Myers-Briggs personalities 1-4

Analysts (Those Who Seek Knowledge)

1. Architect Personality (INTJ)

Being at the top can be lonely, and Architects know it well: they are among the rarest and most capable personality types. They make up about 2.6% of the population, and women with this personality type are slightly less common than men (2.2% against 3%).

Architects often struggle to find people who can keep pace with their constant analysis. They are imaginative but decisive, ambitious but private, curious about everything yet focused.

Key INTJ characteristics

• INTJs tend to be introverted and prefer to work alone, even when trading.
• INTJs look at the big picture and prefer abstract ideas to concrete details.
• INTJs give more weight to logic and objective facts than to subjective emotions.
• INTJs like their world to be controlled and orderly, so they prefer to plan well in advance.

Pros:

• Enjoy theory and abstract ideas.
• Set high standards.
• Good listeners.
• Accept criticism well.
• Confident and hard-working.

Cons:

• Can be too analytical and critical of others.
• Perfectionists.
• Dislike talking about emotions.
• Can come across as cold or insensitive.

2. Logician Personality (INTP)

The Logician is a fairly rare personality type, making up about 4.8% of the population. They probably would not mind: nothing would bother them more than being “common.”

Logicians take pride in their inventiveness, their creativity, their original point of view and their sharp intellect.

Often described as the philosopher, the architect or the absent-minded professor, they are frequently drawn to science and research.

Key INTP characteristics

• INTPs are quiet, reserved and thoughtful. As introverts, they prefer the company of a few close friends who share their interests.
• They enjoy theoretical ideas and tend to value intellect over emotion. INTPs are logical and decide on the basis of objective facts rather than feelings.
• They tend to be flexible and good at finding original solutions.
• They think about the big picture rather than every small detail.
• INTPs like to keep their options open and feel restricted by structure and planning.

Pros:

• Rational and objective.
• Abstract thinkers.
• Independent.
• Loyal and affectionate with the people they love.

Cons:

• Hard to get to know.
• Can seem insensitive.
• Prone to self-doubt.
• Struggle to follow rules.
• Have trouble expressing their feelings.

3. Commander Personality (ENTJ)

Commanders are born leaders. They combine charisma and confidence with a natural authority that brings people together around a shared goal.

They are also marked by a very strong, sometimes ruthless rationality, and they use drive, determination and a sharp mind to reach whatever goal they set themselves.

They make up only about 1.8% of the population, which is perhaps just as well for the more timid and sensitive types who make up much of the rest. Commanders are often found at the head of the businesses and institutions we rely on every day.

Key ENTJ characteristics

• ENTJs enjoy the company of other people. They have strong verbal skills and feel energised by interacting with others.
• ENTJs prefer to think about the future rather than the present. They usually find abstract and theoretical ideas more interesting than concrete details.
• When they decide, ENTJs give more weight to objective, logical facts. Personal feelings and other people’s emotions rarely play a big part in their choices.
• ENTJs are planners. Having decisions made and a schedule or plan of action gives them a sense of predictability and control.
• They are highly rational, good at spotting problems and excel at taking charge. This makes them natural leaders, focused on solving problems efficiently.
• A common myth is that ENTJs are cold and ruthless. They are not always good with emotions, but this does not mean they are deliberately cruel. They tend to hide their own emotions and sentimentality, which they see as a weakness not to be shown to others.

Pros:

• Natural leaders.
• Self-assured.
• Well organised.
• Decisive.
• Assertive and direct.
• Good communicators.

Cons:

• Impatient.
• Stubborn.
• Can be insensitive.
• Can be aggressive.
• Intolerant.

4. Debater Personality (ENTP)

Nobody enjoys a mental sparring match more than the Debater. It lets them show their quick wit, their broad knowledge and their ability to connect unrelated ideas. Debaters make up about 4.3% of the population.

Debaters are the ultimate devil’s advocates, and they love taking arguments and beliefs apart to see what holds. They do not always have a deeper purpose or a strategy in mind: sometimes they do it simply because it is fun.

Key ENTP characteristics

• ENTPs enjoy meeting a wide variety of people. They are great conversationalists and love to draw others into a debate.
• They focus on the future more than on immediate details. They may start projects and never finish them, because they care more about the big picture than about present needs.
• ENTPs enjoy being around people, especially when they can talk or debate about something that interests them. They are usually laid-back and easy to get along with, but they can get so absorbed in their ideas and plans that they lose sight of their close relationships.
• They tend to postpone judgement. Instead of deciding or committing to a course of action, they prefer to wait and see what happens.
• ENTPs are immensely curious and eager to understand the world around them. They constantly absorb new information and ideas, reach conclusions quickly and grasp new things fast.

Pros:

• Innovative.
• Creative.
• Excellent conversationalists.
• Love a good debate.
• Value knowledge.

Cons:

• Can be argumentative.
• Dislike routine and fixed schedules.
• Resent being controlled.
• Unfocused.
• Can be insensitive.

Source of the population percentages: The Myers-Briggs Company.