Thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley and recent fraud trials like the one currently going on (Enron), we are entering INFJ heaven! There are no hotter topics in business today than "ethics" and "transparency". There are no issues nearer and dearer to the heart of any INFJ than "ethics" and "transparency". I’m the IntrovertZCoach and I know. Over 65,000 people have visited my website in the last year, probably about half of those being INFJs and the other half INFPs.
The persistent complaint of INFJs is that they work with dishonest monkeys. OK, they work with people who have no ethics. INFJs who are willing to use their intelligence, integrity and intuitive gifts make natural Whistle Blowers. They can and SHOULD take responsibility for cleaning up the workplace not be victims of it.
Think how healing it would be, INFJs, rather than coming home every night fuming over lack of ethics and the fact that no one will listen to you or do anything about it, you PERSONALLY could do something about it and be PAID and RESPECTED for it.
INFJs your evolutionary moment has arrived. Pluto is in the 26th degree of Sagittarius and ethics are hotter than they will be for the next roughly 240 years. Can you take the challenge? Can you see that this will HEAL you?
Please consider a 21st Century role as "Hired Gun". Get into the ethics department at work. Better yet, create one or head it up. It will then be your job to do what you’re doing all the time anyway, policing the environment for rule breakers.
Personal power comes from committing and taking responsibility. Can you commit to cleaning up what you complain about? Can you and will you, please, walk your talk?
The stage is set. The lights are up. The music has started. The business world is waiting for your talents!!
SHAGGY DOG STORY FOR INFJS: A friend of mine, a feisty little Italian mama, got behind on her bills and was pestered by a collection agency. The guy made the mistake of trying to "guilt" her into coming up with money she simply didn't have at the moment. He insulted her below the belt of a businesslike exchange. Her reply, "Don't go there with me. If it wasn't for people like me, you wouldn't have a job."
INFJs, what I'm going to say next is a stretch but leap there with your intuition ... the reason there is dishonesty in the business world is so that you exist.
Gotcha with a little Zen, I hope.
COMMENTS FROM READERS
I like helping each other out sooooo much better instead of trying to fit into somebody's fear based projection of success.
INFJs who are willing to use their intelligence, integrity and intuitive gifts make natural WhistleBlowers.
I have NEVER EVER understood the hostility that rains down on whistleblowers. People who stand up and say, "This is crap / fraud / dishonest / criminal ... " ought to get the moral equivalent of the Nobel Prize from the citizens of a grateful nation. Otherwise, we get the appalling stench of a government we've got in Washington now ... and the sewage seeping out of big business daily. (WHO'S an INFJ? ME!!
I'm an INFJ!!!)
from "R"
Excellent Article Nancy and Amen!
Personally, I am not seeing any ethics issues (yet) to resolve in the current work environment so I am challenging the lack of humanness work dumping issues, lack of feeling, and ignorance.
For example, a deadline is approaching. A project team member is over their head in meeting the deadline
.
They do not have enough time or help. So, someone in management not intimate with the project details says you've got to hit the deadline. They are not informed or up to date on the project.
At that point, I interject (as Project Manager) and I say let's understand the context. First, we agreed that a portion of the task was more important than delivering the whole thing by this date. Our leadership on board and understands this. We have been working extra hours. And, we have some new help from outside sources. That is the balance point. Where we are on the deadline is where we are based on this, and we have a plan to mitigate the impact of missing that date.
Subtext: Back the hell up. If you are going to require the date be met understand the situation, what's important, and be prepared to be part of the solution; otherwise BUTT OUT! Additionally, don't ask anyone to do anything you are not willing to do yourself e.g., don't ask someone to work 12 to 14 hour days, and then go home yourself after 8. Kiss my grits. You have just been placed on override. Obviously, I don't report to this person. :o)
Not necessarily a career enhancing move, but the right move for everyone including the company if we are interested in quality and care about people.
That's my unspoken role at this time, and I am embracing it. My project team loves it and performs well because of it. So, personally, I am not concerned if I am popular. The people who count (workers & direct leadership) are on board and backing me.
It is going to be interesting..... :o)
Love the Article and the Challenge!
10% of the job is talking about what is wrong. The other 90% is finding creative ways to influence in a different direction. It can rewarding, fun, and dangerous. So far so good.
