INTJ

:"This article is about the Myers-Briggs personality type. For the Socionics INTj, see Logical Intuitive Introvert".

based on his theories of cognitive functions.

From Jung's work, others developed psychological typologies. Well-known personality tests are the MBTI assessment, developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, developed by David Keirsey. Keirsey referred to INTJs as Masterminds, one of the four types belonging to the temperament he called the Rationals. [ [http://www.hompath.net/psychology/temperament.php Temperament] ] One of the rarest of the sixteen personality types (accounting for no more than 1% of the population), the INTJ may also be referred to as the "scientist," [cite book
last = Keirsey
first = David
authorlink = David Keirsey
coauthors = Ray Choiniere
title = Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence
publisher = Prometheus Nemesis
date = 1998
location =
pages = 350
url =
doi =
id =
isbn = 1885705026] the "free-thinker," or the "strategist".Fact|date=August 2008

The MBTI instrument

*I - Introversion preferred to Extraversion
*N - iNtuition preferred to Sensing
*T - Thinking preferred to Feeling
*J - Judging preferred to Perceiving

Characteristics of INTJs

cquote
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... Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel... This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals... Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. [Citation
last = Heiss
first = Marina Margaret
title = Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
date = February 27, 2005
year = 2005
url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/academic/psychology/alt.psychology.personality/profiles/intj.html
accessdate = ]

Myers-Briggs description

According to Myers-Briggs, INTJs are very analytical individuals. Like INTPs, they are more comfortable working alone than with other people, and are not usually as sociable as others. They are prepared to take the lead, however, if nobody else seems up to the task, or if they see a major weakness in the current leadership. They tend to be pragmatic and logical individuals, often with an individualistic bent and a low tolerance for spin or rampant emotionalism. They are also commonly not susceptible to catchphrases and commonly do not recognize authority based on tradition, rank or title.

cquote|INTJs are strong individualists who seek new angles or novel ways of looking at things. They enjoy coming to new understandings. They tend to be 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. They may even be considered the most independent of all of the sixteen personality types. INTJs are at their best in quietly and firmly developing their ideas, theories, and principles. [cite book
last = Hirsch
first = Sandra Krebs
authorlink =
coauthors = Jean Kummerow
title = Introduction to type in organizations: individual interpretive guide
publisher = Palo Alto, Calif. : Consulting Psychologists Press
date = 1998
location =
pages =
url =
doi =
id =
isbn = ]

Hallmark features of the INTJ personality type include independence of thought, strong individualism, creativity, and a desire for efficiency. People with this personality type work best given large amounts of autonomy and creative freedom. They harbor an innate desire to express themselves, that is, to be creative by conceptualizing their own intellectual designs. Analyzing and formulating complex theories are among their greatest strengths. INTJs tend to be well-suited for occupations within academia, research, management, engineering, and law. The key to differentiating the INTJ personality type from the related INTP type is their confidence.Fact|date=September 2008 They tend to be acutely aware of their knowledge and abilities, as well as their limitations and what they "don't" know. Thus, they develop a strong confidence in their ability and talents, making them natural leaders.

In forming relationships, INTJs tend to seek out others with similar character traits and ideologies. Agreement on theoretical concepts is an important aspect of their relationships. By nature INTJs tend to be demanding in their expectations, and they approach relationships in a rational manner. As a result, INTJs may not always respond to a naturally occurring infatuation but wait for a mate who better fits their set criteria. People with this personality type tend to be stable, reliable, and dedicated. Harmony in relationships and home life tends to be extremely important to them. They generally withhold strong emotion and do not like to waste time, as they see it, with what they consider irrational social rituals. This, however, may cause non-INTJs to perceive them as distant and reserved. Nevertheless, INTJs are usually very loyal partners who are prepared to commit substantial energy and time into a relationship to make it work.

Keirsey description

According to Keirsey, Masterminds are natural strategists, better than any other type at brainstorming approaches to situations. Masterminds are natural but not eager leaders, stepping forward only when it becomes obvious to them that they are the best for the job. Strong-willed and very self-assured, they may make this decision quickly, as they tend to make all decisions. But though they are decisive, they are open to new evidence and new ideas, flexible in their planning to accommodate changing situations. They tend to excel at judging the usefulness of ideas and will apply whatever seems most efficient to them in accomplishing their clearly envisioned goals. To Masterminds, what matters is getting it done – but "also" learning the principles of how to get it done efficiently and well, that is, at a professional level of quality. They tend to give little thought to the "personal" cost of getting there.

Based on observations of behavior, famous Masterminds include Ayn Rand, [http://www.keirsey.com/famous_rationals.aspx Keirsey Temperament Website ] ] William F. Buckley, John Maynard Keynes,http://www.keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=5&c=mastermind] , Isaac Newton, and
Dwight D. Eisenhower. For a more complete list of famous INTJs, see Notable Masterminds.

Cognitive functions

*Dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni)
*Auxiliary Extraverted Thinking (Te)
*Tertiary Introverted Feeling (Fi)
*Inferior Extraverted Sensing(Se)

References

ee also

* Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
* Keirsey Temperament Sorter
* Rational temperament
* Mastermind (Role Variant)

External links

* [http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.asp The Myers & Briggs Foundation: The 16 MBTI Types]
* [http://www.personalityzone.com/view/temperament/mastermind.html Keirsey: Rational-Mastermind (INTJ)]
* [http://typelogic.com/intj.html TypeLogic INTJ]
* [http://www.personalitypage.com/INTJ.html Personality Page: Scientist]
* [http://www.personalitydesk.com/intj-type-description.php PersonalityDesk: INTJ Profile]
* [http://www.intjtribe.com INTJ Logic]