ISFp (SEI) – The Mediator – Socionics Personality Type

What is an ISFp (SEI)?

• Strong Mediator
• Comfort-Seeking
• Intellectually Curious
• Harmonizing
• Systematic / Routine-Oriented
• Perfectionist
• Charming

The SEI (ISFp) most closely resembles the Myers-Briggs personality type ISFP or ISFJ. That being said, the ISFJ (Si-Fe) and the ISFP (Fi-Se) are not the same as the ISFp (SEI). There are distinct differences that cannot be crossed over between systems, which are further explained below.

The ISFp values the Information Elements (“Cognitive Functions”) of Si, Fe, Ti, Ne – respectively Introverted Sensing (“Senses”), Extroverted Ethics (“Emotions” or “Extroverted Feeling”), Introverted Logic (“Laws” or “Introverted Thinking”), and Extroverted Intuition (“Ideas”). This distinctly places them in the Alpha Quadra of Socionics.

However, identifying a type by Quadra can pose several challenges. When it comes to the SEI, they can appear quite different from the rest of Alpha Quadra. Socionics Researcher Ibrahim Tencer developed the Theory of Triads which helps identify how each type may not appropriately represent all the values of a particular Quadra. However, in this article, we will attempt to get underneath this personality and uncover its secrets.

Methods of Typing the SEI

When we take a look at the SEI, what we see manifest as values are: Senses, Emotions, and Laws, but not Ideas. Ideas is the suggestive function (5th), and therefore, nearly invisible as a value that is manifested. In other words, this particular value may appears to be unvalued at first glance.

Additionally, we see the ISFps strengths as manifested strengths, or openly visible as something that is strong (even if it is not valued). This will contain the 1st, 2nd, and 8th function. So what we are looking for when identifying the SEI is Introverted Sensing, Extroverted Ethics, and Introverted Ethics.

Lastly, when evaluating the characteristics of this personality type, we cannot forget what is obviously weak. The manifested weaknesses of this type, or the weak “cognitive functions” would be in the areas of Extroverted Intuition, Extroverted Logic, and Introverted Intuition.

Describing the Manifested Strengths of the SEI

1.) Introverted Sensing (“Senses”) – Base Function

The ISFp seeks to maximize their experience of life by living vicariously in the moment, primarily through pleasurable sensations. They are attuned to things happening right now and how happenings make themselves and others feel.

Therefore, the primary agenda of Senses processed by their base function is maintaining pleasant sensations or homeostasis. By nature, this means returning to things at rest.

The ISFp attempts to limit experience to that which is comfortable and not expand into that which is uncomfortable. They prefer to move into action when things are out of balance. For example, they may appear as rather effective organizers when they need to be (in combination with Introverted Logic) when their environment is distracting or things are not in order. Though such action may be strenuous as it requires activity to move out of such place of peace and comfort. In NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) we call this place of mind “Water” meaning that once disturbed, ripples will appear, nevertheless it will quickly return to a place of stillness – rarely requiring any action.

Because of this perceived complacency, there is a common misconception that these types are lazy. But once you begin to understand their motivations, that quickly begins to clear up.

It is easy to think that this personality type has the need to maintain their health. On the contrary, doing so might take a bit too much effort. Instead, they’d rather just seize the day instead of worrying about the future implications on their health.

2.) Extroverted Ethics (“Emotions”) – Creative Function

Because of their high acuity with how a present moment is making them others feel, they are likely to adjust themselves to the sentiments and attitudes of others around them. In a conflict between parties, it is not uncommon for the SEI (ISFp) to be able to find a “middle ground” and bring opposing forces together by smoothing out communication and ironing out differences in a peaceful manner (through the combination of Senses and Emotions). Hence, why they’ve earned the name “The Mediator.”

The ISFp tends to be aware of their own influence on others’ levels of comfort, adjusting themselves as to not make others uncomfortable – because they’d rather themselves not be uncomfortable. This requires quite the charming presence, often disarming charged oppositional forces with a natural ability to “tune-in” with their energy – helping them relax or find a sense of peace.

