Professional Documents
Culture Documents
My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is
worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.
George Washington
meeting their obligations no matter the personal cost, and they are baffled by
people who don't hold their own word in the same respect. Combining
laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on ISTJs' bad side.
Consequently, people with the ISTJ personality type often prefer to work
alone, or at least have their authority clearly established by hierarchy, where
they can set and achieve their goals without debate or worry over other's
reliability.
ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency
to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by
ISTJs as a weakness, and their passion for duty, dependability and
impeccable personal integrity forbid falling into such a trap.
This sense of personal integrity is core to ISTJs, and goes beyond their own
minds - ISTJ personalities adhere to established rules and guidelines
regardless of cost, reporting their own mistakes and telling the truth even
when the consequences for doing so could be disastrous. To ISTJs, honesty is
far more important than emotional considerations, and their blunt approach
leaves others with the false impression that ISTJs are cold, or even robotic.
People with this type may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly,
but the suggestion that they don't feel, or worse have no personality at all, is
deeply hurtful.
ISTJ WEAKNESSES
Stubborn - The facts are the facts, and ISTJs tend to resist any new
idea that isn't supported by them. This factual decision-making process
also makes it difficult for people with the ISTJ personality type to accept
that they were wrong about something - but anyone can miss a detail,
even them.
Insensitive - While not intentionally harsh, ISTJs are often hurt more
sensitive types' feelings by the simple mantra that honesty is the best
policy. ISTJ personalities may take emotions into consideration, but
really only so far as to determine the most effective way to say what
needs to be said.
Always by the Book - ISTJs believe that things work best with clearly
defined rules, but this makes them reluctant to bend those rules or try
new things, even when the downside is minimal. Truly unstructured
environments leave ISTJs all but paralyzed.
Judgmental - Opinions are opinions and facts are facts, and ISTJs are
unlikely to respect people who disagree with those facts, or especially
those who remain willfully ignorant of them.
Often Unreasonably Blame Themselves - All this can combine to
make ISTJs believe they are the only ones who can see projects
through reliably. As they load themselves with extra work and
responsibilities, turning away good intentions and helpful ideas, ISTJs
sooner or later hit a tipping point where they simply can't deliver. Since
they've heaped the responsibility on themselves, ISTJs then believe the
responsibility for failure is theirs alone to bear.
ISTJ RELATIONSHIPS
ISTJs are dependable through and through, and this trait is clearly
expressed when it comes to their romantic relationships. Often
representing the epitome of family values, people with the ISTJ
personality type are comfortable with, and often even encourage
traditional household and gender roles, and look to a family structure
guided by clear expectations and honesty. While their reserved nature
often makes dating ISTJs challenging, they are truly dedicated partners,
willing to devote tremendous thought and energy to ensure stable and
mutually satisfying relationships.
People with the ISTJ personality type can get so caught up in the belief
in their correctness, in "winning" arguments they thought were about
facts, that they don't realize their partner may have viewed things from a
perspective of consideration and sensitivity. Especially with Feeling (F)
partners, this can be a huge challenge for the relationship. Ultimately
though, ISTJs' senses of responsibility and dedication set the tone, and
they spare no effort in noting to this distinction moving forward, the
consequences having been demonstrated as real.
While ISTJs' staid approach may seem boring to some, there is an
undeniable attractiveness to it, though felt perhaps more by respect and
admiration than emotional passion. ISTJs' shells hide a strong and quiet
determination and reliability, rare among other personality types, which
can benefit even the flightiest personalities, allowing them to stay
connected to the real world while still exploring new territory. Partners
who share the Observant (S) trait are the best fit for ISTJ personalities,
with one or two opposing traits to create balance and to expand ISTJs'
sometimes overly isolated world, such as partners with Extraverted (E)
or Prospecting (P) traits.
ISTJ FRIENDS
ISTJ friends are not spontaneous. They are not talkative, or particularly
playful in their affection. What ISTJ friends are is loyal, trustworthy,
honorable and dependable. Others may come and go with the ups and
downs of life, but ISTJs stay by their friends' sides no matter what, with
a deepness of commitment that other types may not even believe is
possible.
ISTJs are a very methodical personality type, and this loyalty isn't given
away lightly. Often slow to make friends, ISTJs usually end up with a
smaller circle, but they consider that circle to represent a promise to be
there for the people they care about, and ISTJs' promises are not easily
broken.
Expressing emotional affection isn't one of ISTJs' stronger skills, but
they nevertheless find ways to show it. As Socrates said, "To be is to
do", and ISTJs' follow-through, their willingness to take action as a show
of support, stands in for their words.
