The Myers-Briggs Indicator (MBIT) is a widely used personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of sixteen personality types. Two of the more uncommon but fascinating types are the INFJ and INTJ.
INTJs (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging) and INFJs (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) share some similarities and it is quite difficult to tell them apart. But, some significant things between them help us to differentiate these two types.
This article will cover the 9 key differences between INTJ and INFJ personality types.
Nine key differences between INTJs and INFJs
The most distinguished and key differences between INTJs and INFJs are the following:
- INTJs have introverted thinking, INFJs have extroverted thinking
Though both INTJs and INFJs have a similar dominant function, which is introverted intuition, the thing which makes them apart from each other is their auxiliary function. INTJs are extraverted thinkers while INFJs are extraverted feelers.
- INTJs as extroverted thinkers
Extroverted thinking (Te) is all about organizing and categorizing thoughts, ideas, theories, rules, etc. Under the influence of Te, INTJs are direct, factual, and concrete without becoming literal. They (Especially INTJ 5w4s) are excellent at problem-solving skills and are great independent thinkers.
During making decisions, INTJs always show efficient, quick, and effective behavior. They rely on their analytical abilities and consider multiple factors before making a final decision. They are straightforward and talk straight to the point.
- INFJs as extroverted feelers
Extraverted feelers (Fe) rely heavily on the emotions and expectations of others and use social norms to guide their behavior. INFJs prioritize feelings instead of facts. Lindsay Rossum in her book “INFJ 101” calls INFJs ‘emotional sponge’ because they are aware that how others’ emotions are affecting them and soak up the feelings of their surrounding people.
These individuals are more aware of their feelings and never hesitate to express them. They have a great affinity for the emotions of others and strive to maintain harmony.
Let’s say an INTJ is considering whether to take a job offer. He will gather the information about position, company, and industry, and will make a list of potential outcomes or risks of accepting the offer before making any decision.
While an INFJ after appropriate research will more likely take advice from friends or family members and rely more on their inner gut feelings.
2. INTJs have insights into systems, INFJs into people
INTJs use their intuition in systems, mechanisms, and methodologies. They have amazing insights into the workings of systems or things and idealize impressive outcomes and getting efficiency. When INTJs are in need, they will approach systematically.
They will most probably recommend you the most compelling books or research articles and all the related stuff, as they are more pragmatic than INFJs. These individuals never involve emotions while dealing with any troubleshooting issue and are focused on improving the systems efficiently.
On the other hand, INFJs apply their intuition to people and seek harmony. They are the most affiliative people who help others by using all their problem-solving skills. INFJs like to cooperate with others and are idealistic about their surrounding people.
3. INTJs keep their feelings to themselves while INFJs express them
Although introverted feeling (Fi) is not a dominant function for INTJs, it is still present in their cognitive makeup. Though they have all the emotions and feelings in their inner world, they wear masks and find it difficult to express their emotions.
But INFJs have Fe and are known for having a deep inner world full of emotions. They empathize with others and share their feelings freely with people they trust. They value deep, meaningful connections with others and often seek out relationships that allow them to express their emotions openly.
4. INFJ’s primary mode of defense is to withdraw while INTJ’s is to confront.
INFJs are attuned to the emotional dynamics of a situation and avoid conflicts to maintain harmony and preserve relationships. During acute arguments, they look for the back doors and adopt the behavior of withdrawal. They can’t confront the criticism and conflicts. Along with that, they (Especially INFJ 6w5s) are also resistant to change.
On the other hand, INTJs love to engage in debates or arguments as a means of testing their ideas and sharpening their skills. Whether it is a controversial topic or a heated argument, INTJs prefer to put themselves on the ground to excel in debates. They can confront constructive feedback and criticism decently.
5. INTJs tend to be reserved, while INFJs are socially adept
INTJs and INFJs have different social preferences. INTJs are more reserved and introverted and prefer to spend alone time to speculate about their theories and ideas. They like to interact with small close friends and find large social gatherings overwhelming or draining.
According to Jaroslaw Jankowski, the writer of “The Strategist,” INTJs prefer to work alone in their workplaces and get irritated by overly dominating bosses.
INFJs are also introverts, but they tend to be more socially adept than INTJs. They enjoy interacting with others but are also selective in their choice of company. They prefer deeper and more meaningful interactions over superficial small talk.
Let’s say an INFJ attends a party and realizes one of their friends is left out of the conversation. He will subtly find a way to include his friend in the discussion without drawing the attention of others.
While, if an INTJ faces the same scenario, he will not feel the urge to intervene and instead will make a mental note of the situation and analyze it later.
