Understanding the workplace behaviors of the INTJ personality type

The INTJ acronym stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. It is one of the 16 personality types defined by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers under the Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI). The INTJ personality type is nicknamed ‘the mastermind’ or the ‘the architect’ because of the strategic and logical mindset that this personality typically indicates. In the workplace, INTJ personality types can prove to be great assets with proper management.

The INTJ personality is one of the rarest personality types, making up only 2.1% of the population. People with INTJ personality traits are analytical problem-solvers with a thirst for knowledge and are always eager to improve systems and existing workflows using their innovative ideas. This personality comes with a constant desire to improve, and often being intellectual individuals, they tend to enjoy complex problem-solving and logical reasoning. They generally prefer logical systems and are not very comfortable with the unpredictability of others and their emotions. INTJ personality traits also include independence and building selective relationships, with a preference for associating with intellectually stimulating individuals.

Core characteristics of INTJ personality types

• Introverted [I]: They enjoy solitude with their internal thoughts and ideas as compared to external stimuli. These personality types tend to work best when they are alone.
• Intuitive [N]: They make sense of the world based on trends and abstract concepts rather than concrete facts. They have the ability to look at the bigger picture and identify patterns.
• Thinking [T]: They make decisions that are not influenced by societal expectations or even personal feelings and are rooted in objective analysis, rationality, and logic.
• Judging [J]: They prefer structure and organization and working on clear instructions instead of spontaneity.

Strengths

• Rational thinkers
• Constant thirst for understanding and knowledge
• Independent and self-motivated
• Deep-seated ambition, drive, and determination
• Curiosity and willingness to explore new ways of thinking and working
• Unwavering self-confidence

Weaknesses

• Struggling to understand emotions
• Tendency for arrogance in challenging situations
• Being overly critical of or judgmental towards others
• Being socially clueless at times
• Accidentally overlooking smaller details

Their contributions

• Goal-oriented: The INTJ personality is very ambitious and is driven by results. Individuals with this personality type are good at creating, following, and achieving long-term visions, which makes them highly efficient and reliable project managers.
• Focus on productivity: The INTJ personality is always on the lookout for ways in which they can enhance and optimize regular operations. These personality traits are excellent when it comes to implementing new technologies at work and streamlining processes.
• Highly knowledgeable: This personality type loves learning new things and has the ability to master anything they set their minds to, which makes them well-informed and highly knowledgeable stakeholders in the workplace.
• Creative and innovative: They are curious individuals and always try to approach challenges and problems using different, creative angles, which helps them come up with solutions that others may have missed.

Challenges or pain points

• Arrogance: INTJs can often seem like arrogant know-it-alls who are not willing to see anyone else’s point of view. They may also waste a lot of time challenging authorities about irrelevant aspects in their bid to understand the reasoning behind everything.
• Overthinking: The perfectionism of INTJs may, at times, slow them down and hinder progress.
• Critical: The high standards that INTJs set for themselves may be harsh for others who may not have the same level of precision as them. This trait can make it quite difficult for others to work with INTJs.
• Teamwork: INTJs, being highly private and independent individuals, may struggle working in teams.

Tailored communication

One of the main motivations for the INTJ personality is looking for the underlying reasons for anything they do. Tailoring conversations around this core reason can prove to be very beneficial when communicating with an INTJ in the workplace. Establishing meeting agendas beforehand allows INTJs to understand what is expected from them so they can prepare accordingly.

Sharing information in a written format, like via emails or reports, rather than conveying it verbally is an effective way to give INTJs enough time to process the information and prepare a well-thought-out response. Proactively coaching individuals with INTJ personalities in understanding various communication styles, delivering feedback positively, and practicing active listening can also go a long way in reducing instances in the workplace where INTJs may come across as overly critical.

Harnessing their strengths in teamwork

When the INTJ personality is required to work in a team setting, it might be a good idea to give them tasks that allow them to work independently. This way, INTJs won’t get overwhelmed too often and will be able to channel their energy better, even in team settings. Another viable idea is to offer INTJs opportunities where they can use their strengths to shine, like mapping out the path to achieve goals, creating long-term strategies and plans, etc.

