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Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judging: by Marina Margaret Heiss

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INTJ

Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging


by Marina Margaret Heiss
To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of
self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple
arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a
general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that
most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own
areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell
you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how.
INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they
know what they don't know.
INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for improving
upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them from
becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is the
pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often ruthlessly)
the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts
to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual
independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority,
convention, or sentiment for its own sake.
INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part
because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and
reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them
the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and
disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of
both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be
"slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally
be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it upon
themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their
supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be
scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual
contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing
opportunities which others might not even notice.
In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know".
Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but they
can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are
required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to
management positions when they are willing to invest time
inmarketing their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for
the sake of ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to
learn to simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask
their inherent unconventionality.
Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's
Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a
select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a
relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so
successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in
interpersonal situations.
This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social
rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less
understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most
types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters,
INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally
impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and
misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that
INTJs really want people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a
peculiar naivete', paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting
inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the
INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.
Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their
intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship.
Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that
many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by
synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice,
turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed and
directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support those
they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do become
established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their robustness,
stability, and good communications.
(INTJ stands for Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging and represents
individual's preferences in four dimensions characterising personality
type, according to Jung's and Briggs Myers' theories of personality type.)

Functional Analysis Of The INTJ


Based on Jung’s framework of mental functions - by Joe Butt

Introverted iNtuition
INTJs are idea people. Anything is possible; everything is negotiable.
Whatever the outer circumstances, INTJs are ever perceiving inner
pattern-forms and using real-world materials to operationalize them.
Others may see what isand wonder why; INTJs see what might be and say
"Why not?!" Paradoxes, antinomies, and other contradictory phenomena
aptly express these intuitors' amusement at those whom they feel may be
taking a particular view of reality too seriously. INTJs enjoy developing
unique solutions to complex problems.

Extraverted Thinking
Thinking in this auxiliary role is a workhorse. Closure is the payoff for
efforts expended. Evaluation begs diagnosis; product drives process. As
they come to light, Thinking tends, protects, affirms and directs
iNtuition's offspring, fully equipping them for fulfilling and useful lives. A
faithful pedagogue, Thinking argues not so much on its own behalf, but in
defense of its charges. And through this process these impressionable
ideas take on the likeness of their master.

Introverted Feeling
Feeling has a modest inner room, two doors down from the Most Imminent
iNtuition. It doesn't get out much, but lends its influence on behalf of
causes which are Good and Worthy and Humane. We may catch a glimpse
of it in the unspoken attitude of good will, or the gracious smile or nod.
Some question the existence of Feeling in this type, yet its unseen
balance to Thinking is a cardinal dimension in the full measure of the
INTJ's soul.

Extraverted Sensing
Sensing serves with a good will, or not at all. As other inferior functions, it
has only a rudimentary awareness of context, amount or degree. Thus
INTJs sweat the details or, at times, omit them. "I've made up my mind,
don't confuse me with the facts" could well have been said by an INTJ on
a mission. Sensing's extraverted attitude is evident in this type's bent to
savor sensations rather than to merely categorize them. Indiscretions of
indulgence are likely an expression of the unconscious vengeance of the
inferior.

INTJ Career Choices


Introvert(50%) iNtuitive(50%) Thinking(59%) Judging(44%)
Generally, INTJs have successful careers in areas requiring intensive
intellectual efforts, presenting intellectual challenge, and creative
approach. Due to the characteristics mentioned above, successful INTJs
are found in technological companies, particularly in research and
development, and also found among corporate lawyers, high- and mid-rank
managers in technology companies and financial institutions.

Jung Career Indicator™ determines occupations and areas in


which INTJs find themselves most fulfilled and content, are most
successful, and likely are most represented in. The following list factors
in the level expressivenes of each of four characteristics of personality
type. It lists the most suitable areas of occupations along with some
examples of educational institutions, where you can receive a relevant
degree or training. The most preferred areas appear first. Click
occupation names and school logos to request program information.

INTJ Communication Skills


INTJs try to figure out how the world around them is structured and what
can be changed in it. They feel the best when they have figured something
out and know how to improve it.
INTJs are comfortable carrying out a conversation. They are neither
arrogant nor are they formal, but might refrain from becoming quick
acquaintances. They can come up against difficulties in situations
requiring finer soft skills when communicating, such as being very tactful
or particularly patient. On the whole, INTJs respect the established rules
of communications although at times they may see them as a formality or
a relic of tradition.
INTJs may find it difficult to express themselves about the finer feelings
of the soul: the topics of love or lyric poetry can fail to elicit a strong
emotional response in them.
In communication INTJs usually come across as well thought out and to
the point. Despite their introversive attitude, when they have something
they find profoundly interesting, like an idea or project of some sort, their
enthusiasm about it may become quite “contagious” and can spread to
those around them.
At times, INTJs seem somewhat closed and distant in communication. But
it is during this time that they are revising their views and conceptions,
and/or are involved in forming new ones. Those who can guess the
reasons for their apparent detachedness can easily engage INTJs in
conversation my making some critical comment regarding the concepts
INTJs have deduced. In these situations INTJs can quite often become
wordy and very talkative.
An INTJ’s social contacts are, as a rule, low in number and mostly limited
to his or her circle of relatives, friends, colleagues and others of a like
mind.
That being said, INTJs can have quite a few business contacts, because
many people find it interesting or important to get an INTJ’s in-depth
expert opinion, which they can offer on many serious issues. Their
business communication usually includes exchange of points of view,
ideas, discussing organizational methods and solutions

Famous INTJs
Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging
by Joe Butt

Susan B. Anthony
Lance Armstrong
Arthur Ashe, tennis champion
Augustus Caesar (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus)
Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers)
William J. Bennett, "drug czar"
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Raymond Burr (Perry Mason, Ironsides)
Chevy Chase (Cornelius Crane) (Fletch)
Katie Couric
Phil Donahue
Michael Dukakis, governor of Mass., 1988 U.S. Dem. pres. candidate
Richard Gere (Pretty Woman)
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor
Greg Gumbel, television sportscaster
Hannibal, Carthaginian military leader
Emily Bronte, author of Wuthering Heights
Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote)
Orel Leonard Hershiser, IV
Peter Jennings
Charles Everett Koop
Ivan Lendl
C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Joan Lunden
Edwin Moses, U.S. olympian (hurdles)
Martina Navratilova
Michelle Obama
General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State
Charles Rangel, US Representative, D-N.Y.
Pernell Roberts (Bonanza)
Donald Rumsfeld, former US Secretary of Defense
Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California
Josephine Tey (Elizabeth Mackintosh), mystery writer (Brat Farrar)
U.S. Presidents:

 Chester A. Arthur
 Calvin Coolidge

 Thomas Jefferson

 John F. Kennedy

 James K. Polk

 Woodrow Wilson

Fictional INTJs:
Cassius (Julius Caesar)
Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
Gandalf the Grey (J. R. R. Tolkein's Middle Earth books)
Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs)
Professor Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes' nemesis
Horatio Hornblower
Ensign Ro (Star Trek--the Next Generation)
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Hamlet)
George Smiley, John le Carre's master spy
Clarice Starling (Silence of the Lambs)

Typology of Westeros: personality types of the characters from A Song of


Ice and Fire fantasy novel series (you may have seen its Game of
Thrones TV adaptation).

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