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A look into the Advocate (INFJ) Personality Type

written by NERIS Analytics Limited

and visually depicted by Jone Ko

Introduction

9 Romantic Relationships

20 Parenthood

31 Workplace Habits

44 Designer's Note

4 Strengths & Weaknesses

15 Friendships

26 Career Paths

37 What's Next

Introduction

dvocates see paper clips as a tool that holds sheets of paper together, but they also see paper clips as a versatile tool that can hang festive decorations. They think and feel with a depth that brings challenges as well as opportunities, often standing out uniquely with their quiet, sensible behaviour.

“

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The Advocate (INFJ) personality type is defined as having the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging traits. This combination makes these personalities stand out uniquely with a quiet, principled version of humanism. They think and feel with a depth that brings challenges as well as opportunities. Advocates are the rarest personality types of all. Still, Advocates leave their mark on the world. They have a deep sense of idealism and integrity, but they aren’t idle dreamers – they take concrete steps to realize their goals and make a lasting impact. Advocates’ unique combination of personality traits makes them complex and quite versatile. For example, Advocates can speak with great passion and conviction, especially when standing up for their ideals. At other times, however, they may choose to be soft-spoken and understated, preferring to keep the peace rather than challenge others. 5

Standing Up for What’s Right Advocates generally strive to do what’s right – and they want to help create a world where others do the right thing as well. People with this personality type may feel called to use their strengths – including creativity, imagination, and sensitivity – to uplift others and spread compassion. Concepts like egalitarianism and karma can mean a great deal to Advocates. Advocates may see helping others as their purpose in life. They are troubled by injustice, and they typically care more about altruism than personal gain. As a result, Advocates tend to step in when they see someone facing unfairness or hardship. Many people with this personality type also aspire to fix society’s deeper problems, in the hope that unfairness and hardship can become things of the past.

Connecting with Others (and Themselves) Advocates may be reserved, but they communicate in a way that is warm and sensitive. This emotional honesty and insight can make a powerful impression on the people around them. Advocates value deep, authentic relationships with others, and they tend to take great care with other people’s feelings. That said, these personalities also need to prioritize reconnecting with themselves. 7

Advocates need to take some time alone now and then to decompress, recharge, and process their thoughts and feelings.

The Cost of Success At times, Advocates may focus so intently on their ideals that they don’t take care of themselves. Advocates may feel that they aren’t allowed to rest until they’ve achieved their unique vision of success, but this mindset can lead to stress and burnout. If this happens, people with this personality type may find themselves feeling uncharacteristically ill-tempered. Advocates might find themselves feeling especially stressed in the face of conflict and criticism. These personalities tend to act with the best of intentions, and it can frustrate them when others don’t appreciate this. At times, even constructive criticism may feel deeply personal or hurtful to Advocates.

A Personal Mission Many Advocates feel compelled to find a mission for their lives. When they encounter inequity or unfairness, they tend to think, “How can I fix this?” They are well-suited to support a movement to right a wrong, no matter how big or small. Advocates just need to remember that while they’re busy taking care of the world, they need to take care of themselves too. 8

Strengths & Weaknesses

ike a magnifying glass, it's about looking inwards in everything they do. Advocates tend to analyze the fine details so they may question conventional assumptions and discover true meanings behind things. Vice versa, they will ask the critical questions, only to create a plan than fills in every crack and crevice.

“

we’re not defined by our difficulties. we’re defined by how we respond to them.”

– Tom Kirkman

Advocate Strengths Creative – Advocate personalities enjoy finding the perfect solution for the people they care about. To do this, they draw on their vivid imagination and their strong sense of compassion. This can make them excellent counselors and advisors. Principled – People with the Advocate personality type tend to have deeply held beliefs, and their conviction often shines through when they speak or write about subjects that matter to them. Advocates can be compelling and inspiring communicators, with their idealism persuading even the hardest of skeptics. Insightful – Advocates typically strive to move past appearances and get to the heart of things. This can give them an almost uncanny ability to understand people’s true motivations, feelings, and needs.