Conflict prevention and resolution

To prevent and manage workplace conflicts, it is essential to help INTJ personality types learn how to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. Practices like encouraging individuals with this personality type to clarify their intention when delivering feedback can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the inputs that they provide are considered constructive and not critical. Providing training for conflict resolution that covers emotional intelligence, active listening, handling disagreements, etc., can also help in this regard.

Motivating INTJs in the workplace

• Remuneration: The salaries being given should reflect the high strategic value, domain knowledge, and expertise that they bring to the workplace.
• Perks: Offer them benefits like industry association memberships, continuous learning opportunities, or even a subscription to professional journals that align with their desire and plans for growth and development.
• Expectations: Organizations need to set clear goals and expectations for employees with the INTJ personality. Explicitness regarding the objectives that they are expected to achieve is essential for maximizing their results orientation.
• Independence: INTJ personality types should be given the freedom to execute their tasks. These individuals not only prefer but also thrive in organizations that trust them and give them autonomy in managing their workloads.

Keeping them engaged

• Responsibilities: One of the best ways to keep the INTJ personality type engaged is by providing them with challenging tasks that require complex problem-solving and are intellectually stimulating. Merit-based rewards like incentive bonuses are also a great way to engage INTJs.
• Feedback: INTJs respond better to well-reasoned, factual feedback as compared to subjective opinions. They have an innate desire to grow which makes them highly receptive to structured feedback that highlights issues and concretely shows them how they can improve.
• Recognition: Instead of generic praise for a job well done, INTJs thrive on personalized acknowledgments that address the specific contributions they made to the organization.
• Working environment: INTJ personality types prefer quiet workspaces that allow for deep concentration. Allowing them to work remotely or providing them with as much predictability as possible at the workplace will be highly beneficial.
• Tools: Provide INTJs with access to project management tools to plan and execute their tasks efficiently.
• Burnout: Individuals with the INTJ personality type tend to overcommit and are not likely to vocalize concerns even if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Encourage them to take time off and rest and provide them with access to mental health resources to ensure they’re not isolated when working independently.

Personalized training programs

Utilize skills assessment tests to evaluate the skill sets and level of proficiency of INTJ personality types and build development plans that are tailored to their needs and are in alignment with their career goals and interests. Understanding the strengths and areas of improvement of the INTJ employees using proper online assessments is the first step for creating personalized plans of action for them.

Resources

Employees with INTJ personalities should be provided with access to ample learning resources, like opportunities to attend conferences and seminars, industry journal subscriptions, industry forum memberships, etc. Organizations can also consider providing online courses for the skills development of their employees. Such initiatives support the desire of INTJ personality types for learning and strengthening their expertise, while also helping the organization gain a competitive edge.

Stretch assignments

Look for assignments for INTJ employees that will take them out of their comfort zone and push them to grow. Just ensure that these assignments are in tandem with the interests and development goals of the employees.

Leadership opportunities

Individuals with INTJ personality traits find it hard to work with others at times, but they also make for great leaders. Analyze the leadership and management skills of these employees and provide training or coaching if required.

Support

Pair INTJ personalities with mentors who can effectively challenge them intellectually, while also providing them with proper guidance to overcome some of their weaknesses. Similarly, peer learning groups that allow INTJs to get in touch with like-minded colleagues and exchange ideas can be a great way to ensure that they feel understood and supported within the organization.

The INTJ personality, the mastermind, the architect – these individuals are counted among some of the greatest innovators and thinkers. But just like anyone else, they too have their shortcomings and may, at times, become dismissive and difficult to work with. However, with an understanding of the INTJ personality and its traits, organizations can create a robust strategy to harness their best qualities while diminishing the pain points.

Using online personality tests by Mercer | Mettl can help successfully identify employees and candidates with an INTJ personality and gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, their motivations, and much more. Mercer | Mettl also provides a wide range of skills and aptitude assessment tests that can be utilized to build tailored development programs for INTJ employees to help them grow.