If the Myer-Briggs Personality Indicator (MBTI) assessed you the INTJ personality type, then you are among the rarest personality types in the world.
Perhaps you have read the basic INTJ personality analysis, but if you are looking for further profile analysis, this article focuses on INTJ’s strengths and weaknesses.
The MBTI identifies 16 personality types, determined by the four cognitive functions that shape a person’s identity.
The meaning of each personality type comes as an acronym for these four functions. Therefore the four traits that define INTJ meaning and personality are introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging.
These individuals are superior strategists who analyze every matter profoundly and in detail. Since INTJs always come up with creative solutions, they are nicknamed Architects, Strategists, or Masterminds.
All INTJ Strengths and Advantages
Independent
INTJs are lone wolves, and they tend to work independently. Architect’s personalities don’t depend on anyone and rarely rely on anyone else but themselves. They prioritize their careers over all other segments of their lives and dedicate time, energy, and effort to solve even the most complex issues.
Reliable and Loyal
Even though they are notorious when it comes to personal commitment, INTJs are people who thoroughly respond to their responsibilities. When INTJs start a project, they are entirely dedicated to completing it in the most practical and unique way.
Rational
INTJs base their decisions on rationality and common sense. They look for evidence and support to back up their ideas. When they offer a solution to a problem, it is usually an outstanding concept that can be practically implemented.
Determined and Willing to Learn
INTJs usually set high standards that are hard to achieve. Not only do they have high expectations for others, they often expect a lot from themselves.
So, when caught in a complex situation that requires additional insight, they are willing to learn whatever it takes to achieve the goal. They strive to increase their competence and broaden their horizons.
Curious and Innovative
INTJs are very creative and usually come up with new, out-of-the-box solutions and ideas. They prefer finding a new, updated solution rather than using the existing ones in case they are not satisfied with what’s been offered.
Versatile
INTJs are masterminds in the real sense of the word. They can see the big picture and work over all the possible challenges by carefully analyzing the situation. They don’t hesitate to experiment and try new possibilities.
All INTJ Weaknesses & Flows You Should Be Aware Of
Intolerant
INTJs boast superior intelligence; however, they lack the ability to comprehend that not everyone has the same cognitive skills as they do.
Arrogant
INTJs are self-confident people who are aware of their potential and skills. Yet, when blinded by their extreme self-esteem, they appear arrogant and harsh to people whom INTJs consider inferior.
Emotionally inexpressive
Architects personalities are guided by logical thinking, and they seek facts, not emotions. They go to the extreme of disregarding people who are driven by their feelings as unreasonable and inferiority. Even in relationships, they feel perplexed when expressing their emotions and often show care in alternative ways.
Overly Critical
INTJs have high expectations from themselves and the people around them. When these expectations are not met, they become frustrated, which leads to fierce criticism and disappointment.
Highly Independent
Being independent has its advantages. However, when it stands in the way of cooperation and sharing ideas, then it becomes a flaw.
INTJs believe that only if they do the job themselves will be completely done. Otherwise, they express a strong doubt when somebody else takes responsibility.
Too introverted
INTJs, among all the introverts, are the ones who need the most time in privacy, away from public influence. The tendency to test and try new ideas or concepts makes them fulfilled, so they are not likely to mingle with other people.
Avoid casual gatherings
Masterminds love discussing big ideas. When it comes to trivia and daily chit-chat, they look down on it and avoid it at all costs. Even though that’s far from being negative, the sole fact that INTJs don’t take part in family and corporate events makes them overly distant and reserved.
INTJ Growth and Development Opportunities
Nobody is infallible, and that refers to the INTJ personality type, even though they are most likely to strive for perfectionism. For the most part, this tendency to set incredibly high standards comes very naturally to them.
In between their innate intelligence and logical thinking, and the high opinion they have of themselves, INTJs need to find a proper balance to flourish their strengths and tackle their weaknesses wisely.
How To Boost and Maximize INTJ Strengths
- Analyze without overthinking!
INTJs analyze everything that gets caught in the whirlpool of their thoughts. Sometimes they tend to get so focused on trivialities that they forget the broader picture.
Even though this mostly depends on their personality type, i.e., if the INTJ is an Assertive or a Turbulent type (find out more about the differences between INTJ-a and INTJ-T), both of the identities at a certain point of time are prone to overthinking.
They are advised to intuitively approach any subject without being too critical or dismissive to spare time and energy.
- Find their place in society
Many INTJs often feel as if they came from another planet since they rarely come across someone with a genuine understanding of their personality.
