INTPs and ISTPs share three of the four functions; their only difference is in their secondary function — extroverted intuition (INTP) vs. extroverted sensing (ISTP). But what does it mean in practice?
What that means is that while INTPs enjoy observing and analyzing the world around them, ISTPs do better at solving immediate and practical problems. While INTPs tend to think broadly and constantly ask questions, often challenging commonly accepted beliefs, ISTPs are brilliant at solving problems as they happen.
INTPs often prefer to keep to themselves, enjoying their thoughts, constantly reading, thinking, and analyzing. While ISTPs aren’t social butterflies either, they are a little more action-oriented and are often into physical activities and sports.
While ISTPs don’t mind solitary activities, they still enjoy the company of those who share their interests. INTPs, however, need more time with their computers to read and think all they want.
ISTPs like to keep things flexible. They don’t particularly enjoy following many of society’s rules and aren’t good at operating within tight structures. INTPs, however, may do both — they either behave according to the rules or rebel.
When it comes to learning, INTPs and ISTPs are a little different. INTPs are often life-long learners; they like to learn for the sake of learning. ISTPs, on the other hand, want to learn concrete and practical information and may be impatient with theory and abstract thinking. In other words, INTPs enjoy learning subjects as they are in contrast to ISTPs who want to know why they are doing what they are doing and how it can be applied to real-life situations.
ISTPs want their work to be related to their interests and hobbies. If they can’t combine their work and interests, they become unhappy and may even leave their job to live their lives on their own terms.
INTPs seem very similar to ISTPs in this matter. They also want to pursue their interests and may keep changing their jobs until they are satisfied.
Both INTPs and ISTPs can have very diverse interests, and they may change the focus of their attention from time to time, which in turn may affect their commitment to the current job.
Both INTPs and ISTPs aren’t particularly interested in being leaders, but if they become leaders due to circumstances, their leadership style is different. Practically minded ISTPs tend to lead by example, while analytical INTPs want to lead through ideas.
INTPs want jobs that allow them to use their analytical thinking, while ISTPs want to feel that their efforts result in tangible products.
Both INTPs and ISTPs have something to contribute, but what they offer is very different. INTPs excel at planning and system building, which is why they are sometimes called Architects or even Engineers. Interestingly, they do not typically enjoy the implementation of their plans nearly as much as the planning process itself.
ISTPs possess other valuable skills — finding the easiest and the most efficient way to accomplish a task at hand and responding to emergencies. While there is no doubt that these two ISTPs skills are critical for success, it’s important to highlight that ISTPs do not like to plan anything and feel that their mental effort is wasted on planning because things usually do02n’t go as planned anyway.
Finally, both INTPs and ISTPs like to feel independent and prefer a flexible work setting.
When it comes to personal relationships, INTPs and ISTPs have very different styles.
INTPs can be very romantic and vocal about their feelings at the beginning of the relationship. When this initial stage is over, they begin to withdraw gradually and become their normal introverted self. Later, they begin to analyze their relationship, which may sometimes lead to a breakup.
ISTPs, however, prefer to show their feelings rather than express them verbally. They also make it clear that they need a lot of space to pursue their interests unless, of course, their loved one is willing to participate. ISTPs do not break up easily and may stay even in an unhappy relationship for a very long time.
If you would like to read more on INTP vs. ISTP, check out the links below:
INTP
ISTP
19 INTP Careers to Avoid (and 7 to Pursue)
16 Personalities main page
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