INTJs are highly logical, analytical, and enjoy problem-solving. They focus their energy inward, finding refuge in their analyzation of the world. They are far more comfortable with objective reality than emotions. They are independent and prefer socializing with those they find stimulating.
They seek to truly understand complex ideas and find deeper meaning. They enjoy setting and achieving ambitious goals. They love finding new, innovative ways to solve problems. They thrive best on their own.
Architect
Analytical, Ambitious, Confident, Unemotional, Critical
Motivations: To deeply understand in order to produce profound solutions
Values: Knowledge, critical thinking, learning, and achievement
Fears: Failing to meet their potential
2% of General Population; 3% of Men; 1% of Women
Introvert (I):
Energized by inner world and alone time
Intuition (N):
Focused more on ideas, abstracts, and patterns
Thinking (T):
Decisions are made with logic
Judging (J):
Perceived by others as organized and structured
Strengths & Weaknesses
Healthy personality types will often relate more to the strengths, while unhealthy types relate more to the weaknesses. However, most people are a combination of both.
Strengths:
INTJs have a great ability to solve complicated problems. They have a deeply rooted drive and ambition, and constantly thirst for knowledge and understanding. They have a natural self-confidence and are willing to explore new ways of thinking.
- Rational
- Informed
- Independent
- Determined
- Curious
Weaknesses:
INTJs have difficulty with their emotions – expressing them and relating to others. They may also become overconfident and arrogant, making them condescending. They can also be judgmental, forming opinions off of little information.
- Arrogant
- Dismissive of emotions
- Overly critical
- Combative
- Socially Clueless
Development
Like any personality type, INTJs can be healthy, unhealthy, or anywhere in between. Here is what they look like at their best and at their worst.
At Their Best
At their best, INTJs are passionate problem solvers, who aim to solve many problems, including in their personal lives. They are known for helping the ones they care about most. They observe structures and systems in order to fix them or recreate them. Independent, idealistic, and resourceful.
At Their Worst
At their worst, INTJs are critical, condescending, and arrogant. Their desire to solve problems stems from their real or perceived shortcomings. Filled with anxiety, they are hypervigilant about finding flaws and problems, and constantly doubt their abilities, which leaves them stuck.
Personal Growth
Though INTJs have many great qualities, there are always areas for any type to grow in. Here are some tips for growth.
- Ask for advice and input: This is a hard one since INTJs are so independent. However, other people are able to offer great insight or point out whatever the INTJ might have missed.
- Look within: INTJs love spending time in their minds focused on ideas and abstract theories. However, they have a really hard time focusing on their emotions or the changes that need to be made in their own lives. Spending time in self-reflection can be incredibly beneficial.
- Keep an open mind: INTJs have a tendency to be judgmental and perfectionistic. They use a lot of their problem-solving skills to constantly “fix” others. Staying open-minded gives them the mental flexibility to see others as a whole instead of simply a combination of problems that needs fixing.
Managing Conflict
When INTJs find themselves in conflict with others, it’s important for them to practice self-awareness. When communicating with others, INTJs are direct and rational. It will most likely be difficult to communicate with highly emotional people, or anyone they find illogical. They are typically calm, but will not like to be thought of as incompetent.
It will be hardest for INTPs to communicate with those they find emotional or less logical. Their direct and rational approach will not always be appreciated. When under stress, INTPs tend to withdraw and avoid conflict. However with those closer to them, they may pressure and dictate others. Here are some tips for INTPs to manage conflict:
- When communicating with someone more emotional, practice openness and listening
- Refrain from offering advice to those not seeking it; not everyone is looking for solutions
- Listen to emotions, your own and others
- Practice patience
Types they may struggle to communicate with:
Nurturing INTJs
To take care of an INTJ, it’s important to know what stresses them out and what they need to fill at ease. Below are some stressors for INTJs, and also what others can do to help them feel cared for.
Stressors
- Situations that require a lot of emotion
- Being in large groups
- Following rules they don’t agree with
- Small talk
- Not being allowed to try new solutions
Nurture
- Be direct and straightforward
- Give them lots of alone time and space
- Allow them to set their own rules
- Engage with them deeply, especially on whatever interests them
- Let them set their creativity free
The Human Connection 