INTJ Auxiliary Function: Understanding the INTJs Secondary Extraverted Thinking (Te)

When searching for a deeper understanding of the personality types, it is important to understand each one of their functions. While we often focus on the dominant and even inferior functions, knowing the auxiliary and tertiary ones are also vital. It is not just about knowing what functions each type possesses but rather how these functions behave within the stack. When a function is dominant it will present differently than when it is auxiliary, and so understanding this is truly important if you want to understand each personality type. Knowing each function on it’s own doesn’t really give you a true comprehension of how the personality type is going to utilize that function. Instead you need to learn more about the placement of each function and how it corresponds with each personality type.

INTJs are very practical people who care about facts and information. They can be viewed as rather driven, working hard to accomplish their goals. While their dominant function is their introverted intuition, their auxiliary function is actually what stands out the most when people first encounter the INTJ personality. Since their second function is extraverted thinking, it does stand out more to an outside perspective. It is what causes the INTJ to be so focused on getting things done and might make them appear a bit aggressive when they are working towards an important goal. While it might be what stands out more, this function works differently in their auxiliary position than it would for someone who uses Te as their dominant function. This is why taking the time to understand each function and how it is expressed for each type, is so important in understanding them better.

How Te Works 

Extraverted thinking or Te is very focused on getting things done and being as efficient as possible in the process. It is a function which is easily recognizable since it isn’t focused on emotions or people, instead it is focused on processes and systems. Te is very to the point, wanting to get to the core of the situation and not waste time with pointless analysis. Once the user finds the best solution they want to focus on taking action, rather than spending too much time trying to overanalyze and consider other options. They don’t need to constantly explore possibilities, instead they want to look at what is clear and accurate. The Te dominant user wants to find the most efficient way to better a situation and path, wanting everything to be done in the best way possible. They care about understanding information and facts, but won’t waste time once they know they are right about something. This is what can cause Te users to seem a bit harsh in how direct they are, but it isn’t about hurting feelings or being cruel. The intention is simply to focus on the facts and to strategize, rather than focusing on emotions or sensitivities. They become very clear and concise, not wanting to leave any room for error or misunderstanding in a situation. They are not afraid of taking charge, their Te helping them dictate and get things done in a leadership position. Te can become a very action-oriented function, not wanting to sit around and wait for things to happen. It allows the user to figure out the most strategic way to solve a problem, optimizing their abilities and finding ways to make the process superior. Once they figure out the best way to get the job done, they are not afraid of taking charge and moving forward rather than stagnating and becoming doubtful. 

Auxiliary Te in INTJs

The use of Te in the INTJs auxiliary position, is what makes them so focused on efficiency. They dislike care about getting things done the right way, rather than wasting time and making mistakes along the way. They focus so much on facts and accurate information, constantly collecting data and working to filter what is right or what has flaws. INTJs care about what makes the most objective and logical sense, rather than allowing emotions to cloud their judgement. This desire to focus on facts rather than feelings, is definitely because of their Te and how important it is to the way the INTJ sees the world. They value being able to focus on getting things done, and can appear aggressive sometimes because of this. INTJs might even be a bit intimidating to some people, since they are driven to accomplish whatever goals they set their minds to. They don’t allow emotions to prevent them from working towards a goal, and sometimes this means being very direct with people. INTJs don’t intend to sound or be harsh towards others, they simply don’t want to expend time sifting through their emotions to be sure they won’t be upset. Instead the INTJ values being honest and precise when they are trying to convey a point or deliver a command.

The INTJs Te works closely with their dominant Ni, helping to collect data and filter it through this subconscious part of themselves. Their minds are constantly running through the information they collect, and this dominant Ni spits out conclusions and predictions for the INTJ to follow. This is what makes them skilled at strategizing and coming up with the most logical path for them to take. INTJs value things which are proven and accurate, not wanting anything which becomes too out of the box. This is because they want to be sure of their choices so that they can get things done the right way, rather than wasting their time or energy on something which likely won’t be fruitful. This doesn’t mean the INTJ is incapable of taking risks, they just prefer them to be calculated risks which are based on their intuition and a sense of knowing what the most ideal strategy is for them. The combination of these functions is what helps the INTJ follow a more practical and efficient path, even though their own inner world is often much more imaginative and richer than people realize.

 

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