According to the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) test persons
are categorized on four preferences:
Each person is ultimately assigned one of the two choices on each scale.
Thus, there are 16 total combinations and each person's personality type
consists of a four letter series.
I happen to be of type: INTJ - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking
Judging. What this means, you can read below. Maybe this text is
therefore also some kind of "Martin's User Manual". All texts are
taken from the Internet, so it is not what I have written...
The most important thing to INTJs is their independence and being able
to live according to their own standards.
People of this type tend to be:
Of the four aspects of strategic analysis and definition it is the
contingency planning or entailment organizing role that reaches the
highest development in INTJs. Entailing or contingency planning is not
an informative activity, rather it is a directive one in which the
planner tells others what to do and in what order to do it. As the
organizing capabilities the INTJs increase so does their inclination to
take charge of whatever is going on.
It is in their abilities that INTJs differ from the other NTs, while in
most of their attitudes they are just like the others. However there is
one attitude that sets them apart from other NTs: they tend to be much
more self-confident than the rest, having, for obscure reasons,
developed a very strong will. They are rather rare, comprising no more
than, say, one percent of the population. Being very judicious,
decisions come naturally to them; indeed, they can hardly rest until
they have things settled, decided, and set. They are the people who are
able to formulate coherent and comprehensive contingency plans, hence
contingency organizers or "entailers."
INTJs will adopt ideas only if they are useful, which is to say if they
work efficiently toward accomplishing the INTJ's well-defined goals.
Natural leaders, INTJs are not at all eager to take command of projects
or groups, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate
their inability to lead. Once in charge, however, INTJs are the supreme
pragmatists, seeing reality as a crucible for refining their strategies
for goal-directed action. In a sense, INTJs approach reality as they
would a giant chess board, always seeking strategies that have a high
payoff, and always devising contingency plans in case of error or
adversity. To the INTJ, organizational structure and operational
procedures are never arbitrary, never set in concrete, but are quite
malleable and can be changed, improved, streamlined. In their drive for
efficient action, INTJs are the most open-minded of all the types. No
idea is too far-fetched to be entertained-if it is useful. INTJs are
natural brainstormers, always open to new concepts and, in fact,
aggressively seeking them. They are also alert to the consequences of
applying new ideas or positions. Theories which cannot be made to work
are quickly discarded by the INTJs. On the other hand, INTJs can be
quite ruthless in implementing effective ideas, seldom counting personal
cost in terms of time and energy.
To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of
self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple
arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather
than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge
systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes
to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they
will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help
you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more
importantly, they know what they don't know.
INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for
improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them
from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is
the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often
ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own
research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces
an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints
of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake.
INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part
because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and
reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for
them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and
disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of
both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be
"slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will
generally be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it
upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their
supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be
scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual
contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing
opportunities which others might not even notice.
In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know".
Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but
they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness
are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to
management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing
their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of
ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to
simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their
inherent unconventionality.
Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's
Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others
(usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time
and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that
make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead
them in interpersonal situations.
This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social
rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less
understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most
types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters,
INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally
impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand.
Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want
people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a peculiar
naivete', paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting
inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the
INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.
Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their
intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship.
Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that
many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by
synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice,
turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed
and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support
those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do
become established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their
robustness, stability, and good communications.
As an INTJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you
take things in primarily via your intuition. Your secondary mode is
external, where you deal with things rationally and logically.
INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value
intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high
standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill.
To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others.
With Introverted Intuition dominating their personality, INTJs focus
their energy on observing the world, and generating ideas and
possibilities. Their mind constantly gathers information and makes
associations about it. They are tremendously insightful and usually are
very quick to understand new ideas. However, their primary interest is
not understanding a concept, but rather applying that concept in a
useful way. Unlike the INTP, they do not follow an idea as far as they
possibly can, seeking only to understand it fully. INTJs are driven to
come to conclusions about ideas. Their need for closure and organization
usually requires that they take some action.
INTJ's tremendous value and need for systems and organization, combined
with their natural insightfulness, makes them excellent scientists. An
INTJ scientist gives a gift to society by putting their ideas into a
useful form for others to follow. It is not easy for the INTJ to express
their internal images, insights, and abstractions. The internal form of
the INTJ's thoughts and concepts is highly individualized, and is not
readily translatable into a form that others will understand. However,
the INTJ is driven to translate their ideas into a plan or system that
is usually readily explainable, rather than to do a direct translation
of their thoughts. They usually don't see the value of a direct
transaction, and will also have difficulty expressing their ideas, which
are non-linear. However, their extreme respect of knowledge and
intelligence will motivate them to explain themselves to another person
who they feel is deserving of the effort.
INTJs are natural leaders, although they usually choose to remain in the
background until they see a real need to take over the lead. When they
are in leadership roles, they are quite effective, because they are able
to objectively see the reality of a situation, and are adaptable enough
to change things which aren't working well. They are the supreme
strategists - always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing
them against their current strategy, to plan for every conceivable
contingency.
INTJs spend a lot of time inside their own minds, and may have little
interest in the other people's thoughts or feelings. Unless their
Feeling side is developed, they may have problems giving other people
the level of intimacy that is needed. Unless their Sensing side is
developed, they may have a tendency to ignore details which are
necessary for implementing their ideas.
