Friday, April 30, 2010

Getting Into Character: The ISTJ (Introvert, Sensor, Thinker, Judger)

Today we continue our specific look at the sixteen types in the MBTI line-up. This is going to be so fun, because even if this is not your particular label, more than likely you will recognize someone you know and love revealed on the page. I need to let you know that this is NOT a professional opinion or blog--I am just teaching you what I've learned over more than ten years of studying personality.


I’m not going to repeat my description of the dominant preferences and such, but if you haven’t been following along, go back and read the beginning of the first week’s post (The ESTP). I’ve highlighted it in green, so you can easily catch up.

Last week we looked at the ENFP, which is an outward energized character who excels at using a sixth-sense, emotions, and perceptions. This week we will completely turn the tables ad look at the label-opposite ISTJ. ISTJs are inward-energized analytical, logical, fact-based approach to life. This is my personality type and also that of my sister. I believe Justice is probably an ISTJ too.

Living Life with an ISTJ: ISTJs are organizer-extraordinaires. Their inward focus and logic, detail, and duty-based personality makes them the turtles in this race of life—they are the steady plodders (or for writers—the steady plotters!). Everyone needs an ISTJ in their life because they are the ones who know (and follow) the rules, they read the directions, and they keep their word. ISTJs are finishers who usually love to-do lists. They are hard-working and will insist upon work before play, unless the play involves a sense of duty they see as greater than the job left undone. This also means that if you give them a job to do, you can be assured it will be done on time and to specifications. ISTJs value commitment and it is that sense of duty that often keeps them from totally withdrawing into themselves. ISTJs are often “word” people and they clearly express thoughts and judgments.

Career/Service Area Choices for an ISTJ: ISTJs are get ‘er done people which makes them great assets in business and service. They are hard workers and value production rather than fun. ISTJs may be “behind the scenes” types since they don’t usually require attention for their work. They often receive affirmation through concrete accomplishments or a tangible output rather than for their effort. They often enjoy hands-on tasks or work/service where they can see the results. In work and service, they enjoy completing a task uninterrupted or on their own. If they are going to work with others, they do best with partners that will pull their own weight. Otherwise, the ISTJ will just do the work themselves. Some occupations that might appeal to ISTJs are administration, finances, record-keeping, management/supervisor, marketing, sales, scientist/chemist/physicist, librarian, entrepreneur, technical specialist, researcher, military forces, teacher-especially in science/math, or dentist/doctor/nurse.

Free Time for an ISTJ: ISTJs might appear not to have as much free time as some other types since they usually insist on completing their work before engaging in entertainment. Their sense of duty may allow them to put work aside for play, but they often go at free time with a set purpose or end result. They prefer to have a set beginning and end and often schedule their play time with careful planning. Their Introversion leads them to seek leisure activities that they can do on their own—reading, solitary games, models, or individual sports such as rock climbing or scuba diving. Tradition is extremely important to most ISTJs, so they often entertain out of a need to keep and pass on family traditions or out of a sense of duty (it’s their turn to host the Sunday school potluck).

Warnings for the ISTJ: Too much of any good thing can be a bad thing, so here are some things ISTJs need to beware of: Since ISTJs love details and facts, they need to be careful to avoid immersing themselves in details and boring others or missing out by not looking at the bigger picture. Their drive to finish their to-do list can lead to ignoring people or social dictates in place of completing a job. Since ISTJs enjoy routine, they may over-look long range consequences or implications of decisions because they are so focused on the here and now. ISTJs are not usually big-picture people or visionaries, so they should team up with others who are when working on big projects. Their attention to rules can come across as rigid, inflexible, or emotionally cold. They tend to be more legalistic rather than rely on grace, if they are not careful. Allowing for exceptions and striving for flexibility will go a long way in getting along with people. Because of their ability to see all the details, ISTJS may have a tendency to be too aware of the faults in their life and in those of those closest to them. Self-improvement is a valid goal, but should not be the total focus.

