ISTJs
The Inspector

What is ISTJ?

ISTJ stands for Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judgement and is one of 16 personality types studied from the MBTI personality identification indicator (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI personality assessment developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, Katharine Cook Briggs and David Keirsey from the work of renowned psychiatrist Carl G. Jung the types of psychology based on theories of cognitive functions. Keirsey named ISTJ The Inspector because they place great emphasis on the small details and precision of doing something. ISTJ is one of the four personality types of the group The Guardian.

What are the personality traits of the ISTJ group?

The MBTI assessment accurately estimates about 75% according to its guiding indicator, using multiple-choice questions on the basis of four "binary" (opposing psychological pairs), ISTJ is one of 16 personality types and is abbreviated by the first four letters (iNtuition is an exception because I is used for Introversion) as follows:

  • Introversion: introverted, tend to like tranquility and prefer to interact only with close friends. They feel wasted a lot of energy when socially interacting with unfamiliar people;

  • Sensing: using specific perception rather than intuition, so they focus attention on the small details rather than the big picture, as well as what happens in reality rather than things that have can come in the future;

  • Thinking: they think more rationally than emotionally, tend to value objective criteria rather than personal preferences. When making a decision, they usually based on logic rather than social factors;

  • Judgment: they judge in a very principled and predictable way, early plan and follow it rather than making spontaneous and flexible decisions.

What are the core values, actions, and thoughts of ISTJ's personality trends?

ISTJs are people of logic, organization, rationality, and seriousness, who like to keep their life and working environment well regulated. They are fairly reserved and serious, thus, success comes to them through thoroughness and reliability. ISTJs live a very realistic and responsible life, they are like a hardworking bee and always try to strive for their goals. Being an introvert type, it is easy to understand when ISTJs have difficulty meeting the need to share their feelings with people around them, but it is not a form of isolation or separation from others. In general, ISTJs are a traditional type of people who always care about maintaining social order and standards.

ISTJs are very thorough and always check the facts and do not assume anything. They are considered very loyal people, especially at work. Accuracy, patience and high concentration make them the ideal employees in many industries. So not surprisingly, when they are drawn to the fields such as public services, law, military, etc.

ISTJs often spend a lot of time and effort to perform the tasks that they think are important, especially contributing to achieving a specific goal. However, such a commitment also has a negative side - ISTJs will not give in and only take a little time to do things that they do not find meaningful, or impractical, such as social etiquette. They like to work alone, but when necessary, they can still work in groups.

ISTJs are always the one who takes responsibility for their actions and they love the power that comes from this responsibility. They often the "Jack of all trades" so they can be successful in many fields - ISTJs are transparent, rational and wise, they want to have a stable and settled life.

With introverted personality and quite developed T characteristics, ISTJs are considered indifferent and unconcerned. That is understandable because ISTJs have difficulty expressing their emotions or feelings. But that doesn't mean they are heartless or insensitive.

ISTJs are easily frustrated with the shortcomings of others - they consider the promise to be important and cannot understand "how come a conscious person fails to fulfill his/her duty".

ISTJs tend to keep their subjective views confidential unless someone asks them directly. People with this personality are often very direct - for them, the truth is always more important than the emotions. Harsh rulings (in court, disputes, etc.) always shake people but not ISTJs because they do not let their emotions dominate the decision.

ISTJs respect the tradition and does their best to comply with applicable regulations and principles. In some cases, ISTJs will not break the rules, even if it will reduce the consequences.

ISTJs have a lot of difficulties when they need to understand the emotional needs of others. On the contrary, they rarely have trouble dealing with emotional situations - they always keep a cold head and act rationally.

The career of the ISTJ personality group

ISTJs are meticulous, detailed and trustworthy people at work. An ideal job for ISTJ must ensure logical factors and clear rules. They have the ability to work independently but also appreciate the value of teamwork. ISTJs are suitable for the following career fields:

  • Business, Sales and Finance (Financial Advisor, Accounting, Business Management);

  • Office and Administration;

  • Manage;

  • Architects and Technicians;

  • Science and Life (Agroforestry Technicians, Environmental Biologists);

  • Agriculture and Forestry;

  • Repair and technical maintenance (Automobile Mechanics, Refrigeration Staff, Electronics);

  • Transport;

  • Manufacturing;

  • Entertainment and Sports;

  • Community and Social Services (Health Education, Counselors, Social WorkerS);

  • Health care (Nutritionists, Doctors, Nurses);

  • Education (Teachers, Administrators, Librarians);

  • Police, Bodyguards, Firefighters, Military;

  • The law (Courts, Lawyers).