The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions,
express judgments, and put everything that they encounter into an
understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to
express judgments. Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are
convinced that they are right about things. Unless they complement their
intuitive understanding with a well-developed ability to express their
insights, they may find themselves frequently misunderstood. In these
cases, INTJs tend to blame misunderstandings on the limitations of the
other party, rather than on their own difficulty in expressing
themselves. This tendency may cause the INTJ to dismiss others input too
quickly, and to become generally arrogant and elitist.
INTJs are ambitious, self-confident, deliberate, long-range thinkers.
Many INTJs end up in engineering or scientific pursuits, although some
find enough challenge within the business world in areas which involve
organizing and strategic planning. They dislike messiness and
inefficiency, and anything that is muddled or unclear. They value
clarity and efficiency, and will put enormous amounts of energy and time
into consolidating their insights into structured patterns.
Other people may have a difficult time understanding an INTJ. They may
see them as aloof and reserved. Indeed, the INTJ is not overly
demonstrative of their affections, and is likely to not give as much
praise or positive support as others may need or desire. That doesn't
mean that he or she doesn't truly have affection or regard for others,
they simply do not typically feel the need to express it. Others may
falsely perceive the INTJ as being rigid and set in their ways. Nothing
could be further from the truth, because the INTJ is committed to always
finding the objective best strategy to implement their ideas. The INTJ
is usually quite open to hearing an alternative way of doing something.
When under a great deal of stress, the INTJ may become obsessed with
mindless repetitive, Sensate activities, such as over-drinking. They may
also tend to become absorbed with minutia and details that they would
not normally consider important to their overall goal.
INTJs need to remember to express themselves sufficiently, so as to
avoid difficulties with people misunderstandings. In the absence of
properly developing their communication abilities, they may become
abrupt and short with people, and isolationists.
INTJs have a tremendous amount of ability to accomplish great things.
They have insight into the Big Picture, and are driven to synthesize
their concepts into solid plans of action. Their reasoning skills gives
them the means to accomplish that. INTJs are most always highly
competent people, and will not have a problem meeting their career or
education goals. They have the capability to make great strides in these
arenas. On a personal level, the INTJ who practices tolerances and puts
effort into effectively communicating their insights to others has
everything in his or her power to lead a rich and rewarding life.
Jungian functional preference ordering:
INTjs have a characteristic ascetic face. There are two reason for this.
Firstly the facial structure itself is often reminiscent of ancient
portraits because of its angularity and composition of the features,
like cheekbone and eyebrow arcs. Secondly their facial expression is
often accepted as emotionless and severe. Their face is usually pale or
bloodless. Males often have a short haircut.
In many cases INTjs are slim. Their stomach is usually placed ahead of
the chest giving them their characteristic posture. Their gait is
somewhat unsure, wavering slightly. Sometimes it seems like they are not
sure where they are going. This becomes more obvious in moments of
excitement. Their clothes are not usually very striking. INTjs do not
like to attract excessive attention to themselves and most of the time
they stick to simple clothes, often wearing the same style and
composition for a long time.
INTjs behave in a very self-restrained manner with strangers, never
showing initiative first and always maintaining a long psychological
distance. Their speech is very clear and logical and they always follow
a logical progression. They also have a tendency to emphasise key words.
When defending their concepts and ideas during a confrontation their
logic can become solid and absolute. They cut out all irrelevant details
that may cloud the argument.
Although the first impression of INTjs is that they are emotionless,
when they become inspired during conversation an emotionality previously
unseen begins to emerge. Their eyes start flashing with a fanatic light
and their passion increases as the conversation progresses. However,
they still try to maintain their self-control. INTjs sustain
conversations only if they find them interesting. They prefer to keep
silent rather than give an opinion on a subject to which they are
indifferent.
INTjs always give others a chance to say what they need to say. They
consider that everyone has got talents and they try at least not to
interfere. They do not refuse any proposals immediately, preferring to
examine them first. INTjs are very reserved and usually do not take the
initiative in talking about their interests and private life. This can
lead others to think that they have no private life at all.
INTjs have a very characteristic tendency to independence and can only
accept a whole freedom. In work matters they combine their need for
freedom with a feeling of responsibility. INTjs are not very demanding.
They are often indifferent to food and its presentation. It can be
simple but must be fresh. When involved in something interesting they
can completely forget that they need to eat. In everyday matters INTjs
are modest and are happy to have a minimum degree of comfort.
INTjs usually have an interest that stays with them for a long time and
are absolutely indifferent to what others say about it. They never
endorse their position in life. INTjs live in a world of their own
conception. They simply ignore rules, concepts and directives that do
not suit them. Most people do not understand INTjs and try to keep away
from them.
INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of
looking at things. They enjoy coming to new understandings. They are
insightful and mentally quick; however, this mental quickness may not
always be outwardly apparent to others since they keep a great deal to
themselves. They are very determined people who trust their vision of
the possibilities, regardless of what others think. INTJs are at their
best in quietly and firmly developing their ideas, theories, and principles.
