Firstly this is not about the normal INTJ type; this is about the Keirsey Mastermind definition of INTJ which I actually believe is more accurate in its orientation and identifies the INTJs that really are obviously INTJ.

Here is the definition of the Keirsey site http://www.keirsey.com/handler.aspx?...5&c=mastermind

And here is the definition on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastermind_(role_variant)

Some snippets of the Keirsey definition will be shown along with further elaboration.

The closest variant to the standard INTJ that is readily observed is the ISTJ. Most INTJs appear to reflect the characteristics of ISTJ and even the questions to indicate “Intuition” appear to be rather vague http://www.psychologytribe.com/Intuition.jpg

Where I believe the main differences are between the Mastermind and the regular INTJ is the one of the degree of intuition and what appears to be a type of latent feeling that is more than overshadowed by the thinking function.

From this point on a Mastermind INTJ variant is simply referred to as an INTJ

Keirsey points out that Rationals are good at Planning operations but the INTJ is head and shoulders above all at contingency planning.

The INTJ as the supreme pragmatist innately thinks (and often intuits) the concept of best fit solution within multi parameter objectives. (Previously and repetitively travelled thought paths become the auto suggestive intuition)

Various competing objectives are elements like Risk, Payoff (Return/Cost), Time and a whole host of fuzzy logic variables such as emotional effort etc.

Some variables are positive to the ideal solution and some are negative, the INTJ objectively tries to reduce the impact of negative variables, including multiple reasonings such as “What if the risk or an unknown variable unravels this solution?” “What is the fall back position?” [Scenario -> Implication -> Enhancement/Mitigation -> Outcome]

The INTJ by a repetitive thinking process of “walk through” examines the potential scenarios and objectively tries to understand the different outcome pathways, and have contingency plans to mitigate those, or at least be aware of and include these in the best fit solution. To mitigate risk you need to be aware of your surroundings.

Hence, what makes the INTJ better at contingency planning is that they have a heightened sense and realisation of "fear" (Worry and acknowledgement of potential harm or loss) coupled with the notion of efficient action. Hence both RISK and return being covered.

I suspect like the Feelers the INTJs have an enhanced use of the amygdala which allows them the "fear factor" (Risk).

Keirsey states that Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead.

A number of factors exist why the INTJ can stay in the background.

Firstly it’s a sense of equal effort, the INTJ believes they should not do everything and hopes that other members will push the objective along the required path allowing the INTJ to do what they do best and think about other things. People are like processes and INTJs really only want to manage the system where it steps outside given tolerances. As well as efficiency of systems there is efficiency of INTJs time.

Secondly, INTJs can hold back because they are not extroverts, they do not want to be the center of attention.

Thirdly, they don’t like (and realise they are not the best at) interaction with other types. INTJs prefer processes rather than people as processes are predictable and less irrational. Any form of emotive interaction is best avoided by the INTJ as it’s not productive (In an ideal process environment) yet can consume vast amounts of "management" time.

Fourthly, the fear factor. The emotional element of being recognised and at the center. This is like the second factor although I believe it is more around the context of a controllable environment.

An INTJ will step forward when the antagonism is such (The ship is definitely foundering) that it is greater than the inhibitors mentioned, by that stage they will already have the required course of action in mind and will implement it often with the same resolve that overcame their inhibition (Which could be a lot). If the environment (Organisational culture) is not conducive to the INTJ "mutiny" then be prepared for quite obvious clashes, an INTJ in this mode can turn Spartan and conceivably fight anyone at any level in the organisation with no remorse or worry for personal consequence.

INTJs however far prefer to be in the background as the invisible guiding hand, although it antagonises them infinitely when others claim their efforts which can be quite often, as they do not parade their achievements to same degree as other types.


Keirsey – “Masterminds do not feel bound by established rules and procedures, and traditional authority does not impress them, nor do slogans or catchwords. Only ideas that make sense to them are adopted; those that don't, aren't, no matter who thought of them. Remember, their aim is always maximum efficiency.”

Rules and procedures exist to provide for efficient action. If Rules and procedures by their application do not achieve this then they should not be applied, or should be altered as soon as possible. INTJs will always clash with Rules and procedures as they are often constructed by others whom do not consider the implications to other processes and rarely design a feedback loop so that the INTJ can improve those Rules and procedures.

Traditional authority does not impress the INTJ as it has to be earned by achievement from the INTJ perspective. An INTJ in reality wants to report to only a better INTJ (Or another rational that is just and fair, with a degree of acknowledgement or empathy for their style).

Slogans and catchwords (Like mission statements and other propaganda) do not work on the INTJ as the INTJ does not need to feel group orientated to function at their best. Basically such collectivism is seen as mind control.

Keirsey –Masterminds tend to be much more definite and self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will.

Without getting too heavily involved in talking about the amygdala I believe this to be responsible for the main difference in typing against standard INTJs, basically they are emotionally driven. This is their dynamo that powers them, not unlike the INFJ; the difference is that the INTJ has an overwhelming thinking process that maintains fierce control over it. You will see this energy unwind when they go into Spartan mode and clash with those that conflict with their views whilst having inferior knowledge/competence yet have some ability to constrain the INTJ from achieving “natural order/outcome”.

nb: With regards to mission statements/charters I would expect the INTJ to be fully aware of any deviation from implied conduct (Of any level of the organisation or the organisation itself) as their efforts in any organisation has an intended eventual beneficiary. An INTJ must buy into the constructive purpose otherwise their efforts are an irrelevance.