What is INTJ?

INTJ stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Thinking, and Judgement and is one of 16 personality types studied from the MBTI personality identification indicator (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI personality assessment developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, Katharine Cook Briggs and David Keirsey from the work of renowned psychiatrist Carl G. Jung the types of psychology based on theories of cognitive functions. Keirsey named INTJ because they have logical thoughts and masterful strategies. INTJ is one of the four personality types of The Rational group (The Mastermind).

What are the personality traits of the INTJ group?

The MBTI assessment accurately estimates about 75% according to its guiding indicator, using multiple-choice questions on the basis of four "binary" (opposing psychological pairs), INTJ is one of 16 personality types and is abbreviated by the first four letters (iNtuition is an exception because I is used for Introversion) as follows:

• Introversion: introverted, tend to like tranquility and prefer to interact only with close friends. They feel wasted a lot of energy when socially interacting with unfamiliar people;

• iNtuition: listen more to their intuition than specific feelings, so they focus their attention on the big picture rather than the little details, as well as things that might happen in the future rather than paying attention to reality;

• Thinking: they think more rationally than emotionally, tend to value objective criteria rather than personal preferences. When making a decision, they usually based on logic rather than social factors;

• Judgment: they judge in a very principled and predictable way, early plan and follow it rather than making spontaneous and flexible decisions.

What are the core values, actions, and thoughts of INTJ's personality trends?

INTJs have a strong passion for analyzing, solving problems, improving systems and processing with their innovative ideas. They are always eager to improve their knowledge and strive restlessly, are the perfectionist with high-performance standards for themselves and their colleagues. The independence and ideology of INTJs sometimes make them aloof from people but they are definitely loyal partners. INTJs are aware of the system and strategize it, and usually, everything will be clearly oriented. With the ability of logical thinking, determination and expertise, The Mastermind can fully take on the role of a talented leader and consultant.

INTJs are very assertive, unique and profound - these traits make others accept the idea of INTJ simply because of their sheer willpower and confidence. However, INTJs do not seek nor like attention and they often keep their opinions in mind if the topic of the discussion does not interest them much.

INTJs are very perfectionist and they love to improve the ideas and systems they connect with. The nature of INTJs is curious, which tends to occur quite often. However, they always try to keep things under control, the ultimate goal is that every idea created by INTJ's mind or from outside needs to overcome the "cold-blood filter" called "Is this the right thing to do?" This is INTJ's reaction mechanism and they are well-known for applying it all the time, questioning everything and everyone.

INTJ's personality also has an unusual combination of assertiveness and vivid imagination. This means that, in reality, they can design a great plan and implement it. Imagine a giant chessboard where subjects are constantly moving, trying to come up with new tactics, always guided by an invisible hand - the imagination of INTJ is like that. INTJs will evaluate all possible situations, calculate strategic and tactical moves, and often they will develop a backup plan as well. If INTJs begin to work with a new system, they will view the work as a moral obligation, merging their perfectionism and turning it into a great power. Anyone who does not have enough talent or simply does not see the outstandings, including the higher ranks of management, is immediately and may permanently lose their respect.

INTJs also often take the responsibility of making important decisions without consulting their peers. They are natural leaders and excellent strategists but are willing to give way to others who are competing for a leadership position, usually those with outward personalities (characteristic E). However, that action may be deceptive and may even be calculated. INTJs will retreat into darkness and maintain their grip on the most important decisions - but as soon as the leaders are unsuccessful and in need of "drivers", INTJs will not hesitate to take action, even while standing behind. INTJ's personality is the last one behind the curtain.

INTJs don't like artificial rules and restrictions - everything should be questioned and reevaluated. They can be idealizing (nothing is impossible) and being skeptical (everyone is lying) at the same time. In any case, you can always rely on INTJs to "fill" the idea's gaps - they are more likely to come up with unexpected solutions.

In general, INTJs like to work in fields they know very well. Their typical careers are related to science or technology, but they can be found anywhere, where there is a need for intelligence, a restless mind, and insight (law, investigation, some specialized fields). INTJs rarely look for managerial positions - they are just managers because they need more strength and freedom of action, not because they like managing people.

All personality groups have many weaknesses and INTJ is not an exception. There is an area where their "divine thinking" often becomes completely useless and can even hinder their efforts - INTJs find it very difficult to handle romantic relationships, especially in their early stages, but they are quite good at attracting their partners. People of this personality type love and are good at taking care of people who are close to them.

The career of the INTJ personality group

INTJs excel in creating and implementing innovative solutions to problems that need to be analyzed. They often prefer to work independently or in a small group, taking strategic and measurement to make a difference. INTJ's ideal working environment needs to be logical, efficient, structured, and analytical with capable and intelligent colleagues. They are suitable for the following career fields:

• Business and Finances (Accountants, Financial Analysts, Executives);

• Mathematicians (Mathematicians, Statisticians, Active Research Analysts);

• Architecture and Engineering (Engineers, Architects, Controllers, Building Contractors);

• Science and Life (Economist, Psychologist, Scientist);

• Art and Media (Public relations, Art Production Director);

• Health care (Doctors, Health Service Managers);

• Education and Training (Lecturers, Professors);

• Entertainment and Sports (Coach, Producer);

• IT field;

• Laws (Judges, Lawyers, Investigators).

