Oct 1, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
Concerning the ISTP personality type – also known as “The Instrumentalist” – we tend to see a combination of practical yet spontaneous traits. The ISTP is very rare, comprising of only 5% of the population. These individuals can possess great cognitive abilities that make them ideal for certain roles and situations. Though, like every other category in the MBTI assessment, they have their struggles as well.
One way or the other, ISTPs are well worth understanding…
An ISTP’s Daily Life
ISTPs have a very strong desire to understand how things work and will happily disassemble objects to examine their internal mechanisms. They enjoy applying logical reasoning to real-world problems and typically possess great cognitive abilities – though they aren’t interested in ideas or notions unless they can apply them practically.
ISTPs have adventurers spirits and thrive on action. They’re often attracted to activities such as surfing, skydiving, motorcycling, and flying airplanes. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re often fearless people.
They dedicate themselves to their ideas and convictions, and simply will not participate in any activity that transgresses them. ISTPs have a strong sense of loyalty and faithfulness to their “brothers,” firmly believing that everyone deserves equal and fair treatment. And any system that doesn’t meet those determinations – at least in their own minds – is one they’re quick to disregard.
ISTPs can best organize their thoughts when they’re alone and therefore value and even crave their “me time.” When they do get that space, they’ll take in vast amounts of impersonal facts from the outside world, sort through them, and then make decisions from there.
ISTP Strengths
ISTPs tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and enjoy being on the go, which helps them excel in athletic pursuits. And when it comes to school, they don’t often struggle too much in stereotypical peer-pressure ways.
Because they’re introverts with rational thought processes, they’re adept at seeing a project through to completion and closing up loose ends instead of being distracted by partying and other social pressures.
ISTPs believe that decisions should be made objectively. It’s very much about the facts for them, not feelings. So they try to avoid coming to conclusions based on personal ideals – provided that their dense of justice isn’t compromised.
Generally patient people who pay attention to specifics and useful details, they’re nonetheless capable of making swift and efficient decisions. If there’s a feeling of urgency, ISTPs can step up the process in all the right ways.
ISTPs are upbeat, gregarious, devoted to their peers, straightforward in their desires, hospitable, trusting, and generous individuals… who have little interest in constraining themselves in obligations.
Challenges Faced by ISTPs
On the downside, ISTPs aren’t always great at following the rules. They’re much more into “doing their own thing.” Moreover, they’re easily bored because of their constant need for action and sense of adventure – making regulations even more undesirable to them.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise then that they lack an innate sense of social awareness. And they struggle to discern between value judgments and emotional reactions. As such, they pay little attention to, or even mistrust, their own sentiments and attempt to ignore them altogether.
For many ISTPs, this can lead to problems since we have our emotions for a reason. When properly combined with discernment, they’re supposed to help us navigate life in healthy ways for both ourselves and those around us.
This is why overstressed ISTPs can display impulsive or even violent outbursts of anger due to their suppression habits. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, they might become so overwhelmed that they feel obliged to express their feelings in inappropriate ways. So if you are a ISTP you may have experienced this. Perhaps you have learned what many have. Take a deep breath and never act quickly. Take your time and try to visualize not loosing control.
This can also lead to unhealthy amount of self-criticism, leading ISTPs into the realm of value judgments. Since that’s unnatural for them, it tends to result in depression. And while they won’t let that state of mind keep them from the task at hand, it’s obviously not an ideal attitude to work with.
Coaching and Development for ISTPs
Because ISTPs enjoy being active and on the go, they’re not really the cubicle types. They simply do not do well with having to spend their days doing long-term planning while seated behind a desk. So, whenever possible, give them jobs that require movement.
They’ll be happier that way, and so will you.
They’re also impulsive and flexible, reacting to whatever is in front of them. This can be both a weakness and a strength. Obviously, their tendency toward patience can and does temper that impulsivity, but creating (or allowing them to create) an environment that helps them stay focused doesn’t hurt.
Because they are fiercely autonomous, ISTPs require the freedom to choose their own path forward. So remember when choosing a career, choose one that will give you freedom and not an overly controlling environment.
ISTPs in the Workplace
Due to their abundance of innate skills, ISTPs excel in a wide range of endeavors. However, as a group, their happiest moments happen when they get to apply technical expertise and/or in-depth logical analysis.
Because they take great satisfaction in their capacity to move in the right direction, they can be ideal technological team leaders. But other potential ISTP career pathways include:
- Detective and law enforcement work
- Forensic medicine
- System analysis, computer specialist, and programming
- Carpentry
- Mechanics
- Driving and piloting
- Sports
- Business owner
- Engineer.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Aug 23, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
The ISTJ, for instance, is also known as Logistician or Executor of Duties. This is one of the more common personality types, amounting to almost 16% of the population. And that’s not a bad thing considering how they operate. This persona is very logic-driven, looking for facts and figures over feelings, which makes them ideal for many important roles in society.