INTJs are the most self-confident of all types, having "self-power"
awareness. Found in about 1 percent of the general population, the INTJs
live in an introspective reality, focusing on possibilities, using
thinking in the form of empirical logic, and preferring that events and
people serve some positive use. Decisions come naturally to INTJs' once
a decision is made, INTJs are at rest. INTJs look to the future rather
than the past, and a word which captures the essence of INTJs is
builder-a builder of systems and the applier of theoretical models.
To INTJs authority based on position, rank, title, or publication has
absolutely no force. This type is not likely to succumb to the magic of
slogans, watchwords, or shibboleths. If an idea or position makes sense
to an INTJ, it will be adopted, if it doesn't, it won't, regardless of
who took the position or generated the idea. As with the INTP, authority
per se does not impress the INTJ.
INTJs do, however, tend to conform to rules if they are useful, not
because they believe in them, or because they make sense, but because of
their unique view of reality. They are the supreme pragmatists, who see
reality as something which is quite arbitrary and made up. Thus it can
be used as a tool-or ignored. Reality is quite malleable and can be
changed, conquered, or brought to heel. Reality is a crucible for the
refining of ideas, and in this sense, INTJs are the most theoretical of
all the types. Where an ESTP sees ideas as the pawn of reality, an INTJ
sees reality as the pawn of ideas: No idea is too far-fetched to be
entertained. INTJs are natural brainstormers, always open to new
concepts and, in fact, aggressively seeking them.
INTJs manipulate the world of theory as if on a gigantic chess board,
always seeking strategies and tactics that have high payoff. In their
penchant for logic, the INTJs resemble the INTPs. The logic of an INTJ,
however, is not confined to the expressible logical. Unlike INTPs, INTJs
need only to have a vague, intuitive impression of the unexpressed logic
of a system to continue surely on their way. Things need only seem
logical; this is entirely sufficient. Moreover, they always have a keen
eye for the consequence of the application of new ideas or positions.
They can be quite ruthless in the implementation of systems, seldom
counting personal cost in terms of time and energy. Theories which
cannot be made to work are quickly discarded by the INTJs.
To understand INTJs, their way of dealing with ideas should be observed
closely. Their conscious thought is extraverted and empirical. Hence,
they are better at generalizing, classifying, summarizing, adducing
evidence, proving, and demonstrating than are the INTPs. The INTJs are
somewhat less at home with pure reason, that is, systemic logic, where
principles are explicit. In this respect they resemble the ENTJs. The
INTJs, rather than using deductive logic, use their intuition to grasp
coherence.
The independent and individualistic INTJ manner appears early in life.
As children, INTJs are often inwardly focused on their thoughts of the
way the world is or ought to be; they enjoy day dreaming. They can be
quite stubborn when information relayed to them by authorities, such as
parents and teachers, contradicts what they believe. They are sure of
their own belief system. INTJs are compelled to establish their own
rules, boundaries, standards, and style.
Often at an early age, INTJs make a commitment to furthering their
education. The life of the mind is very important to them. Examples
abound of INTJs from economically or intellectually impoverished
circumstances setting goals for themselves to continue in education,
often earning the highest degree possible.
INTJ teenagers may be seen as serious and reserved young people who are
labeled as bookworms by others. They set internal standards of
achievement for themselves and often do well academically. Being
sociable is a standard that they rarely think is worth their time and
energy.
As adults, INTJs are focused on attaining their inner goals and
standards. They set a particular course based on their theory of what
ought to be. They work extremely diligently to accomplish what they feel
is important. They enjoy what they do and see it as a challenge. They
are not easily dissuaded and may regard others' needs and wants as an
impediment to attaining their objectives.
INTJs learn best when they can design their won approach and when they
are able to absorb themselves in an area that interests them. They tend
to focus on systems, theories, and constructs relating to universal
truths and principles. They prefer challenging teachers, ones who meet
their standards. High grade-point averages and test scores tend to
characterize INTJs, who like rigorous academic work. Learning needs to
be a creative process. Rote memory can be dull and boring for the INTJ.
INTJs are diligent in pursuing new ideas and thoughts, and they exert
effort to master a given subject. This makes INTJs particularly adept in
most school situations. Because of their resourcefulness, thirst for
knowledge, and inner needs, INTJs tend to find ways of acquiring
knowledge. They gravitate toward libraries, public lectures, courses,
and other learners and teachers - sources that offer them information
and direction.
At work, INTJs use their conceptual strengths to analyze situations and
then develop models to understand and anticipate through relentlessly to
reach their goals. They will continue on with their plans, even in the
face of adversity and data that might suggest to other more practical
types that their goals are no longer feasible. By nature, INTJs are
independent individualists. They see their visions so clearly that they
are often surprised when others do not see things the same way. INTJs
are strong at critiquing and as a result tend to notice the negatives.
To them, a job well done should be reward enough in itself. They may
neglect to comment favorably on others' contributions.
INTJs tend to seek occupations that allow them to change the status quo
and to design models to express their vision creatively. They desire
autonomy and room for growth. They prefer to work in a place in which
the future can be planned and where they can work for change in an
organized manner.
Some occupations seem to be especially attractive to INTJs: computer
systems analyst, electrical engineer, judge, lawyer, photographer,
psychologist, research department manager, researcher, scientist,
university instructor, and other occupations in which long-range vision
is essential.