Passionate – Advocates can pursue their ideals with a single-mindedness that may catch others off guard. These personalities rarely settle for “good enough,” and their willingness to disrupt the status quo may not please everyone. That said, Advocates’ passion for their chosen cause is a key aspect of their personality. Altruistic – Advocates generally aim to use their strengths for the greater good – they rarely enjoy succeeding at other people’s expense. They tend to think about how their actions affect others, and their goal is to behave in a way that will help the people around them and make the world a better place. A n A d v o c a t e yo u m a y k n o w

Martin Luther King Jr. In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership with the Civil Rights Movement in 1954, he never made light of his situation – perhaps because there was no room for levity. And, in true Advocate fashion, he thought that it was his fault for not having done enough. King placed a heavy burden on himself and did not share it with others. Whether he had a Turbulent or Assertive personality, it is difficult to tell. Read more: https://www.16personalities.com/articles/ remembering-martin-luther-king-jr-the-advocate.

Advocate Weaknesses Sensitive to Criticism – When someone challenges their principles or values, Advocates may react strongly. People with this personality type can become defensive in the face of criticism and conflict, particularly when it comes to issues that are near to their hearts. Reluctant to Open Up – Advocates value honesty, but they’re also private. They may find it difficult to open up and be vulnerable about their struggles. This might also be because they think they need to solve their problems on their own or don’t want to burden other people with their issues. When Advocates don’t ask for help, they may inadvertently hold themselves back or create distance in their relationships. Perfectionistic – The Advocate personality type is all but defined by idealism. While this is a wonderful quality in many ways, an ideal situation is not always possible. Advocates might find it difficult to appreciate their jobs, living situations, or relationships if they’re continually fixating on imperfections and wondering whether they should be looking for something better. Avoiding the Ordinary – Advocate personalities tend to be motivated by a sense of having a greater purpose in life. They might consider it tedious or unnecessary to break their big visions into small, manageable steps. But they may be setting themselves up for frustration if they don’t turn their dreams into everyday routines 13

and to-do lists. Without these specifics, their goals may never materialize. Prone to Burnout – Advocates’ perfectionism and reserve may leave them with few options for letting off steam. People with this personality type can exhaust themselves if they don’t find a way to balance their drive to help others with necessary self-care and rest.

Romantic Relationships

inding the right scarf to match their crewneck is what matters the most. Advocates can be picky, but that's because they think about it from every angle. They recognize that having a partner isn't only about passive emotion, for it's also about how they recognize their potential for connection and growth together.

“

Love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

– Nelson Mandela

Advocates (INFJs) tend to take the process of finding a romantic partner seriously. People with this personality type look for depth and meaning in their relationships, preferring not to settle for a match that’s founded on anything less than true love. It can take time for Advocates to find a compatible partner. Some people might think Advocates are too choosy, and it’s true that these personalities can have unrealistic expectations. Some Advocates might hold out for a “perfect” partner or relationship that ultimately doesn’t exist. That said, Advocates’ idealism – if balanced with just enough realism – can actually enhance their love lives. Advocate personalities tend to be in touch with their core values, so they care about compatibility as well as surface-level attraction. This can help them avoid matches that aren’t founded on authenticity or shared principles. 16

Once Advocates do find a suitable relationship, they rarely take it for granted. Instead, they tend to look for ways to grow as individuals and strengthen their connection with their partner. This can help Advocates’ relationships reach a level of depth and sincerity of which many people can only dream.

Is This for Real? Advocates care about integrity, and they tend to bristle when people try to change them or talk them into something that they don’t believe. As a result, Advocate personalities gravitate toward partners who appreciate them as they are. And there’s a great deal to appreciate about Advocates: they’re warm, caring, honest, and insightful, with an ability to see the truth that lies beneath surface appearances. People with this personality type create a depth to their relationships that can hardly be described in conventional terms. Because of their sensitivity and insight, Advocates can make their partners feel heard and understood in beautiful ways. Advocates aren’t afraid to express their love, and they feel it unconditionally.