6. INTJs are planned, whereas INFJs are spontaneous
INTJs are known for their planning and strategizing skills and always have plans or backup plans for a project. In “The INTJ Female” book, the writer says that INTJs are those who have to-do lists for each day and think 10 steps ahead. They approach problems by anticipating the steps that need to accomplish the end result systematically. They anticipate potential problems and develop contingency plans to address them.
INFJs tend to be spontaneous (Sometimes overly-impulsive like INFJ 7w8s)and intuitive in their decision-making, relying on their instincts and gut feelings to guide them. These people will throw the caution in wind and dedicate themselves to the projects. This leads them to be more adaptable, as they’re more open to change if circumstances require it.
7. INFJs are compromising, INTJs are not that much.
Since INFJs are people-oriented and empathetic, they are more willing to compromise to maintain harmony and avoid conflicts.
INFJs are true idealists and prioritize their values over self-interests, which leads them to be more compromising in order to stay true to their principles. For instance, if INFJs get a job halfway across the country, they will compromise and most probably will not avail the chance, just not to hurt their partner’s feelings to live apart.
On the other hand, INTJs are logical and prioritize finding an effective solution to problems over accommodating the feelings of others. They are more independent, which leads them to resist compromising if they believe it compromises their own goals and values. If an INTJ is getting a job on the other side of the country, they will care for the feelings of their partners but will more likely benefit from the chance to get a better job.
8. INTJs are critical, INFJs are not.
INFJs are more empathetic and attuned to the feelings of their surrounding people and this makes them hesitant to criticize. They fear hurting the emotions of others and try to not be critical in their dealings.
INTJs are more critical than INFJs as they provide their honest and sometimes harsh feedback to others without considering the feelings of people. They don’t intentionally criticize but have a natural tendency to nitpick and find flaws in things. INTJs are the ones from whom you can take the most honest reviews because they are more comfortable being direct and blunt in their feedback.
9. Both INFJs and INTJs have different interests
Both INTJs and INFJs have different interests according to their personality traits and preferences. INFJs being strongly humanitarian are idealists in their approach and enjoy artistic and creative activities like:
- Writing
- Painting and appreciating arts
- Watching true crime podcasts
- Reading books
- Being in nature
- Learning new things and working on personal growth
- Gardening and landscaping
INTJs are highly analytical and strategic and therefore they spend their spare time in problem-solving activities such as:-
- Building and tinkering with gadgets
- Play chess or other strategic games
- Solving puzzles
- Photography
- Reading and writing
- Learning an instrument
Some other notable differences between INTJs and INFJs are the following:
- INTJs are direct and logical in their communication, focus on facts, and prioritize efficiency over social harmony. INFJs are diplomatic and empathetic in their communication and skilled at reading or understanding the emotions of others.
- INTJs are uncompromising, detest stupidity, and are afraid by a sense of not reaching up to their high standards. INFJs are uncertain, mesmerized by stupidity, and afraid of a sense of existential stupidity.
- INTJs are drawn to careers that require analytical and strategic thinking, such as
- Engineering
- Science or researching
- Management
- Architecture
On the other hand, INFJs are excellent communicators and skilled at developing meaningful connections with others. Therefore, they excel in careers like:
- Psychology or counseling
- Social work
- Writing
- Teaching
- Health
You can follow our guide on “Choose best careers based on your Myers-Briggs personality type.”
What are the striking similarities between INFJs and INTJs?
Along with differences, INTJs, and INFJs also have many striking similarities, which make it difficult to tell them apart. Some remarkable similarities between them are the following:
- Both are introverts, which means they like to spend time in solitude to recharge their social batteries. They have rich inner worlds full of ideas and like to speculate about them and prefer their alone time over large social gatherings.
- Both personality types have introverted intuition (Ni) as their dominant function. They have a vast imagination, search for underlying meanings of things, and want to understand their life and purpose.
- INTJs and INFJs tend to be more introspective individuals who enjoy reflecting on their thoughts and emotions and may benefit from introspective practices such as journaling or meditation.
- Both types are forward-thinking and oriented towards planning for the future, often using their intuition to anticipate potential outcomes.
Final thoughts
Although INTJs and INFJs share some similarities, as both are introverted, judging, and intuitive types, they also have some apparent differences. INTJs are more analytical and independent, while INFJs are more empathetic and idealistic.
It’s important to note that everyone is unique and may not fit perfectly into one particular personality type. But understanding the unique traits of each type can help individuals better comprehend their nature and their interactions with others.
Mariam is a freelance writer, has an educational background in English literature. She loves to read books about complexities of human relationships. She’s passionate about sharing knowledge related to psychology and self-improvement with others.
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