As part of a training I’m in, I took one of those Myers-Briggs personality tests. I wound up being an INTP. I have to say, I think its pretty damn accurate (and I would add uncannily so). I’d be interested to hear whether this jives with people who actually know and / or work with me. Feel free to comment.

Narrative

Few people are better than INTPs as independent problem solvers who excel at providing a detached, concise analysis of an idea or situation. Their objectivity is often valued by line managers who appreciate the outside view.

Their Introversion gives them a quiet, reflective demeanor, although they can be talkative when discussing topics they know well. The iNtuition helps them see possibilities where others might observe only problems. The Thinking function assists INTPs in focusing on cause and effect, quickly seeing any inconsistencies even in the most complex problems. Their Perceiving gives them a flexible, spontaneous approach which they frequently use in adapting to a quick-changing corporate environment.

INTPs value intelligence and competence and apply their high standards to themselves. They prize precision in communication and dislike redundancy, which makes their progress a pleasure to read. Their love of the new makes them a source of ideas for others, yet they often prefer working on their own. This independence extends to their thinking; they consider taking ideas from inception to a complete theory as an art form.

A few challenges INTPs face include:

• Like many iNtuitives, INTPs can get lost in the Never-Never Land of ideas. An INTP might think a problem through to a logical conclusion, but then delay excessively in writing the report, a real danger when dealing with action-oriented line managers.
• Their Introversion may cause them to seem too detached – they come across as aloof or withdrawn.
• They can become insensitive to the needs of others for information and emotional connection
• If they feel unappreciated, they may become cynical or negative, or isolate themselves.
• They may fail to appreciate the need to observe all the rules and regulations, a shortcoming in someone who is expected to keep others on the straight and narrow!
• They may miss connecting with others in the organization in purely social ways; INTPs enjoy deep meaningful dialog, but are impatient with events that are more relationship focused, such as the annual picnic.

INTPs contribute much to our intellectual basis. They provide the conceptual framework by which manuals, organizational procedures, and even work assignments are put into action. Their strengths in a company will be particularly pronounced in projects with aspects of organizational development.