Their ability to have this effect is rather effortless. As the most confident of the cautious functions it works well in conjunction with the Base/Leading function. However, it may disappear in the shadows of their introverted attitude, and they can appear aloof or distant at times.

8.) Introverted Ethics (“Relations”) – Demonstrative Function

On the other hand, the ISFps introverted attitude brings out the strength of the unvalued demonstrative function “Relations.” In fact, it can be nearly as visible as the leading function (being both bold and strong). In the eyes of the casual observer, the SEI may be mistaken for their Quasi-Identical (Theory of Intertype Relations). Unlike their quasi-identical, they do not value this strength. Instead, Relations is a Private function that serves the ego and provides context for the use of Emotions and Senses.

As mentioned earlier, the SEI mediates conflict quite well, not only because they can attune themselves as to be in the middle of the energies of the warring parties, but also because they prefer not to take sides based on who they like or dislike. They’d rather that both parties find a place of peace. So that all parties can return to their enjoyment of the here-and-now.

The recognition of Relations is unlike the Cautious Function “Emotions,” despite its strength. The ISFp displays real strength when they are able to immediately empathize where others may be coming from without bias toward a particular party due to their neutrality on how they feel about others – even with full awareness with whom they are close. This allows the SEI to have the proper emotional effect on others. In other words, they can use the proper amount of emotional influence to bring a sense of calmness amongst those around them by recognizing the distance between people.

Manifested Weaknesses

3.) Introverted Intuition (“Telos”) – Role Function

It is clear that the SEI’s reluctant, weak use of Ideas is something that is unvalued. They understand the importance of Ideas in order to operate successfully in society.

They have a conscious understanding of the underlying meaning of their actions. Although, despite this, they more commonly feel that pursuing one’s “purpose” should take a back seat to one’s inner enjoyment of life. It is contradictory to push oneself really hard to the point of discomfort, sacrificing pleasure in the moment, so one can have pleasure later.

That leads the SEI to be rather disinterested in seeking some higher purpose in life, but rather maximizing all aspects of living through “good times.” Being comfortable now far outweighs being uncomfortable now for some distant future – while missing all the good moments in-between.

4.) Extroverted Logic (“Pragmatism”) – Vulnerable Function

The SEI’s way of interacting with the world is through human contact. They view people as dynamic and interesting, and much prefer to understand how they operate in the world.

However, their need for comfort and this humanitarian view on people comes at a cost. Elaborating further on the complacency mentioned above, the SEI can be a diligent worker, but only once it is clear. Until then, they feel to be lacking some resource, something that would make the project or job completely work. As if they are looking for something that either isn’t there, or just doesn’t add up.

Blocked with Introverted Intuition, the Element of Pragmatism manifests as a strong weakness for constant improvement or “Kaizen.” Improving day-to-day activities over the course of time is a dreadful, mundane, and often lifeless existence for the SEI. Instead, they prefer to make the moment better by enriching the lives of others around them through displays of affection, enthusiasm, warmth, and excitement.

Additionally, they are reluctant to receive factual information that is contrary to their experience right now, even though they may understand the implications of it. Feeling good often takes priority over what may be statistically evident.

For example, we’ll follow this line of reasoning:

“Why should I stop smoking when it makes me feel good – not bad. Because of it’s long-term implications? Well, many people smoke for years and nothing happens. They lived a good life. I’m willing to take that chance, rather than make myself uncomfortable and living without something that I enjoy.”

5.) Extroverted Intuition (“Ideas”) – Suggestive

As a nearly invisible function, “Ideas” leads to a hidden lack of fulfillment in the ISFp. “Carpe Diem,” they live by, and by that they often tend to fall to static routines. Changing this seldom crosses the mind of the ISFp, though when they become aware of it, they can begin to feel this “longing.” Eventually the ISFp may run into a moment where they wish to find a higher level of experience a new place of happiness, peace, or exciting moment that brings heightened sensations. Yet, they have no earthly idea where to begin, it is uncharted territory for the SEI.