Advocates tend to recognize that love isn’t a passive emotion but rather an opportunity to grow and learn, and they expect their partners to share this mindset. As a result, relationships with Advocates are not for the uncommitted or the shallow. When it comes to intimacy, Advocates can be incredibly passionate in ways that go beyond the physical. People with this personality type crave an emotional and even spiritual connection with their partner. They cherish not just the act of being in a relationship but also what it means to become one with another person in mind, body, and soul.

Friendships

he right friendships for Advocates are the ones where they'd be able to enjoy a happy hour with – just without the need of alcohol as a catalyst. Someone's honesty and authenticity is the most important, for they look for true friends who they are comfortable with sharing more of what lies beneath the surface.

“

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.” – Henry David Thoreau

Advocates (INFJs) have a deep desire for authenticity and sincerity in everything they do – from their daily activities to their relationships. As a result, people with this personality type rarely settle for friendships of convenience. Rather than rely on superficial interactions with the people they see every day at work or school, they generally prefer to have a close circle of confidants. Advocates tend to light up around friends who share their passions, interests, and beliefs. Few things give these personalities more pleasure than connecting with others over discussions about meaningful ideas and philosophies. Once Advocates know they can trust someone completely, they find it incredibly fulfilling to share their innermost thoughts, ideas, and feelings with them.

Searching for a Heart of Gold Just as Advocates have high standards for themselves, they also have high standards for their friendships. They want to feel compatible with their friends on a deep level. In addition, Advocate personalities generally want to surround themselves with people who will inspire them to grow and improve. Most Advocates don’t just want to have fun with their friends – they also want to learn new things, make new discoveries, and deepen their bonds. This is a tall order, and Advocates may feel that it’s difficult to meet the sort of friends they’re searching for. Because Advocates are a rare personality type, they may meet relatively few people who really remind them of themselves. As a result, they may feel as if they need to settle for less-than-fulfilling friendships or else accept being alone. Fortunately, Advocates are more than capable of finding the types of friends they long to meet – they might just have to use their intuition to do so. In their quiet, understated way, Advocate personality types have a knack for seeing beyond appearances and understanding people’s deeper natures. They can use this ability to move past first impressions and figure out whether someone’s interests, values, and attitudes might be compatible with their own. By doing this, Advocates can befriend people who might seem totally different from them but who are compatible on a deeper level. 22

Loyalty and Authenticity Advocates have a quiet determination that can be quite charismatic, and their ability to express themselves clearly and passionately can make them truly shine. At times, these traits may lead to unwanted attention and popularity for Advocates, who tend to be private. Advocates may sometimes find themselves surrounded by people who want to impress them. Paradoxically, this can make it more difficult for people with this personality type to find friends with whom they feel a connection. After all, the only way to be counted among Advocates’ true friends is to be authentic, honest, and real. Once they do find genuine friends, people with the Advocate personality type make loyal and caring companions. With their trademark warmth and enthusiasm, they support their friends’ efforts to grow and expand their lives. In general, Advocate personalities don’t require a great deal of day-to-day attention from their friends. For them, quality trumps quantity – and that includes the time they spend with their nearest and dearest. As trust grows, Advocates tend to share more of their inner lives with their friends. If these revelations are met with acceptance and support, this can herald the sort of friendship that transcends time and distance, lasting a lifetime. 24

Over the years, Advocates may end up with just a few true friendships rather than a wide circle of casual acquaintances. But as long as those friendships are built on a richness of mutual understanding, Advocates wouldn’t have it any other way.

Parenthood

dvocate parents are about guiding the mold of a new vase just enough so there is a good foundation, while still leaving room for their children to continue and finish the piece. They are critical about the independence and integrity they raise their children with, oftentimes encouraging them to develop their own beliefs so they may fight for what they believe is right.

