Introverted
Thinking with
Extraverted Intuiting
STRENGTHS
INTPs are inclined to direct their
attention inward, on abstract thoughts and ideas. Thus, they often prefer to
work on their own, free from the distraction of other people. Using their Intuition
to look beyond the obvious known facts in a given situation, they are flexible,
free-thinking and adaptable. Open to new ideas, they will examine novel perspectives
in a critical, objective manner. Logical and analytical, they are motivated
to get to the heart of theoretical problems. Quietly curious and introspective,
they focus on the deeper hidden patterns and meanings behind superficial forms
and structures. Preferring to approach old problems from novel perspectives,
they are not inclined to be rule bound, rigid or dogmatic. Focusing on fundamental
principles, they tend to view life from an abstract, intellectual point of view.
Sceptical, and inclined to ask challenging questions - both of themselves and
others - they value intellectual competence and abstract logic.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
With an Introverted orientation, INTPs direct
their attention towards the inner world of abstract thought and ideas. Thus,
they may sometimes need to be drawn out when in the company of others. Thoughtful
and introspective, they may not be the first to put forward their own ideas,
preferring instead to consider the deeper aspects of a problem before contributing
to a debate or discussion. Given their preference for Thinking, they are likely
to be more at ease when working with fundamental concepts and ideas, rather
than managing interpersonal relationships. Inclined to keep their inner-most
thoughts and feelings to themselves, others may take a while to warm to them.
Although able to operate effectively in meetings and discussions, they may nevertheless
be at their best when communicating in writing, where they may feel most able
to express freely their creative, abstract ideas. Not inclined to be judgmental,
they will be accepting of people who have a diverse range of ideas and opinions.
THINKING STYLE
INTPs are known for their creative, imaginative
approach to problem solving which is grounded in a logical analysis of fundamental
principles. More interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply
perceiving how they work, they will look beyond the superficial facts in a given
situation in search of deeper, hidden truths. Thus, they may feel more comfortable
when seeking creative solutions to challenging problems, rather than being responsible
for putting their ideas into action. However, their orientation towards the
abstract and theoretical does not mean that they will lack interest in solving
practical real-world problems. Rather, it means that they approach such problems
by focusing on the fundamental concepts that underpin the problem at hand. Inclined
to focus on the broader picture, attending to the detailed requirements of a
task may not come naturally to them. While open to new ideas, they will not
reject tried-and-tested methods if convinced of the value of such approaches.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Colleagues will value their logical, rational
approach to problems. However, people who are, on the surface, more emotional
than them may on occasion have difficulty relating to their tendency to evaluate
situations in an abstract, theoretical manner. They are likely to be viewed
as deep thinkersı who may sometimes be prone to flights of fantasy. Moreover,
more down-to-earth colleagues, who are less interested in the subtle nuances
of a problem, may sometimes worry that they might lose sight of practical, day-to-day
realities. Avoiding dogmatism, they will be seen as free-thinking, open-minded
and adaptable. Inclined to become engrossed in their own thoughts, some may
view them as being a little disorganised or absentminded at times. While some
colleagues may see them as being a little shy, distant or even somewhat aloof,
this is to misunderstand their private, inner-directed nature and their resultant
tendency to focus on their own abstract thoughts and ideas.
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.