However, instead of closing in on the depths of their world, INTJs should find a proper circle of similar characters while giving an honest try to see other people’s qualities.
- Enhance their brilliance without appearing arrogant
Individuals with the Architect personality type are very creative, out-of-the-box visionaries who stand out with their uniqueness.
However, they are often so self-absorbed that they don’t honestly care how they appear in other people’s eyes. Therefore, they leave a negative impression of being arrogant and unfriendly, even to people who are supposed to help them or support them.
If INTJs show more tolerance and patience, they could quickly get sympathy from those around them.
- Try to get in touch with their emotions
Not that INTJs are heartless, emotion-deprived individuals. They just need to approach feelings with the same understanding as they approach any other matter in their lives.
How to Minimize and Deal with INTJ Weaknesses
- Find balance
INTJs are simply said, workaholics who can get thoroughly consumed with their work, particularly if that’s an exciting project that needs closure.
Yet, no matter how exhilarating that might seem, Architects need to focus on their wellbeing and the people they care about. This means making a conscious decision to genuinely consider other segments of their lives, not just the professional ones.
- Stop looking for a solution to every problem
The Masterminds’ natural tendency is to try to fix anything, from problems to people. They analyze the situation, spot inconsistencies, and put themselves on a mission to find an ideal solution.
However, INTJs need to be aware that not every problem should be immediately solved, nor must every person be fixed. Therefore, INTJs should be careful when making sudden decisions and consider the circumstances as well.
- Control their temper
INTJs can easily get frustrated as their lack of tolerance for mediocre people and situations is way too intense. In some cases, they can lose their temper and have anger issues, leading to serious conflicts.
Yet, INTJs have an excellent logical and analytical function that can prevent them from reacting impulsively, even in intense situations. Therefore, instead of focusing on the subject of their annoyance, INTJs are advised to withdraw and act the best they can- logically and analytically.
- Understand that rules have a purpose
Even though INTJs are notorious when it comes to obeying rules, they need to understand that that’s the only way to ensure a functional society. So, no matter how illogical and senseless some rules appear to be, INTJs are encouraged to comprehend their broader purpose and act in accordance with expectations.
INTJ Strengths And Weaknesses FAQ
What were three specific examples of INTJ strengths?
INTJs have numerous key skills that help them succeed. One such key skill is their ability to be rational. They make decisions by weighing their options and do not make emotionally driven decisions.
INTJs also have a passion for learning, making them curious. Their curiosity leads them to discover new things about themselves and the world around them. Finally, INTJs are also determined.
They ensure that the goals they set for themselves are met and often exceeded. INTJs do not rely on others to get work done; they do it themselves to ensure it is done right.
What are INTJs known for?
INTJs are stereotypically seen as quiet intellectuals. Many find them to be somewhat robotic when it comes to emotions. INTJs can be a bit awkward, especially if the topic does not interest them or does not matter.
INTJs are known to excel at problem-solving and working on their own. This is why many employers give INTJs additional independence.
Why are INTJs so negative?
INTJs are usually not negative on purpose. However, they are rational and realistic. Because of this, they do not sugarcoat reality. INTJs are not the type of people to tell you something just to make you feel good.
They are focused on problem-solving and knowledge gathering. If optimism is not warranted, the INTJ may seem a bit pessimistic. Remember that they are not trying to hurt you or be a downer, but rather, trying to accurately assess reality.
What you shouldn’t do to an INTJ?
Certain tasks and mannerisms annoy INTJs. Try not to force an INTJ to share their feelings. Emotions are not their strong suit, and they do not enjoy expressing them in public.
If you force the INTJ to engage in office chatter, they will become irritated. They view chatter as a distraction and avoid it. Rules are usually respected by INTJs, but forcing them to give up independence will likely make them upset.
Independence allows INTJs to explore problem-solving on their own without restraint, so you can see why taking that away may cause issues.
Final Word
When a person knows his/her strengths and weaknesses, it is usually an open gate to self-correction and making the most of what someone has the potential to do.
So, when INTJs consciously uplift their talents and skills, they will steer their actions and intentions into well-defined goals without being distracted along the way.
Having said all of this, INTJs should grasp all their strengths without feeling that they don’t fit in. All that intelligence and brilliance can help them stand out. If they dedicate themselves to improving and creating, they can quickly gain lots of sympathy and support from society.
This means that instead of being overly critical, impatient, and arrogant, INTJs can work on their most enhanced weaknesses and try to understand other people.
Only when INTJs see their brilliance as a gift that can uplift others and stop looking down on people they consider inferior to them, their life will make more sense.
