{"id":685,"date":"2023-02-25T12:30:01","date_gmt":"2023-02-25T12:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/?p=685"},"modified":"2023-02-25T12:30:02","modified_gmt":"2023-02-25T12:30:02","slug":"istj-vs-intj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/","title":{"rendered":"ISTJ Vs INTJ: The Difference Between The Two Personalities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You think the difference between ISTJ and INTJ lies in one letter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, you\u2019re technically right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But one letter makes a whole world of difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an INTJ, I was quite surprised to learn how different ISJTs are from us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in this article, I\u2019ll share that knowledge with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the ISTJ vs INTJ showdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#What_is_ISTJ\" title=\"What is ISTJ\">What is ISTJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#What_is_INTJ\" title=\"What is INTJ\">What is INTJ<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#ISTJ_vs_INTJ_How_to_Tell_Them_Apart\" title=\"ISTJ vs INTJ: How to Tell Them Apart?\">ISTJ vs INTJ: How to Tell Them Apart?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Dominant_cognitive_function\" title=\"Dominant cognitive function\">Dominant cognitive function<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Dealing_with_authority\" title=\"Dealing with authority\">Dealing with authority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Social_interactions\" title=\"Social interactions\">Social interactions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Dealing_with_conflicts\" title=\"Dealing with conflicts\">Dealing with conflicts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Working_in_teams\" title=\"Working in teams\">Working in teams<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Are_ISTJ_and_INTJ_Similar_in_Any_Way\" title=\"Are ISTJ and INTJ Similar in Any Way?\">Are ISTJ and INTJ Similar in Any Way?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#The_drive\" title=\"The drive\">The drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Perfectionism\" title=\"Perfectionism\">Perfectionism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#Dealing_with_emotions\" title=\"Dealing with emotions\">Dealing with emotions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/#To_Sum_Things_Up\" title=\"To Sum Things Up\">To Sum Things Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_ISTJ\"><\/span>What is ISTJ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Statistically speaking, ISTJ is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@pillowfortblog\/16-personality-types-ranked-in-rarity-is-infj-still-the-rarest-type-bc014676e483\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most common personality types<\/a> in the world. To put it differently, most of us probably know a person or two with this personality type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what are they like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re reserved and sensible, with great attention to detail. They\u2019re also systematic and with clear goals and intentions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, to get a clear overview of what kind of personality ISTJ is, it\u2019s best to look at its cognitive functions. Sorted by dominance, here are the functions that ISTJ use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Introverted sensing <\/strong>&#8211; this function allows them to be very perceptive and focused on the present. But they can also vividly recall past memories in order to make an informed decision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extroverted thinking <\/strong>&#8211; when making a decision, ISTJs are guided by logic rather than feelings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Introverted feeling<\/strong> &#8211; ISTJs are sensitive to the feelings of other people. This often impacts their decision-making process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extraverted intuition<\/strong> &#8211; their least developed function is what makes them enjoy new experiences and ideas in life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_INTJ\"><\/span>What is INTJ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJ, on the contrary, is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/why-are-intjs-so-rare\/\">rarest personality types<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But just like ISTJs, people with the INTJ personality type are also goal-oriented and methodical in achieving them. They\u2019re also very curious, which is why they\u2019re considered to be \u201cwalking encyclopedias.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJ\u2019s cognitive functions (in order of how well they\u2019re used) are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Introverted intuition<\/strong> &#8211; INTJs have an easy time processing information through patterns. This makes it easy for them to see the big picture at any point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extroverted thinking<\/strong> &#8211; INTJs perceive the world around them with logic and rational reasoning, not feelings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Introverted feeling<\/strong> &#8211; When developed, this function helps INTJ become more emotionally aware of themselves and others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extroverted sensing<\/strong> &#8211; this function allows INTJs to be preset and perceive their surroundings with senses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ISTJ_vs_INTJ_How_to_Tell_Them_Apart\"><\/span>ISTJ vs INTJ: How to Tell Them Apart?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3YN90XtUiYA\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While at first glance you might think otherwise, ISTJ and INTJ are very different personality types. In this section, we\u2019ll cover everything that sets them apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dominant_cognitive_function\"><\/span>Dominant cognitive function<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Introverted intuition is the dominant function of an INTJ. In other words, it\u2019s kind of like their trademark. People with this personality type always have<strong> the bigger picture in mind<\/strong>, so everything they do leads toward the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But while they\u2019re focused on the future, ISTJs are the ones that are more in the present. ISTJs\u2019 dominant function is introverted sensing. This helps them focus on <strong>facts and details<\/strong> rather than on abstract concepts like INTJs would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, both perspectives have their flaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they pay more attention to details, ISTJs might have a hard time \u201cseeing the forest from the trees.\u201d With the INTJ type of personality, it\u2019s quite the opposite. By being so focused on the big picture, they tend to oversee the \u201ctrees the forest consists of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_with_authority\"><\/span>Dealing with authority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs aren\u2019t the ones to blindly follow the rules. They look for reasoning in all things, and that\u2019s true in the case of authority as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, an INTJ will <strong>obey rules only if they agree with them<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Putting this attitude in the workplace, an INTJ will always speak their mind if they think the manager is wrong. One thing INTJs can\u2019t stand is micromanaging, especially if they don\u2019t agree with the rules the boss is trying to impose on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISTJs, on the other hand, don\u2019t have such a strong tendency to question everyone, especially when it comes to authority. They believe in hierarchy, so naturally, they think that those above them probably know more about the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So they\u2019re more likely to<strong> follow the rules<\/strong>, even if they\u2019re not 100% on the fence with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_interactions\"><\/span>Social interactions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both of these personality types are introverts, so they probably won\u2019t be the loudest ones at group gatherings. Still, there are some pretty obvious differences in their ways of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INTJs are lone wolves<\/strong>, and interaction with other people can be quite draining. That\u2019s why they prefer to be very concise and straightforward when communicating with others.