In each of the four preference categories, there are two primary preferences each of which could also be thought of as a skill or a “Function” (e.g. N Function or S Function).
If you notice that someone is really good at communicating and understanding complex ideas and concepts, you could also say that that person has strong N Function (Intuition Function). Alternatively, if you notice that someone is really good at zooming in on details and facts in a linear manner, you could say that that person has strong S Function (Sensing Function). On the flip side, a person could have a weakness as it relates to either of these functions. If you notice that someone has difficulty grasping complex ideas and concepts, you could also say that they have a weak N Function. Or, if you notice that someone has difficulty zooming in on details and facts in a linear manner, you could say that that person has a weak S Function.
If someone’s weakness as it relates to a particular function is glaring, the person may not even be aware that they have this deficit; that can be called a blind spot. Oftentimes, when someone has a blind spot, they are over-relying on the opposite function which can create an imbalance. When someone does become aware of a blind spot, that is the beginning of the possibility of transformation as these functions are skills that can be acquired through practice over time.
Let’s continue the analysis of preferences as skills and apply it to the other preference categories. As it relates to decision making, someone that is adept at evaluating a complex problem and coming up with an optimal logic-based solution (where there is a high harmony of logic) would be said to have a strong T Function (Thinking Function). Alternatively, someone that is adept at evaluating that same complex problem and coming up with an optimal people-based solution (where there is a high harmony of people) would be said to have strong F Function (Feeling Function). On the flip side, a person who over-relies on either of these functions and neglects to incorporate the opposite and counter-balancing function into their decision making may find themselves in a situation where they experience a lack of harmony of logic or a lack of harmony people.
Moving on to the receiving and processing information. Someone who is able to quickly process the available information, come to an actionable conclusion and then reliably stand firmly by their decision would be consider to have a strong J Function (Judging Function). Alternatively, someone who takes their time to discover and evaluate all possible information and maintain an open mind to all perspectives throughout would be consider to have a strong P Function (Perceiving Function). On the flip side, someone who is excessively unwavering and inflexible when presented with new information (some might call this person stubborn or closed-minded) might be considered to have a weak P Function, or over-reliant upon their J Function. While someone who is not able to make up their mind even when they have communicated that they have made up their mind (some might call this person unreliable or flaky) might be considered to have a weak J Function, or over-reliant on their P Function.
And lastly, we come the how we prefer to connect with people. Someone who is good at reaching out to others to brainstorm or to actively seek out and have dialogue with experts when problem solving would be considered to have a strong E Function (Extrovert Function). Whereas someone who does their best problem solving on their own and relies upon books and Internet searches when solving problems would be considered to have a strong I Function (Introvert Function). On the flip side, someone who is over-reliant on the advice of others and does not take time to quietly reflect on matters could be said to have a weak I Function. While someone that neglects to discuss things with others along the way and attempts to solve everything in quiet reflection alone could be said to have a weak E Function.
Overall, any person who over-relies upon or applies in the extreme any one of the two functions in each preference category is going be imbalanced in that particular preference category. These imbalances are the things that often cause trouble in our lives, both in less significant matters to the most difficult of problems. This is similar to saying that anyone who neglects to periodically flex the muscles of their less preferred functions, or in extreme cases never flex the muscles of the less preferred function because they have a blind spot, will experience difficulties. Like any skill or muscle, the eight functions can be developed and strengthened. First through exploration and experimentation and then, once discovered, through disciplined application and practice.