By Paul Dunning
Over the years we have accumulated a large amount of data here on our web site about each of the sixteen types.
This series of articles summarizes responses by communication workshop participants previously posted in To Communicate With Me and Communication Highlights.
In each personality type summary we highlight themes and then rank those themes by organizing them from most to least common responses.
The bulleted points are statements on each of the 4 themes identified from INTJ responses.
A person who prefers INTJ wants you to:
Share complex ideas and the “big picture”
• Talk about your ideas
• (Be) open
• (Provide) full info
• Start with concepts then move to details
• (Provide) thorough explanations
• (Offer a) future-oriented viewpoint, systematic
• Use “maps” to show ideas and overall/future
• Open your mind to possibilities, questions
• Provide written materials
• Be complete with concepts
• Provide details for later
Give them time and space for processing ideas
• Let me listen
• Give me pauses
• Give me time/space to take it all in and think
• I need to process/ponder your comments
• Don’t assume that because I’m not talking, I’m not engaged
• Know when to stop talking
• Everyone competing to talk will shut me down
Present ideas clearly and logically
• (Be) logical
o Why are you here?
o What do you need?
o Why do you need it?
• (Provide) clarity – get to the point
• Don’t beat around the bush – be direct
• Get to the point
• Expect challenges
Keep it professional and objective
• (Respect) personal space and boundaries
• Keep focus on task or work, not on personal self
• (Show me) competency – it is not necessarily shown by pieces of “paper”
• Give me the task and then leave me to it – I’ll question or come back after I process
What Does This Tell Us?
People with INTJ preferences are most interested in “big picture” concepts. They want the conversation to be objective, clear, and, especially at work, professional and impersonal.
You can find more information on type interactions in Introduction to Type and Communication.
