They can be slow to get moving, but they usually do what’s expected of them because this is easier than risking making a mistake and causing trouble. This may show in their relationships with others: they may not be the most dynamic company, but they are gentle and dependable, if their slow and hesitant nature doesn’t cause exasperation.