In this article, you will discover:
- What Feeling (F) means in the MBTI®
- Whether this is your preference
- How to develop as a Feeling (F)
- How to communicate with people for whom this is a preference
You will also learn a fact that is often overlooked:
There are two types of Feeling (F). Many people hesitate over their MBTI profile because they have never heard of these two variations.
What is Feeling (F) in MBTI?
Feeling (F) is one of the MBTI® preferences. It describes our innate way of evaluating situations and making decisions. The opposite preference is Thinking (T).
From birth, we naturally develop a preference, either for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F). This preference emerges very early in life and becomes the one we use instinctively, spontaneously, and without effort.
Feeling (F) (or “Feeling” in English) involves making decisions based on subjective criteria, such as:
- Taking into account the impact of decisions on others
- Seeking alignment with one’s personal values.
The Origins of Feeling (F)
The concept of Feeling (F) comes from the work of Carl Jung. His book Psychological Types inspired the development of the MBTI® (Myers & Briggs Type Indicator®).
Jung identified two distinct forms of Feeling:
- Introverted Feeling (Fi)
- Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Myers and Briggs later simplified this approach by focusing on Thinking (T) and Feeling (F), thereby losing much of the richness and the dynamic aspect of Jung’s model — particularly the understanding of personal development over time.
In our MBTI Step I training, we place strong emphasis on the distinction between these two types of Feeling (F). This helps many participants better understand their MBTI profile and validate it with greater confidence.
What are the main characteristics of people with a Feeling (F) preference?
People with a preference for Feeling (F) tend to reason using subjective criteria.
- They use arguments that take other people’s situations into account or that are linked to their personal value system.
- They tend to be less receptive to logical reasoning and strictly rational attitudes.
- They may experience a form of resistance to the idea of prioritising logical reasoning at the expense of “human” considerations.
- They are more inclined to focus on what is going well rather than on what is not. This comes naturally to them, out of a desire to encourage others, to give people a chance, or out of concern about causing frustration or damaging the relationship.
- They may sometimes appear highly empathetic or very sensitive.
- They show respect and care for the relationship by expressing what they feel in a considerate and gentle manner.
People with a Feeling (F) preference are often personally involved in their decisions.
For example, even if a contract termination is rationally justified and carried out in full compliance with the rules, a Feeling (F) type may feel uncomfortable when thinking about the personal consequences and the private situation of the dismissed employee.
What is the difference between Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi)?
The differences between Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) are significant.
Extraverted Feeling (Fe):
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) is directly connected to the external world.
- People with this preference tend to communicate their feelings, decisions and points of view to others.
- They do so in a diplomatic manner and expect their interlocutors to adopt a similar approach.
- They value decision-making processes that take everyone’s feelings into account and expect these decisions to be respected out of consideration for the group.
- They appreciate living and working in a structured environment where people are attentive to the well-being of others.
- They find it easy to plan and organise activities aimed at creating collective well-being.
Introverted Feeling (Fi):
Introverted Feeling (Fi), by contrast, is oriented towards the inner world:
- People with this preference tend to internalise their feelings.
- From an early age, they ask themselves many questions, seeking to determine what is right and striving to be virtuous individuals.
- As a result, they develop a strong ability to assess what is ethical or unethical and have a fundamental need to live and work in alignment with their personal value system.
- They have a deep need for their freedom of thought to be respected; being imposed decisions that conflict with their values can make collaboration difficult.
- When confronted with behaviours or attitudes that go against their values, they may react very strongly, sometimes with intense displays of anger.
- Although they place great importance on their feelings, they often find it difficult to express them.
For further details, you will find a full description of Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) in our MBTI® book: "Vous êtes unique, vos interlocuteurs aussi!"
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) are therefore very different. Failing to explain the distinction between these two forms of Feeling can lead to significant difficulties in accurately identifying one’s preference and MBTI profile.
How can I tell whether I prefer Feeling (F) or Thinking (T)?
To identify whether someone has a preference for Feeling (F), we pay close attention to the way they express themselves:
- How do they communicate their point of view?
- Are they more receptive to objective or subjective arguments?
- How do they react in situations of conflict?
The distinction between Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) is also an important factor, as these two types differ significantly in both communication style and emotional responses.
Common sources of confusion
It is quite common for people with a preference for Introverted Feeling (Fi) to believe they are Extraverted Feeling (Fe), as they enjoy pleasing others.
This confusion can be clarified by explaining the differences between Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi), particularly Fi’s need for freedom and independence, its frequent difficulty in expressing feelings, and what we refer to as its asymmetrical aspect: the desire to contribute to others’ happiness does not necessarily come with an expectation that others will do the same in return.
We have also encountered cases where individuals with a preference for Fe believed they were Extraverted Thinking (Te) because of behaviours that may at times appear authoritative. Here again, clarifying the differences between these two preferences often helps people gain a clearer understanding of their profile.
As with all MBTI preferences, periods of intense stress can also lead to uncertainty about one’s preferences.
From our perspective, this is one of the key benefits of MBTI® support: it can sometimes help individuals become aware that they are experiencing a state of deep stress.
