High-agency individuals take control of their lives, overcome obstacles, and actively shape their own paths. At first glance, INFPs - introspective, idealistic, and emotionally driven — may not seem to fit this mould. They are often perceived, particularly by extroverts, as dreamers rather than doers. But this overlooks a unique strength: INFPs possess a unique form of agency, one that operates quietly yet powerfully, driven by conviction rather than brute force.

How INFPs Exhibit High Agency

While high-agency behaviour is often associated with outward assertiveness, INFPs demonstrate it in a way that aligns with their values and inner world. Their independence allows them to challenge norms, persist in the face of adversity, and stay true to their beliefs despite external pressures. Rather than forcing outcomes through authority, they create change by inspiring others and influencing through authenticity.

Their deep empathy enables them to connect with people on a meaningful level, rallying allies around shared visions. Rather than aggressively pushing through barriers, they reshape environments by shifting perspectives and persuading others to see new possibilities. They are often drawn to causes bigger than themselves, which fuels their determination to see ideas all the way through — whether it’s strengthening an organisation’s cybersecurity posture, improving risk awareness, or driving operational resilience initiatives that safeguard long-term sustainability of the business.

Quiet agency is about internal drive and consistent, persistent, value-drive action. INFPs have an intrinsic motivation, and are driven by a deep sense of purpose and meaning, and less on external rewards or validation.

Business Leadership and Quiet Agency

Contrary to the stereotype that INFPs struggle in corporate settings, many thrive in roles where they transform businesses from within. They make exceptional change agents, as leaders who bring people together around a shared vision. Their natural ability to see beyond short-term gains enables them to champion risk-aware decision-making and build stronger, more resilient organisations.

INFPs often excel in business transformation roles where the focus is on a long-term goal that needs to be real and sustainable: They are particularly effective in areas such as:

  • Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Advocating for proactive security measures, fostering critical thinking within teams, and influencing leadership to prioritise risk awareness.
  • Operational Resilience – Strengthening organisations’ ability to withstand crises, whether from cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, or financial shocks, by shaping risk-conscious cultures.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Ethical Governance – Ensuring that businesses not only do what’s needed to meet regulatory requirements but also address the real risks with integrity.

INFPs bring quiet determination to these fields, often pushing to strengthen controls while reducing bureaucracy, promoting ethical decision-making, and strategic risk management - even when faced with resistance. Their ability to see the big picture and commit to long-term goals is a hallmark of their agency, allowing them to persevere through setbacks and challenges.

Their creativity and innovative thinking can also make them valuable problem-solvers, helping organisations navigate complex challenges with fresh perspectives.

The Power of Quiet Agency

While they may not fit the traditional high-agency archetype, INFPs prove that agency is not always loud or aggressive. Instead, they demonstrate that true agency is about choosing one’s path, staying true to one’s values, and creating meaningful change — not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the organisation and stakeholders.

In a world that often equates power with volume and noise, INFPs remind us that quiet persistence can be just as transformative as forceful ambition.