For INTJs, love means including someone in their vision of the world.
INTJ men tend to be attracted to partners who enjoy living their lives
with and outward vitality and zest. Perhaps it is to compensate for
their internal, visionary focus that they often find partners who are
more outgoing and may even run interference to help the INTJ deal with
the day-to-day world. INTJ women, however, may seek someone more like
themselves.
INTJs tend to have a model in mind of how their relationship ought to
be. This is less a romantic vision than it is and idea that relates to
how the relationship functions in a unique or special way. They tend to
withhold their deep feelings and affections from the public and
sometimes even from the object of their affections. They can be
intensely loyal and caring, even though this is not always expressed in
words. INTJs can be generous with their gifts if the gift fits their
vision of what ought to be appreciated by their partner.
When scorned, INTJs retreat to their own world and may share none of
their feelings with others. They may assume that there is a right way
for a relationship to end and look for that. They act on the outside as
if nothing has happened to them when indeed much has. They may lash out
with criticisms of their former loved ones. It may take them a while to
recover.
INTJs can be very single-minded at times; this can be either a weakness
or a strength in their careers, for they can ignore the points of view
and wishes of others. INTJs usually rise to positions of responsibility,
for they work long and hard and are steady in their pursuit of goals,
sparing neither time nor effort on their part or that of their
colleagues and employees.
INTJs live to see systems translated into substance; an INTP, by way of
contrast, is content to design the system. In both these types, however,
coherence is the master. Both internal and external consistency are
important, and if an INTJ finds that he or she is in a working situation
where overlapping functions, duplication of effort, inefficient paper
flow, and waste of human and material resources abound, the INTJ cannot
rest until an effort is made to correct the situation.
Cost-effectiveness is a concept which has a strong imperative for INTJs,
who frequently select occupations in engineering, particularly human
engineering. They also can be found in the physical sciences, in roles
which require development, such as curriculum building, and, in general,
any job which requires the creation and application of technology to
complex areas.
Fellow workers of INTJs often feel as if the INTJ can see right through
them, and often believe that the INTJ finds them wanting. This tendency
of people to feel transparent in the presence of the INTJ often result
in relationships which have psychological distance. Thus colleagues find
the INTJ apparently unemotional and, at times, cold and dispassionate.
Because of their tendency to drive others as hard as they do themselves,
INTJs often seem demanding and difficult to satisfy. INTJs are high
achievers in school and on the job. On the job, they take the goals of
an institution seriously and continually strive to respond to these
goals. They make dedicated, loyal employees whose loyalties are directed
toward the system, rather than toward individuals within the system. So
as the people of an institution come and go, the INTJs have little
difficulty-unlike the NFs, who have their loyalties involved more with
persons than offices. INTJs tend, ordinarily, to verbalize the positive
and eschew comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in
moving an institution forward than commiserating about mistakes of the
past.
As mates, INTJs want harmony and order in the home and in relationships.
They are the most independent of all types. They will trust their
intuitions about others when making choices of friends and mates, even
in the face of contradictory evidence and pressures applied by others.
The emotions of an INTJ are hard to read, and neither male nor female
INTJ is apt to express emotional reactions. At times, both will seem
cold, reserved, and unresponsive, while in fact INTJs are almost
hypersensitive to signals of rejection from those for whom they care. In
social situations, INTJs may also be unresponsive and may neglect to
observe small rituals designed to put others at their ease. For example,
INTJs may communicate that time is wasted if used for idle dialogue, and
thus people receive a sense of hurry from an INTJ which is not always
intended. In their interpersonal relationships, INTJs are usually better
in a working situation than in recreational situations. They do not
enjoy physical contact except with a chosen few.
As parents, INTJs are dedicated and single minded in their devotion:
Their children are a major focus in life. They are supportive of their
children and tend to allow them to develop in directions of their own
choosing. INTJs usually are firm and consistent in their discipline and
rarely care to repeat directions given to children...or others. Being
the most independent of all the types, they have a strong need for
autonomy; indifference or criticism from people in general does not
particularly bother INTJs, if they believe that they are right. They
also have a strong need for privacy.
The most important preference of an INTJ is intuition, but this is
seldom seen. Rather, the function of thinking is used to deal with the
world and with people. INTJs are vulnerable in the emotional area and
may make serious mistakes here.
Wishing to control nature, the INTJ "scientist" probably has more
difficulty than all other types in making up his or her mind in mate
selection. Even mate selection must be done in a scientific way. It may
well be that the narratives, plays, and films impugning the "rational
and objective" approach to mating have as their target our
thorough-going scientist INTJ. Nevertheless, when young, the INTJ is
attracted to the free-wheeling, spontaneous, fun-loving "entertainer"
ESFP. But the INTJ requires that mating meet certain criteria, else it
is not undertaken. So the INTJ doesn't often go through with what is
begun by natural attraction. Since he or she proceeds in a rational and
methodical way, the selection of a similar temperament is more likely
than selection of opposite, following the assumption that those who are
similar ought to do well together. The INTJ "scientist" is also
attracted to the ENFP "journalist," probably because of the
enthusiastic, effervescent, and apparently spontaneous enjoyment and
wonderment this type exudes-the very antitheses of the careful,
thoughtful exactitude of the INTJ.
