Here’s What You’re Observant Of, Based On Your Personality Type

In the personality community, you’ll see a lot of articles describing certain types as more observant than others. These articles always kind of bother me. We’re all observant, but some of us are more observant of details while others are more observant of moods and others of possibilities! What are YOU observant of? Let’s take a look!

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ISTJ – Observant of Change

ISTJs are extremely detail-oriented and aware of how things shift and evolve. They have a profound awareness of how things have always been and are the first to point out when something doesn’t match up to the existing pattern. This makes them in tune to when body language changes, behavior changes, and when details don’t match up on an existing model or object.

ISFJ – Observant of Past Experience

ISFJs are very observant of what history and experience can teach them. As they go through life they are looking for what lessons can be learned from their struggles and joys. As their experiences and memories expand, they store the lessons, both good and bad, in a memory bank and recall them quickly whenever the information can be useful again. They are also very observant of personal details of the people they care about and use this awareness to care for them effectively.

ESTJ – Observant of Errors

ESTJs have strong critical thinking skills and are usually intensely practical. They have a keen awareness of errors in logic or flaws in efficiency. They use this awareness to streamline and optimize plans to make them run more smoothly. They also use this awareness to ensure that their arguments are backed by facts rather than emotions. ESTJs are also observant of past experiences and traditions.

ESFJ – Observant of Morale

ESFJs have an innate sense of how other people are feeling and how comfortable they are. When they enter a room they can instantly tell when something isn’t right or when there is conflict or uneasiness. Well-developed ESFJs use their skill of empathy and peacemaking to boost morale and improve the mood anywhere they go. They also use their attention to detail to make experiences as pleasing as possible for others. They might be the first to notice if you’re feeling cold and turn up the thermostat or the first to notice you seem hungry and offer you a snack!

ISTP – Observant of Accuracy

ISTPs check everything they hear and perceive for logical inconsistencies and clarity. They think through their words to make sure they are using the most precise definitions, and they veer away from generalizations or “blanket statements” because these are never 100% accurate. They have a knack for stepping back, seeing the objective truth, and applying logical principles to existing situations.

ISFP – Observant of Authenticity

ISFPs get a “gut” feeling when someone is or isn’t being authentic. They easily detect phoniness or hidden agendas and will remain distant with people who are two-faced. Mature ISFPs greatly value sincerity in others and themselves, and their honesty is one of the qualities that many find appealing.

ESTP – Observant of Opportunity

ESTPs are always tuned into the present moment and always looking for thrills and experiences that will add to their enjoyment of life. They can quickly scan their environment and pick up on opportunities, activities, and possibilities that will create fun and/or challenge their wits. Their eye for opportunity tends to make them skilled in the world of entrepreneurship.

ESFP – Observant of Sensory Details

ESFPs are keenly aware of the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells around them. They are constantly scanning their environment for experiences and activities that will delight their senses. They might be the first to notice a beautiful flower, the first to try a new food, or the first to notice a new song playing on the radio! They look for ways to heighten the moment and make it as enjoyable and immersive as possible.

INTP – Observant of Logic

INTPs are constantly scanning the world around them and identifying inconsistencies and logical shortcomings. They can easily see where a plan could break down, or where an idea hasn’t been fully thought out rationally. You may hear this when INTPs speak; they might backtrack quickly if anything they’ve said isn’t 100% accurate. Or else they may pause frequently to analyze their thoughts and make sure there are no inconsistencies. They pick up on these flaws and errors in logic so quickly that it may be hard for them not to blurt out corrections to the person they are speaking with.

INFP – Observant of Values

INFPs are intensely aware of what’s important, worthwhile, and honest. When something is insincere, violates a value, or seems hypocritical they can see it right away – often before other types do. They seem to have a sixth sense about what people believe in and what they truly need. According to Understanding Yourself and Others: An Introduction to the Personality Type Code, “They (INFPs) are often gifted at taking people to the center of themselves and patiently keep balancing the core issues of peace and conflict in life’s situations.”

Related: 10 Surprising Truths About INFPs

ENTP – Observant of Connections and Possibilities

ENTPs have an astounding ability to see how seemingly random occurrences and ideas are connected. The world around them is a veritable playground of potential just waiting to be realized. They see not only what something is, but what it could be – in fact, 100 different versions of what it could be! They can also juggle numerous ideas, abstractions, and possibilities simultaneously and find the one unifying link that connects them all.

ENFP – Observant of Relationships and Potential

ENFPs easily pick up on hidden relationships and meanings that other types miss. They are acutely aware of what is not being said just as much as what is being said. They believe that everything is connected, and they see these connections faster than most. They are also highly observant of potential in the world around them. One tree, one flower, one word might spring forth 1000 different potentialities and possibilities that they observe with vivid clarity.

INTJ – Observant of Future Realities

INTJs are constantly scanning their inner world and their environment for clues about the future. No, this doesn’t mean they are psychic (although it might seem like it!). They simply have a knack for anticipating far in advance how a situation will likely play out. They grasp trends, patterns, and hidden meanings with a clarity that others might find unsettling. They use this skill to strategize ways out of blocked situations or find ingenious solutions to problems.

Related: 3 Weird and Wonderful Secrets About the INTJ

INFJ – Observant of Future Implications and Effects

INFJs have a strong sense of the future and what is most likely to happen depending on the choices made today. They are especially attuned to how people will be impacted in the future and what current trends indicate for the future of humanity. They constantly feel like they’re living with a sense of “deja vu” because their predictions so frequently become a reality.

Related: 3 Weird and Wonderful Secrets About the INFJ Personality Type

ENTJ – Observant of Strategies

ENTJs have a powerful insight into the most efficient, strategic, and productive ways to do things. They are extremely goal-oriented and use their eye for strategy to “see” a path out of any situation or even to see the path someone will take in life. They have an irresistible urge to order things in a way that will maximize efficiency and make their goals that much closer to reality.

ENFJ – Observant of Emotions and Desires

ENFJs always have a hand on the emotional temperature of the room. They can tell with startling accuracy what others are feeling and who is feeling sad, left out, happy, or confused. They are also in tune with what people desire on an emotional, gut level. They use this knowledge to form intimate, empathic connections with others, to meet their needs, and inspire them to reach their truest potential. This is possibly why many ENFJs excel as teachers, life coaches, pastors, and psychologists.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you agree or disagree with this article? Let me know in the comments! Find out more about your personality type in our eBook, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type.