These actions convey a sensitivity that many fail to see, but it is a
quality that ISTJs' friends come to admire and depend on in the long
years of their friendships.
But all of this sounds terribly serious, and indeed it only shows the one
side of ISTJs and their approach to their friendships. The other side
knows how to stop being quite so staid, and especially in the company
of joyful and talkative Extraverts (E), ISTJs enjoy relaxing and having
fun with a good discussion about work, life, and current events.
People with the ISTJ personality type don't like conflict, and this applies
to how they select their friends as well. Seeking out friends with similar
principles and opinions, ISTJs most often befriend other Sentinels (SJ),
who are likely to share their perspective and world vision. While they are
unlikely to become friends with substantially different types it simply
takes too much energy to bridge the communication gap ISTJ
personalities still recognize and appreciate others' strengths and
qualities.
In fact, as if to prove the point, ISTJs almost always have at least one
Intuitive (N) friend in their inner circle, despite the disconnect the two
perspectives bring. These are very much relationships built not on
mutual understanding, but out of respect for their mutual differences.
ISTJs marvel at Intuitives' breadth of thought, being very much in tune
with their own intelligence, while Intuitives admire ISTJs' realism and
dependability, something they are often hard-pressed to find in
themselves. Knowledge, as always, is the great equalizer.
ISTJ PARENTS
As parents, people with the ISTJ personality type are often the most
comfortable. Their sense of responsibility and honor blends well with a
tradition that has been in place since time immemorial: to raise one's
children to be respected, contributing members of home and society. As
with most commitments, ISTJs do not take their roles as parents lightly,
and will make it their work to ensure that this tradition is upheld to the
highest standard.
This doesn't always come easily for their children though, as ISTJs tend
to be strict, with high standards and expectations. ISTJ personalities
establish stable, clearly structured environments for their children,
always with an eye on helping them to develop a sense of place in
society, and to fulfill useful roles.
A clear sense of hierarchy is a part of developing this identity, and ISTJs
work just as much to ensure an appropriate respect for authority as they
do with family and societal structure.
All this loyalty, devotion and structure are of little use though when
ISTJs' children need the warmth of emotional support. While ISTJs can
be sensitive towards those they care about in their own way, it's hard for
younger children and especially adolescents to recognize this tough
love for the love that it is. Often ISTJs need to rely on a more sensitive
partner to fill this role and mediate between rational purpose and the
more ethereal sense of emotional well-being.
People with the ISTJ personality type are strongly principled, valuing
patience and hard work, qualities children often struggle with.
Nevertheless, ISTJs' children are expected to meet these standards and
share these values, for their own good. This approach often bears its
fruit in the long run, but ISTJs must keep in mind that their approach
creates natural barriers and distance that often leave their children
wondering if they're on the same team.
Taken too far, or with mutual stubbornness, this may even set in as a
permanent state in the relationship, something both ISTJ parents and
their children ultimately regret. It is best for ISTJs to embrace and hold
to their own values, but to also recognize that each person has their
own goals, and to meet their children halfway in attaining theirs.
Combining their natural devotion and purpose with this flexibility in
support of their children's own vision leads to a sense of mutual respect
and accomplishment that any ISTJ parent would be proud of.
ISTJ CAREERS
The facts support this, as the most common careers among people with
the ISTJ personality type revolve around institutions of respected
tradition, authority, security, and established consistency. Careers as
military officers, lawyers, judges, police officers and detectives are all
very popular among ISTJs. This makes sense, as they not only offer the
stability that ISTJs seek, but are in line with their principles and
conservatism, establishing clear societal roles.
ISTJs of course aren't limited to these organizations - there are many
other roles that utilize their reliability, objectivity and sharp eyes. When
facts and logic are out of place, ISTJ personalities swoop in as the
ISTJs may also struggle with the increasingly open and social
requirements of modern work life. Being somewhat bad at sensing
others feelings, ISTJs' "just the facts" attitude can be downright
alienating when it comes to more sensitive personality types. This
applies not just to coworkers but to customers as well - service positions
like retail sales and waiting tables, as well as more emotionally
demanding careers such as psychiatry are, generally speaking, a
terrible fit.
The ideal career paths feature a trend: they place facts above feelings
and allow ISTJs to uphold the hard standards that are the backbone of
society. Rules are the basis for everything people take for granted about
modern life, from the social contract that smooths relationships, to the
laws that protect peoples' most basic safety, to the constitutions and
treaties that govern nations. People with the ISTJ personality type take
on roles as the defenders of these ideas, in big ways and small, and are
rightfully proud of it.