INTJs are the most self-confident of all the types, having "self-power"
awareness. Found in about 1 percent of the general population, the INTJs
live in an introspective reality, focusing on possiblities, using
thinking in the form of empirical logic, and preferring that events and
people serve some positive use. Decisions come naturally to INTJs; once
a decision is made, INTJs are at rest. INTJs look to the future rather
than the past, and a word which captures the essence of INTJs is
builder-- a builder of systems and the applier of theoretical models.
To INTJs, authority based on position, rank, title, or publication has
absolutely no force. This type is not likely to succumb to the magic of
slogans, watchwords, or shibboleths. If an idea or position makes sense
to an INTJ, it will be adopted; if it doesn't, it won't, regardless of
who took the position or generated the idea. As with the INTP, authority
per se does not impress the INTJ.
INTJs do, however, tend to conform to rules if they are useful, not
because they believe in them, or because they make sense, but because of
their unique view of reality. They are the supreme pragmatists, who see
reality as something which is quite arbitrary and made up. Thus it can
be used as a tool -- or ignored. Reality is quite malleable and can be
changed, conquered, or brought to heel. Reality is a crucible for the
refining of ideas, and in this sense, INTJs are the most theoretical of
all the types. Where an ESTP sees ideas as the pawn of reality, an INTJ
sees reality as the pawn of ideas. No idea is too far-fetched to be
entertained. INTJs are natural brainstormers, always open to new
concepts and, in fact, agressively seeking them.
INTJs manipulate the world of theory as if on a gigantic chess board,
always seeking strategies and tactics that have high payoff. In their
penchant for logic, the INTJs resemble the INTPs. The logic of an INTJ,
however, is not confined to the expressably logical. Unlike INTPs, INTJs
need only to have a vague, intuitive impression of the unexpressed logic
of a system to continue surely on their way. Things need only seem
logical; this is entirely sufficient. Moreover, they always have a keen
eye for the consequence of the application of new ideas or positions.
They can be quite ruthless in the implementation of systems, seldom
counting personal cost in terms of time and energy. Theories which
cannot be made to work are quickly discarded by the INTJs.
To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness",
of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple
arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather
than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge
systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to
their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will
be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you,
and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more
importantly, they know what they don't know.
INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for
improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them
from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is
the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often
ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own
research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces
an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints
of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake.
INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part
because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and
reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for
them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and
disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of
both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be
"slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will
generally be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it
upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their
supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be
scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual
contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing
opportunities which others might not even notice.
In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know".
Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but
they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness
are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to
management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing
their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of
ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to
simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their
inherent unconventionality.
Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's
Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others
(usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time
and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that
make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead
them in interpersonal situations.
This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social
rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less
understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most
types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters,
INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally
impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand.
Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want
people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete',
paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting inexhaustible
affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the INTJ will expect
inexhaustible reasonability and directness.
Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their
intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship.
Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that
many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by
synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice,
turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed
and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support
those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do
become established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their
robustness, stability, and good communications.
Particularly to the outside world, the INTJ's most apparent personality
trait is their self-confidence. This self-confidence is rooted in the
specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building up at an
early age; they know what they know -- and, just as importantly, what
they don't know. Within their own fields of expertise--and INTJs can
have several--they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether
or not they can help you, and if so, how.
INTJs are also the most pragmatic of all types, applying (often
ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from social
norms to their own research efforts. This in turn produces an unusual
independence of mind, freeing the INTJ of the constraints of authority,
convention, and sentiment for its own sake. INTJs are not, however
"open" people with respect to their personal physical and psychological
space; they usually dislike being in close proximity to anyone who isn't
an intimate, and dislike still more having their private lives invaded
in any way.
INTJs are "Systems Builders," and, be it based on technology, personnel,
or information, whatever system an INTJ is working on becomes their
equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ. As a result, they tend to be
nearly as unsparing of others on the project as they are of themselves;
anyone considered to be "slacking" (including superiors) loses their
respect--and generally is made aware of this. On the other hand, INTJs
usually take the time to point out positive contributions, and are
scrupulous about giving others credit for their ideas. If, however, an
INTJ feels that the goals and progress of the system are being stifled
or corrupted by the powers-that-be, they may become embittered, and have
radically uncharacteristic obstructive reactions (e.g., walking out at
5:00 sharp the night before a major deadline). Or, if they don't trust
their co-workers' competence or dedication, they may take it upon
themselves to make and implement critical decisions without consulting
anyone.
Obvious INTJ careers are in science and engineering; they rise to
management level positions in these fields if they can use their
pragmatism to regard the existing management and bureaucracy as tools
rather than obstacles to be circumvented. INTJs can also be found
wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are required (law,
some areas of academia, etc.)
Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, tend to be the
INTJ's Achilles heel. They are capable of caring deeply for others
(usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time
and effort on a relationship, but the knowledge and instincts that make
them so successful in the academic/work environment often seem to
abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations. For example, INTJs
have little patience with and less understanding of small talk,
flirtation, and other social/courtship rituals that most types consider
half the fun of a relationship. Also, many INTJs will enter a romantic
involvement with a naivete' paralleled by that of many Fs--only instead
of inexhaustible kindness and empathy, they expect inexhaustible
reasonability and communication from their SOs. Their most stable
relationships, both platonic and romantic, tend to start in an
academic/work environment, where the INTJ is in their element and
usually has a significant amount of time to get to know the other
person.
The Dominant function is the perceptive one of iNtuition. Characteristics associated with this function include:
The perceptive iNtuition function is introverted. That is, iNtuition is used primarily to govern the inner world of thoughts and emotions. The INTJ will therefore:
The iNtuition function is primarily supported by extraverted Thinking judgement. That is, Thinking judgement is used primarily to manage the outer world of actions and words. This will modify the way that the iNtuition is directed, by:
The classic temperament of an INTJ is Promethean, or Phlegmatic, for whom a basic driving force is the search for competence or excellence.
In a team environment, the INTJ can contribute by:
The potential ways in which an INTJ can irritate others include:
As with all types, the INTJ can achieve personal growth by developing all functions that are not fully developed, through actions such as:
As stress increases, 'learned behaviour' tends to give way to the natural style, so the INTJ will behave more according to type when under greater stress. For example, in a crisis, the INTJ might:
Under extreme stress, fatigue or illness, the INTJ's shadow may appear - a negative form of ESFP. Example characteristics are:
The shadow is part of the unconscious that is often visible to others, onto whom the shadow is projected. The INTJ may therefore readily see these faults in others without recognising it in him/her self.
INTJs believe in constant growth in relationships, and strive for
independence for themselves and their mates. They are constantly
embarking on "fix-up" projects to improve the overall quality of their
lives and relationships. They take their commitments seriously, but are
open to redefining their vows, if they see something which may prove to
be an improvement over the existing understanding. INTJs are not likely
to be "touchy-feely" and overly affirming with their mates or children,
and may at times be somewhat insensitive to their emotional needs.
However, INTJs are in general extremely capable and intelligent
individuals who strive to always be their best, and be moving in a
positive direction. If they apply these basic goals to their personal
relationships, they likely to enjoy happy and healthy interaction with
their families and friends.
INTJs live much of their lives inside their own heads. They
constantly scan their environment for new ideas and theories which they
can turn into plans and structures. Sometimes, what they see and
understand intuitively within themselves is more pure and "perfect" than
the reality of a close personal relationship. INTJs may have a problem
reconciling their reality with their fantasy.
INTJs are not naturally in tune with their own feelings, or with what
other people are feeling. They also have a tendency to believe that they
are always right. While their self-confidence and esteem is attractive,
their lack of sensitivity to others can be a problem if it causes them
to inadvertantly hurt their partner's feelings. If this is a problem for
an INTJ, they should remember to sometimes let their mate be the one who
is right, and to try to be aware of the emotional effect that your words
have upon them. In conflict situations, INTJs need to remember to be
supportive to their mate's emotional needs, rather than treating the
conflict as if it is an interesting idea to analyze.
Sexually, the INTJ enjoys thinking about intimacy, and about ways to
perfect it. In positive relationships, their creativity and intensity
shine through in this arena. In more negative relationships, they might
enjoy thinking about sex more than actually doing it. They're likely to
approach intimacy from a theoretical, creative perspective, rather than
as an opportunity to express love and affection. Although, the INTJ who
has learned the importance of these kinds of expressions to the health
of their relationship is likely to be more verbally affectionate.
INTJs are able to leave relationships when they're over, and get on with
their lives. They believe that this is the right thing to do. They may
have more difficulty accomplishing the task than they like to exhibit to
other people.
INTJs are highly intense, intelligent people who bring a lot of depth
and insight into most major areas of their life. In terms of
relationships, their greatest potential pitfall is the tendency to think
about things rather than doing them, and their difficulty reconciling
reality with their inner visions. INTJs are likely to be in positive,
healthy relationships, because they're likely to leave relationships
which aren't working for them (unless other circumstances prohibit
that).
Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy
relationship, the INTJ's natural partner is the ENFP, or the ENTP.
INTJ's dominant function of Introverted Intuition is best matched with a
partner whose personality is dominated by Extraverted Intuition.
As parents, INTJ's main goal is to raise their children to be
intelligent, autonomous and independent. They want their kids to think
for themselves and make their own decisions, and so are likely to give
them room to grow, and to challenge their decisions and thoughts at key
points in their lives.
The INTJ is not naturally likely to be an overly supportive or loving
parental figure. Since their own need for expressions of love and
affirmation is relatively low, they may have difficulty seeing that need
in their children who have Feeling preferences. If they do see this
sensitivity, they may not recognize or value the importance of feeding
it. In such situations, there will be a distance between the INTJ and
the child. This is a problem area for the INTJ, who should consciously
remember to be aware of others' emotional needs.
INTJs are usually difficult to get to know well, and difficult to get
close to. Those who are close to the INTJ will highly value them for
their ideas and knowledge. Although INTJs are generally very
serious-minded people, they also have been known to enjoy letting loose
and having fun, if others pull them into it. They also can be really
good at telling jokes, and exhibiting a sarcastic wit with a poker face.
