Have you ever had such a moment: the rational and decisive self in daily life suddenly becomes emotionally hesitant; you, who have always been outgoing and proactive, inexplicably fall into introverted and passive? These behaviors and ideas that are contrary to daily personality are likely to be the shadow function personality being quietly at work.
This article will take MBTI and Jung’s eight-dimensional theory as the cornerstone to deeply analyze the shadow functional personality, focus on the ENTJ type, help you explore the potential advantages of the shadow functional personality and achieve self-transformation and growth.
Warm reminder: This article is for readers who already have a basic understanding of Jung Eight Dimensions (MBTI cognitive function). If you have not yet been exposed to relevant concepts, you can click here to read this article , or search for information on your own to learn about it.
Definition of Shadow Function Personality
Shadow functional personality refers to the part of an individual personality that is contrary to or relatively weakened to the main personality traits. It is hidden deep in the subconscious and only surfaces in specific situations such as stress, conflict, crisis or creative situations. In daily life, we often show relatively stable personality traits, but when facing special situations such as strong pressure, we may suddenly do some behaviors that even we feel unexpected. Behind this may be the shadow function personality at play.
For example, a person who is usually very cheerful and extrovert may suddenly become taciturn and unwilling to communicate with others when encountering major setbacks. This change may be the embodiment of his shadow function personality. It is like the ‘hidden face’ in personality and does not usually appear easily, but once it appears, it will bring about completely different behaviors and thinking patterns from usual.
The formation mechanism of shadow functional personality
The formation of shadow functional personality is closely linked to MBTI and Jungian eight-dimensional theory.
As a personality classification method based on Jungian psychology, MBTI divides personality into 16 types. Each type consists of four letters, representing the tendency of the four personality dimensions of extroversion (E) or introversion (I), sensory (S) or intuition (N), thinking (T) or emotion (F), judgment (J) or perceptual (P). It provides a basic framework for us to understand personality, allowing us to initially judge our own and others’ preferences in different dimensions.
Jung Eight Dimension is a further expansion of MBTI. It believes that each person’s personality is not only composed of four functions (feeling, intuition, thinking, and emotion) represented by the four letters, but each function also has two tendencies: extrovert and introvert. Therefore, each person’s personality is actually composed of eight functions. Four of them are the male function, namely the dominant function, the auxiliary function, the third function and the fourth function; the other four are the shadow function, namely the fifth function, the sixth function, the seventh function and the eighth function.
The male function is a relatively strengthening and developing part of an individual’s personality. Usually at the level of consciousness, it is manifested as the personality traits presented by the individual everyday. Taking ENTJ type people as an example, their male functions include extroverted thinking (Te), introverted intuition (Ni), extroverted sensation (Se), and introverted emotions (Fi). In daily work and life, ENTJ demonstrates strong leadership and decision-making skills with these positive functions.
The shadow function is the relatively weakened and suppressed part of an individual’s personality. Generally exists at the subconscious level and is a personality trait that an individual hides or ignores in daily life. For example, for people with ENTJ type, their shadow functions are introvert thinking (Ti), extrovert intuition (Ne), introvert sensation (Si) and extrovert emotion (Fe). These shadow functions correspond to the INTP personality type. The specific conversion rules for shadow function personality are: replace the first and fourth letters of a personality with opposite letters to obtain shadow personality. For ENTJ, if ‘E’ and ‘J’ are replaced by ‘I’ and ‘P’ respectively, INTP is obtained. This transformation is not accidental, it reflects the complex changes in personality in different situations and the interaction of multiple traits deep in the individual’s heart.
Analysis of the positive surface function of ENTJ
ENTJ type people are typical leaders. They demonstrate excellent organizational and decision-making skills in work and life, which is closely related to their positive surface function.
The male function of ENTJ is composed of extroverted thinking (Te), introverted intuition (Ni), extroverted sensation (Se), and introverted emotions (Fi).
Among them, the main function of the outward thinking (Te) is the core driving force of ENTJ. With this feature, ENTJ can process and organize external information and things in an orderly manner in a highly logical and rational way. In the work scenario, they are good at formulating rigorous and practical plans and strategies, efficiently solve and optimize various problems, and accurately achieve and evaluate goals. At the same time, ENTJ can manage and guide others with its Te function, and express and implement its opinions and decisions firmly and clearly. For example, during the process of enterprise project promotion, ENTJ leaders can quickly analyze project needs, allocate resources reasonably, and lead the team to move towards their goals efficiently.
Accessive function introverted intuition (Ni) provides ENTJ with profound insight and forward-looking thinking. Through Ni, ENTJ can understand and predict internal information and things from an abstract and profound perspective. They are good at building grand and visionary visionary visions and ideals, and constantly creating and innovating new ideas and methods. When the industry development trend is not yet obvious, ENTJ can use Ni functions to keen insights and seize future opportunities and adjust its own plans and strategies in a timely manner. Taking the technology industry as an example, ENTJ entrepreneurs can often plan emerging technology fields in advance based on Ni functions and lead companies to seize market opportunities.
