INFJ conflict

If there’s one thing INFJs don’t like, it’s conflict. Our personality is peaceful by nature, and everything that even resembles conflict we avoid by default. INFJs are diplomats with a kind and understanding heart. We believe that every situation can be resolved without conflict. However, in order to handle and face an INFJ conflict, we must first recognize where it comes from.

The inner INFJ conflict

Conflict only gives birth to unnecessary harsh language and actions. It fuels negative energy among people. Just imagine the effects it can have on extroverts. Now multiply that by a hundred when it comes to INFJs.

You might think that because I’m a certified INFJ coach and a writer, I’m in complete control over every INFJ conflict situation I face. However, the truth is…

I easily get scared when facing conflict. I often thought that walking away was always the best solution. That’s exactly what I did. But I only made the situation worse. For years I blamed myself for being bullied in high school, never allowing myself to acknowledge that it wasn’t my fault. I thought I was the source of conflict because I was quiet and always buried deeply in my books.

Humiliation became my everyday routine during the four years of high school, because I was afraid of starting a situation that could potentially turn into a conflict. It wasn’t until I graduated that I realized how wrong I was for thinking it was my fault.

I discovered that conflict doesn’t come from the outside. It comes firstly from within. In one of my favorite INFJ conflict examples, I’ll demonstrate how I managed to handle it using that inner realization.

Handling conflict, the INFJ way

When I was at a regional conference a few years back, there were a lot of politicians, actors, and people from the public scene. Despite the fact that I was part of the organizational team, like a true INFJ, I was standing near the exit and observing.

Without warning, an unpleasant conflict started between several participants. Instead of exchanging thoughts, they started arguing and upsetting everyone else present. The diplomat in me kicked in, and I had to do something to prevent further escalation.

Using the strategies I share below, I was able to help resolve the situation and restore the peace.

4 ways INFJs can resolve conflict:

1. Maintain soothing voice tonality.

Whatever happens, don’t raise your voice. It’s a scientific fact that a human mind reacts defensively when hearing a loud sound. Remain calm, even if you don’t receive the same respect in return. You would be surprised how well all sides will react when they hear your understanding words.

2. Listen to what everyone says.

If you want to handle a conflict peacefully as an INFJ, you’ll need to listen to everyone’s side of the story. It will only take few seconds for everyone around you to calm down when they notice you paying attention to what they say. In today’s world, people only listen to reply. Being an INFJ peacemaker means listening with the intention to understand.

3. Don’t take sides, acknowledge them.

I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. Of course, you’ll immediately recognize who is right. But your goal is to avoid further conflict, so only acknowledge what everyone says and find common ground. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say your opinion, far from it. But the best course of action is to remain neutral and consider everyone’s interests.

4. Combine everyone’s thoughts into a solution.

Use your natural INFJ analytical skills to consider all points of view and reach a conclusion. Think about it as a puzzle or a game. The participants have all the pieces, but don’t know how to put them together. You’re there to help them make sense of it all.

It’s amazing how a soothing voice, listening ear, and unconditional attention can neutralize conflict. This is why diplomacy is at the very core of an INFJ. We don’t know all the answers, but peace is our element. When a conflict arises around an INFJ, you will know how to turn the tide.

Turning the tide

When an INFJ resolves a conflict, this is a priceless and incredibly proud moment in our eyes. It’s the proof that we made a difference using the peace-keeping skills we are known for.

You need to be who you are, even in an INFJ conflict, because people want to hear the voice of empathy and understanding. Don’t underestimate your ability to make a difference, because you are that compassionate INFJ peacemaker people need to hear.

Despite the fact that INFJs despise conflict of any kind, you would be surprised how well we can handle it. We would rather avoid it of course, but here’s the catch.

The sense of justice is an extremely powerful emotion for INFJs. It has a healing power that can stop almost every type of conflict.

Use your INFJ peacemaker trait to approach any conflict with confidence. You can easily handle conflict if you remember these four things: attention, listening, calmness, and acceptance.

Observe the positive change these steps create and be proud of yourself for using them to bring peace. Even when you face conflict as an INFJ, remember that you have everything within you to resolve it.

What are your thoughts and experiences with conflict? How do you handle it? Feel free to share what you think in the comment section, I would love to hear from you. ☺

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Love,

Marko

Hi, I’m Marko, the Introvert Spring INFJ forum coordinator. I’m a writer and certified professional coach, with a rich background in leadership and communications. Right now, my biggest passion is helping to grow the Introvert Spring INFJ forum, so INFJs have a place to feel seen, understood, and inspired.