Spiritual Helps for the ISTJ: ISTJs value tradition, so the traditions of religion appeal to them as well as the symbols of faith. They will enjoy structured approaches to their faith journey and flourish in traditional Bible studies or classes. They are problem-solvers and resource people who do well as mentors because of their ability to follow through, model responsibility, and commit to long-range endeavors. They will likely enjoy routine spiritual disciplines such as Bible reading and prayer. They enjoy serving the church body in practical ways.

What Others Say about the ISTJ: People quickly learn they can count on the ISTJ for their commitment and responsibility. They are systematic, painstaking, and thorough in their completion of tasks. Delegate to them and you usually won’t regret it. They are stable and persistent and able to stick with something long after others have given up. Their careful attention to detail and ability in handling facts make them assets in a variety of social, business, and service arenas. Their cautious, sensible approach to life makes them calm and collected in a crises or problem.

Okay, who do you know that is an ISTJ? Let me hear from you if you are!

Next week, join us as we change just one letter and look at the ISTP. What difference does one little letter make? Come back and see. It's not too late to send me your personality type if you want to see it here.

15 comments:

  1. THis is great Nikki, do you happen to remember my letters so I can find your post on that one?
    christa

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  2. Yep, Christa, I think you are an ENFP. See what you think.

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  3. I am a mother to an ISTJ; and I am a ESFJ/ISFJ. she is a freshmen in high school and I am a wreck trying to understand her. She attends a large public high school, and she has been in a small elementary/jr. high school since 1st grade. She is having a hard time reaching out and meeting people. She has a very extroverted sister (she is a senior) and many of the younger classmates have commented that my ISTJ never speaks when they try to talk to her. However, my ISTJ insists that she is talking (in her opinion). I am struggling DAILY with how to love her, raise her and understand her... but in defense of me before I am attacked for not celebrating her introversion, please understand that extroverts struggle too with wanting harmony and communication (and LOTS of it)... my heart is hurting, and I don't know where to begin.

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  4. Oh, Lynn, I can hear the frustration and helpless feelings you must have in your comment. I know how difficult it can be to embrace a child with a very different personality. And the truth is, that sometimes it is just as hard to accept the child who shares yours.

    It often seems that the things we struggle with fall into 1 of 2 categories: things that are different and are embarrassing or things that we see and don't like in ourselves. Relationships are messy and we ALL have our faults and foibles.

    I wonder a couple things: is your daughter happy? does she think she has a problem? does she long for deeper or more relationships? If she is happy, my advice to you would be to try and love her for the unique person she is. THe quiet observers have much to offer the world too.

    But if she wants to connect more with people and it just isn't happening, you can help her. This might actually be a bonding time for the 2 of you. Model for her how to interact with others. Show her how to ask questions--make small talk. Give her a challenge each day. Maybe you encourage her to compliment 3 people. Have her ask 2 people what they did over the weekend. Teach her things like looking people in the eye, speaking louder, taking turns asking questions of others, and expressing appreciation. ISTJs are usually much better at communicating things in writing, so help her begin to reach out through texting or Facebook. But don't let her stop there--she will need to learn to follow that up in personal contact.

    If you really want to open yourself up to her, find a book on personality and take turns reading it and discussing what you learn. You might ask her what about YOUR personality that she doesn't understand or that she wishes she had more of. Try and find similarities.

    Loving our children can be a difficult thing. I suggest you learn all you can about ISTJs in general and your own daughter in particular so you can learn her strengths. Give her chores and tasks that make good use of her assets.

    Kudos to you for trying to find a solution to this problem. You aren't alone in your feelings. Now it is up to you to dig a little deeper and see what you can uncover.

    I'd love to hear from you again to see how things are going. Keep pressing forward in your quest.

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  6. I am an ITSJ and this sounds exactly like me. I am baffled by the way I can be described by four letters.

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    1. Thanks for reading. Yes, it is pretty amazing, isn't it? But you have to remember each of the letters represents so much. And there is some differences even in people with the same 4 letters. That's why I like the MBTI better than a lot of the personality tools that only use four different types. Sixteen possibilities covers it better.

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  7. My name is Katie. I am an ISTJ. I need your help. I have a psychology project where I have to come up with a mascot that represents my personality type. Any suggestions.