Extroverted sensation (Se) serves as the third function to balance ENTJ personality. Se enables ENTJ to fully perceive and experience information and things in the outside world in a direct and practical way. They are willing to enjoy and actively explore various possibilities in real environments, be brave to act and take bold risks to try new challenges and changes. When faced with emergencies and stress, ENTJ relies on the Se function to respond quickly and adapt flexibly. In addition, the Se function helps ENTJ to show its unique charm and style, attracting the attention and support of others. For example, in social occasions or business activities, ENTJ can use Se function to confidently show personal style and expand personal resources.
The fourth function introvert emotion (Fi) is relatively repressed in ENTJ’s personality, but it is also indispensable. Fi helps ENTJ evaluate and express internal information and things in a subjective and emotional way. Through Fi, ENTJ can deeply understand and adhere to its values and beliefs, and sincerely care and respect their feelings and needs. At the same time, they can rely on their Fi function to understand and understand other people’s emotions and motivations, and appropriately balance and reconcile their own rationality and sensibility in the process of rational decision-making. Although the performance of Fi function is relatively hidden in daily decision-making, Fi will play an important role in some key choices involving personal core values and guide ENTJ to make choices that conform to their true inner thoughts.
Analysis of ENTJ’s shadow function
Corresponding to the male function, the shadow functions of ENTJ include introverted thinking (Ti), extroverted intuition (Ne), introverted sensation (Si) and extroverted emotions (Fe). These shadow functions constitute the personality characteristics of INTP and will have a significant impact on ENTJ in specific situations.
**The fifth function, introverted thinking (Ti) is an opposing function of ENTJ, which is in sharp contrast with the dominant function, outgoing thinking (Te). Ti enables ENTJ (which presents a mindset similar to INTP) to deeply analyze and verify internal information and things in an independent and critical way. They tend to establish and improve their unique logical and theoretical systems, are keen on exploring and solving complex and abstract problems, and pursue the accuracy and consistency of their own thinking. When facing other people’s opinions and decisions, ENTJ is influenced by Ti function and will think critically like INTP and dare to challenge existing opinions. Among the shadow functional personality of ENTJ, introvert thinking (Ti) is the most powerful. When ENTJ encounters problems or conflicts that cannot be resolved by the dominant function Te, the Ti function will be highlighted. At this time, ENTJ may become too in-depth in details, too self-selected and persistent, and even show a stubborn and sensitive side, appearing isolated and indifferent in interpersonal communication, which is similar to the traits of INTP’s in-depth research and relatively introverted nature. For example, in team discussion, if ENTJ’s Te-dominated solution is questioned and cannot quickly solve the problem with Te, the Ti function may cause them to fall into self-argument, deaf ears to others’ opinions, and affect the team collaboration atmosphere, just like INTP’s rejection of external interference when focusing on its own theoretical thinking.
**Extroverted intuition (Ne) is the critical function of ENTJ, which is opposite to the auxiliary function introverted intuition (Ni). Ne enables ENTJ (which presents some characteristics of INTP) to widely perceive and associate external information and things from an open and diverse perspective. They are good at diverging and expanding their imagination space, exploring possibilities, constantly changing and creating new combinations and patterns. In different environments and situations, ENTJ can adapt flexibly with Ne function, while also inspiring and inspiring others’ creativity and thinking. However, in the shadow function personality of ENTJ, the Ne function may be over-appearing when the auxiliary function Ni fails to achieve its intended vision or ideal. At this time, ENTJ may become too disorganized, overly curious and risky, changeable and unstable, and even give people the impression of cynical and irresponsible, which echoes the characteristics of INTP’s active thinking and sometimes excessive pursuit of freedom and lack of stability. For example, during the project execution, if the original plan based on Ni encounters obstacles, ENTJ may frequently change directions due to the influence of Ne functions and pursue new possibilities, resulting in the project progress being out of control. Similar to INTP, when exploring multiple possibilities, it is easy to deviate from the original goal.
**The seventh function introverted sensation (Si) is the deceptive function of ENTJ, which is opposite to the third function introverted sensation (Se). Si enables ENTJ (which has the performance of INTP under this function) to recall and organize internal information and things in a stable and traditional way. They value and retain their past experiences and memories, strictly abide by and respect existing rules and habits, strive to maintain and restore their own sense of safety and comfort, and focus on cultivating and continuing their familiar habits and styles. In the shadow function personality of ENTJ, when the third function Se cannot adapt to the environment or faces great pressure, the Si function will start to work. At this time, ENTJ may become extremely conservative and fixed, overly nostalgic and nostalgic, stick to past experiences and practices, appear stubborn, and at the same time, the heart will be filled with anxiety and uneasiness, which is consistent with the characteristics of INTP that rely on past experiences and is reluctant to change easily in certain situations. For example, when facing industry changes, if ENTJ is overly dependent on Si functions, stick to previous successful experiences, and refuses to try new business models, it may cause the company to miss development opportunities and fall into trouble, just like INTP feels safe in a familiar model and adapts to new changes slowly.
