ISTJ: Introvert-Sensor-Thinker-Judger
- Introverts tend to be reflective, reserved and private. A popular misconception is that introverts are shy – this is not necessarily so. They draw their energy from their own thoughts and the time they spend alone. Introverts do not need people around them all the time.
- Sensors live in the present. They rely on facts, handle practical matters well and like things to be concrete and measurable.
- Thinkers make decisions using logic and impersonal analysis. They think with their heads rather than their hearts.
- Judgers prefer a lifestyle that is decisive, planned and orderly. They like a life that is organized and controlled.
An ISTJ at a glance
An ISTJ is a no-nonsense type of person who is reserved, very responsible and dependable. They say what they mean and mean what they say. With good reason, people rely on them. ISTJs are conscientious and have traditional values. They have strong concentration skills and focus on what’s necessary to achieve the task at hand. They see a job through to the end – with a great amount of commitment.
ISTJs are not threatened by constructive criticism and stay cool when others are losing control.
Although they care about the feelings of others, ISTJs can remain utterly objective and make the tough calls when necessary.
ISTJs are not very demonstrative and may find it difficult to be spontaneous. Their reserved nature may prevent them from broadcasting to others just how great they are! They may tend to hide their strengths and dry sense of wit. However, on other occasions, ISTJs will surprise and amuse people with their ideas and humorous view of life.
Their probable contributions to an organization
Each personality type has a different set of skills, talents and attributes that they bring to an organization, group or relationship. Here is a list of those most commonly associated with personality types like ISTJ.
- Is hard working and prefers uninterrupted privacy.
- Is thorough in everything he/she does.
- Values ceremonies, rituals and celebrations.
On a team
Some people work well on teams, others work best on their own. Understanding the personality types of team members provides information about how individuals are likely to carry out their work and interact with each other. Given the personality preferences of an ISTJ, the following are the strengths (and possible weaknesses!) they will most likely bring to a team:
- Works best on a team with established rules and procedures.
- Runs meetings like clockwork – is efficient, focused, and impersonal.
- Uses dependable common sense in tackling work and assigning tasks.
ISTJ leadership style
Each personality type has its own leadership style, strengths and blind spots. The following highlights an ISTJ approach to leadership, provides clues as to how an ISTJ will act in a leader role, and pinpoints some of the leadership qualities.
- Patterns him/herself after other successful leaders.
- Works hard and efficiently to accomplish stated goals.
- Delegates once the situation is under control, with all available facts and figures.