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    1. Well, Katie, first of all--thanks for reading and welcome to a fellow ISTJ!

      I don't know you personally, but since I know your "type" a few things come to mind. You will likely pick an animal that is organized, serious, and a hard-worker. Some that come to mind that I might use for myself would be a turtle (steady plodder, serious), a spider (organized, cold/calculating, solitary), or a beaver (organized, industrious). If you don't like any of those maybe those ideas will get you thinking along another line.

      Hope that helps and good luck on your project.


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    2. I am an ISTJ and have most characters the article mentioned in the beginning. One thing which really bothers me is about whether my character is suitable to go to a seminary to study theology. Indeed, I like reading Bible and trying to find out the meaning of God's words. However, I am a introvert person.

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    3. Dear Anonymous, I can understand your hesitancy and you are right that seminary seems like it might not be the best fit for an Introvert. So, let's look at this choice from both directions.

      I'm curious about why you are interested in going to seminary. If it is because, as you say, you "like reading the Bible and trying to find out the meaning of God's words", then maybe you can funnel that love and desire into a more "introvert-friendly" career. Possibly instead of sharing what you've learned with a congregation, you could use your love of research to teach theology in a Christian school or university. Maybe you could share your thoughts through writing books or Bible studies. Maybe begin to think along these lines.

      The other option is to pursue seminary. For certain, if you feel this is the direction that God is leading you, then follow. I know Introverts who are in full-time Christian service and do quite well. You will need to remember that in your Introversion you will need times of introspection and reflection and time to re-charge away from people. And keep in mind that just because you graduate from seminary doesn't mean that you "have to" work as the head pastor of a mega-church. There are possibilities that fit quite nicely with your ISTJ personality such as being a teaching pastor, small group facilitator, executive pastor. Your gifts of knowledge and administration might enable you to equip others to do the more people-intensive parts of ministry while you take care of the training and details.

      Ruling out seminary is not necessary, but you are wise to go into it with your eyes wide open and your gifts, desires, and weaknesses at the forefront of your mind. Blessings on you as your proceed.

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    4. I know this post is old, and Katie's project has long since been done, but I couldn't resist commenting on my favorite ISTJ "mascot." If it did not have to be an animal mascot, I would choose Beaker, the faithful sidekick of Bunsen on The Muppets! To me, he is the epitome of "ISTJ-ness" as he constantly struggles to protect himself against Bunsen's harebrained experiments. As an ISTJ lab scientist myself, I totally empathize with Beaker's plight!

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  8. I am ISTJ type and am praying about becoming a part of a ministry team where I would be utilized to oversee the sheparding care needs of the group. Based on my type Im not sure if this fits? Any thoughts? My spitirtual gifts are mercy and faith

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    1. The gifts of mercy and faith definitely fit the categories of caring and shepherding. This would also fit the role in ministry you are looking into.

      A couple cautions: ISTJs usually work better with facts, logic, data and don't tend to be people-centered. This may fur great if your role as overseeing is more if putting into place programs or methods rather than shepherding individuals. For instance, if your role would be pairing up people for the purpose of discipline, mentorship, or accountability and them providing then with resources, I could see this as a great fit for an ISTJ. However, it might not be a good fit if you are to be the one providing personal care and attention.

      ISTJs are wonderful at getting things done, but sometimes their introversion and logic don't make then the best at interpersonal relationships. You will know best the details if this ministry and whether it is a good fit or not.

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    2. The gifts of mercy and faith definitely fit the categories of caring and shepherding. This would also fit the role in ministry you are looking into.

      A couple cautions: ISTJs usually work better with facts, logic, data and don't tend to be people-centered. This may fit great if your role as overseeing is more of putting into place programs or methods rather than shepherding individuals. For instance, if your role would be pairing up people for the purpose of discipline, mentorship, or accountability and them providing then with resources, I could see this as a great fit for an ISTJ. However, it might not be a good fit if you are to be the one providing personal care and attention.

      ISTJs are wonderful at getting things done, but sometimes their introversion and logic don't make them the best at interpersonal relationships. You will know best the details if this ministry and whether it is a good fit or not.

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