INTJ Functional Stack (A complete guide)
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In this blog post, we will understand the different cognitive functions that make up the INTJ functional stack in detail. We will then outline how INTJs are in various roles and responsibilities.
Myers Briggs Type Indicator is a self-report personality assessment, which measures personality across four dimensions, namely:
- Introversion vs. Extroversion
- Intuition vs. Sensing
- Thinking vs. Feeling
- Judging vs. Perceiving
Each personality type is determined by four out of these eight cognitive functions. According to the power level, the four mental functions correspond to their strengths and are “stacked” into a functional stack.
INTJ Functional Stack
The INTJ functional stack consists of the following functions:
- Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition
- Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Thinking
- Tertiary Function: Introverted Feeling
- Inferior Function: Extraverted Sensing.
INTJ is characterized by Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging.
INTJ Functional Stack
Each MBTI personality type encompasses four cognitive functions, giving us meaning to how we process information and our decision-making. The order of the functional stack depends on personal preferences. Thinking and Feeling functions help in decision-making, while iNtuition and Sensing help in processing information.
The INTJ functional stack is as follows:
- Dominant cognitive function: Introverted;
- Auxiliary cognitive function: extraverted thinking;
- Tertiary: introverted feeling; and
- Inferior: extraverted sensing
Dominant: internal iNtuition (Ni)
The dominant cognitive function in the INTJ functional stack is Ni. Ni can comprehend information without the need to process each aspect of the thought consciously. A person with an INTJ personality can effortlessly foresee ten steps and anticipate future events. This ability is because Ni-dominant types can access several parts of their brains to develop an effective solution to novel issues. Ni is the dominant cognitive function, and other cognitive functions serve this one.
Benefits
- Ability to look at your problems from an objective or disinterested perspective;
- Anticipate the future reasonably;
- Either you know the answer, or you do not – never a cat on the wall. When you know the answer, it is always correct;
- Can detect patterns in everything;
- Ability to master various disciplines;
- Know how to achieve perfection in everything;
- Can interpret abstract information
- Consistency in achieving future goals.
Drawbacks
- When curiosity hits, there is a need to gain an insatiable amount of knowledge about it;
- Can never relax and enjoy the moment – there is a constant need to calculate and plan for the future;
- Equipped with several learning styles – take in large pieces of information but the inability to remember anything until the brain processes it and develops an overall view of how everything fits together;
- The inability to concentrate on the mundane as the inner world is as real as the outer world. Therefore, when the other world gets boring, daydreaming is activated;
- Amount visualized and that executed are disproportionate, with visualization outweighing execution. Inability to begin implementing until every little plan is in place; and
- The tendency to criticize. You can’t ignore the flaws and must criticize everything.
Auxiliary: external Thinking (Te)
Being the auxiliary one of the INTJ functional stack, external thinking enables INTJs to work efficiently in every life aspect. Te is the primary decision-making process. Therefore if INTJs need to decide at the moment, they will depend on the most objective solution. Te is the most apparent cognitive function that others notice as it is an external one.
INTJs make use of Te to stay on track with what is objective and pragmatic. They incline toward accuracy and the wisdom that has been experienced first-hand.
This cognitive function enables them to categorize massive projects into smaller sequential goals. I NTJSR particular about time management, and therefore, will follow a precise linear sequence to solve their problems. They are typically excellent that organizing their outer world to ensure smooth functioning and to stay on track.
This aspect of the cognitive functional stack gives nurturing support to INTJs. It allows the INTJs to see their organizing skills and logical thinking to be optimally used for helping other people or institutions.
Tertiary: internal Feeling (Fi)
Akin to the auxiliary function, the internal feeling is the secondary decision-making process. It can take more time to solve than Te does, as it is the INTJ functional stack’s tertiary function. Being an internal function, it dwells on the finer details. Fi enables the INTJ to understand how they feel, or others might feel about a specific decision. It takes a warner’s role when Te thinks a conclusion is logical, but Fi knows it is not the right one.
Fi weighs in the objective and subjective value while making decisions. It factors in morals, ethic and understands what is authentic. INTJs experience Fi in a childlike manner, in that they get a relatively sharp sense of something being good or bad. They are exceptionally loyal to their principles and values while being quite critical of conventional social constructs.
INTJs sometimes take on a non-conformist stance, which could come from their Fi. However, being a tertiary cognitive function, Fi is not as well-developed as their dominant and auxiliary functions.
This cognitive function also brings a sense of vulnerability to INTJs. When they think they are entirely logical and rational, they may be taken aback when somebody indicates the subjectivity in their view. It could also make them self-righteous about their beliefs and values if careless.