“

My instinct is to protect my children from pain. but adversity is often the thing that gives us character and backbone.” – Nicole Kidman

As parents, Advocates (INFJs) tend to look at their relationships with their children as opportunities to learn and grow with someone they care about. These personality types also work to achieve another important goal: raising their children to be independent and allaround good people. Advocate parents generally strive to be devoted and loving toward their children at all times. As they imagine their children’s futures, what Advocates really look forward to is being able to interact and connect as equals with the people they helped raise.

Be Unique, Just Like Me As their children grow, Advocates may unconsciously project a great deal of their own beliefs onto them. People with this personality type often expect their children to demonstrate the same integrity and honesty that they expect from themselves. 27

At the same time, Advocate personalities may also push their children to think independently, make their own choices, and develop their own beliefs. Depending on the child’s developmental stage and temperament, they might find these expectations confusing or stressful – even though their Advocate parents have the best of intentions. If all this independence is taken to heart, it can cause some trouble for Advocate parents as their children move into the more rebellious phase of adolescence. This is especially true if their children choose beliefs that go against their values as Advocate parents. In this situation, Advocates may feel as if their children are criticizing or rejecting them – a hurtful thing to such a sensitive personality type.

A Job Well Done Ultimately, Advocate parents tend to realize that it isn’t a sign of failure if their children turn out differently than they’d expected. Instead, they come to see this as a sign that they’ve successfully helped raise someone who has the ability to form their own ideals. Advocates’ children often come to appreciate the combination of independence and integrity with which they were raised – especially as they get older. Advocates strive to make sure that their children grow up with a firm understanding of the difference 29

between right and wrong. Parents with this personality type encourage their children to fight for a cause they believe in and to be the best they can be. Whatever age their children might be, Advocates can find a great deal of fulfillment and meaning simply in helping their children learn to be true to themselves. A n A d v o c a t e yo u m a y k n o w

Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo, the Japanese organization expert who’s convincing the world to tidy up, stands as an excellent example of a Turbulent Advocate. Kondo’s philosophy is distinctive: she wants us to touch each item we own and see if it “sparks joy.” If it doesn’t, she encourages us to get rid of it. Read more: https:// www.16personalities.com/articles/marie-kondos-personality-type-revealed-and-yes-it-sparks-joy.

Career Paths

t's difficult to argue that any single variation of the Mahjong game is the best, as each playstyle teaches us life skills in negotiation, strategy, and cooperation. Similarly for many Advocates, they struggle to begin a career because of the possibilities of each one. Luckily, they are clever and can do well in any field, so long as they can find truth, beauty, and purpose behind their work.

“

It’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain, than to say, ‘I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.’”

– Jimmy Carter

Advocates (INFJs) tend to seek a career path that aligns with their values rather than one that offers status and material gain. Fortunately, people with this personality type are able to find work that suits them in just about any field. In fact, many Advocates have trouble deciding which job is best for them because they’re able to imagine so many possibilities. These personalities may see 10 wildly different paths forward, each with its own set of rewards. This can be exciting but also stress-inducing, because picking just one means letting go of so many others.

Truth, Beauty, Purpose Advocates want to find meaning in their work and to know that they are helping and connecting with people. This desire to help and connect can make roles as counselors, psychologists, teachers, social workers, 32

yoga instructors, and spiritual leaders very rewarding for Advocates. Careers in health care – especially the more holistic varieties – can also be attractive options for this personality type. Many Advocates are also strong communicators. This explains why they are often drawn to careers in writing, authoring many popular books, blogs, stories, and screenplays. Music, photography, design, and art can all be viable options as well, allowing Advocates to focus on deeper themes of personal growth and purpose. That said, Advocates can excel in a range of fields. Wherever they work, people with this personality type can find ways to help others. They can also find ways to use their creativity in nearly any position. No matter what it says on their business cards, Advocates’ insight can enable them to spot unusual patterns and come up with out-of-the-box solutions, creating real change in others’ lives.

Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood Advocates’ needs may be hard to meet in some work environments, especially those that offer little independence and agency. Advocate personalities are sometimes drawn to behind-the-scenes and noncompetitive roles, but these jobs can lead to frustration if they don’t allow Advocates to act as they see fit, grow as individuals, and make a difference. For this reason, people with the Advocate personality type may feel fulfilled by seeking out leadership positions or by starting their own business. By finding jobs that offer more autonomy, Advocates can focus on applying their creativity and integrity to everything they do. Advocates may also find it gratifying to create bridges between seemingly disparate professional fields – for example, by writing about psychology or by being an environmental lawyer. These hybrid careers can offer plenty of opportunities for Advocates to exercise their creativity and their love of learning. Where Advocates struggle is in work that doesn’t take personal needs into consideration, is overly repetitious, or promotes conflict. Jobs with these characteristics can leave Advocates frustrated and unfulfilled. People with this personality type may also chafe at the criticism and pressure that come with cutthroat, competitive work environments.

A n A d v o c a t e yo u m a y k n o w

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a powerful reminder that you can’t judge a book by its cover – or a person’s type based on how they look. A stereotypical Turbulent Advocate might not wear flamboyant outfits, strut onstage, or seek out the spotlight, yet Lady Gaga has done all of these things. At the same time, she’s steered her life in the direction of her values, advancing her personal missions of LGBT rights, mental health awareness, and support for survivors of sexual assault. Read more: https://www.16personalities.com/articles/ lady-gagas-personality-type-far-from-the-shallow.

A Sense of Mission In truth, Advocate personalities can do well in any field. To be truly happy, however, they need to find work that aligns with their values and allows them some independence. Advocates crave opportunities to learn and grow alongside the people they are helping. When this happens, Advocates may finally feel as if they are fulfilling their life’s mission, contributing to the well-being of humanity on a personal level.

Workplace Habits

he workplace is about growth and process as much as it is about purpose and beliefs to Advocates. Once they recognize a sense of mission in what they do, Advocates tend to be the money trees of the group; they stand out as capable, collaborative, and understanding individuals regardless of their position.

“

It’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up. it’s about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep going.”

Advocates (INFJs) have some specific needs when it comes to a satisfying work environment. People with this personality type want to know that their work helps people and promotes their own personal growth. This means that their work must be in line with their values, principles, and beliefs. In the workplace, Advocates tend to thrive when they have opportunities to express their creativity and insight, and they’re especially motivated when they know that what they’re doing has meaning. They also tend to do best when they can ignore workplace politics and hierarchies and simply do what matters to them. Most people with this personality type prefer not to think of themselves as above or below anyone else – no matter where they are on the job ladder.

– Lady Gaga

A n A d v o c a t e yo u m a y k n o w

Atticus Finch

From the classic American novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the small-town lawyer, Atticus Finch doesn’t believe in the mistreatment of African Americans based on race. Because of this, he takes up the legal case of Tom Robinson – a young black man falsely accused of a terrible crime. As created by the author Harper Lee, Atticus’s personality traits combine to create an impressive man: one who is kind, yet discerning; who is wise, yet encourages the minds of his young children; who is firm, yet preaches compromise. Read more: https:// www.16personalities.com/articles/atticus-finchs-personality-type-standing-up-for-whats-right.

Advocate Subordinates Advocates value cooperation, sensitivity, and independence. As employees, they tend to gravitate toward managers who are open-minded and willing to consider their input. Advocate personalities may become frustrated when they feel unheard, so having a manager who listens to them can make all the difference. Ideally, Advocates will also find a manager whose values align with their own and who offers them 40

encouragement and praise. Because Advocates tend to act on their convictions and aim to do their best, their morale can be vulnerable to criticism, particularly if it’s unwarranted. Other morale killers for these personalities may include strict rules, formal structures, and routine tasks. Of course, a perfect work environment isn’t always possible. Advocate employees with less-than-ideal managers may need to draw on their inner resilience and seek out other mentors. The good news is that people with this personality type are more than capable of handling workplace challenges, including the challenge of having a difficult manager.

