Introverted
Intuiting with
Extraverted Thinking
STRENGTHS
Inclined to focus on their own inner
thoughts and abstract ideas INTJs often prefer working on their own, sometimes
finding conversation and discussion an unwanted distraction from their desire
to complete tasks in a systematic methodical way. Quietly curious and introspective,
they are inclined to focus on the deeper patterns and hidden meanings behind
surface forms and structures. Thus, they tend to view life from a somewhat detached,
academic point of view. Logical, analytical and orderly in their thinking they
are motivated to get to the heart of theoretical issues. Having a strong sense
of duty and responsibility they believe it is important to adhere closely to
established methods and procedures, and will be committed to complete tasks
on schedule and to the required standard. However, their emphasis on Thinking
may cause them to question tasks and procedures that are not based on a sound
logical analysis.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Orientated towards the inner world of abstract
concepts and ideas, INTJs may sometimes need to be drawn out in social settings.
Thoughtful and introspective, they may not be the first to put forward their
own ideas, preferring instead to consider the deeper issues before contributing
to a debate or discussion. Feeling most at ease when working with fundamental
principles and abstract concepts, they may dislike managing interpersonal relationships.
Inclined to cool logical analysis, understanding others¹ feelings may not come
naturally to them. Clear thinking and independent minded, they will be prepared
to take tough decisions when these are called for. When working in teams they
will wish to have a well defined role, and to be set clearly defined goals.
Wanting to get to grips with the detailed, theoretical aspects of a problem,
they will generally prefer to learn about a subject by reading, or through private
study, rather than by engaging in lively, informed debate or discussion.
THINKING STYLE
INTJs are known for their abstract, creative,
approach to problem solving, which is based on a logical analysis of fundamental
principles. Moreover, approaching problems in a clear, orderly and methodical
way, they will not lose sight of the detailed aspects of the task at hand. More
interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply perceiving how
the work, they will use their Intuition to look beyond the superficial facts
in a given situation, in search of deeper truths. However, this does not mean
that they will lack interest in solving practical real-world problems. Rather,
it means that they approach such problems by first understanding the theoretical
principles that govern the problem at hand. Organising abstract logical arguments
in an orderly and systematic manner, they may be at their best when communicating
in writing, rather than in interpersonal contexts.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Well organised, dependable and reliable,
they will be trusted to see tasks through to the end. Known for their sound
grasp of fundamental concepts and principles, colleagues will respect their
ability to analyse problems in a systematic and logical manner. Setting high
standards for themselves and others, they value efficiency, and clarity of thought.
Dependable, reliable and tending to plan well ahead, others may take a while
to warm to them. Moreover, colleagues who are, on the surface, more emotional
than they are may on occasion have difficulty understanding their tendency to
rely upon cool, abstract logic. Given their quiet outward calm, INTJs may sometimes
surprise their colleagues by the firmness of their opinions, which will be based
on a detailed, logical analysis of all the relevant information. While others
may at times see them as being a little shy, distant or even somewhat aloof,
this is to misunderstand their private, inner-directed nature and tendency to
rely on cool, abstract logic.
After publishing his seminal work on psychological types in 1921, Jung did little further work in this area. However the importance of his work was recognised by the mother and daughter team, Elizabeth Myers and Catherine Briggs. Realising that if Jung's ideas were to have any practical application it would be necessary to develop an easy method for assessing a person's psychological type, Myers and Briggs published the first type indicator in 1949. Moreover, they developed the now famous four-letter type code as a short hand way of describing a person's type.In addition to providing a short-cut route for describing a person's psychological type, the four-letter code also reveals a set of complex personality dynamics which provide insights into the order in which the preferred psychological processes are likely to manifest themselves in the person's daily life.
The way to discover the dynamic relationship between these psychological processes is by examining the middle two preferences; SN for perceiving, and TF for judging, types. These are referred to as functions. For any type, one of these functions is dominant and this dominant function is used in the preferred world (external or internal as indicated by the EI preference), with Extraverts using their dominant function in the external world and Introverts using their dominant function in the internal world. Moreover, the function which the type code indicates is not preferred is called the auxiliary function. Thus, if either the S or N function were indicated as being the preferred function, then either the T or F function would be the auxiliary function.
So, introverts are more likely to exhibit their auxiliary function when relating to the outer world, whereas their dominant function will be used mainly when relating to the inner world, and will thus not be readily accessible for others to see. In contrast, because Extraverts use their dominant function in the outer world, it will be available for all to see.
