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“Now, Harry, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what, exactly, is the function of a rubber duck?”
Remember Arthur Weasley from the Harry Potter series? From rubber ducks to ‘eclectic’ (electric) fires and ‘escapators’ (escalators), Arthur Weasley is fascinated by all things non-magical aka Muggle. He’s an INTP in more ways than one—a creative thinker with a thirst for knowledge and an inventor who loves to tinker with Muggle ‘contraptions’.
But who is an INTP? Let’s find out!
Based on Swiss psychologist Carl Jung’s work on personality types, Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs developed a personality assessment tool—the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)—to help individuals understand themselves better and lead more meaningful lives. The MBTI is a self-reporting questionnaire built around four different scales: Extraversion–Introversion (E-I), Sensing–Intuition (S-N), Thinking–Feeling (T-F) and Judging –Perceiving (J-P). An individual’s answers to the questions classify them as one of the 16 major personality types identified by the MBTI.
INTP is one such personality type. Also known as a logician, an INTP exemplifies Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Thinking (T) and Perceiving (P) personality traits. These private individuals are reserved and contemplative, and they enjoy spending time alone, lost in their own world of thoughts. Mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, riddles and brain games excite the logician personality. They’re driven by a desire to understand the universe and can spend long hours analyzing abstract concepts and coming up with their own unique solutions to problems.
Carl Jung himself was an INTP. Socrates, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln and Bill Gates are a few other famous INTPs who’ve made a mark on the world.
The INTP personality type is one of the rarest Myers-Briggs personality types, comprising about 3% of the general population. Now that we’re well-versed with INTP meaning, let’s look at the top three characteristics that set an INTP apart:
The logician personality type is characterized by an insatiable appetite for knowledge. They’re inquisitive individuals whose minds are full of questions about the world and the people around them. They use their intelligence to explore new possibilities, pick up new hobbies and gather information about things that pique their interest.
An INTP logically analyzes and considers complex ideas at length. This influences their decision-making process to a great extent. Their analytical bent of mind also allows INTPs to pick up subtle hints about any situation that other people may miss.
The most independent of the 16 personality types, INTP people aren’t easily influenced by others and have a mind of their own. They value their freedom and dislike being bound by structure, rules or authority. When given the option, an INTP prefers to work alone.
The logician personality type is a deep thinker who thrives in meaningful conversations involving an exchange of insights. They rely on logic instead of emotions and are often adaptable and spontaneous. If you relate to most—if not all—of the above-mentioned traits, you’re most likely an INTP.
Each MBTI personality type has its own strengths and weaknesses—things that differentiate them from the rest. Here are some strengths and weaknesses of the INTP personality type:
While they have their shortcomings, logician personality types are some of the most insightful, inventive and freethinking individuals out there who don’t back down from a challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and expand their horizons.
When it comes to their professional life, INTPs enjoy working with like-minded people who share their interests. They prefer flexible, dynamic and intellectually challenging work environments that allow them to explore their full potential and grow as an individual in the process.
Harappa’s Navigating Workplaces course can be an INTP’s best bet to understand office dynamics and find their niche in an organization. Frameworks such as the Thomas Kilmann Model, Culture Fit and Power Structures will help you effectively handle disagreements at work, align your goals with those of your organization and understand the types of power that people have in a workplace setting.
Equipped with the essential skills of influencing others and conflict resolution, you’ll be able to collaborate effectively at work, optimize your work life and reach new heights of success. Sign up today for Harappa’s Navigating Workplace course and have the world at your feet!
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Understanding Myer’s Briggs Types Of Personality, What are INFJ Personality Traits, How rare are INFP Personalities and Traits of INTJ People to build strong professional networks.