5 Strengths of the ISTJ Personality Type
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.”
– Marie Curie
ISTJs are one of the least spoken about Myers-Briggs® personality types, and it’s really a shame because they have so many unique gifts to offer the world. They are often nicknamed “The Logisticians”, “The Duty Fulfillers”, or “The Inspectors”. But why? Are these names just stereotypes that don’t do them credit? What unique abilities and strengths do healthy ISTJs have. Let’s find out!
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.
5 Powerful Strengths of the ISTJ Personality Type
#1 – ISTJs Are the Guardians of Positive Traditions and Values
Well-developed ISTJs are vital to our communities. Why? Because they preserve important events, traditions, and activities that promote well-being and stability not only for themselves but for others. They believe in commemorating heroes, recognizing important dates in history, and instilling positive values in the next generation.
“Traditions are our roots and a profile of who we are as individuals and who we are as a family. They are our roots, which give us stability and a sense of belonging – they ground us.”
– Lidia Bastianich
#2 – ISTJs Are Strong
Isabel Briggs-Myers states in Gifts, Differing that ISTJs “look on tempests and are never shaken.” If you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing an ISTJ you’ve probably seen this in action. They have a steady, insightful, resolved demeanor and an ability to look at even the most harrowing situations with a calm, practical outlook. They believe in keeping a level head, staying aware of what needs to be done, and noticing any details that are out of place. Their strength and stability in dire situations makes them a comfort to many other types.
#3 – ISTJs Believe in Responsibility and Honesty
ISTJs aren’t flippant or wishy-washy with their words. If they say they’ll do something, they mean it. They believe in honesty, hard work, and loyalty. Nothing bothers them more than people who are phony, undependable, or inconsistent with their values.
“All life demands a struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish, and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.”
– Pope Paul VI
#4 – ISTJs Have an Intense Awareness of Changes and Patterns
ISTJs are very in tune with changes in details and changes in patterns. They are constantly comparing and contrasting what’s happening now to what happened before. This process is so natural to them that they often don’t even realize they’re doing it. Because of this, they notice subtle details like someone’s body language changing when they tell a lie, or an inconsistency or flaw in an object or plan. This makes them good at detecting hypocrisy, dishonesty, and even technical flaws in machinery and objects.
#5 – ISTJs Develop Effective Solutions Based on Experience
When ISTJs organize a plan they are good at detecting tried-and-true methods and foolproof, tested strategies to ensure a positive outcome. They have a rich storehouse of memories and experiences that they recall to test whether something worked before or failed. If they are creating a plan or strategy you can be sure ISTJs will be using tested, logical formulas and plans that are grounded in evidence.
What Are Your Thoughts?
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Find out more about your personality type in our eBook, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type.
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Want to know more about ISTJs? Check out these articles!
Here’s How You Solve Problems, Based On Your Personality Type
10 Things You’ll Relate to If You’re an ISTJ
10 Things You Should Never Say to an ISTJ
4 Major Misconceptions About Sensors
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I don’t feel I have successfully identified my type. Have taken test 3 times this ki g carefully and few of the remarks other follow seem to be true of me. I am81 would that have something o do with difficulty? So many of the questions I can’t seem to make a clear de using about. The first seem to fit best. Can’t recall the imitials.same as Michelle Obama.mm