INTP: Introvert-iNtuitive-Thinker-Perceiver
- Introverts tend to be reflective, reserved and private. A popular misconception is that introverts are shy – this is not necessarily so. They draw their energy from their own thoughts and the time they spend alone. Introverts do not need people around them all the time.
- iNtuitives pay more attention to information that is imaginative and original. iNtuitives focus on the future.
- Thinkers make decisions using logic and impersonal analysis. They think with their heads rather than their hearts.
- Perceivers prefer a lifestyle that is spontaneous, flexible and adaptable. They like an environment that is unstructured, and like to keep their options open.
An INTP at a glance
INTPs are perhaps the most intellectually thoughtful of all the personality types. People who know INTPs well describe them as innovative and ingenious. They live in a rich internal world in their mind, which is full of imagination and excitement. As a consequence, they may sometimes find the external world less interesting. This may lead some people to see them as being rather understated and reserved.
An INTPs distinguishing characteristics are imagination, originality, perceptiveness, creativity and a delight in tackling the complex. They are interested in theorizing, analyzing and learning. They thrive on exploring, understanding and explaining how the world works.
An INTPs logical, rational mind means that they are frequently one step ahead of others and are usually considered to be intellectually superior. INTPs are strongly motivated to challenge themselves to pursue and acquire excellence. They tend to be somewhat skeptical and are orientated towards the future rather than the past.
Their probable contributions to an organization
Each personality type has a different set of skills, talents and attributes that they bring to an organization, group or relationship. Here is a list of those most commonly associated with personality types like INTP.
- Seeks to continually acquire new knowledge and competencies.
- Uses systematic intellectual precision and expertise to tackle problems.
- Has strongly defined interests and enjoys working on a technical level.
On a team
Some people work well on teams, others work best on their own. Understanding the personality types of team members provides information about how individuals are likely to carry out their work and interact with each other. Given the personality preferences of an INTP, the following are the strengths (and possible weaknesses!) they will most likely bring to a team:
- Naturally becomes the expert resource on a problem that others consult with.
- Works alone to achieve the group project and goals.
- Brings both a critical vision and precise rational understanding to the team.
INTP leadership style
Each personality type has its own leadership style, strengths and blind spots. The following highlights an INTP approach to leadership, provides clues as to how an INTP will act in a leader role, and pinpoints some of the leadership qualities.
- Usually does not seek management or leadership roles, preferring to work autonomously and solve complex problems at the technical level.
- Prefers intellectual, to emotional interaction.
- Focuses on logic and principles, not relationships.
