INTJ - The Architect
People with INTJ Personality Type are often described as intellectual, analytical, and the mastermind.
They are complex problem-solvers eager to improve systems and processes with innovative ideas and are drawn to logical systems.
Architects are much less comfortable with the unpredictable nature of other people and their emotions.
They approach life by analyzing the theory behind what they see and are typically focused inward on their thoughtful study of the world around them.
They have a talent for seeing the possibilities for improvement, whether at work, at home, or in themselves.
Architects are typically independent and selective about their relationships, preferring to associate with people they find intellectually stimulating.
With Introverted Intuition as their dominant function, Architects are interested in deep abstract concepts and ideas like INFJs.
With Extraverted Thinking as their top extraverted function, Architects are Judgers and use objective reasons when making decisions.
Architects will go with their gut feeling from their Introverted Feelings and like to gather the facts with their Extraverted Sensing lowest function.
They are structured, like to plan, and prefer closure.
Architects are introverted, preferring time alone to think things through.
| Process Information: | Organize Concepts and Patterns |
| Decision Making: | Tribe Reasons |
Dominant Function - Introverted Intuition
- INTJs use introverted intuition to look at patterns, meanings, and possibilities.
- Rather than simply looking at the concrete facts, they are more interested in what these facts mean.
- People with this personality type enjoy thinking about the future and exploring possibilities.
- When remembering events, they may recall impressions more than exact details of what occurred.
- INTJs are good at "reading between the lines" to figure out what things might really mean.
AuxiliaryFunction - Extraverted Thinking
- As a secondary function in the INTJ personality, extraverted thinking leads people to seek order, control, and structure in the world around them.
- For this reason, INTJs can be very deliberate and methodical when approaching problems.
- People with this personality type tend to make decisions based on logic.
- They organize their thoughts in order to see cause-and-effect relationships.
Tertiary Function - Introverted Feeling
- INTJs use introverted feeling, but because it is a tertiary function, they do so to a lesser degree than they use the dominant and auxiliary functions.
- Those who develop this aspect of their personalities more fully pay greater attention to values and feelings when making decisions.
- As a result, they may also feel more drawn to people and activities that align with their values.
Inferior Function - Extraverted Sensing
- In INTJs, this tends to be the least developed of their cognitive functions, but it still exerts some influence.
- This function allows people to experience process information through their senses.
- When this function is in play, people may feel that they are living in the moment and are energized by the world around them.
Traits
- INTJs are analytical, determined, and intensely individualistic.
- They have high standards for themselves and a lesser extent for others.
- They have a tough time with people who make decisions based on emotions and traditional social niceties.
- They can have trouble communicating in simple terms and grow impatient for others who cannot grasp their idea.
- INTJs primary function is Introverted Intuition in which they process data internally through their intuition.
- Their auxiliary function is Extraverted Thinking, in which they approach situations with empirical logic.
- INTJs look at the big picture and focus on abstract information rather than concrete details.
- They emphasize logic and objective information more than subjective emotions.
- They are deeply motivated by inspiration.
- They enjoy introspecting and coming to new understandings of the world.
- They tend to be “perfectionists.”
- They may be singleminded and dismiss all other viewpoints.
- They are also pragmatists and recognize their limits.
- INTJs dislike route memorization and learn best when they can develop their own learning system in which they become absorbed into the subject.
- They prefer to work alone.
- They can also be unwilling to adapt to new environments.
- They like their world to feel controlled and ordered so they prefer to plan well in advance.
- INTJs are idea generators willing to take every measure to ensure their ideas become reality.
- They seem to have a keen ability in improving anything of their interest.
- They are known as system-builders and seek to apply theoretical models.
- They may be so reserved that they will not share their idea before it is fully formed.
Strengths
- Enjoys theoretical and abstract concepts
- High expectations
- Good at listening
- Takes criticism well
- Self-confident and hard-working
Weaknesses
- Can be overly analytical and judgmental
- Very perfectionistic
- Dislikes talking about emotions
- Sometimes seems callous or insensitive
Friendships
- INTJs tend to be solitary and self-sufficient, so establishing friendships can sometimes be difficult.
- Because people with this personality type tend to think so much of the future, they may avoid getting to know people because they believe that a long-term friendship will not work out.
- The good news is that while INTJs may not have many friends, they become very close and committed to those who persist.
- INTJs prefer friends who are also introverted, rational, and low on emotional drama.
Personal Relationships
- People with this personality type are introverted and spend a lot of time in their own mind.
- INTJs work best by themselves and strongly prefer solitary work to group work.
- While they tend not to be particularly interested in other people's thoughts and feelings, they do care about the emotions of the select group of people to whom they are close.
- In personal relationships, INTJs are willing to devote time and energy toward making these relationships successful.
- Other people often interpret INTJs as cool, aloof and disinterested, making forming new friendships challenging.
- People with this personality type often see little value in social rituals and small talk, making it even more difficult to get to know them.
- They tend to be reserved and prefer to interact with a group of close family and friends.
Partner Relationships
- Because INTJs can be difficult to get to know, romantic relationships can sometimes falter.
- If your partner has this personality type, it is important to know that loyalty and understanding are important.
- Don't be afraid to show that you are dedicated to your INTJ partner, but don't pressure them to spill their emotions.
- Communication is also critical. Rather than expecting your partner to pick up on your subtle cues, focus on being straightforward or blunt about what you expect.
Parenting
- INTJ parents tend to be thoughtful and attentive, yet they are typically not highly affectionate.
- They have high expectations for their kids and offer support by helping kids think logically when faced with decisions.
- Parents with this type of personality encourage their kids to be self-directed critical thinkers capable of solving problems independently.
- If your child is an INTJ, focus on finding ways to encourage your child's intellectual strengths, but try to find a balance that avoids excessive perfectionism.
- You can also help your child develop their emotional strengths and look for ways to express their feelings.
Career Advice
- When INTJs develop an interest in something, they strive to become as knowledgeable and skilled as possible.
- They have high expectations and hold themselves to the highest possible standards.
- INTJs are good at gathering information from the outside world, analyzing it, and reaching new insights.
- People with this personality type tend to be very analytical and logical.
- They value information, knowledge, and intelligence and make excellent scientists and mathematicians.
- They tend to do particularly well in fields requiring efficiency and interpreting complex information, such as engineering, academia, law, and research.
- INTJs typically do well in careers that integrate their strong ability to understand and evaluate complex information with their ability to put this knowledge into practice.
- Careers that allow the INTJ to work independently and autonomously are also ideal.