What do Thomas Jefferson, C.S. Lewis, Gandalf, Sun Tzu, and Isaac Newton all have in common?
Well, all of them share an architect personality.
This personality type is creative and highly analytical, which is mainly why it's sometimes called an architect or mastermind personality type.
What Does INTJ Stand For?
According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), there are 16 personality types in the world, and one of them is the INTJ, which stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging.
INTJ is one of the rarest personality types because only 1 to 4 percent of the population possesses this personality type. As a matter of fact, this personality type is even rarer among the female population at only 0.8%.
Related: Female personality types
Because of their personality traits, they are also considered one of the most capable personality types, but their qualities can sometimes be contradicting.
What are the traits of an INTJ?
- INTJs are not keen on socializing.
If there is one thing an INTJ personality hates doing, it is mingling with other people, as this personality type would rather spend time alone at home than have small talks and chit-chats.
Their introverted nature allows them to function well independently, but it also causes them to take a longer time emotionally opening up to people. A friendship with an INTJ personality may not be that common, but they are the most genuine type of friendship.
- INTJs are original thinkers.
Given their creative nature, INTJs can quickly think of original ideas from scratch and possess a vision that enables them to accomplish work with ease, and it can be hard t to deal with people who lack vision for their work.
- INTJs are problem-solvers.
Providing a solution to a problem is something INTJs are hardwired to do, and this excites them sometimes since this personality type believes that all problems they encounter have a solution.
INTJs get baffled by people who waste time ranting about their problems rather than finding a way to solve them. They also hate to let themselves feel like a victim in any situation.
- INTJs prefer doing things on their own.
People with this personality type are independent, especially when it comes to doing work. INTJs can certainly work in a group, but they would prefer to do things independently.
INTJs' independence frees them from paying attention to what others think or do, and seldom, if not never, experiences peer pressure because INTJs are perfectly capable of functioning alone.
- INTJs are more attuned to other people's emotions.
Regarding emotional sensitivity, INTJs are also highly attuned to how other people feel, but they rarely emphasize it, which is why most people would describe INTJs as cold and uncaring personalities.
- INTJs prioritize logic and objectivity over subjectivity.
Everything must make sense for INTJs and would avoid being subjective about approaching a situation or thing.
This personality type would try to face any task with as much logic and objectivity as possible.
- INTJs live an organized life.
Part of an INTJs nature is striving to live an organized life, which is why they called the architect personality type as they meticulously process information and make necessary plans for the future.
Related: INTJ Female
INTJ: Strengths and Weaknesses
Here are the key strengths of an individual with an INTJ personality type.
- INTJs look at the bigger picture.
- INTJs pay close attention to people.
- INTJs have high standards for competence.
- INTJs are self-aware.
- INTJs improve themselves through others' criticism.
- INTJs possess a good amount of self-confidence.
- INTJs work their way to their goals.
Meanwhile, here are some areas for improvement of an INTJ personality type.
- INTJs can be too critical.
Since INTJs prefer handling situations objectively and logically, their typical downfall is that they can be overly critical, which makes them worry so much about approaching things and prevent them from living in the moment.
- INTJ’s introversion may stunt their emotional development.
Unlike other personalities, INTJs do not enjoy dealing with other people much, and despite having a heightened sense of emotional sensitivity, they find it difficult to empathize with how other people feel.
- INTJs are perfectionists.
Being too critical about their work, INTJs naturally aim for perfection, which can both be an advantage and a disadvantage.
Making sure that anything they do is impeccable can serve as a challenge, but too much desire for perfection often leads INTJs to the path of frustration.
- INTJs can seem emotionally detached and inconsiderate.
People would get the impression of callousness from an INTJ since this personality does not often show emotionality in any situation.
INTJs would rather not talk about how they feel because it makes them uncomfortable and awkward, and because of this, they seem cold and inconsiderate to other people.
The INTJ personality is categorized into two, the INTJ-A and the INTJ-T personality, which share similar and contrasting qualities of an architect personality.
What is an INTJ-A?
INTJ-A, the assertive architect, is the INTJ personality with a considerably higher self-confidence over the INTJ-T. INTJ-A personalities are confident that they can overcome any adversity in life and would rarely feel regret about failure.
What is an INTJ-T?
INTJ-T or turbulent architects is the INTJ personality that is motivated to do better as a response to their perceived mistakes and areas for improvement.
This INTJ personality type is more organized and attentive to details because they worry that doing anything less than required can affect their chances of succeeding in their goal.
Cognitive Functions of an INTJ
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) based on the Theory of Personality by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, categorizes personality into 16 different types based on four key dimensions such as 1) extraversion vs. introversion, 2) sensing vs. intuition, 3) thinking vs. feeling, and 4) judging vs. perceiving.
These four dimensions are called cognitive functions, and each personality has a particular set of cognitive functions (dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior) that interact in unique ways.
The INTJ personality possesses the following cognitive functions:
Dominant: Introverted Intuition
The most dominant cognitive function among INTJs is their introverted intuition enabling them to make meaning out of presented facts. Most of the time, INTJs’ introverted intuition can interpret meaning beyond what is initially told or revealed.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Thinking
The second most prominent cognitive function of an INTJ is extroverted thinking, which is why individuals with this personality type are organized and systematic in their approach.
Extroverted thinking helps INTJ organize thoughts and arrive at a logical and calculated decision.
Tertiary: Introverted Feeling
The tertiary function in an INTJ personality is introverted feeling, which explains why INTJs who have developed this tertiary function tend to become a bit subjective during decision-making.
Feelings and values can influence their choices, and INTJs with well-developed tertiary functions of introverted feelings prioritize people or experiences they deem at par with their values.
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
Extraverted sensing among INTJ is the most inferior cognitive function which influences INTJ individuals to deviate from their typical calculated and objective nature and allow themselves to live in the present.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Among the personality type tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular personality indicators, categorizing individual personality based on psychological preferences measured through self-report questionnaires.
Over the years, the MBTI’s validity and reliability as a psychological assessment have long been questioned. Despite this, this personality indicator became prominent in career assessment tests used by companies and professionals.
What are relationships like with INTJs?
INTJs are not the most social personality types, and a relationship with these individuals can be challenging at first.
They prefer their own company be it in work or leisure activities. INTJs also dislike chit-chats and small talk and would rather spend time doing worthwhile stuff.
Despite the uncaring personality INTJs may possess, they value what other people think and feel about them, especially the ones who truly matter to them.
What are some good career paths for INTJs?
The INTJ personality of systematically gathering information and making meaning out of it is an asset for specific career paths like being a scientist or researcher, a mathematician, an architect, or an engineer.
INTJs also ensure that their work and performance are up to standard and they can accomplish the task independently--these specific qualities are a good fit for lawyers and teachers.
Most of all, INTJs avoid relying on emotions when making decisions and uphold logic and objectivity at all times, and this quality makes them competent doctors, dentists, and judges.
Bottomline
Of the 16 personality types indicated by the MBTI, the INTJ personality is the rarest personality type. Individuals with this personality type are logical, objective, and creative. However, they also tend to be overly critical and anxious about their work.
But, their anxious nature makes INTJs more motivated to do better and to anticipate and prepare for future shortcomings.
Relationships with INTJs can be challenging because they do not enjoy talking about emotions. Still, INTJs genuinely care about other people's thoughts and feelings for them, especially those who matter to them.
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When I first started taking MB personality tests (around 18, and for a few years after) I'd get INTJ as a type. It fits quite well. Last time I took it, probably in my early 30s, I was INTP. Should take one again just to see. One thing is for certain, the 'I' is not in question lmao.