**The eighth function extroverted emotion (Fe) is the demonic function of ENTJ, which is opposite to the fourth function introverted emotion (Fi). Fe enables ENTJ (which presents a weak manifestation of INTP in this function) to understand and express external information and things in an objective and harmonious way. They are good at adjusting and adapting to their emotions and attitudes, paying attention to and trying their best to meet the feelings and needs of others, actively collaborate and effectively communicate other people’s ideas and intentions, and strive to establish and maintain good social relationships. Among the shadow functional personality of ENTJ, extroverted emotions (Fe) are the weakest. When ENTJ encounters a conflict between rationality and sentiment that the fourth function Fi cannot balance, the Fe function may appear in an unhealthy way. At this time, ENTJ may become overly sensitive and emotional, rely too much on others’ recognition, show a posture of catering and flattery, and even hypocritical and contradictory words and deeds. INTP is usually not very good at emotional expression and social interaction. ENTJ’s performance at this time is similar to the discomfort of INTP when dealing with complex emotional relationships. For example, in social situations, ENTJ may violate their true feelings and over-paced others’ opinions in order to integrate into the group, resulting in conflict and discomfort in the heart, just as INTP feels at a loss in situations where a lot of emotional communication is needed and does some behaviors that do not conform to their true thoughts.
If you want to have more mysteries of ENTJ type personality, you can read ‘ENTJ Advanced Personality Archives’ , which has a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis.
How to give full play to the advantages of shadow function personality?
From the above analysis, we can see that although the shadow function personality of ENTJ is contrary to or relatively weakened with the main personality characteristics, it also has unique characteristics and advantages. In specific circumstances, they can provide ENTJ with different perspectives and resources, helping ENTJ achieve comprehensive and balanced development of personality.
So, how should ENTJ take advantage of the shadow function personality? Here are some methods and tips for you:
The first is to recognize and accept your own shadow. You must understand that shadow function personality is an organic part of your personality, not an enemy or defect, but a hidden potential and resource. In some cases, it can help and inspire you. Therefore, do not deny or suppress your own shadow, but accept and appreciate it, regard it as a friend or partner, live in harmony with it, rather than confrontation and conflict.
The second is to understand the characteristics and advantages of your own shadow. You need to have a deep understanding of the characteristics and advantages of the shadow function personality, clarify what perspective and resources it can provide you, and under what circumstances it will appear, and what impact it will have on you. You can deepen your understanding and understanding of shadow function personality by reading related books and articles, or participating in relevant test training, so as to better utilize it.
Again, observe the emergence of your own shadow and why. You should pay attention to the emergence of shadow functional personality and the reasons, and be clear under what environment or pressure, what stimulus or motivation it is driven by, and in what way and extent it is expressed. You can improve your awareness and analysis of shadow function personality by recording and reviewing the events and processes of the emergence of shadow function personality, or communicate and share relevant experiences and feelings with people you trust, so as to better control it.
Finally, adjust the expression and use of your own shadow. You must learn to adjust the expression and application of shadow functional personality, know how to express and use shadow functional personality in the right way and purpose at the right time and degree, so that it is in harmony with the positive functional personality, rather than conflicting, and thus promote the good development of personality. You can enhance your ability and confidence in the expression and application of shadow function personality by practicing and trying some activities or skills related to shadow function personality, or communicate and cooperate with people with similar shadow function personality, and give full play to their advantages.
If you are not sure about your MBTI personality type, or want to confirm whether your personality type has changed, PsycTest officially provides a free MBTI Type 16 professional personality test. Click here to participate, hoping it will be helpful to you.
Summarize
Shadow functional personality, as the opposite or relatively weakened part of the individual personality that is traited by the main personality, is usually hidden in the subconscious and only emerges in a specific situation. It can not only bring different perspectives and resources to individuals, but also cause troubles and conflicts.
Based on MBTI and Jung’s eight-dimensional theory, this paper deeply analyzes the shadow functional personality of the ENTJ type (i.e., the INTP type), and explains its characteristics, advantages and methods to give full play to its advantages, aiming to help ENTJ achieve comprehensive and balanced development of personality.
The value and potential of shadow function personality cannot be underestimated and should not be ignored or negated. We should recognize, accept it, understand, observe it, regulate, and use it to give full play to its role. Only in this way can individuals better understand themselves, develop their personality, achieve self-growth, and embrace a colorful life.
If you are interested in the topic of shadow function personality, you can read more related books and articles, or participate in relevant test training to enhance your understanding and understanding of yourself and others’ shadow function personality, so as to get along with yourself and others more harmoniously, fully tap your own potential, and achieve your goals.
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