People with the ISTP personality type possess many interesting traits that can easily baffle outsiders. They are usually very rational and logical, but can also surprise everybody by suddenly becoming more spontaneous and enthusiastic. While most other types tend to be easily recognizable and have clearly outlined traits, this is definitely not the case with ISTPs – even people who know them well may not be able to anticipate their reaction to something.

This stems from the unusual combination of Thinking (T) and Perceiving (P) ISTP personality traits. People with this type lean towards mechanical, rational projects and ideas and they can be very calm and rational for a long time. However, their inner spontaneity does not go anywhere – it simply stays in the background, accumulating the energy and awaiting the right moment to release it at once. It is that release that often surprises everyone around the ISTP, especially if they have not seen anything like this before. People with the ISTP personality type are likely to be very good at controlling their energy and saving it for things they consider important.
ISTPs are relatively private individuals (after all, Introversion is one of their personality traits), which makes it even more difficult for other people to tell what is really going on in their minds. ISTPs can also become unexpectedly stubborn and vocal, especially when their principles and habits are being criticized – this kind of behaviour is uncommon among SP types and may confuse other people even further.

People with the ISTP personality type tend to have a very good sense of humour, which may either help defuse a tense situation or make things even more complicated if the ISTP makes a joke that could be interpreted as insensitive. ISTPs are not naturally emotional and they may have difficulties recognizing the boundaries of what is allowed and expected in emotionally charged situations – consequently, they may unwittingly hurt people belonging to more sensitive types.

Unlike most other introverted types, ISTPs do not really care much about personal space. This goes both ways – ISTP personalities do not hesitate to express their interest in something that another person is working on, and may be surprised if their reaction is less than friendly. On the other hand, ISTPs do not mind if someone else wants to get involved in one of their own projects – as long as that does not threaten the ISTP’s principles and lifestyle.
ISTPs should try to pay conscious attention to this particular trait as they generally do not see anything wrong with such behaviour. However, this can cause major problems both in the workplace and in personal relationships – most other people are quite protective of their personal space and act very defensively when it is violated.

ISTP personalities are brilliant in areas that combine creativity, freedom and practicality. They tend to be great engineers and mechanics, but these strengths stem from their practical experience and vision rather than scientific theories. ISTPs may get bored very quickly while studying, especially if they do not really see a way to apply that knowledge in practice. Consequently, this often leads to difficulties in the academic environment, even though ISTPs can do quite well in areas that require hands-on approach. ISTPs always soak in lots of facts from the outside word (especially when they can experience something first-hand) and this makes practical activities much easier for them.

While many ISTPs are drawn towards engineering or related professions, some embrace activities that other types would normally consider stressful and dangerous. ISTPs shine in crisis situations as they give them a chance to combine spontaneity, practicality and excellent control of all five senses, as well as do something noble and good. Such personality traits make ISTPs great EMTs, rescuers, athletes, racers etc. ISTPs also relish the idea of bypassing the rules and guidelines that they would otherwise be forced to obey – that influx of adrenaline can keep them excited for quite a while. Some people with this type choose to combine those risky activities with more relaxed jobs, thus meeting the needs of all their personality traits.
Fairness and equality are two other ideas that are very important to ISTP personalities. ISTPs would rather bend or break the rules of the existing system rather than fail to meet their own personal standards when it comes to these things. Consequently, you will never see an ISTP in an environment where their personal rules are likely to be violated. ISTP personalities are also extremely loyal to their friends, but they may need a lot of “alone time” to recharge.

In general, ISTPs tend to be very optimistic, generous and confident in their abilities – as long as they are not pushed into a corner, burdened with rules and guidelines, or asked to commit to something they are not yet ready for. Unique and mysterious traits of this personality type may never cease to amaze people close to them, but it is also possible that ISTPs themselves will be surprised by them every once in a while.