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/bEzCWDPWKwyowuzTCu\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In order to be completely understood, INTJs will use analogies and figures of speech to get their point across.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISTJs, on the contrary, prefer being literal in communication. They have a great ability to recall past events, which allows them to be so concrete in interaction with other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And unlike INTJs, people with the <strong>ISTJ personality type value community<\/strong>. That means they\u2019re actually happy to be surrounded by other people and engaging with them, even as introverts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_with_conflicts\"><\/span>Dealing with conflicts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both of these personality types will enjoy a good intellectual debate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But INTJs don\u2019t mind going all in and arguing about topics they have strong opinions about. And if that leads to a conflict, so be it. INTJs will <strong>fight for what they believe<\/strong> to the very end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISTJ person, on the contrary, will try to <strong>avoid conflict<\/strong>. In fact, they might not even engage in a debate that\u2019s likely to go the wrong way, as they prefer to keep things more peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019ll stay silent when it comes to people they\u2019re close with. In case a conflict is with their partner, they\u2019ll do everything in their power to deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working_in_teams\"><\/span>Working in teams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing that\u2019s very clear is that <strong>INTJs don\u2019t really do well in teamwork<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As lone wolves, people with this personality type prefer working on their own. They\u2019re very goal-oriented, so they\u2019re focused on the job until it\u2019s done. And they don\u2019t need help from others, which in most cases will only slow them down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an INTJ might say, \u201cif you want something done, it\u2019s best you do it yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISTJs, however,<strong> like being a member of a team<\/strong>. Like INTJs, people with ISTJ personality types are task-oriented. But they value structure and best work in the company of like-minded people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISTJs aren\u2019t planners but doers, so they don\u2019t mind if they\u2019re simply following others\u2019 ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_ISTJ_and_INTJ_Similar_in_Any_Way\"><\/span>Are ISTJ and INTJ Similar in Any Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/men-in-similar-suits.png\" alt=\"men in similar suits\" class=\"wp-image-691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/men-in-similar-suits.png 1200w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/men-in-similar-suits-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/men-in-similar-suits-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/men-in-similar-suits-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m sure by now you might be wondering &#8211; is there anything similar about these two personality types?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the answer is yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, their starting point for action is, for the most part, the same. However, they use different methods to achieve the ultimate goal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go over each action individually to explain what I mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_drive\"><\/span>The drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both of these personality types are <strong>very driven<\/strong>. They know what they want and will strive towards that without distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They use a different approach, though. INTJs are focused on the future, while ISTJs like to stay in the present. But what\u2019s the same is the drive that keeps them focused on what they\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the workplace, you want them both. You can rest assured that both INTJ and ISTJ will get things done before the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perfectionism\"><\/span>Perfectionism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both INTJ and ISTJ always want to do their best, regardless of the matter. This is due to their <strong>great attention to detail<\/strong> and ability to structure their lives around rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These personality types are very thorough and won\u2019t move up a step until they\u2019re completely satisfied with their work. And while it might take them longer to achieve the goal, they\u2019ll stay focused on it until the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_with_emotions\"><\/span>Dealing with emotions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both personality types are <strong>introverts<\/strong>, so they\u2019re not easy on dealing with emotions &#8211; their own and the emotions of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs and ISTJs are both seen as cold and emotionless, which is far from the truth. But these two personality types try to <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/intj-relationship-problems\/\">express their emotions in a more practical way<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So while you might not hear deep emotional words coming out of INTJs\u2019 or ISTJs\u2019 mouths, rest assured their actions will do the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Sum_Things_Up\"><\/span>To Sum Things Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, ISTJ and INTJ personality types have some prominent distinctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs love their independence and freedom, while ISTJs prefer having structure and hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why ISTJs will enjoy being surrounded by people, while INTJs will remain out of the circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But while different, these two personality types do great together &#8211; especially in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, they complete the circle and bring everything the surrounding needs into one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t quite understand the INTJ personality type?<\/strong> Here\u2019s our <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/intj-strengths-and-weaknesses\/\">article about the strengths and weaknesses of INTJs<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You think the difference between ISTJ and INTJ lies in one letter? Well, you\u2019re technically right. But one letter makes a whole world of difference. As an INTJ, I was quite surprised to learn how different ISJTs are from us. And in this article, I\u2019ll share that knowledge with you. Here\u2019s the ISTJ vs INTJ &#8230; <a title=\"ISTJ Vs INTJ: The Difference Between The Two Personalities\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/istj-vs-intj\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about ISTJ Vs INTJ: The Difference Between The Two Personalities\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":689,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=685"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":692,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685\/revisions\/692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/689"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}