INTJ Personality Type (Ni-Te)

What is an INTJ Personality Type?

INTJ stands for Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging. Originally, it was a term from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (or MBTI), which was developed by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs. The Myers-Briggs theory (which many incorrectly refer to as just “MBTI”) originally labelled 16 personality types. Myers and Briggs drew their inspiration from Carl Jung’s theory of the cognitive functions. The 4-letter acronyms have now become commonplace within various offshoots or interpretations of Carl Jung’s original work.

INTJ Meaning

The INTJ personality type is Introverted, which does not necessarily mean that they are socially introverted, although many are. They will, however, be cognitive introverts. In Carl Jung’s description of the cognitive functions, Introversion simply means a focus on the subjective, or their own internal world.

The INTJ personality type values Intuition, which means they prioritize abstract information over concrete information. Being an Intuitive does not mean the INTJ is incapable of interacting with the concrete world in an effective way, but rather they will prioritize abstract information when making decisions.

The INTJ personality type values Thinking, which does not mean they have no emotions or are unaffected by their emotions. Rather, they will have a natural focus on impersonal data, in an attempt to approach things in a way that they believe to be the most logical.

The INTJ personality type prioritizes Judging, which means they prefer a lifestyle that is more structured or planned out. Judgers are typically long term planners, who prefer to mitigate chaos or uncertainties.

INTJ at a Glance

INTJs are forward-thinking planners who want to live predictable lives. Therefore, they typically dump a lot of energy into accounting for future implications. They focus heavily on the future, as they perceive it could play out, and adjust their actions to align to their desired outcome. INTJs trust their intuition, but due to the vague nature of their thoughts, they often struggle to trace back the reasoning for it. INTJs are good at setting long term goals and effectively working towards achieving them. In addition, they often have good time-management skills, and excel at streamlining processes to make them as efficient as possible.

Common Strengths (when healthy)

Conceptual
Single-minded
Long term planners
Rational
Cautious
Efficient
Task-oriented

Common Weaknesses (when imbalanced)

Overly vague/Unspecific
Blunt/Insensitive
Stubborn
Superiority complex
Quick to jump to conclusions
Closed off to spontaneity and adventure

Cognitive Functions of an INTJ

The cognitive functions for the INTJ personality type, in order, are Ni-Te-Fi-Se. Below, we attempted to break down each cognitive function and practically explain how it will surface in an INTJ. Please realize however that everyone is unique, and the entire world cannot fit into 16 personality type boxes. Ergo, it’s unlikely that an INTJ will relate to or demonstrate every single quirk or trait mentioned below. However, an INTJ should relate to the underlying principle of each function, and most of what is described below. Exceptions may occur when the INTJ is stuck in a Ni-Fi loop or in the grip of Se. These scenarios may be briefly mentioned in the description below, but this page is not specifically written with those scenarios in mind. With all that said, we hope you find this description useful for self-analysis or understanding the minds of others.

Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)

The INTJ personality type leads with Introverted Intuition (Ni). Strong Ni users subconsciously utilize the patterns they have stored away to navigate their future and make it what they desire or avoid what they fear. (Click here for a more in-depth description of Ni.) This is why the INTJ personality type tends to be described as future-oriented and visionary. They’re not getting bogged down by the details of the past, but rather using the overarching themes and lessons they’ve learned to predict where a situation will ultimately lead. They’ll play something out completely in their head in order to speculate how it’ll end. Bear in mind, that their conclusions are not always correct… because *ahem* they’re not actually psychic. Experience is always key. The longer INTJs live, the more patterns they will have stored away, and the more effective they will become at reading and predicting situations.

Those with the INTJ personality type will tend to look for the meaning or underlying reason behind events or situations. They want to tie everything to a single principle or concept that can be applied universally. They will have a focus on impressions and themes which are by nature more abstract than concrete examples or details from past experiences.

Since Ni users lack Si, those with this personality type won’t be incredibly detail oriented, and probably won’t do everything by the book. This doesn’t mean that they won’t be precise, but that they will only be as precise as they need to be to achieve their goal or complete their task. Some details may be skipped over or ignored if deemed unnecessary. (Of course, an oversight might come back to haunt them later). They also won’t dwell much on the past, but focus more on achieving their ideal future.

INTJs will probably talk in a very specific and to-the-point manner, and may become impatient with people who take too long to get to the point. While Ne users are prone to sharing their strange intuitive leaps out loud, bringing you along on the conversational journey until they finally reach their conclusion with you, those with the INTJ personality will not. Rather, INTJs will work it all out in their head and then share the conclusion with you. You may be able to convince them to back peddle and explain their logic, but the point here is that you’ll probably hear the conclusion before you hear the argument or dissertation. INTJs will also use their Ni to manipulate the situation in such a way that other people cannot affect the outcome. No matter what the other person does, INTJs will try to ensure that the desired result is always met. They’ll frame a situation such that either result or answer gives them what they want. This is why INTJs may seem several steps ahead or have a particular affinity towards chess or strategy games.

Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

The INTJ personality type has Extraverted Thinking (Te) as their second, or auxiliary, function. Te users will streamline a process until it has become the most efficient it can be. INTJs will use this function to order and structure the world around them. For INTJs, Te will support Ni by helping execute plans in the most efficient way possible and seeing them through to completion. Basically, Te will help them realize their Ni vision. In fictional settings, INTJs are frequently stereotyped as the evil mastermind with an intricate plan to take over the world because the unique combination of Ni-Te. However, every INTJ is not going to have an elaborate global plan. That’s just not realistic. Many INTJs will focus purely on their personal life and use their Te to achieve smaller scale goals. While they prefer control and their Ni-Te will do everything possible to maintain it, INTJs won’t be completely adverse to risk-taking, although they may be extremely careful. If their Ni believes it can see that the risk will end well, Te will take the leap of faith.