INTJ strengths

High self-confidence. INTJ personalities rarely doubt themselves or care much about their perceived social roles, expectations etc. Consequently, they are not afraid to voice their own opinions. This exudes confidence and reinforces the INTJ’s self-esteem even further.
Quick and versatile mind. INTJs are very good at improving their knowledge of (often diverse) topics and fields that interest them. People with this personality type take pleasure in tackling intellectual challenges and their natural curiosity pushes them forward as well.
Jacks of all trades. The most important strength of any INTJ is their mind. Other personality types pride themselves in being artistic, intuitive, convincing, athletic etc. In contrast, INTJs excel at being able to analyze anything that life throws at them, uncovering the underlying methodology and then applying it in practice. Consequently, INTJ personalities are usually able to become what they want to become – be it an IT architect or a high-flying politician.
Independent and decisive. People with the INTJ personality type are ruthless when it comes to analyzing the usefulness of methods or ideas. They could not care less if that idea is popular or supported by an authority figure – if the INTJ believes that it does not make sense, only overwhelming rational arguments will convince them otherwise. This strength makes them efficient and impartial decision-makers, often at a very young age. INTJs also tend to be quite resistant to conflicts, usually remaining rational and calm in an emotionally charged situation.
Hard-working and determined. INTJ personalities can be very patient and dedicated if something excites or intrigues them. They will work hard to achieve their goals, often ignoring everything else. That being said, INTJs may also appear lazy in situations that do not require them to flex their mental muscles – for instance, they may take risks and not study that hard at school, knowing that in all likelihood, they will be able to tackle the tests anyway.
Imaginative and strategic. INTJs are very good strategic thinkers, often using this strength to devise multiple contingency plans in both professional and personal situations. They like to plan ahead and be prepared, imagining all the potential scenarios and consequences.
Honest and direct. People with this personality type hate playing social games and putting comfort or social expectations above honesty and facts. INTJs tend to see these activities as pointless and irrational, preferring inconvenient truth over a comforting lie.
Open-minded. INTJ personalities do not mind being proven wrong and enjoy being exposed to something they were not familiar with. They will embrace a competing theory if it makes more sense, regardless of the existing traditions or expectations. Not surprisingly, INTJs also tend to be fairly liberal in a social sense, believing that many social norms are outdated and unnecessarily restrictive.

INTJ weaknesses

Arrogant. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Some less mature INTJs may overestimate the importance of their knowledge or analytical skills, seeing most other people as irrational or intellectually inferior – and often making their opinion known.
Perfectionists. INTJ personalities loathe inefficiency and imperfection, trying very hard to iron out all the flaws and analyze all possibilities – if left unchecked, this trait can easily become a weakness, slowing down their work quite significantly and frustrating people around the INTJ.
Likely to over-analyze everything. INTJs tend to believe that everything can be analyzed, even things that are not necessarily rational – e.g. human relationships. They may seek logical explanations and solutions in every situation, refusing to rely on improvisation or their own emotions.
Judgmental. INTJs reach their conclusions very quickly and stick to them. Even though people with this personality type tend to be open-minded, they have little patience for things they consider illogical – e.g. decisions based on feelings, irrational stubbornness, emotional outbursts etc. An INTJ is likely to believe that someone who behaves in this way is either very immature or irrational – consequently, they will have little respect for them.
May be insensitive. INTJ personalities often pride themselves in being brutally honest and logical. However, while their statements may be rational and completely correct, they may not take into account another person’s emotional state, background, individual circumstances etc. Consequently, the INTJ’s directness and honesty may easily hurt other people, thus becoming a major weakness in social situations.
Often clueless when it comes to romantic relationships. Many INTJs are likely to have difficulties dealing with anything that does not require logical reasoning and this weakness is especially visible in interpersonal relationships. They may overanalyze everything and get frustrated trying to understand how the other person thinks, try to use a nearly scientific approach to dating, or just give up altogether.
Loathe highly structured environments. INTJ personalities do not respect rules or regulations just because they are there, they need to be confident that those restrictions make sense. Consequently, INTJs strongly dislike environments that are built on blind obedience, traditions or respect for authority – they are likely to challenge the status quo and clash with people who prefer stability and safety.


Everything here is absolutely dead on for the most part.
I don't really have much self confidence, at least, I don't think I do.

My brain is scary sometimes. Here's an example. I bought a 1990 integra a little over a year ago. It was my first honda. Now, a little more than a year later, I know more about the workings of these cars than some people have after owning them for years. I'm currently in the middle of building an engine for it because I blew mine up, something most people wouldn't even attempt to do, yet I'm confident I can do it. (Oh, I guess I am self confident) Cars are nothing more than numbers and bolts. As long as all the numbers are fine (bearing tolerance, torque ratings) and all the bolts are right, and as long as I have the tools, I can do anything on this car. Same goes for EVERYTHING I have an interest in. Cars, computers, even work. I pick up on stuff like it's second nature to me.

I am definitely a jack of all trades. Anything that can be broken down into basic parts and analyzed is easy for me. especially machinery. I joke and tell people I have a CAD software built into my brain. I'm fairly athletic when I want to be, I can do whatever I set my mind to, it doesn't really matter what the task is. Give me a task, I'll research it till my eyes bleed and my brain pounds, and I'll go off and do it like i had done it a thousand times.

