This blog will answer the question “Are there any personality differences between the INFJ and INTJ?”. It will compare the differences between personalities and define the INTJ and INFJ personalities. It will describe the traits of both personalities.
The following are the key area differences between the INFJ and INTJ:
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Social interaction
- Thinking function vs. Feeling function
Decision -making
When it comes to the decision-making process the INFJ and INTJ have two contrasting approaches.
The INTJ tends to be very logical and quick to decide. After much contemplation and analysis of practical options, they make their choice without consulting anyone.
They display their autonomy and independence in decision-making. However, they always ensure they consider the impact their decision will have on others.
In contrast, the INFJ is not so quick to decide. They take time to do a detailed analysis of all the possible outcomes of their choice. Their decision will be based on what is important to them and not necessarily practicality.
Problem-solving
The INTJ typically uses an objective and impersonal approach to analyzing a problem. They use their out-of-the-box thinking pattern to come up with permanent and innovative solutions.
They are often perceived as insensitive and mean when dealing with interpersonal problems. This is because they are never biased and will not support anything wrong or illogical.
On the other hand, the INFP will begin by considering all their options and what they can do to remedy a situation. After that, they begin to review the practical components of each of their options.
This tends to slow them as they usually second guess themselves a lot. When dealing with interpersonal problems they experience internal conflict when choosing who to side with and they remain torn between the two instead of becoming objective.
Social interactions
In a social situation, INTJ may find it difficult to participate in discussions and fit into a conversation. People perceive them as unfriendly and unwelcoming.
They have a quiet and aloof disposition which tends to put people off. INTJs find small talk and idle chatting as boring and irrelevant. They value deep, meaningful, and intelligent conversations that will sharpen their intellect.
They are not very wordy people but they are very blunt and straight-forward when they speak. Due to their introverted nature, they cannot be at crowded, noisy social events for a long time as this will tire them out. They prefer one on one interactions in a quiet and serene environment.
The INFP on the other hand, are hard-wired to intently listen to people’s problems and assist them in finding a solution. They tend to use analogies when explaining things or expressing themselves.
They can hold conversations better than the INTJ and are perceived to be generally friendlier and approachable by people. INFPs are also introverts so they often need to withdraw from interacting with people to recharge.
Thinking function vs. Feeling function
Perhaps the most significant difference between the INTJ and INFJ is that the INTJ has the thinking function while the INFJ has the feeling function.
For the INTJ the thinking function which they possess is used mainly to solve problems with ease.
This enables them to easily gain insight and understanding of complex situations. They can fairly exercise objectivity and creativity with ease. However, this, in turn, incapacitates their ability to understand and respond to their own emotions and those of other people. They often come across as masterminds but insensitive and mean.
In comparison, INFJ possesses the feeling function which primarily drives them to try and seek social connections with people. It makes them sensitive and alive to their emotions.
Allowing them to process and understand both their own and the emotions of others. This makes most people be drawn to the INFJ who is always ready to offer insight and counsel to people in need.
Unfortunately, the feeling function tends to drive the INFJ to become biased even in the face of contrary evidence. This often leads to an internal conflict between their logic and their feelings. Making them indecisive individuals.
What are the INFJ and INTJ personalities?
INFJ:
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. It is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
People with INFJ personalities are creative, gentle, and caring. They are helpful and emotionally responsive and sensitive to how others think and feel.
INTJ:
INTJ stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. It is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
People with INTJ personalities enjoy being alone and are highly analytical. They are creative and logical thinkers who can overcome most problems. They are commonly known as the strategist for this reason.
What are the INFJ and INTJ like?
The following are the traits of an INFJ:
INFJ
- INFJs are generally idealistic
- They are very loyal to their values and beliefs
- They are very devoted to their loved ones.
- Desire strongly for their lives to align with their values.
- INFJs are naturally Curious
- They have a knack for seeing possibilities,
- Are good at supporting others in their projects.
- Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential.
- They are adaptable and flexible
- They are usually accommodating as long as their values are not threatened.
- They search for the underlying meaning of information
- They have a habit of expressing themselves through metaphors.
- They are constantly working on improving themselves
- They always the quality and standard of their lives
- The INFJ is a good balance of organization and flexibility
The following are traits of an INTJ:
INTJ
- INTJs are very innovative
- They have many original ideas
- They have a deep resolve to execute their bright ideas and achieve their goals.
- They quickly pick up on patterns in sets of information.
- They always finish what they start
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- They are skeptics
- They are autonomous and independent
- They have extremely high standards of competence for everyone
- They are very precise and efficient performers in tasks
- INTJs are future-focused
- They are very rational and logical
- They are calm and quiet
- They are often seen as perfectionists.
- The INTJ enjoys spending time alone
- They hate crowds.
- They hate noise.
Conclusion
This blog answered the question “Are there any personality differences between the INFJ and INTJ?”. It compared the differences between the INFJ and INTJ personalities. It defined the INTJ and INFJ personality, and described the traits of both personalities.
The following are the key area differences between the INFJ and INTJ:
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Social interaction
- Thinking function vs. Feeling function
Frequently Asked Questions: INFJ vs. INTJ
Are INTJs practical?
Yes, INTJs are very practical people when it comes to most things in life.
Why are INTJ and INFJ so rare?
They are rare because they have conflicting personality traits that are often misunderstood by the masses.
Why are INFJs so attractive?
INFJ’s are attractive to others because they want to understand and listen to people’s problems.
Are INTJs geniuses?
Yes, INTJs are geniuses. The genius of the INTJ type is a function of the brain known as Introverted iNtuition.
Is Albert Einstein an INTJ?
No, Albert Einsten was an INTP.
What makes an INTJ happy?
INTJs are most happy when they’re given the freedom to do what they please.
References
Isabel Briggs Myers, (2015), Introduction to Type, CPP. PDF
Rajagopalan & Guruswami, (2015), “Relationship between Personality Traits and the Psychological Biases of Retail Investors – An Empirical Study”, Vidyasagar University Journal of Commerce, Vol. 20. PDF