While ISTJs would rather execute things themselves to ensure the task is executed with the utmost detail and precision, INTJs, on the other hand, may hold the mentality: “why do something when I could get someone else to do it for me?” Their Te reasons that it is more efficient to have someone else doing a task for them, since the other person may get it done faster, or at the very least it would free up their own time up for other, more important things. Therefore, INTJs will be prone to delegating when possible. An INTJ’s focus on the end goal and efficiency may cause them to seem impatient to others. Te is interested in the true and accurate flow of information, so, INTJs will say things bluntly at times even if it comes off as mean or harsh. Trying to sugar coat something would be a waste of time.

Upon first meeting an INTJ, they’re likely to seem somewhat rigid and curt as a result of this auxiliary Te. Over time, they should loosen up as they get comfortable in new scenarios or a specific social situation. In conversation, Te users tend to like to discuss things out loud with others since it is a natural way to utilize Extraverted Thinking (Te). INTJs will probably enjoy debating or theorizing, as long as those involved don’t get emotional.

Those with the INTJ personality type tend to be relatively neat and tidy, since Te wishes to make it’s environment both orderly and efficient. (Remember – “relatively” means relative to something else or someone else. If you’re reading this article as a potential INTJ, you might not think you’re very organized as a result of Fi standards and self-criticism. If so, ignore your personal opinion and ask someone close to you or compare yourself to those you live with or have lived with.) It is also not uncommon for an auxiliary Te user to have some OCD tendencies.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)

The INTJ personality type has Introverted Feeling (Fi) as their third, or tertiary, function. Fi in this spot gives INTJs a clear sense of who they are and where their morals and standards lie. It will give them a sense of self without the need to over-analyze or reevaluate themselves and their feelings like an Fi dominant will. They’ll probably make statements like ‘this is just the way I am’, possibly as an excuse for a Te driven action or to stubbornly refuse to deviate from a position or mindset. They’ll likely not be keen on evaluating their sense of self or identity very deeply, unless stuck in an Ni-Fi loop. Tertiary Fi users tend to draw confidence from this tendency to not overthink themselves.

As low Fi users, INTJs will view things through the lens of how something made them feel personally and won’t naturally be very cognizant of how something makes others feel. However, they do have great potential to empathize with those who are experiencing something that they themselves have experienced. Fi combined with their higher functions will also result in intense loyalty toward family and friends and will give them a strong sense of duty. Tertiary Fi in the negative can result in INTJs being very hard on themselves when they don’t live up to their own ideals and standards. They may find themselves drowning in a sea of self-criticism and disappointment, unable to move past a personal failure or inability to live up to a conviction or self-made expectation.

Inferior Function: Extraverted Sensing (Se)

The INTJ personality type has Extraverted Sensing (Se) as their fourth, or inferior, function. This can manifest for them in a couple of different ways. First, it can manifest as a devaluing of sensory, or concrete information. They may be so determined to perceive deeper meaning or trust an abstract impression that they fail to see the evidence right in front of them. They may refuse to try to support their intuitive conclusions with concrete information, either because they don’t see it necessary or feel unable to do so. (Having Se as their inferior function may essentially result in them not even bothering to try, which may ultimately lead to bitterness when those around them won’t trust their unsupported conclusions.)

Inferior Se can also cause INTJs to struggle to adapt in the moment, or feel present. Being one of the personality types to think far into the future, they may struggle to live in the now, and react when they need to. They may find themselves easily stressed by spontaneous action, preferring plenty of time in advance to prepare.

INTJs may also have a weakness toward sensory pleasures, like overindulging in food or possibly buying expensive and overly lavish things. They may also be very generous toward loved ones and friend in terms of buying gifts or lending money. INTJs will also probably have a slight yearning for adventure, but since this function is weak the thought of going on such adventures might be nerve wracking to them and could keep them from acting on that desire. This personality may also have a strong appreciation for aesthetics, which could surface through a very nicely decorated home or an interest in fashion.

INTJ Careers and Job Ideas

At Practical Typing, we hesitate to list specific careers, because each person is far more than their personality type. Cognitive functions do not determine skills, only cognitive preferences. However, there will be certain aspects within a given career field that play better to an INTJ’s strengths. For instance, INTJs typically excel at jobs that require long term planning. Their naturally forward-thinking nature can make them perfectionists, which can be a great quality for jobs where a specific outcome must be achieved. These types often prefer a job that promise stability and progression. They want to know that their job, whatever it is, will keep them engaged for many years to come. In addition, INTJs prefer to work in a structured environment, where they can know what is expected of them. They are often objective and rational people, who will prefer a role that allows them to stay detached from drama and emotionally charged individuals. INTJs will likely struggle with a career that is too chaotic, unpredictable, and doesn’t allow them time to think.

INTJ Relationships and Compatibility

INTJs bring a rational perspective to their relationships. They often excel at approaching situations in an objective way, and offer sound advice to their loved ones. INTJs care deeply for those they are close to. They’re typically reliable and loyal individuals who will be there for the people they care about, no matter what. They struggle with spontaneity, and will need a partner who respects their structured approach to life. However, they may look to their partner to provide the flexibility that they lack, and encourage a more light-hearted approach to life.