Some people are completely content working for a boss and following someone else’s rules, and then there are the rebels who constantly feel the need to challenge authority. INTPs are part of the latter group since they tend to have a difficult time trusting and respecting authoritative figures.
INTPs like doing things their own way and don’t want to be told what to do. They only follow rules that they agree with and make their own decisions. INTPs don’t do well when they are pressured or obligated to do something. INTPs like figuring things out independently and often feel restricted by authority.
INTPs are usually easy to get along with as long as you’re not bossing them around. Why are INTPs so indifferent toward authority? We explore the various reasons in this article.
Why Do INTPs Hate Authority?
INTPs are problem-solvers and innovators who prefer making their own rules and decisions. INTPs aren’t particularly fond of doing things someone else’s way and therefore find it challenging to show respect for authority. But there are many other reasons why INTPs hate authority.
1. INTPs Feel That Respect Should Be Earned
Fancy titles or ranks don’t impress an INTP and won’t earn their respect immediately. An INTP will first determine whether an authoritative figure deserves their title before they trust them. An INTP will only look up to authority if the person of authority proves themselves to be knowledgeable and shares ideas that an INTP finds useful and intriguing.
2. INTPs Don’t Like Being Obligated To Do Something
INTPs hate being controlled and told what to do. If the task you require of them doesn’t seem urgent enough, don’t expect much enthusiasm from their side to get it done quickly. There are usually far more interesting things going on in the mind of an INTP than the boring or mundane tasks on their boss’s to-do list.
INTPs fare much better working for themselves since they can work at their own pace and do things that they find important and intriguing.
3. INTPs Like Figuring Things Out On Their Own
The entire INTP personality revolves around intuition and thinking. INTPs love figuring things out – it’s what drives them and makes them who they are. They don’t want to be told how things are by a boss. Instead, they want to go on a long, exciting exploration route and find the solution themselves.
INTPs thrive when they can work independently and where someone else’s ideas won’t limit their own creativity.
4. INTPs Don’t Like Following Rules They Disagree With
Although INTPs are generally respectful of others, they won’t be forced into doing something they deem unimportant or unreasonable. INTPs don’t like wasting time doing things that don’t make sense to them because they feel that it limits them. The same goes for rules.
Authority figures in the workplace set and enforce certain rules that employees are required to follow. INTPs don’t bode well with rules, often leading to a clash with the authority. The only rules an INTP will follow are those with a specific and logical purpose. If a particular rule seems pointless or silly, then an INTP will simply ignore it for as long as they can (without getting in trouble).
5. INTPs Don’t Tolerate Incompetency
Engrained in an INTP is the need to find solutions to problems, and therefore they quickly notice when there are flaws in the system.
It’s no secret that not all people with titles are deserving of their position. Although this does not apply to all authoritative figures, an INTP will make sure to find out whether someone is deserving of their ranking. INTPs can’t stand incompetency and have difficulty respecting leadership if they aren’t up to standard.
6. INTPs Feel Restricted By Authority
Authority usually has a preferred way of getting things done and places certain expectations on those that work under them. INTPs have their unique way of processing ideas and finishing tasks. They are most productive when given enough space and time to get the job done right.
If the authority is too close-minded, an INTP will get irritated and struggle to follow through with instructions. INTPs feel restricted when authority prevents them from thinking out of the box.
7. INTPs Prefer Making Their Own Decisions
INTPs are strong perceivers and value the decision-making process above the end result. They don’t like being pressured into making quick decisions before properly analyzing all the possibilities and outcomes.
For INTPs, the journey is just as important as the end destination, and they want to make sure they make the most of the journey. They don’t make a decision until they have considered every aspect and explored every avenue.
How Do INTPs Behave Around Authority?
INTPs have respect for people that appreciate their skills and knowledge. They need the freedom to cultivate new ideas and expand their horizons. Authority often does not place enough value on an INTP’s creativity and does not understand their need for autonomy. People of authority can make INTPs feel boxed in and restricted, causing them to sometimes rebel against those in the higher ranks.
1. INTPs Tend To Challenge Or Argue With Authority
INTPs are deep thinkers and always have more than one idea about a particular concept. INTPs easily spot a problem or a challenge and efficiently devise various solutions. If someone makes a suggestion they disagree with, they are bound to challenge it.
INTPs thrive when they’re allowed the freedom to explore their ideas and put it to work. However, they get pretty argumentative if their ideas get ignored. There’s always more to know; there’s always a better way – that’s what authority often does not see.
Authority wants things done their way, and they want it done quickly. INTPs will do their utmost best to resist this way of doing things, even if it means they have to argue with their boss.
2. INTPs Treat Authority Like They Would Treat Anyone Else
INTPs aren’t intimidated by authority. In an INTPs world, the individual must prove themselves worthy of the title they carry before an INTP fully respects them. Most INTPs will agree that authority depends on the person’s knowledge, intellect, and problem-solving abilities. If they disagree with their boss, they usually continue doing things their way to prove that their way is better.
INTPs also don’t like to be dominated and don’t take it seriously. They often brush off any acts of dominance against them and carry on their own way (which often gets them in trouble).
3. INTPs Avoid Dealing With Authority
INTPs do their best work when they’re working independently, and they will try to keep their independence as long as possible. One of the best ways to avoid being told what to do is to avoid the people who do it! Therefore, INTPs only approach authority when it is required of them. The rest of the time, they live and work in their own vast world of ideas.
If you want them to do something for you, you better ask them yourself. INTPs won’t willingly ask someone of authority to tell them what to do unless they are desperate for work or advice.
4. INTPs Do Things Their Own Way
The easiest way to show that you don’t like authority is simply not listening to them. INTPs will rather do things their way (and possibly get into trouble) before they do what someone else has told them to do. Although they probably appreciate others’ suggestions, they usually prefer figuring things out for themselves in their own way.
INTPs only heed someone’s advice if it enables them to dive deeper and discover even more about a concept. If what you want them to do doesn’t pique their interest or allow them to let their creative juices flow, then they most likely won’t do what you asked. However, if they decide to do it, make no mistake – they will still do it on their own terms.
Conclusion
INTPs are independent intellectuals and abstract thinkers. They hate being put in a box and stay away from anything that might hinder them from being their creative selves. INTPs have difficulty submitting to authoritative figures who want to put a cap on their flow of ideas and limitations on their “thinking” time. INTPs are therefore best suited to environments and careers where they can work independently.