The relationship between ISTJs and others

ISTJs communicate directly and simply, they are usually very specific and clearly orientate the details. When communicating, they are trying to have a real conversation and are willing to share their knowledge if they feel there is a need. Their stories often have a certain meaning and are driven in action, they only say what they know and need to do.

  • For ISTP, ESTJ, ISFJ: they have similar characteristics and many things in common so it is easy for ISTJs to share values, interests, and approaches;

  • For INTJ, ESTP, ESFJ, ENTJ: they have some differences but these differences are attractive to ISTJs. Basically, they still have something in common to create a balance in their relationship with ISTJs;

  • For ISFP, INTP, INFJ, ESFP: At first, ISTJs may have some difficulty accessing and connecting with this personality group. However, if interacting for a while, they will discover commonalities as well as other points of view that can complement each other;

  • For INFP, ENFJ, ENFP, ENTP: this personality group is opposite and conflicting with ISTJs, but if it is possible to develop a relationship, this is an opportunity for ISTJs to learn and grow themselves, the challenges always come with great opportunities.

In relationships, ISTJs may not be affectionate or talkative, but they will certainly be loyal and trustworthy. People with this type of personality often approach things slowly and methodically - and this includes their friendship. They can be quite hesitant when making promises, but once they have made one, they will do everything they can to meet their commitments. Honor and loyalty are very important to ISTJs, especially with close friends.

The ISTJs are quite sensitive to close friends, although they may find it difficult to express affection. They like to convey that feeling through their efforts, not words. They will have no problem communicating and having fun with extroverts.

ISTJs often seek for friends who share the same principles and views. Therefore, they are often directed towards those who carry the SJ group. ISTJs certainly can understand and appreciate the strengths of others, however, they still do not narrow the differences and lower their ego to make friends with other people even though they know them well. Surprisingly, ISTJs tend to form strong friendships with type N, although SN's barriers are sometimes too difficult to overcome.

In summary, ISTJs are people of honor and prestige, they always keep their promises and absolutely follow their commitments. Therefore, they are very careful and serious when making promises, once saying "I agree", that means that they accept the relationship until "death separates them". 

The ISTJs always aspire to fulfill their duties and obligations till the end, they do it with all their ability and enthusiasm. Regardless of the position, they still try to accomplish their responsibilities such as husband-wife, parent-child, leader-employee. They often have trouble expressing their emotions, but they can show it through action. For that reason, ISTJs are the leaders in the types of personalities about showing off their efforts.

Classify trends in the ISTJ personality group

  • Artisan personality groups (SP): ISFP (Composer), ISTP (Crafter), ESFP (Performer), ESTP (Promoter);

  • Guardian personality group (SJ): ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESFJ (Provider), ESTJ (Supervisor);

  • Idealist personality group (NF): ENFP (Champion), INFJ (Counselor), INFP (Healer), ENFJ (Teacher);

  • Rational personality group (NT): INTP (Architect), ENTJ (Fieldmarshal), ENTP (Inventor), INTJ (Mastermind).

The popularity of the ISTJ personality group

This is the third most popular personality group in the world and accounts for about 9-13% of the world's population. By gender, only 7% of ISTJs are female and 16% are male. ISTJ's motto is "There is only the truth", so they respect the truth and tend to acquire a lot of information and remember it for a long time. One of the important contributing factors that make ISTJs capable of analyzing things, phenomena and people in the surrounding environment is based on the S characteristics.

Because of the direct and straightforward approach, ISTJs may have difficulty accessing conflicting hypotheses or ideas. However, ISTJs will be determined to learn and perform an idea if they know that it is valuable and workable - ISTJs will consider their responsibility to establish and maintain a stable operation. As soon as new ideas prove their usefulness, ISTJs will try their best to succeed favorably even if their health is harmed.

The famous ISTJs

  • Arthur Wellington - 1st Duke of Wellington;

  • George Washington - 1st President of the United States;

  • Dwight D. Eisenhower - 34th President of the United States;

  • Augustus - Roman statesman and military leader;

  • Warren Buffett - American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist;

  • Jeff Bezos - American internet and aerospace entrepreneur, media proprietor, and investor; founder, Chief executive officer, and president of Amazon.com;

  • Angela Merkel - leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union.