Independant/desicive, yeah I think I get that. It's one thing that makes me RAGE about the post office. I'm having to force myself to just go and believe that if it makes sense, the post office will implement the opposite of what should be. It sucks, a lot. I get so pissed off because half of the crap they make us do make ZERO sense at all. "Oh mr supervisor, you want me to shut off my machine, that I'm working on alone, to go help out some OTHER machine that doesn't need my help? Yeah, sure I'll do that, but I WILL MAKE MY SHIT LATE BECAUSE YOU DONT MAKE ANY SENSE"

ah yes, hard working and determind. this section is 100% perfect. I will only work hard enough to make sure i'm done on time. But when it's crunch time, I shift into high gear and suddenly I'm faster than anyone else I work with.
I got in trouble a lot in school though. I felt that school never challanged me, and as a result, I never studied, never did my homework. I didn't have to though. I aced every test I took.

Imaginative/strategic. I guess this one sort of works for me. I really do try and plan a head. It's just the road blocks I hit that mess everything up.

Honest and direct. Yeah, that's me, for the most part. The introvert in me tries to keep me from being too honest or direct in fear of retaliation though

Open minded is definitely me as well. I like coming up with idea's and theories on how things should be done, but if someone with more knowledge tells me what parts are wrong or won't work, I won't take it personal, and I'll revise my desicions based off my new knowledge.
It's actually helped me a lot when dealing with my car hahah

I am a little arrogant at times...especially at work. I tend to think a lot "Why don't these new people get this shit, they've been here for 2 weeks already" simply because when I started at the post office I had it down within a week.

I am absolutely a perfectionist when it comes to certian things. I will sit there slaving away tryin to get something just right, no matter how many hours it takes. I can't just leave anything alone if I'm not satisfied with it. If I'm not satisfied, I don't care what time it is, I will keep working till I'm happy.

I over analyze everything. I always try to analyze why people act the way they do, even if it means that I'm grabbing at strings that aren't there to try and rationalize the irrational. Everything has to have some sort of underlying meaning or cause. If it doesn't my brain just flips out, going so far as to start making shit up just to make the pieces fall into place

Judgmental, That part is pretty much how I see things, Can't really think of anything to better describe me.

I can be insensitive at times. Sometimes I think I'm a jerk because of it though.

Yeah I'm clueless when it comes to romance. Everything in that section is 100% correct.

And I really hate overly structered environments. I like to be able to question why things are how they are, and if something just doesn't seem efficient, or make sense, I want it fixed. I hate how some things at work especially, are like "It's like this cause they made it this way, and even though it doesn't make sense you have to do it this way!" it pisses me off. More than it pisses off anyone I know at work. I will work an entire night just completely livid.

INTJ colleagues

Fiercely independent at work – people with the INTJ personality type are “lone wolves”
Love challenges, especially if they get complete responsibility (no need to share the glory)
Prefer working alone, mostly because they believe that others are only going to slow them down
Enjoy brainstorming in the workplace, as long as the discussion does not descend into arguments over details
Have perfectionist tendencies and very rarely give up
Cannot stand inefficiency or colleagues who refuse to use more efficient methods
Loathe manual work, especially where it can be automated
See little point in networking, socializing or small talk at work
Intensely private and likely to deflect personal questions
Very sarcastic and highly likely to make fun (in their own minds) of less insightful colleagues by making them read between the lines
Dislike phone calls and prefer e-mail instead
Brilliant masterminds and analysts, able to recognize various undercurrents and tension between certain colleagues in the workplace and avoid them (INTJs are unlikely to use this knowledge to their advantage though)
Extremely judgmental – people with the INTJ personality type are likely to have very little respect for colleagues they believe are incompetent
INTJ subordinates

Only respect the manager if they are actually competent – titles mean nothing to someone with an INTJ personality
Have no problems criticizing their manager’s statements if they believe the manager is intelligent enough to reconsider their position if proven wrong. Beware of a quiet INTJ during the brainstorming session – it is quite unlikely that they have nothing to say. The more likely explanation is that they do not respect you enough to bother airing their opinions.
Accept and actually enjoy criticism at work, as long as it is followed by valid arguments
Unlike most other personality types, INTJs rarely see managerial positions as desirable – they would rather be well-paid experts. People with this personality type are unlikely to be a threat to their managers from this perspective.
May become frustrated when not given enough freedom at work
Are likely to strongly resist attempts to pigeon-hole them into specific, well-defined roles

These points are all dead on accurate