Inferior: external Sensing (Se)
Out of all the functions on the INTJ functional stack, the inferior (aka aspiring function) tends to be the source of insecurities. As per the shadow-function theory, this function is one that people may try to conceal with their persona (public face). In our fantasies, we imagine being much better at this function than we currently are. Although we see it as a part of us, this function typically lets us down.
This function is the inferior one in the functional stack, making it much less developed than other functions. Se plays a role in connecting the individual to the outside world. Being an inferior function, INTJs can get exhausted if they have to engage in interactions for extended periods actively.
The Se focuses on comprehending and acting in the immediate context. It attempts to gather resources and opportunities currently available.
Those individuals with Se as their dominant one in the functional stack (ESPs and ISPs) are likely to be strongly intuitive and impulsive, and they are present in the moment. They also respond logically and rapidly to abrupt changes. INTJs attempt to use this function that way and are generally envious of people who live in the present.
However, INTJs’ need for planning and fear of losing sight of what is happening around them can make them uncomfortable. Despite being envious, they consider activities involving Se to be a waste of time. They prefer Ni-based activities. Se can surface and act out during stressful times in a childlike manner, making the INTJ reckless, impulsive, and indulgent. Such unhealthy reactions happen due to the suppression of Se and inflating the dominance of Ni.
To overcome this, INTJs can gradually increase Se’s maturity by letting it surface during the day slightly. It can be done when there is a necessity to be present, such as during recreational activities or games that require reflexive thinking and acting. Moreover, they can evaluate their visions and anticipations by looking for immediately available resources.
Doing so could help them give the attention this part of the INTJ functional stack requires rather than suppressing it.
INTJs as Various Roles
In this section, we will understand how INTJs perform in various roles, including:
- As friends
- As parents
- As children
- As romantic partners
As Friends
INTJs are likely to be solitary due to their self-sufficiency. Therefore, it can be challenging to establish friendships with them. INTJs are so occupied with their future that they might avoid getting to know people as they opine that long-term companionships do not work out.
Fortunately, although individuals with this personality type are not likely to have many friends, they can become attached and committed to those who persevere. INTJs have a preference to befriend those who are similar to them – introverted, next to none on emotional drama, and pragmatic.
As Parents
As parents, INTJs are not expressive regarding their affection, but they are thoughtful and pay attention to their children’s needs. They set high expectations for their children and are supportive by helping their children reason in decision-making times. Their children are also encouraged to be analytical thinkers capable of generating solutions by themselves.
As Children
If your child has an INTJ personality type, find ways to encourage them and their intellectual capabilities. Attempt to find stability to avoid developing excessive perfectionistic tendencies. Encourage them to develop emotional strength and express their emotions.
As Romantic Partners
Romantic relationships can be challenging to foster as INTJs tend to be closed-off. If your partner is an INTJ, you must know that fidelity and understanding each other are valued. Express to them that you are dedicated to them and this relationship while not pressuring them to open up about their emotions.
The ability to communicate is crucial. Instead of expecting your partner to understand your subtle cues, try being straightforward and direct with your expectations.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we understood the INTJ functional stack in detail. We also outlined how INTJs are in various roles and responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions: INTJ Functional Stack
Which personality type is the most compatible with an INTJ?
An ENFP or ENTJ is the most compatible with an INTJ. The INTJ’s dominant cognitive function is internal INtuition (Ni), which is best matched with somebody with an external iNtuition (Ne). It is because of the difference (external instead of internal) using a shared dominant function (iNtuition).
How good are INTJs in bed?
Although some INTJs are satisfied with casual sexual intercourse, it comes from a pragmatic viewpoint. They rationalize it with ideas of health benefits and sexual satisfaction being a biological need.
Are INTJs good doctors?
Yes, they are good doctors. They typically choose professions like engineering and science. They can be excellent doctors despite having difficulties with communication skills.
Do INTJs tend to be lazy?
Yes, INTJs tend to be lazy. Ironically, they work hard at first to not do much later—the more varied the task, the better.
What do INTJs find attractive?
INTJs find people who are self-confident and self-efficacious (belief in their abilities). They also find those who are self-sufficient and are respectful of INTJ’s need for space whenever necessary.
Why do INTJs appear cold?
INTJs appear cold because they may come across as being difficult to get to know. They also dislike small talk, wasting time or energy, which may make them seem unapproachable.
Can INTJs be clingy?
Yes, INTJs can be clingy. Some INTJs may need somebody with whom to relate and share a profound connection. They may require a sense of safety. If they find such an individual, they potentially become clingy because they feel protected and at ease around that person.
Which MBTI type is the most intelligent?
INTs are probably the most intelligent as they are equipped to focus on succeeding in IQ tests. However, there is more variation of IQ scores within a personality type than IQ scores across personality types.
References
Introverted Intuition (Ni): Dominant INTJ Cognitive Function Explained
https://www.verywellmind.com/intj-introverted-intuitive-thinking-judging-2795988
