The Strategist – Understanding the INTJ Personality Type
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Take INTJs, also known as “Strategists.” Though not as rare as their cousins, the INFJs, this way of looking at the world is far from common. Only about 2.1% of the U.S. population fit into the category, with men being more likely to compared to women. These people, one way or the other, are logical, conceptual, and motivated learners who need ample alone time to truly thrive.
INTJs bring a lot to the table when they’re at their best, which is why recognizing and respecting their needs and tendencies is so important.
An INTJ’s Daily Life
INTJs are dominated by introverted intuition, a “big-picture” way of interacting with the world. They notice patterns and analyze underlying principles, then create strategies based on that empirical data.
Characterized by their strategic thinking and desire to work independently, INTJs are highly driven when they engage with a task. The urge to work can even be deemed “compulsive” for them.
Yet this seemingly cold and calculated way of viewing life includes a surprisingly optimistic outlook. INTJs see potential in everything they come into contact with, using that input to constantly revise their vision of tomorrow.
These people highly value deep connections in life; they’re not about casual connections – hence the reason why they don’t have many friends. But for the select circle they do feel close to, they’ll share everything about themselves.
This stands to reason then that they need to be very careful about what kinds of people they let into their lives.
In terms of romantic relationships, INTJ types prefer partners who show the same level of intelligence as themselves. Honesty, loyalty, and independence are some of the most important qualities they look for in a partner.
Partnered or single, an average day in the life of an INTJ might find him or her absorbed in problem-solving or strategic planning projects. That could mean:
- Tweaking a business model until it’s just right
- Building systems from scratch
- Researching something.
Regardless, they’re probably going to do it alone if they have their way. When they have that time and space to think, they’re able to shine brightest, thinking critically about everything around them as the independent thinkers they were created to be.
INTJ Strengths
We’ve already mentioned their “big-picture” tendencies, but this is truly one of an INTJ’s biggest strengths. They’re good at understanding complex systems and can easily spot areas that need improvement in any setting, though this might be especially true of business-related and tech-related situations.
If a project requires long-term thinking in general though, an INTJ’s perspective could be invaluable.
Self-assurance is another common power among people with this personality type. Once they set their sights on achieving a goal – no matter how difficult it may seem – they don’t tend to second-guess themselves.
Peer pressure or outside negativity from naysayers will more than likely slide right off them. Moreover, this tendency has a habit of growing as they get older since they have a track record of accomplishments to boost their confidence further.
INTJs are introverts by nature, oftentimes intensely so in that they’re never going to suggest going to a party or group function. That’s just not their happy place.
Yet once they do engage in conversation or other forms of interaction, these individuals can turn into excellent listeners and offer valuable advice where necessary.
Colleagues can greatly benefit from working alongside them as well. This only makes sense considering how their efforts can be boosted by an INTJ’s thoughtful evaluation of any shared tasks.
Challenges Faced by INTJs
For all their positives and potential, however, INTJs are just as human as the next personality type.
They have a distinct set of weaknesses they need to watch out for. And it shouldn’t come as any surprise that one of their unique challenges pertains to their ability (or inability) to socialize.
INTJs’ preference for logic over emotions can, frankly, make them appear coldhearted at times. In fact, acquaintances – particularly those with more emotional ways of interacting with the world – can see them as downright hostile.
While this perception may or may not be actually true, it is a fact that INTJs simply aren’t good about noticing others’ feelings. This is one obvious reason why they can find it difficult to establish close relationships.
It also doesn’t help in this department how easily they become overly focused on intellectual pursuits.
Furthermore, INTJs can be very tough on themselves and others if something doesn’t go according to plan. These individuals set extremely high standards for themselves and those around them, which can either produce amazing results…
Or lead to significant problems in the moment and down the road.
Coaching and Development for INFJs
INTJs naturally seek out and do best in jobs that engage their minds and enable them to realize what they envision. Positions that demand strategic planning skills, problem-solving capabilities, and creativity are where they’re really bound to thrive.
Managers should keep in mind that INTJs view a career as more than just a job. It’s a platform to bring ideas to life and transform them into reality.
This personality type always wants to recognize their potential to the fullest and strive to become the best version of themselves possible.
It’s therefore easy to take advantage of an INTJ in the workplace – which ultimately doesn’t benefit anyone involved. Therefore, helping these people achieve healthy work-life balances may be one of the most important areas they need coaching in.
Otherwise, they tend to overwork themselves and burn out easily.
Encouraging them to try out mindfulness tactics and stress management therapy could be beneficial. These techniques allow INTJs to take care of their mental health while still working towards their goals.
Creative hobbies can be encouraged as well. Perhaps suggest to them that they could explore new methods of expression through art or other activities that require imagination and innovation.
And if INTJs themselves are in leadership positions, they definitely need to learn soft skills on top of their business capabilities. Being intelligent alone doesn’t guarantee success – a truth they should never forget.
Knowing how to engage and inspire others is every bit as necessary… no matter how challenging the INTJ might find it to be.
INTJs in the Workplace
Because of their analytical strengths and organization capabilities, INTJs often excel in technical fields. Once they’ve selected an ideal industry, they can further narrow down positions by remembering their need for independence at work and their tendency to take on projects aimed at organizational development through innovation.
With those details in mind, possible career paths for the INTJ include:
- Scientist
- Engineer
- Professor and teacher
- Medical doctor and dentist
- Corporate strategist
- Organization builder
- Business administrator and manager
- Military leader
- Lawyer and attorney
- Judge.