INTP

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Characteristics of an INTP

(I) Introverted - (N) Intuitive - (T) Thinking - (P) Perceiving

The INTP is very independent, and values independence in others. They can play the team game, but then prefer to go and get on with it, working in sporadic bursts of energy. Although quite deep and private, the INTP can at times seem totally outspoken because of their directness of communication and economy of words. The INTP is blunt, to the point and does not like to be 'fobbed off.'

Other people may assume that the INTP says very little. But this is only when there is nothing to say. The general chitchat of social life is not for them and they prefer to speak only about areas that interest them, things they consider important. There is an expedient side to the INTP character, and this means they will focus on the things, which interest them most, and can actually become totally absorbed in such activities. The routine, the detail bores them rigid and they will put off completing tasks, which they see as unnecessary, preferring to 'blitz' them nearer the deadline. For the INTP follow-through does not come naturally, and completion will be via a huge burst of energy at the last minute.

The INTP is intellectually curious and enjoys the more complex and theoretical problems, often for their own sake. Practical application has little interest for the INTP, who prefers identifying the solutions and then leave someone else to plan the work. They do however dislike slop, mess and waste and also errant, illogical thinking and poor diction. They are flexible, do not like to be fenced in but have very high standards.

The INTP is the cynical, (they prefer to call themselves ‘realists!’), character who is intensely logical, analytical and detached. Independent and sceptical they believe solely in the power of logic, finding it difficult to express or even to ‘do’ emotions. Rarely intimidated the INTP will work through even the most apparently momentous problems with the same logical demeanor and furrowed brow that they would display when filling in their expenses.

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Famous INTPs

Barack Obama

Politician

Bryan Ferry

Musician

Larry Page

Business Leader

Jesse Eisenberg

Actor

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INTP Relationships

• Skeptical
• Unemotional
• Direct
• Difficult to know
• Struggles with emotions
• Detached
• Analytical
• Wary
• Can close down if you get too close
• Emotions don’t 'compute'
• Trust takes time
• Formal
• Dislikes chitchat
• Prefers the complex and interesting

The INTP may have trouble with emotional individuals as this 'does not compute,' they being so logical, analytical and objective with no time for anything they see as 'fanciful.' An INTP would not be motivated by someone saying, 'please,' or by emotional pleading. Rational argument, logic and intellectual theory are the routes to the ‘heart’ of the INTP who will have no problem taking the hard decision, as long as it is the 'right' decision. In times of low energy, or moments of single-minded concentration, the INTP is aloof and detached in a way that might even offend more relational or extraverted individuals.

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INTP Careers

• Flexibility
• Freedom and personal space
• High standards
• Not people-centric
• Challenge
• Intellectual rigour
• High caliber
• Independent
• Robust
• Non-emotional
• Autonomous
• Not constant communication
• Deal with complexity
• Process vast amounts of data
• Work in short bursts

The INTP will not fit snugly into a typical structure. They value independence, of thought and action and they need their space: to think and to be free from other people. The INTP does not like facts or figures preferring the broad brush stroke approach and too much detail can blow a fuse. The simple, the obvious the concrete bores them rigid and anything they see as trivial or unimportant will be pushed away which can make them appear slightly arrogant by those who like the detail.

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INTP at Work

• Independent
• Values flexibility, freedom and personal space
• Prefers the complex and interesting
• Impatient and assertive when challenged
• Needs challenge and intellectual rigour
• Non-emotional
• Bored by routine
• Works in short bursts of energy
• High standards but not detailed
• Autonomous
• Doesn’t like constant communication
• Loves to process vast amounts of data
• Robust
• Prefers work to have real meaning
• Difficult to know initially

The INTP will be the one who points out the downside, the one who protects the team from self-deception, and the one who can see the follies of ideas quickly and focus the group on a new direction. The INTP is a great critic, and will be blunt in the assessment. Typical pessimists a major concern for the INTP is the scary sense of potential failure and so they are excellent at seeing the potential pitfalls in any plan.

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