The relationship between INTJs and others

INTJs are often direct and impartial in their interactions, they naturally convey something they think is good and needs to be done or criticized in a straightforward and logical manner. They are always independent, calm and confident in their abilities, so they do not care about the judgment of others.

• For INTP, ENTJ, ISTJ: they have similar characteristics and many things in common so it is easy for INTJs to share values, interests, and approaches;

• For ENFJ, ENTP, INFJ, INFP: they have some differences but these differences are attractive to INTJs. Basically, they still have something in common to create a balance in their relationship with INTJs;

• For ENFP, ESTP, ISTP, ESTJ: At first, INTJs may have some difficulty accessing and connecting with this personality group. However, if interacting for a while, they will discover commonalities as well as other points of view that can complement each other;

• For ESFJ, ISFJ, ESFP, ISFP: this personality group is opposite and conflicting with INTJs, but if it is possible to develop a relationship, this is an opportunity for INTJs to learn and grow themselves, the challenges always come with great opportunities.

It's not easy being INTJ's friend. They value reason and intelligence more than anything else and tend to assume that most people they come in contact with maybe less intelligent than they are. Most would probably call it arrogant; INTJs will rationalize this as a law of elimination and make it very easy for people to be discouraged. As a result, INTJs often have very few good friends - but they don't really need to have a long list of friends.

The INTJ personality type is very self-sufficient and independent. They see their friends as an exchange of intelligence and knowledge rather than a bridge to connect with outside society. INTJs are happy to come up with new ways to improve and deepen relationships, but they will not depend on their friendship. Moreover, INTJs will not like the physical expression of emotions (cuddling, touching, etc), even with close friends.

INTJ's friends also find that people with this type of personality are hard to "read" (hard to guess). Not only are INTJs calm and emotional, but they also have the ability to try to suppress emotions - emotions are their weakness; therefore, they do their best to keep their emotions out of the picture because they are afraid that this will violate the norms of reason and logical thinking they have set. And conversely, INTJs are insensitive when it comes to the feelings of others - and one thing is for sure, INTJs have trouble expressing something with emotion.

INTJs know how to relax and they enjoy being among close friends. Being famous for sarcasm and hidden sense humor makes INTJs great storytellers, as long as the listener can understand (and endure) their jokes. This is one of the reasons why INTJs really like NT or NF groups - these two groups can understand their jokes and follow INTJ's thoughts. In contrast, people with S (sensitive) characteristics are likely to feel quite frustrated with these INTJs.

People of the INTJ personality are often gifted and bright individuals, they are always looking for personal growth and development and also encourage their friends to follow the same path. If INTJs can connect with others at this level, their friendship will likely be strong and lasting. In general, INTJs are often indifferent friends who don't require much attention or regular contact - they understand the value of privacy and independence and will really help their friends to become more independent.

In short, INTJs believe in the sustainable development of relationships, so they strive for the freedom of themselves and their friends. INTJs continually embark on "improvement" projects that enhance the overall quality of their lives and relationships. INTJs are very serious about their commitments but gladly accept to redefine that commitment if they feel that something can be more advanced than their current understanding. 

They are not easily "open" or become too intimate with friends or children, and sometimes seem indifferent to their emotional needs. However, INTJs are very talented and knowledgeable people, they always attempt to do the best and always develop in a positive way. If they apply these basic goals to personal relationships, it is likely that INTJs will enjoy stable and happy relationships with family and friends.

Classify trends in the INTJ personality group

• Artisan personality groups (SP): ISFP (Composer), ISTP (Crafter), ESFP (Performer), ESTP (Promoter);

• Guardian personality group (SJ): ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESFJ (Provider), ESTJ (Supervisor);

• Idealist personality group (NF): ENFP (Champion), INFJ (Counselor), INFP (Healer), ENFJ (Teacher);

• Rational personality group (NT): INTP (Architect), ENTJ (Fieldmarshal), ENTP (Inventor), INTJ (Mastermind).

The popularity of the INTJ personality group

This is the third rarest personality group in the world and accounts for about 2-4% of the world's population. By gender, only 1% of INFJs are female and 3% are male. INTJs are often considered to be very clever and mysteriously difficult to understand. People of INTJ personality often exude confidence, based on their vast understanding of various fields and areas. INTJs often begin to develop their knowledge in childhood ("Nerds" are INTJ's famous nicknames) and continue to do so later in life.

When INTJ people mastered the knowledge in their chosen field (INTJs can find their strengths in some areas), they can speak frankly and honestly that whether they know the answer to a specific question or not. INTJs comprehend what they know and more importantly - they are very sure about that. Not surprisingly, this type of personality can be "labeled" as the most independent of all personality types.

The famous INTJs

• Vladimir Putin - Russian President;

• Augustus Caesar - Roman Emperor;

• Bill Gates - Chairman, Co-Founder of Microsoft Corporation;

• Paul Krugman - American famous economist;

• Rudy Giuliani - Former Mayor of New York;

• Donald Rumsfeld - Secretary of Defense;

• Colin Powell - US Secretary of State;

• Richard Gere - Famous actor;

• Mark Zuckerberg - CEO of Facebook;

• Hannibal - Military leader of Carthage;

• Arnold Schwarzenegger - Actor and Governor of California;

• John F. Kennedy - 35th president of the United States;

• Woodrow Wilson - 28th president of the United States;

• Gandalf the Gray - Author "The Lord of the Rings".