#auxiliary function

Overview

Leading Function:

most used, i.e. overused

determines if the type is extraverted E, or introverted I

determines if the type is feeling F, or thinking T, or, if it is a perceiving function, if the type is sensing S, or intuiting N

Auxiliary Function:

in support, i.e. under control of the leading function

different direction ( i, e ) than leading

different nature ( perceiving, judging) than leading

Tertiary Function:

further supports leading

diametral to auxiliary, yet in a supportive manner

same direction as leading

same nature as auxiliary

Repressed, Inferior Function:

diametral to leading

contradicts, inhibits leading function

same direction as auxiliary

same nature as leading

Interpretation

To understand any type, it should be enough to know its function stack and what each function in it represents. As every MBTI type consists of two specific function axes in a particular order, it is most useful to know how to interpret these axes.

One axis always connects the types leading and auxiliary function. With these two functions, the one being on the one side, what you might call the strongest function, while on the other, the weakest function of the type, the interaction of these poles is a key-part to understand the inner processes of a specific type.

The leading is actually not the most used function because we like it the most. It is the other way around: We like it the most, because we use it the most. There is no real consensus in the MBTI-community, why most human beings tend to prioritize one cognitive function over all others, but the most common answer here is: because we tend to stick with what has worked.

So in fact, one could imagine, that we all got used to our leading function over the course of our lives, in a need for inner stability, as well as simply pragmatism paired with human laziness. Most likely there may have been not even any talent: We just got better at interacting with the world through a continuing experience.

However, once a certain gap in skill was reached between the most used leading function and it’s opponents, it sounds just natural one unconsciously avoids risking his/her inner stability, by using a function that is not trained as well as the lead. This behavior isn’t something unique to cognitive functions; a decent proportion of psychological problems start with the overuse of one certain area forcing the avoidance of others.

C.G. Jung, the psychologist who originally came up with the idea of psychological types, and who’s work made the base for Myers and Briggs typology model, had certain assumptions about the interaction of the consciousness with the subconscious. Simplifying: As we only have certain control over conscious things, the subconscious is the place where all things get equalled — whether we like it or not.

So, as one overuses the leading function on and on, one also gets into a state of dependence on this cognitive process. From this point on, everything that seems to hinder the leading function is unconsciously suppressed. However, the power of the repressed function grows ever so slightly in the subconscious, while the dependence on the leading function intensifies.

This dynamic is vastly important to understand the repressed function. It might be even lower than the tertiary function, but this does represent neither it’s value nor it’s power. The way how any type reacts with the world is characterized by this tension between the first and the fourth function. The leading function indeed leads — most of the time! If the tension gets too big, the individual experiences a breakdown, colored by fears, doubts or even impulses, that might seem to directly contradict the nature of a given type.

Life actually seems to be, for each and anybody, after all, nothing but a dance on a tightrope, where left and right could be imagined as one’s type leading and inferior function. These specific characteristics might be hard to detect at times, however, they exist as a core part of our personality.

(I think I’ll write an extra chapter on C.G. Jung’s work Psychological Types, as I can see it assisting to get behind the nature of each cognitive function, as well as in what way they were intended originally.)

This is very different for the auxiliary and tertiary function, which also represent two poles on one function axis. There is no power left to force this pair into an unhealthy overuse-compensation dynamic. They simply coexist next to each other in the grip of the leading function.

While the auxiliary is still above the tertiary, there is almost a notion of balance between these two and their kinds of uses. As their natures still contradict each other, there aren’t even that much scenarios, where both had the ability to contribute the same amount to the situation.

How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone | MBTI

Do you want to know how to get out of your comfort zone? This video approaches it from a cognitive psychology perspective. The key, simply put, is to use your auxiliary function – your conscious competency. We don’t spend as much time as we should developing this skill because we already see ourselves as good enough at it.

And yet…

Te:

Sometimes I don’t realize using it. It’s natural. I unconsciously classify things into what’s important and what’s beneficial. I don’t like to waste my time. If something has to be done, I will do it as fast (and perfect) as I can.

I always make plans. I make more than 1 plans on the go (to swerve from bad unanticipated things that may occur–pardon my Ne). When I am about to go somewhere, I will predict and plan what to do, what to eat (if I am about to eat), how the ambience will be, how to react when I suddenly meet someone I know (do I have to act friendly or act like I don’t realize their presence), is my money sufficient to pay the bill, will I get sweaty (this is important to choose what clothes I should wear in the season), etc, etc. I plan that detail. I hate it when my plans are suddenly changed without prior notice. It ruins my mood.

….but the problem is, I rarely follow through my plans. Nevertheless, I still able to finish it on time, but the consequence is I lose my leisure time. I don’t need rest if I haven’t finished my work. The ruined plans are okay to me but not with unfinished project.

I always weigh pros and cons of everything I am about to face. I’ll go with the most pros. I don’t want to act without a reason because I believe that everything should be done in purpose or else I just wasting my sweat. I am nit-picking detail freak. I will freak out whenever something is done recklessly. I won’t shout or complain; I just keep silence and correct it with no further ado. I hate any kind of distractions while working. I must do all things perfectly, so I have to focus on 1 thing at a time. Also, I hate to be hurried in doing something because I believe it won’t make the job done perfectly.

I personally not comfortable working together in group, because I know that my work ethic and standard won’t match with everyone and I am too lazy to bother. I don’t like giving commands because I know that people won’t do as I want in the first run and I don’t have time for that. I prefer to do all things by my own hands. Minor achievements (such as doing homework perfectly) satisfy me.

In socialization, I am blunt and honest, yet very careful in choosing words. I don’t want to be hated (and I generally hate negative impressions, but lately I’ve been okay with it). I communicate in the way people will feel comfortable; when the person is talkative, I’ll become an attentive listener by actively responding him/her, or vice versa. I act based on the people I’m interacting with. I’ve ever read that it is manipulative attempt of Te user to achieve what he/she wants, and I guess it’s true. But I don’t do slick talking. I like to-the-point conversations because it’s effective and efficient.

I frequently blame myself for any mistakes. It’s hard to forgive myself for that mistake, hence I tend to underestimate my abilities. I don’t believe person who points out my positive traits and consider him/her as BS-ing me.

Just Not As the Stereotype

Surprisingly I don’t actually follow all the rules. I evaluate every rules for any chances of breaking and whether it makes sense to be applied in real world. Sometimes I modify the rule so that it makes more sense but not gonna cause any trouble for breaking the former rule. For example, sometimes I encourage my friends not to do a task because the teacher usually forgets or doesn’t check our works.