The INTJ is not likely to choose to spend time with people who they feel
don't have anything to offer the INTJ. They especially like to spend
time with other Intuitive Thinkers, and also usually enjoy the company
of Intuitive Feelers. These personality types love to theorize and
speculate about ideas, and so can usually relate well to the INTJ, who
loves to analyze ideas.
Many INTJs believe that they are always right. In some INTJs, this
belief is quite obvious, while in others it is more subtle. Some people
may have a difficult time accepting what they see as a "superior
attitude" or "snobbery". Not to imply that INTJs are snobbish, just that
some people with strong Feeling preferences may perceive them that way.
And some individuals simply have no interest in the theoretical pursuits
which the INTJ enjoys.
INTJs generally have the following traits:
More so than any other personality type, INTJs are brilliant when it
comes to grasping complex theories and applying them to problems to come
up with long-term strategies. Since this type of "strategizing" is the
central focus and drive of the INTJ, there is a happy match between
desire and ability in this type. Accordingly, the INTJ is happiest and
most effective in careers which allow this type of processing, and which
promote an environment in which the INTJ is given a lot of autonomy over
their daily lives.
The following list of professions is built on our impressions of
careers which would be especially suitable for an INTJ. It is meant to
be a starting place, rather than an exhaustive list. There are no
guarantees that any or all of the careers listed here would be
appropriate for you, or that your best career match is among those
listed. Possible Career Paths for the INTJ:
Introversion in regards to temperament does not mean shy or antisocial.
It refers to how a person revitalizes himself. MBTI introverts are
people who need to be by themselves to recharge their energy and feel
their best. Extroverts feel more "jazzed" surrounded by people. Though
some MBTI introverts are truly shy and stay away from social gatherings
whenever they can, others develop coping techniques like stepping out
for about 15 minutes to be alone and things like that. An introvert can
enjoy communication just as much as an extrovert - many just prefer not
to do it face to face. It is also possible for an extrovert to be shy,
due to some traumatic event. S/he may love being around people, but had
been rejected sometime in the past. Introverts tend to be more
reflective, since introspection usually gives them more satisfaction.
Intuitive people are those who easily think "outside the box". While a
sensing person reasons from Point A to Point B to Point C and so forth,
an intuitive person can go from Point A straight to Point F without any
trouble.
A thinking temperament uses critical thought as a final deciding factor
instead of feeling. This does not mean that a thinker has no feelings or
does not acknowledge them. It just that feelings are not automatically
the first consideration. A Thinker can learn to judge when to use Feeler
techniques to solve a problem. Also, Feeler as in Feelings is a little
bit of a misnomer. It includes moral sense as well as personal feelings.
A feeler and a thinker can reach the same conclusion through logical
means, but often their justifications differ. A feeler may be polite
because it makes them feel better when there is harmony. A thinker may
be polite because it is easier to accomplish things when they aren't
dealing with ruffled feathers.
People with judging temperaments are not necessarily critical. They just
like to have things decided and acted upon. They evaluate, make their
decision and go on. If they have to rethink something, they will, but
they don't like waffling or bullshit.
A distinction between perceiving and judging:
The point being the distinction between straight observation and a value
added statement. Judgers tend to evaluate things far more than
Perceivers. Perceivers don't want to overlook a possibility. Judgers
want to know the importance of something.
Independent, innovative, logical and driven by the inner world of ideas
and possibilities, the INTJ often appears to others as a quietly
self-confident (and sometimes stubborn) critic of the status quo,
convinced that reality can be altered, the future reshaped. Wherever
there is a need for change in systems, programs, concepts or theories,
INTJs will be working behind the scenes to reorganize and revise. This
type's focused attention to the personal mission may be inspiring or
frankly obsessive, depending on the observer's viewpoint or the success
of the enterprise. Introspective and somewhat shy, INTJs place their
trust in logical analysis and intuition to guide their thoughts and
decisions. More feeling types may find them chilly, and more practical
types accuse them of being unrealistic, but INTJs take their cues mostly
from those they recognize as intelligent. Often attracted to
theoretical, analytical and methodological areas of inquiry, INTJs
succeed in a wide variety of fields, from ones heavily dependent on
mathematics and science to more philosophical, literary or applied
disciplines.
INTJs precision thinking and need for accuracy causes them to be
inflexible at times. Having thought out a strategy, the INTJ may
stubbornly disregard those who they think have not spent as much time
reflecting on an idea as they have. This, along with their drive to
produce something significant, can make them demanding and difficult. If
their plans and solutions fall short of their high standards, INTJ's
feel pressured — as if everything is on the line. "Everything," for an
INTJ, is the competence and ability to produce something significant.
Fear of not living up to this expectation will increase their stress and
possibly dissuade them from risking or trying out their ideas. They may
then find themselves thinking about ideas that do not have a meaningful
or productive end.