It is much easier to use their strong Extroverted Sensing (Force) by just getting up and pushing themselves to go do something. However, It just doesn’t give them any new, real, and exciting ideas – instead, just forces them to be routinely uncomfortable. That’s a no go.

Instead, they look for all these things in others. Hoping that other people bring out new entertaining ideas or unique novel experiences for them to try. This completes their desire for finding comfort, through more experiences, more memories, and more life!

With weakened Ideas (Ne), the SEI lacks the ability to even assess their own capabilities. They tend to not fully embrace what they could be doing with their own capability in day-to-day life or in an unfamiliar scenario. It would not come as a surprise that they may see themselves as “run-of-the-mill” or just an “ordinary person in an extraordinary life.”

The SEI deeply appreciates those who recognize the contrary — that they are an extraordinary person in an ordinary life, and to be such can develop the ability to live one’s “best life.”

The Tricky Functions in the ISFp (SEI)

6.) Introverted Logic (“Laws”) – Mobilizing Function

The Mobilizing Function of Introverted Thinking (not the same as MBTI) can very much appear like a strong function, often appearing to a novice observer as their Beneficiary. In this case, LSI. However, it is a weak function that somehow “pushes through” to make ends meet.

In the case of the SEI, their rather ample use of Laws (despite its weaknesses) manifests in a few different ways.

The SEI, despite common belief, is a deep analyzer. Prone to even analysis paralysis by their keen observation of the environment. Because Laws is blocked with Extroverted Intuition, there is a strong need to understand what may actually be happening when things are out of the norm. Better said, it is the desire to “get underneath” the possible events that fall out of the standard routine.

As a result, the ISFp can be known to be extremely focused on keeping things neat, orderly, and symmetrical “to the letter.” They prefer to circumvent the unexpected with predictable, reliable routines. Like the LSI, they do not seldomly stick to routines and follow rules. But the difference between them and the LSI is their subconscious desire to understand the underlying new potentials when things deviate from the norm. It isn’t to establish any serious type of control. Although it may appear that way on the outside with some SEI’s “neat freak” tendencies when it comes to creating a relaxing, comforting environment.

By furthering their own understanding, it allows them to fulfill their unconscious agenda of new experiences, by adopting that in their routine – as long as it makes sense to the SEI.

7.) Extroverted Sensing (“Force”) – Ignoring Function

The Ignoring function can often be seen as a weakness in the SEI, because it isn’t readily visible, but it is not weak. Much like the mobilizing function (See above), it gives the reverse appearance (Strong being weak, weak being strong). The reason for this is because Force (Extroverted Sensing) directly opposes the harmonizing agenda of the ISFp. They prefer to keep things light-hearted, maintaining their own comfort and the comfort of others.

However, the SEI can retaliate ferociously when they are put into a position where their comfort is disrupted. They are able to use the adequate amount of force — to once again, restore peace.

Displays of strong energy can also be seen when it is necessary to actually do something, but once it is completed and completed well (perfectionism). They do not physically tire from such activities, but mentally or emotionally. It feels contrary to what they are attempting to establish – almost like they are beating their head against the wall when they need to exert themselves for some long-term goal.

Their response to outside pressure or force is unlike most other types in the Socion. They are not worried nor fazed much when others are angry, pushy, or when the emotions of others become apparent. Though the desire for a comforting environment is the goal, they generally will not get too shaken up when this is disrupted – instead, they will handle it aptly and with an esteemed confidence. However, the SEI finds that making others comfortable is a more appropriate solution than pushing back on others.

In other words, despite the need to enjoy the moment, they are capable of charging into action when the time comes – even with aggressiveness if it’s required. Albeit, it’s all for the purpose of returning back to balance or peace.

Dive into the mind of an ISFp with an exclusive article by Jami Wilson

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References

1.) World Socionics Society – SEI – Sensory Ethical Integrator (“SEI”) – Jack Oliver Aaron, August 2015
2.) Whole Socionics, Information Element Agendas – Ibrahim Tencer, 2020