This will be the third and final installment analyzing my personality in terms of the INTJ type. Today I will be quoting and and commenting on passages from this description.
It is assumed that INTJs have no regard for authority when, in fact, what INTJs have is a lack of respect for authority that is not "learned" in ways that will benefit the system - a lack of respect for authority that is not "in the know", for INTJs respect knowledge above all and want only to deal with those who "know". Then, they are very capable students, co-operative co-workers and faithful disciples. They know, almost as no other type knows, that a "weak" head means a weak system and work will be in vain. Wasted time, effort and energy are terms for failure to INTJs and INTJs do not like to fail.Wow. I could write an entire post about this one point alone. I do have a great deal of respect for authority, but a lot of my past bosses and teachers might take issue to that statement. Some people just can't understand that, when I am complaining about something they do (or don't do) or when I suggest another way of doing something, it is not personal. I'm not trying to be difficult or challenge anyone's authority, and I'm definitely not trying to find ways of getting out of work; I'm trying to make everything run as smoothly as possible for everyone (including the boss), and I happen to be aware of a huge obstacle preventing that, usually one that could easily be removed.
INTJs do not need to be the centre of attention and, though they may be extremely critical of others' ideas, they, nonetheless, will work to bring about the dreams and schemes of those they care about once their (the INTJs) views have been made known. Often the point is missed that INTJs often employ debate but are quick to recognize a higher truth, though they will debate until truth arises or someone "quits".This is also very apropos to my life. Often someone will make a statement that I disagree with or that isn't convincing. So I say why I disagree, and we go back and forth. Quite often, people think I'm fighting with them. To me, though, it doesn't even qualify as a debate, since my interest is not so much in convincing them that I am right as it is to work out what the truth is. I would be more pleased to find out they they are right, because then I would be learning something about which I was previously mistaken, and I usually take it for granted that they feel the same way. I don't see why everything has to be taken personally.
INTJs are born executives and are totally dependable and dedicated to any project to which they commit themselves. They are unstinting in perseverance, intolerant of weakness and demanding of any under their authority. While being great taskmasters, they are nonetheless unstinting in seeing that due credit is given to those who deserve it and are not grasping for honours for themselves. They only truly appreciate praise when it is really deserved or comes from those whom they admire and are in a position to truly know that the praise is really deserved for perfection is their standard.That's true. People see me as very demanding, but they usually go along with me, because they can see that I hold myself to the same standards. And I don't really appreciate praise unless it is sincere and deserved. In other words, I find it annoying to be praised just because the boss wants to be polite or encouraging. Also, I am very aware that the success of any group endeavor is determined by its members, even if I am the one in charge. If a project is a success, I am always extremely grateful and make sure to richly reward them at the end.