ISTJ

The Traditionalists
Strengths
Strengths

ISTJs may seem reserved at first, but are very likeable once others get to know them. They have their own brand of humor, and others are drawn to their open and honest nature. They always try to be straight-forward with others — a trait that others often appreciate—and rarely sugar-coat things. ISTJs value security and stability, and expect others to follow through on their responsibilities. They hold themselves and others to high moral standards.

ISTJs are very strategic and are great problem-solvers. They are very resourceful and are able to adapt easily when necessary. They are able to think critically and logically when making decisions, rarely letting their emotions...

Weaknesses
Weaknesses

ISTJs always stick to their beliefs and values. They trust their own judgement above all others, even when they are wrong. Because of this ISTJs can be inflexible and stubborn. Others may see ISTJs are too forceful in their decisions.

Because ISTJs are so idealistic when it comes to their values, they may be unaccepting or judgmental towards others who do not share those values. They may seek out friends who are like themselves, and/or try fruitlessly to change others.

Because ISTJs are so focused on logic and reason, it may be challenging for them to deal with emotions. They have trouble expressing their emotions, as well as...

Parenthood
Parenthood

ISTJs are very family-oriented and take their responsibilities as parents very seriously. Ultimately, they want their children to grow up to be responsible and hard-working adults like themselves. ISTJs’ home environment is very organized, and their children are expected to follow the rules. They expect their children to help with chores around the house and do their best academically.

As much as they want their children to develop a sense of responsibility, ISTJs also want their children to develop strong ideals and values. They always do their best to instill their own values and sense of responsibility in their children. Their hope is that their children will become strong-willed adults who stand up for what they believe in.

...
Romantic Relationships
Romantic Relationships

ISTJs value their romantic relationships highly, and are looking for a long-term commitment. They want a partner whom they can find stability and security in—any partner who is unpredictable is not well-suited for an ISTJ. ISTJs will do whatever it takes to help their relationships succeed, and will put a tremendous amount of time and effort towards developing a deep, meaningful bond with their significant other.

ISTJs may have trouble being in-tune with their partner’s emotions. If their romantic partner is an “F” (feeling) personality type, this can be especially problematic. To overcome this, the F type partner must express their emotions directly with their ISTJ partner, rather than just holding them inside.

...
Friendships
Friendships

To an ISTJ, friends are secondary to their family. ISTJs generally seek out friends who are like themselves — someone who is dependable and smart, and shares the same interests and values as themselves. Their friendships centers around trust and loyalty. Friends of ISTJs never have to worry about an ISTJ betraying them.

ISTJs are very aware of their own and others’ social status. They are drawn to others who are well-liked, successful, and respected. However, ISTJs heightened awareness of social status can sometimes become overly-concerned with their social status. They may become preoccupied with getting others to like them.

...
Work Habits
Work Habits

ISTJs are very organized. They have no trouble prioritizing various tasks each day, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment they get from checking everything off of their daily list. Seeing the tangible outcomes of their accomplishments is very rewarding and motivating for ISTJs.

ISTJs get along well with others in the workplace. They are often others’ “go-to” people when something needs to be accomplished. Others can always be certain ISTJs will follow through on any assigned projects.

...
Career Paths
Career Paths

ISTJs thrive in an environment centered around routine and rules. Because of this, they may be likely to seek out careers that allow them to enforce these rules. ISTJs often work in law or government.

In addition, ISTJs are often good at a variety of things because they believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to. ISTJs are often well-suited for careers as military personnel, managers, police officers, judges, teachers, accountants, detectives, doctors, dentists, and financial officers.

...

Personality Type Indicator - ISTJ

ISTJs make up about 9% of the population

  • Honest and direct
  • Decisive, efficient, and systematic
  • Dedicated and responsible
  • Strong-willed
  • Organized and reliable
  • Value tradition and stability
  • Committed and trustworthy
My alone feels so good. I’ll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude.
Warsan Shire