(In case you find the language in this article biased you might like to check a different take on the subject at How to tell an INTJ from an INTP.)
The Myers Briggs Trait Indicator (MBTI) is a helpful tool to identify personality traits. The MBTI identifies 16 personality types and divides the types into four categories with two options in each category.
The personality type is described using four letters, one letter from each of the following pairs: extroversion (E) or introversion (I), sensing (S) or intuition (I), thinking (T) or feeling (F) and judging (J) or perceiving (P).
This discussion focuses on the differences between the INTJ and INTP personality types.
View the INTJ Profile
View the INTP Profile
Both the INTJ and INTP personality types are introverted (I). INTJs and INTPs need a lot of space to think and contemplate about their ideas. Both types are highly intuitive (N) and follow their ‘gut’.
INTJs and INTPs are also both deep thinkers (T). Logic, objectivity and curiosity guide them toward the future. Some of the key differences between the two personality types are identified by the ‘J’ and the ‘P’ traits in their personality type.
Gathering Information
INTJs are viewed as one of the rarest personality types. They are highly intelligent and have an extensive repertoire of knowledge in variety of fields.
Their creative and articulate nature, coupled with strong intuition, influences their methodology of gathering information. Firstly, INTJs gather information, prioritize the facts and select the data needed for a comprehensive plan.
During the information prioritization and selection process, INTJs disregard information they feel is not helpful and begin developing a detailed plan with the information left.
In contrast, INTPs keep all the information that is gathered plus all new information and insights as they occur. For the INTP, all the information is not collectible. There is always something new to be added.
Leadership
Both INTJs and INTPs prefer to work behind the scenes autonomously and are not interested in leadership roles. The key difference between the INTJ and INTP in this respect is INTJs do accept leadership roles on occasion whereas INTPs do not.
Others tend to view INTJs as reliable, effective and potential leaders. The spontaneous and flexible traits of the INTP are viewed by the majority as irresponsible and they are rarely approached for leadership positions.
INTJ and INTP Discuss People
This is an interesting video of a discussion between an INTP and an INTJ. Even though both types are very similar there are also some concrete differences between the two as can be easily seen.
Decision Making
The INTJ’s decision making style is structured – they weigh the facts and make a final decision. The decision is based on known truths, facts, analytical thinking and is impersonal in nature.
They are confident in their fact-based decisions and able to answer questions quickly with rationale if any aspect of their work is challenged.
INTP’s tend to keep reviewing their options and struggle to make a firm decision until the last possible moment. When an INTP makes a decision it is never really final in their mind. The decisions are tentative, flexible and adaptable if new options come to light.
Structure
INTPs would not survive in a regimented detail oriented job for long. Flexibility is imperative since they can only produce work when the moment is right. As INTPs tend to live inside their own heads a bit more than INTJs, they seem to be more detached and are not influenced at by other people’s opinions.
INTPs, like INTJs, are responsible and trustworthy and but often viewed as ‘being out there’ and not as responsible as INTJs.
Planning
INTJs think logically versus the INTPs approach of trusting their ‘gut’ when planning how to reach their goals. INTJs are strategists and are excellent planners.
They know where they want to go and map out tentative steps that to guide them toward their goal. The INTJ’s plan is organized, structured and based on concrete facts.
INTPs, the thinkers, never have a plan. They focus on the future and let spontaneity guide them toward learning and investigating how people, things and processes work together.
They are experts at turning conceptual thoughts into complex ideas. The more complex the concept, the better INTPs likes it.
Practical Applications
There is a key difference between how INTJs and INTPs implement their projects. INTJs like to plan and participate in the implementation of their own designs and ideas. In contrast, INTPs are only interested in the development phase.
INTPs are content to let others implement, and in many cases take credit for their work.
As they tend to keep second-guessing themselves on their designs and ideas, any challenges or misunderstandings arising during the implementation phase of their work would cause them too much stress.
They simply want no part of it. The responsibility of implementation would require too much structure to their otherwise, easy going lifestyle.
(In case you found the language in this article biased check a different take on the subject at How to tell an INTJ from an INTP.)
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