Introduction

When I take the Myers-Brigs personality test, I without fail placed in the INTJ box.  What does this mean?

(I)??? (N) Intuitive (T) ??? (J)Judging

It means I am a rare breed – just 2% of the population are said to fall into this group.  Whether or not that’s an unsubstantiated “fact”, I’ll not go into.

INTJ’s can be summarised (if that is possible) as:

• Quick, imaginative and strategic thinkers
• High self-confidence
• Independent and decisive
• Hard working and determined
• Open Minded
• Jack of all Trades

Apparently we are weak as we come across as confidant, our logical mind dismiss garbage thinking, we analyse too much and we hate structure.

We have a natural thirst for knowledge and enjoy a broad and deep body of knowledge. This might be so, but I’m not interested in reality TV, which “celebrity” has done what or with who or in watching documentaries that do not inform.  When I want to add to my knowledge, I want to knowledge to have worth from a practical and scientific standpoint.

We are said to apply a ruthless “is this going to work” filter to EVERYTHING.  That makes sense as there is little point designing a project that is unlikely to succeed.  In a business that equals a waster of time and resources, learning experience or not (unless the whole point WAS to learn about project management).

Always assessing new tactics, strategies and contingency plans.  A recent study suggests having contingency plans is contributes to planning to fail.  I disagree and so far, that the result on a n=1 study.  If a process has a hitch or a result is out of specification, in manufacturing, you are required to have a backup plan, or at least a plan of investigation.  That way you can determine why something went arwy and build safeguards in the form of corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) into the process.

The Strengths of an INTJ and how they can benefit you

Quick, imaginative and strategic thinkers

It is said we take every opportunity to improve our knowledge and thinking methodology.  This is correct.  I love to learn, both to consolidate what I know and to improve or replace what I know.

Last week, lichens consisted of a fungus and an algae.  Today they consist of two fungi and an algae.

When the TGA updated their GMP guidance effective 1 January 2010, I loaded up the notes I made on their previous guidance from 2002 and made comparisons.

We are said use our creativity for planning contingencies and courses of action.  The reason I partook of a graphic design diploma was as a contingency plan in the event my science career went belly up (if disease was cured, that’s put me out of a job).  When my team leader role became redundant, being able to fall back on other skills while I sought to resume my career kept me afloat for a time.  Now I’m making other plans to resurrect my science career.

As a moderately successful amateur cyclist, I use an annual training plan for targeting my goals and addressing my weaknesses.  By using SMART goals, I get better.

High self-confidence

INTJ’s high self-confidence is said to create an honest, direct style of communication.  This meshes well with my DiSC profile which indicates I communicate diplomatically.  It also means if I see a flaw in your thinking or process I’ll bring it to your attention.  If I am wrong, it is up to you to teach me why.

Independent and decisive

The profiling gets me right here – I take responsibility for my actions. If it is my team, I’ll take responsibility for them, for better or worse.  If someone wants to change something, they need to show me why the change is required.  The worse thing anyone can do is make a change for the heck of it.  When it comes to science, everything needs to have a reason.  If there appears to be no reason, ask “why”.  Ask “why” some more.  Find the reason.

This makes me a great advocate and manager of change.  Where changes are required, I can see why this is so and communicate this to others while simultaneous managing the smooth transition from one state to another.  With change, making people advocates of change is the key.

Hard working and determined

If you can get me on board, I’m disposed to spending intense effort on a project.  You might not see me spend long hours working on it though.  Why not?  I am efficient.  If someone else can do it, I’ll delegate the task.  If it has been done before (and does not need repeating), there’s no point doing it again.  I’ll refer to the previous study.  If then, go to, repeat step 2.

Such efficiency probably contributed to my Microbiology Team Leader role becoming redundant.  Develop and deliver succession plan.  Delegate tasks. Mentor and develop team so they can think critically for themselves.  No need for me.

Open Minded

I grew up believing in ESP and aliens.  I used to think thunder was clouds hitting each other as that is what I’d be taught.

As I was educated, ESP went out the window as studies are not reproducible and seem to have a lot of testing bias.  Aliens probably exist, though there’s no evidence they have interstellar capabilities or have been to Earth.  Thunder is actually the sound of lightning.  I rallied against that one when I found out the truth at seven.  That probably started me down the open-minded road.  Things that I were certain of yesterday may be totally without fact tomorrow.  Things that sound preposterous today, may be proven tomorrow.  Though I am open-minded to new ideas and methodologies, you need to show me the evidence that backs you claims up.

Jack of all Trades

If I was a historical figure I’d be a Renaissance man/person/being/non gender specific thingymagiggy.  Though my fingers are in many pies (cycling, blogging, graphic design, musical instrument playing, microbiology, computers, astronomy), I’m great in some and better than average in most (some do not have the time input to make me great yet).

From a third-party perspective, I think this is seen as a weakness.  “Look at everything he’s done.  Surely he’s not suited for us as he’s not an expert on anything”.  That’s prejudicial and false.  The way you should look at this is that I have many well-developed talents and have the ability to absorb new knowledge apply the new learning in an effective and timely manner.  Specialists die – it is the generalist who prosper and I operate to a long game.

Our so-called weaknesses are mostly strengths

Confidence:  Thanks to being a scientist and knowing I do not know everything and the way someone may conduct a task might be better than the way I conduct the same task, I am always thinking, what if the way I do things can be improved or (non-existent god forbid) , flawed.  Being able to think ahead and imagine the multiverse can impact on my confidence.  When answering a complex question I might come across as unsure of myself as in my head I’m picturing multiple outcomes and what would make my answer or suggested solution false.

Judgemental:  I’ve always dismissed those I who I think are idiots.  As much as I try, I cannot listen with a straight face to talk non scientifically valid bunk such as ghosts, Bowen therapy, moon landing conspiracies etc.  Don’t bring your unsubstantiated claims to me.  I want evidence that is reproducible and testable.  I’m not into humouring you.  This is why I work as a scientist.  Data.  Facts.  Evidence.  Proof.  Not sure of a result?  Test it again.

A great quote I’ve read “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion.” Harlan Ellison.

Overlay Analytical:  In so far as affecting confidence levels, I concur.

Loathe Structure:   I definitely loathe rules and regulations where there is no logic to why they were put in place.  Good examples are requiring solid rear lights on cycle competitors on non-closed roads in Victoria and high visibility vests on learner motorcyclists.  For myself, I love schedules and documenting things as quite often I’ll imagine I’ve done something when I have not, hence my love of scheduling and documenting.

When it comes to the scientific process, I’m a stickler for the rules.  Follow the regulations.  Follow the guidelines.  Follow your internal policies, standard operating procedures and operation instructions.  Document and record what you do.  If you missed a step, document that.

Conclusion

My INTJ traits can contribute to your company’s success in the following ways:

• I can think on my feet and picture multiple outcomes, and can thus formulate backup plans.  With that in mind, I am open to your suggestions.
• I champion the need for documentation and follow established processes unless better ways have been identified (which of course I’ll document).
• I am predisposed to pass along my knowledge to others and also learn from others.
• I am hard-working and determined to get the job done.
• As I appear to be confidant, others will tend to believe what I say and follow my lead and my willingness to learn from others makes me approachable and a great mentor and leader.
• I’m an advocate of (necessary) change and can determine how to go about introducing and managing change.
• I’m very knowledgable about lots of things.