ISTJ:Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging

(File Last Modified Fri, Oct 25, 2002.)

• ISTJ (6% of the American population)
• Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
• Possible Blind Spots

ISTJ (6% of the American population)

Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging

ISTJs are the serious, responsible, and sensible stalwarts of society. They are trustworthy and honor their commitments. Their work is their solemn vow.

Practical and realistic, ISTJs are matter-of-fact and thorough. They are painstakingly accurate and methodical, with great power of concentration. Whatever they are doing they accomplish with orderliness and reliability. They have unshakable, will-thought-out ideas and are difficult to distract or discourage once they have embarked on what they believe to be the best course of action.

Characteristically quiet and hardworking, ISTJs have great practical judgment and memory for details. They can cite accurate evidence to support their views and apply their past experiences to their present decisions. They value and use logic and impersonal analysis, are organized and systematic in their approach to following things through and getting them done on time. They follow necessary systems and procedures and are impatient with those who do not.

ISTJs are cautious and traditional. They listen will and like things to be factual and clearly stated. They are said to ``Say what you mean and mean what you say.'' Private by nature, ISTJs appear calm even during times of crisis. They are duty bound and steadfast but beneath their calm facade, they may have strong yet rarely expressed reactions.

Possible Blind Spots

A common problem for ISTJs is their tendency to lose themselves in the details and daily operations of a project. Once immersed, they can be rigid and unwilling to adapt or accept another point of view. They tend to be skeptical of new ideas if they don't see their immediate and practical application. They need to take time to look at their overall objectives and consider alternatives they may not have considered. Gathering a wider range of information and consciously trying to anticipate the future implications of their behavior will increase the ISTJs effectiveness in all areas.

ISTJs sometimes have trouble understanding the needs of others, especially those that are different from their own. Because they keep their reactions private, they can be perceived as cold and unfeeling. They need to express their appreciation for others directly, rather than keeping it to themselves.

Because they are logical, ISTJs tend to expect others to be so as well. They run the risk of imposing their judgments on others and overriding the opinions of less assertive people. They can demand conformity to their way of doing things and discourage more creative or innovative approaches. By staying open to untested or unconventional methods, they will develop more tolerance for differences in people, and also end up with more effective alternatives and options.