Advocate Colleagues As colleagues, Advocates can be quite popular and well-respected. People with this personality type are likely to be seen as positive, eloquent, and capable coworkers. Among their greatest strengths is their ability to identify others’ motives and defuse conflicts and tension before anyone else even senses a disturbance. At times, efficiency may be less of a priority for Advocates than collaborating with and helping colleagues who need a boost. While this is usually a strength, there is a risk that others will take advantage of their desire to help. Advocates may find themselves picking up the

slack for their less dedicated coworkers at the expense of their own energy and well-being. Although they tend to be warm and approachable colleagues, Advocates are still Introverts. From time to time, they may need to step back and work alone, pursuing their own goals in their own ways.

Advocate Managers As managers, Advocates may dislike wielding their power. These personalities prefer to see those who work under them as equals. Rather than micromanage their subordinates, Advocates often prefer to empower them to think and act independently. They work hard to encourage others, not to crack the whip. That’s not to say that Advocates have low standards – far from it. Their sense of equality means that they expect their subordinates to live up to the standards that they set for themselves. Advocate personalities want their employees to be rigorous, motivated, reliable, and unfailingly honest, and they will notice if their employees miss the mark. Compassionate and fair, Advocate managers often take pride in identifying their subordinates’ unique strengths. They make an effort to understand their employees’ motivations – an effort that is helped by Advocates’ Intuitive insights. 42

That said, people with this personality type can be quite stern if they catch someone behaving in a way that they consider unethical. Advocates have little tolerance for lapses in reliability or morality. When their employees’ good intentions match their own, however, Advocates will work tirelessly to ensure that their entire team feels valued and fulfilled.

What’s Next?

he Paper Clip and the Lantern is a simple yet mysterious love story that shows us how Advocates can find inspiration amidst imperfection. When we understand that, we begin to recognize that Advocates are unsettling in what they are inspired by, creative in what sparks them joy, and compassionate towards the ones they care about.

“

In the end, it’s your actions, how you respond to circumstance, that reveals your character.”

– Cate Blanchett

Few personality types are as passionate and enigmatic as Advocates (INFJs). As someone with this personality type, you stand out for your imagination, your compassion, your integrity, and your deeply held principles. Unlike many other idealistic types, however, you are also capable of turning your ideals into plans and executing them. Yet Advocates face challenges too. Even the most idealistic and dedicated of personality types can become frustrated when it comes to navigating interpersonal conflicts, confronting unpleasant facts, pursuing self-realization, or finding a fulfilling career path. As a result, you may sometimes find yourself questioning who you really are – and who you’re really meant to be. What you have read so far is just an introduction – and it represents less than five percent of what we can tell you about the Advocate personality type.

We’ve spent years studying Advocates’ life stories, experiences, and responses to hundreds of our surveys. Step by step, insight by insight, we discovered exactly how Advocates think and what they need to reach their full potential. This is how we know that many of the challenges you’ve faced (and will face in the future) have been overcome by other Advocates. You are not alone in this. You simply need to learn from the mistakes and successes of others. Are you ready to learn why, as an Advocate, you act the way you do? How you can face your fears and go after the goals you secretly dream about? What if you could unlock your true, exceptional potential, while also staying true to who you are? Are you ready to begin your journey? Then continue to the next section at https://www.16personalities.com/ academy/advocate. We’ll be waiting for you.

Designer's Note

eceiving the Advocate (INFJ) personality type time and time again on the test put out by NERIS Analytics Limited at 16personalities.com, the paper clip and the lantern – along with the various other metaphors – are expressions for how I depict the Advocate personality type. The descriptions that open each section (in the same areas as this) are written by yours truly, reflecting my own relatabilities and lived experiences onto the projected metaphors to summarize each section's content. Simply put, these metaphors are surrounded by a number of meticulous design choices that can uncover parts of my values, principles and beliefs – ones that perhaps another Advocate may recognize better than most.

– Jone Ko