How does Feeling (F) show up at work?
Feeling (F) types tend to give priority to subjective aspects when making decisions, managing conflict, and maintaining working relationships. They often shy away from approaches they perceive as overly rational or “cold”.
People with a preference for Extraverted Feeling (Fe):
- Generally demonstrate strong organisational and planning abilities;
- Make decisions with the well-being of everyone in mind;
- Value kindness and the care shown towards others;
- Expect colleagues to adhere to the values that hold the group together.
Individuals with a preference for Introverted Feeling (Fi), on the other hand:
- Are highly sensitive to ethical considerations and to respect for their personal value system; they can become very firm when these are violated;
- Tend to distance themselves from rules they consider unethical;
- Make decisions in order to remain consistent with their own values;
- Accept authority only when it feels legitimate to them, meaning aligned with their value system;
- May show a high level of sensitivity.
How can I improve my skills or productivity by using my Feeling (F) preference?
Here are three key ways to develop as a Feeling (F) type:
- Offer your support when your sensitivity can be useful:
Use your ability to take others’ feelings into account, or to act as a “moral compass”, to support colleagues in situations where this can make a real difference—for example, to avoid unfair decisions or choices that could damage relationships with team members.
- Avoid overplaying your Feeling (F):
Accept that others may make rational decisions or choose not to restrict their options based on the potential impact on others.
- Draw strength from differences and learn from colleagues with a Thinking (T) preference:
Avoid judging them as cold, unfeeling, or disrespectful.
How to communicate more effectively with Feeling (F) types
With all Feeling (F) types:
- Showing sensitivity to your colleague’s arguments is generally appreciated.
- Demonstrating empathy helps build trust and mutual understanding.
- Relying solely on rational arguments is usually not the most effective approach.
- A distant or emotionally detached attitude toward the experiences of those involved tends to hinder communication.
With Extraverted Feeling (Fe) profiles:
- Decisions are better received when their impact on others is taken into account.
- Communicating those decisions in a diplomatic way supports cooperation.
- Respect for group norms plays an important role in the relationship.
- Keeping the collective well-being in mind remains a key reference point.
With Introverted Feeling (Fi) profiles:
- Sensitivity to their emotional experience is essential.
- Supporting them in expressing their needs can facilitate dialogue.
- Asking questions to understand their value system, and considering it in decision-making, helps create alignment.
- Respect for their freedom of thought is particularly important.
What are the coaching focus areas for a Feeling (F) type?
Coaching focus areas for a Feeling (F) type depend largely on the orientation of their Feeling preference.
In general, Introverted Feeling (Fi) is often invited to develop the ability to:
- Communicate feelings and needs more clearly.
- Express these proactively, in order to prevent the build-up of frustration or anger.
- Feel more comfortable and open when interacting with people who communicate in a more rational manner.
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) typically works on:
- Developing patience in environments perceived as chaotic.
- Taking a step back when facing decisions considered selfish or inhumane.
- Allowing others greater autonomy, rather than stepping into a rescuer role or adopting an overly protective or maternal stance.
What links can be drawn with other personality models?
Taibi Kahler’s Process Com®
The Empathic profiles we encountered during Process Communication Model training were MBTI® Feeling types. This does not mean, however, that a person with a preference for Thinking (T) could not develop an Empathic base or phase.
We also observed many Perseverer profiles in Process Comunication Model® among individuals with Introverted Feeling (Fi).
Linda Berens’ Interaction Styles®
Types with a preference for Feeling (F) combined with Intuition (N) are represented across all Interaction Styles®:
- In Charge® (ENFJ)
- Get Things Going® (ENFP)
- Chart the Course® (INFJ)
- Behind the Scenes® (INFP)
Types combining Feeling (F) and Sensing (S), on the other hand, appear only in the following Interaction Styles®:
- Get Things Going® (ESFJ and ESFP)
- Behind the Scenes® (ISFJ and ISFP)
David Keirsey’s Temperaments
Types that combine Feeling (F) and Intuition (N) correspond to the Idealist temperament in David Keirsey’s model:
- They seek meaning in both work and life;
- They need a life lived in harmony;
- They value working with a manager who coaches them and supports their personal development;
- Their “survival game” consists in idealising the world around them and avoiding conflict.
Profiles that combine Feeling (F) with Extraverted Sensing (Se) fall within the so-called Artisan temperaments:
- Their functioning is strongly oriented towards action and direct experience;
- Pleasure and stimulation play an important role in their professional engagement;
- They value what produces visible and concrete results;
- They prefer to lead by example rather than through speeches;
- When their protective mechanisms are activated, they may push certain boundaries, while being far more attentive to not hurting others than Thinking (T) – Extraverted Sensing (Te) types would be.
Conversely, types that combine Feeling (F) and Introverted Sensing (Si) belong to the Guardian temperaments:
- They need a stable and coherent framework in order to feel secure;
- Reliability, predictability, consistency, and clarity of roles are particularly important to them;
- They feel more comfortable with a structured and accountable form of leadership;
- They may enter a pattern of complaint when their need for belonging is not met.
