The MBTI Club
A Cyber-Community for MBTI Users
MBTI Personality Types
INTP
Introverted
- iNtuitive
- Thinking
- Perceiving
What Is the INTP Personality?
INTPs
are often found in the role of independent researchers and analysts.
They also frequently work in fields such as software development,
architecture or engineering. They are the people who are most apt to
challenge the status quo and to question the direction of people and
groups.
INTPs highly value intelligence and use intellect and reason to analyze
and dissect the underlying structures of the logical systems that others
take for granted.
Albert
Einstein,
1879–1955, physicist, was one of the greatest thinkers of all times. As
an INTP type, he developed the theory of relativity largely in his
mind. Others did the equations and the experimentation. Einstein's
theories made possible the technology revolution that continues today.
Yet Einstein was largely uninterested in applications of his theory.
INTPs love
theory and abstract concepts and enjoy discussing them. They are quick
to pick up on inconsistencies and enjoy taking concepts apart. They are
skeptical about what groups and individuals think and tend to challenge
existing premises.
INTPs like to see beyond the obvious and construct abstract theoretical
models to explain the world around them.
|
Click on any one of the 16 MBTI types for a full description of
your type or descriptions of colleagues, family and friends. INTPs can be frustrated both as team members and team leaders. They often do not like to manage people. They have a natural skepticism toward issues and tend to dissect rather than integrate systems. They can serve the team well by asking the hard questions, but sometimes find it difficult to find answers that are satisfying enough to give them buy-in to team projects. |
INTPs often serve teams best by working on aspects of projects independently. They function best when given concrete and practical outcomes that must be achieved. Left to their own devices, INTPs enjoy working on abstract problems and may have little regard for practical application.
What Are INTP Issues and Challenges in Groups/Best Alliances?
In forming alliances, INTPs must be convinced
the alliance is essential to achieving the outcome rather than an
encumbrance that might limit their ability to think independently. Some
INTPs come rather uneasily to the conclusion that they must develop
cooperation and alliances, if they are to deliver value to the group and
earn a livelihood.
INTPs
work best with an understanding boss or coworker who sees their
contribution and can be comfortable with extensive analysis and the
challenges that INTPs almost inevitably make.
INTPs and the Rest of their Lives
INTPs are natural truth seekers who want to know the true nature of
the world around them—math, science, nature, people and ideas.
Frank
Lloyd Wright
(1867-1959), was the most innovative and important architect in U.S.
history. As an INTP type person, Wright set about to create a new type
of architecture, clean and unembellished and congruent with the
environment. 300 of his structures stand today. Wright pursued a
sometimes chaotic life without regard to public opinion of him.
INTPs will be most comfortable in relationships with people who value abstract discussion and theory. INTPs seek the perfect. They will make great effort to maintain relations well, seeking to make relationships the best that they can be. They will always offer interesting ideas and points of view and can be quite tolerant of the diversity of others’ thinking.