Responsibilities aren't burdens to ISTJs, they are the trust that has been
placed in them, an opportunity to prove once again that they are the right
person for the job.
On the other hand, the change that comes with assuming those new
responsibilities, or in losing old ones, is often a significant struggle for ISTJs.
This presents itself differently in different positions of authority, but it is one of
ISTJs' most significant challenges to overcome. The usual insensitivity
common to all Thinking (T) types is also a running theme here, something
many people with the ISTJ personality type choose to focus on in their
personal and professional development.
ISTJ SUBORDINATES
ISTJs crave responsibility, which makes them the go-to subordinates for odds
and ends and unpopular projects. Often seen as jacks of all trades, ISTJ
personalities can competently tackle any project that comes with a manual.
On the other hand, this makes them reluctant to give up responsibilities even
when they are overburdened, or when there are better people for the job. The
seriousness in ISTJs' approach to their work makes them surprisingly
sensitive to criticism, leading to a sometimes vexing level of inflexibility.
Their stubbornness aside, or perhaps because of it, ISTJs are quite possibly
one of the most productive subordinates they respect authority and
hierarchy, and have no problem following orders and instructions. Punctuality
is unlikely to ever be an issue, either in terms of showing up to work on time,
or in terms of meeting project deadlines. While ISTJs may need clearly set
steps and well-defined responsibilities, they are exceptionally loyal, dedicated,
meticulous and patient in completing their work.
ISTJ COLLEAGUES
Among colleagues, no one can be trusted more to ensure that projects are
finished on time and by the book than ISTJs. Quiet and methodical, people
with the ISTJ personality type keep cool when the going gets tough, but
expect their colleagues to share their approach. Significantly different types,
especially more emotional ones, baffle ISTJs with their need for emotional
ISTJ MANAGERS
ISTJs love responsibility and the power resulting from it. Pressing themselves
hard to meet their obligations, ISTJs regularly go above and beyond their
duties, and expect their subordinates to act with the same level of dedication.
At the same time, ISTJs' preference for doing things by the book, adherence
to hierarchy, and general aversion to innovation makes their subordinates ride
a very thin line when they do stepping out of bounds must be backed up
with just the facts, and results.
It is said that it is better to do first and ask permission later it's difficult to say
whether this applies to ISTJs, as they are very intolerant of their subordinates'
failures to meet their obligations, and one of those obligations is to stick to the
plan. Believing that truth, at least as far as they see it, is more important than
sensitivity, ISTJ personalities are capable of laying down hard criticism, and
their willingness to make tough decisions can make perceived insubordination
the final trespass.
CONCLUSION
Few personality types are as practical and dedicated as ISTJs. Known for
their reliability and hard work, ISTJs are good at creating and maintaining a
secure and stable environment for themselves and their loved ones. ISTJs'
dedication is invaluable in many areas, including their own personal growth.
Yet ISTJs can be easily tripped up in areas where their practical and
methodical approach are more of a liability than an asset. Whether it is finding
(or keeping) a partner, learning to relax or improvise, reaching dazzling
heights on the career ladder, or managing their workload, ISTJs need to put in
a conscious effort to develop their weaker traits and additional skills.
What you have read so far is just an introduction into the complex concept
that is the ISTJ personality type. You may have muttered to yourself, "wow,
this is so accurate it's a little creepy" or "finally, someone understands me!"
You may have even asked "how do they know more about me than the people
I'm closest to?"
This is not a trick. You felt understood because you were. We've studied how
ISTJs think and what they need to reach their full potential. And no, we did not
spy on you many of the challenges you've faced and will face in the future
have been overcome by other ISTJs. You simply need to learn how they
succeeded.
But in order to do that, you need to have a plan, a personal roadmap. The
best car in the world will not take you to the right place if you do not know
where you want to go. We have told you how ISTJs tend to behave in certain
circumstances and what their key strengths and weaknesses are. Now we
need to go much deeper into your personality type and answer "why?", "how?"
and "what if?"
This knowledge is only the beginning of a lifelong journey. Are you ready to
learn why ISTJs act in the way they do? What motivates and inspires you?
What you are afraid of and what you secretly dream about? How you can
unlock your true, exceptional potential?
Our premium profiles provide a roadmap towards a happier, more successful,
and more versatile YOU! They are not for everyone though - you need to be
willing and able to challenge yourself, to go beyond the obvious, to imagine
and follow your own path instead of just going with the flow. If you want to take
the reins into your own hands, we are here to help you.