Thoughts on INTJ

by Erin Banister

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For many years now, I have easily avoided taking a personality assessment. Why? They scare me! Who wants to hear every nuance of yourself reflected in front of you?

Well, I finally took the plunge, and I still don’t like it. I don’t know why, it’s accurate - but only to an extent. I am classified as an INTJ “Mastermind.” Sounds menacing, doesn’t it?

“Of the four aspects of strategic analysis and definition, it is the contingency planning or entailment organizing role that reaches the highest development in Masterminds. Entailing or contingency planning is not an informative activity, rather it is a directive one in which the planner tells others what to do and in what order to do it. As the organizing capabilities the Masterminds increase so does their inclination to take charge of whatever is going on…
Masterminds approach reality as they would a giant chess board, always seeking strategies that have a high payoff, and always devising contingency plans in case of error or adversity. To the Mastermind, organizational structure and operational procedures are never arbitrary, never set in concrete, but are quite malleable and can be changed, improved, streamlined. In their drive for efficient action, Masterminds are the most open-minded of all the types. No idea is too far-fetched to be entertained-if it is useful. Masterminds are natural brainstormers, always open to new concepts and, in fact, aggressively seeking them. They are also alert to the consequences of applying new ideas or positions. Theories which cannot be made to work are quickly discarded by the Masterminds.”
After finding this, I decided to investigate more. I found my Learning Style:
“INTJs learn best by studying, reflecting and conceptualising.
To them, learning is a means to self-improvement and they actively seek to increase their understanding and knowledge…
They enjoy learning theories and models, and need intellectual stimulation in order to maintain their interest. They ask many questions and tend not to accept a teacher or a system’s authority at face value. Memorization of facts, sequential exercises and hands-on training are less useful to them than discussion, reflection, analysis and brainstorming.”
I’ve learned that INTJs usually have these traits:
“Able to absorb extremely complex theoretical and complex material;
Driven to create order and structure from theoretical abstractions;
Supreme strategists;
Future-oriented;
See the global, “big picture”;
Strong insights and intuitions, which they trust implicitly;
Value knowledge and efficiency;
Have no patience with inefficiency and confusion;
Have very high standards for performance, which they apply to themselves most strongly;
Calm, collected and analytical;
Extremely logical and rational;
Original and independent;
Natural leaders, but will follow those they can fully support;
Creative, ingenious, innovative, and resourceful;
Work best alone, and prefer to work alone.
More so than any other personality type, INTJs are brilliant when it comes to grasping complex theories and applying them to problems to come up with long-term strategies. Since this type of “strategizing” is the central focus and drive of the INTJ, there is a happy match between desire and ability in this type. Accordingly, the INTJ is happiest and most effective in careers which allow this type of processing, and which promote an environment in which the INTJ is given a lot of autonomy over their daily lives.”
And that these would be good careers for me:

“Scientists
Engineers
Professors and Teachers
Medical Doctors / Dentists
Corporate Strategists and Organization Builders
Business Administrators / Managers
Military Leaders
Lawyers / Attorneys
Judges
Computer Programmers, Systems Analysts and Computer Specialists.”

That seemed exhaustive, didn’t it? It’s only a fraction of what I found. There is also Bloginality - a unique web log personality test, Myers Briggs, and a plethora more.

I can see the use of it - the majority of the information is true (even some of the bad stuff). The problem is I like to think that everyone is unique. I’m not saying that this encompasses my entire personality, it is missing some of my favorite characteristics. I don’t want to think that in 20 years I’m going to be a hermit - I have control over that!
I would love to get some feedback on this - please feel free to comment!
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  1. One Response to “Thoughts on INTJ”

  2. By Whizzard on May 19, 2005 | Reply

    Hey Erin!

    INTJ’s are great people!!

    I’ve been married to one for 16 years. And, she can improve the heck out of anything.

    Lyle

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