When stress increases, the INTJ can become argumentative and
disagreeable. Social interaction, which is not their strength, becomes
increasingly difficult for them. Not trusting their own abilities, they
become preoccupied with obsessive notions. The INTJ may then find
themselves spending an inordinate amount of time fighting horrible
thoughts, tempting absurdities, and feelings of worthlessness. Fearful
of others recognizing their perceived failure, the INTJ incessantly
ruminates about mistakes, inadequacies, weaknesses, ineptness, and
incompetence. Because this distracts them from risking what little
confidence they may have left in themselves, it therefore keeps them
from obtaining the success and achievement they so desperately need.
Rational NTs, being ABSTRACT in communicating and UTILITARIAN in
implementing goals, can become highly skilled in STRATEGIC ANALYSIS.
Thus their most practiced and developed intelligent operations tend to
be marshalling and planning (NTJ organizing), or inventing and
configuring (NTP engineering). And they would if they could be wizards
in one of these forms of rational operation. They are proud of
themselves in the degree they are competent in action, respect
themselves in the degree they are autonomous, and feel confident of
themselves in the degree they are strong willed. Ever in search of
knowledge, this is the "Knowledge Seeking Personality" -- trusting in
reason and hungering for achievement. They are usually pragmatic about
the present, skeptical about the future, solipsistic about the past, and
their preferred time and place are the interval and the intersection.
Educationally they go for the sciences, avocationally for technology,
and vocationally for systems work. Rationals tend to be individualizing
as parents, mindmates as spouses, and learning oriented as children.
Rationals are very infrequent, comprising as few as 5% and no more than
7% of the population.
How to spot INTJs:
Tips for communicating with INTJs:
What works with INTJs:
How to love an INTJ:
The joys and challenges of raising INTJs:
Parents of INTJs:
Famous INTJ people:
Famous INTJ U.S. Presidents:
Famous fictional INTJs:
The Mastermind
Copyrighted Prometheus Nemesis Book Company
The Systems Builder
Copyrighted Marina Margaret Heiss
The Scientist
Copyrighted BSM Consulting
The Analyst
Copyrighted Victor Gulenko
The Free-Thinker
Copyrighted Sandra Krebs Hirsch, Jean Kummerow and David Keirsey
Living
Learning and Working
Loving
Career
Home
Midlife
At midlife the feeling side of personality should be given much
attention by the INTJ, who can work at expanding his or her abilities to
respond to wishes and feelings of others. They may also do well to turn
more attention to the sensory side of their natures, attempting to get
in touch with the joys of good food, good beverages, social rituals,
kinesthetic experiences...and play. The "wasting" of time in play is an
appropriate target as a midlife task for INTJs who can take lessons from
an SP, especially an ESP, in the art of enjoying the pleasures of life.
Mates
The Idea People
Copyrighted Joe Butt
Introverted iNtuition
INTJs are idea people. Anything is possible; everything is negotiable.
Whatever the outer circumstances, INTJs are ever perceiving inner
pattern-forms and using real-world materials to operationalize them.
Others may see what is and wonder why; INTJs see what might be and say
"Why not?!" Paradoxes, antinomies, and other contradictory phenomena
aptly express these intuitors' amusement at those whom they feel may be
taking a particular view of reality too seriously. INTJs enjoy
developing unique solutions to complex problems.
Extraverted Thinking
Thinking in this auxiliary role is a workhorse. Closure is the payoff
for efforts expended. Evaluation begs diagnosis; product drives process.
As they come to light, Thinking tends, protects, affirms and directs
iNtuition's offspring, fully equipping them for fulfilling and useful
lives. A faithful pedagogue, Thinking argues not so much on its own
behalf, but in defense of its charges. And through this process these
impressionable ideas take on the likeness of their master.
Introverted Feeling
Feeling has a modest inner room, two doors down from the Most Imminent
iNtuition. It doesn't get out much, but lends its influence on behalf of
causes which are Good and Worthy and Humane. We may catch a glimpse of
it in the unspoken attitude of good will, or the gracious smile or nod.
Some question the existence of Feeling in this type, yet its unseen
balance to Thinking is a cardinal dimension in the full measure of the
INTJ's soul.
Extraverted Sensing
Sensing serves with a good will, or not at all. As other inferior
functions, it has only a rudimentary awareness of context, amount or
degree. Thus INTJs sweat the details or, at times, omit them. "I've made
up my mind, don't confuse me with the facts" could well have been said
by an INTJ on a mission. Sensing's extraverted attitude is evident in
this type's bent to savor sensations rather than to merely categorize
them. Indiscretions of indulgence are likely an expression of the
unconscious vengeance of the inferior.
The Portrait of an INTJ
Copyrighted Keirsey and Bates, Please Understand Me
Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
Copyrighted Marina Margaret Heiss
Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
Copyrighted Marina Margaret Heiss
INTJ
Copyrighted Team Technology
What makes an INTJ tick?
Contributions to the team of an INTJ
Personal Growth
Recognising Stress
INTJ
Copyrighted The Kellers
INTJ Relationships
INTJ Strengths
INTJ Weaknesses
INTJs as Lovers
INTJs as Parents
INTJs as Friends
Careers
INTJ
Copyrighted Amanda Barncord Doerr
Introvert
Intuitive
Thinking
Judging
Dealing with INTJ's
Be willing to back up your statements with facts - or at least some
pretty sound reasoning.
INTJ
Copyrighted RoBards Counseling and Consulting
INTJ
Copyrighted Various Authors