Four Temperament Types: INtuitive Thinkers (NTs)

Myers-Briggs is perhaps the most helpful temperament assessment in use today. It’s easy to understand and practical in its’ applications.

There are 4 basic temperaments in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: INtuitive Thinkers (NTs); INtuitive Feelers (NFs); Sensate Judging (SJs); and Sensate Perceiving. Judging is better thought of as “Just Settle It;” perceiving is clearer when described as “Play It By Ear.”

OVERVIEW
The primary drive of NTs is competence, and above all they value intelligence. NTs enjoy acquiring factual information analyzing, the data, and synthesizing it to develop new understandings.

STRENGTHS
NTs are exceptional thinkers who possess a reservoir of information. They are logical and objective in their approach to life. Among their strengths is the ability to identify weaknesses in any statement or explanation. Others may accept things at face value, but NTs quickly recognize the erroneous thinking in one’s viewpoint.

WEAKNESSES
While NTs are strong in thinking, they lack emotional intelligence. In fact, NTs consider emotions a weakness that interferes with objectivity. Consequently, NTs can be incredibly insensitive to the feelings of others and make comments that are highly inappropriate.

EXAMPLES
The archetypical NT in modern culture is Star Trek’s Dr. Spock. He uses phrases like, “But that would be illogical, Captain.” Dr. Spock is an incredibly intelligent individual, but lacks the emotional capacity to build meaningful relationships. He can’t understand how others allow their feelings to affect their decisions.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Thomas is a good example of an NT. In John 14:4-5 Jesus explains that He will soon leave for the place He’s going so He can prepare a place for them. Then Jesus adds, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” And Thomas replies, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (Mark 14:4-5). That’s an NT response.

After His resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples in the Upper Room, but Thomas isn’t there. When the other disciples tell Thomas they’ve seen the Lord, the disciple replies, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (John 20:25). No wonder he’ll forever be known as “Doubting Thomas.” But to Thomas, the facts just didn’t fit his understanding of the world.

CAREERS
NTs can be successful in a wide variety of professions, but they tend to be attracted to certain careers. They do well as corporate leaders, researchers, doctors, college professors, technology experts, financial analysts, strategic planners, and many other fields.

In the next post we’ll take a look at INtuitive Feelers (NF).

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