Want to know more about the ISTJ mindset? Keep reading on…
An ISTJ’s Daily Life
ISTJs typically respect rules and customs, and anticipate the same behavior from others. Disobeying the law or regulations makes them uncomfortable, as it goes against their very nature. So it should come as no surprise that they tend to believe in following plans and procedures at most cost.
The ISTJ will only deviate from the norm if he or she can discern a compelling basis for doing so. There are no spur-of-the-moment course changes (or at least very few of them). They need concrete, tangible evidence to support such moves.
ISTJs store a vast amount of information in their memories. This means they often have good reason to hold fast to their modus operandi. It also means, however, that they can find it challenging when a theory or concept differs from their own.
The easiest way for them to change their minds is if someone they respect or care about speaks to them on the subject in question. If that person or persons can demonstrate the importance or relevance of the notion, the ISTJ will absorb and support it as truth. Moreover, once that “truth” is accepted, this personality type will go to great lengths to fulfill any attached obligations to support it.
Despite this seeming rigidity, ISTJs typically appreciate art thanks to their keen sense of space and purpose. In fact, they have a particularly pronounced sense of smell and prefer environments that satisfy their cravings for beauty, order, and structure.
ISTJ Strengths
When it comes to keeping their word, ISTJs are known for their dependability. They’re willing to spend long hours and exert a great deal of energy on any task they believe is necessary to achieve a goal. And while they do enjoy working alone, they can perform effectively in groups when the need arises.
ISTJs are very good at defining, organizing, planning, and carrying out tasks all the way through to completion.
ISTJs often find it difficult to show others affection and emotion. However, their strong sense of duty and ability to recognize necessary actions typically enable them to overcome their innate reluctance. As a result, they’re typically kind and supportive of the people they care about.
In short, they want to satisfy the emotional needs of those close to them.
The ISTJ is a very devoted and faithful person. Traditional and family-oriented, they work hard to ensure their households are well-run and tend to have attractively equipped and well-maintained residences. And they can make conscientious parents, though they’re more likely to show their affection for family members with deeds rather than words.
Challenges Faced by ISTJs
When ISTJs are under stress, they can easily go into “catastrophe mode,” where they fixate on actual or potential problems. They become unable to view situations rationally and start to self-blame for perceived missteps.
This downward spiral of pessimism can slide them straight into depression.
Truth be told, ISTJs don’t give themselves enough credit for their accomplishments in general though. They see finished work as expected accomplishments; that’s all.
The ISTJ is not emotionally sensitive by nature, either to their own feelings or those of others. So they may struggle to identify emotional demands immediately upon expression. And they tend to take other people’s efforts for granted just as they do with themselves.
This mindset can produce hard feelings unless properly addressed by whoever is on the receiving end of it.
Coaching and Development for ISTJs
The ISTJ has a great deal of promise overall.
Keep in mind, however, that managers should first explain the importance of whatever task they’re asked to do. Taking that bit of extra time out at the beginning will motivate an ISTJ in ways that should more than pay off in the end. Just make sure to avoid too much theory or abstract thought when you do, favoring clear, practical language instead.
Those who find themselves in charge of this personality type should also be aware that it’s an easy one to take advantage of. Due to their strong sense of duty, the ISTJ may struggle to decline assignments.
The manager needs to be particularly diligent in watching out for this possibility instead. Otherwise, that previously mentioned “catastrophe mode” kicks in.
Also keep in mind that some ISTJs may desire to control over others and accountability for their own actions. But they should be encouraged to give individuals a pat on the back – just as it probably wouldn’t hurt to do the same to them.
ISTJs in the Workplace
As alluded to earlier, the world needs capable, rational, effective people in order to survive, much less advance. So there is plenty of room for ISTJs in the workplace.
Their strong desire to promote safety and tranquility in life can lead to extremely worthwhile accomplishments.
Since they’re very interested in finding out and adhering to facts, they’re well-suited to investigative tasks. And since they’re so goal-oriented, positions of authority can be ideal as well.
Potential ISTJ job options include:
- Managers, administrators, and business executives
- Financial officers and accountants
- Investigators
- Policemen or women
- Judges
- Attorneys
- Physicians and dentists
- Computer specialists, systems analysts, and programmers
- Military leaders
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Aug 22, 2024
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
The ENFJ, for instance, is often called “The Protagonist” or “The Persuader.” One of the rarer categories, accounting for just 2%-5% of the population by some estimates, it’s known for charisma and influence. This persona takes on significant responsibility for others based on its natural inclinations toward being caring and empathetic.
Want to know what makes an ENFJ tick? Keep reading on…
An ENFJ’s Daily Life
ENFJs live primarily in an external world, constantly observing and responding to it. Their dominant function is extraverted feeling, which causes them to focus on other people’s emotions and needs. This outward orientation allows them to easily understand social dynamics.
On any given day and at any time, an ENFJ may participate in various people-oriented activities that involve such things as giving:
- Support
- Guidance
- Encouragement
That’s because they gain a sense of fulfillment in interactions with other human beings, whether one-on-one or collectively. It’s important to stress, however, that these individuals assume leadership positions not because they want power but rather due to their genuine concern for others’ welfare.
ENFJs are social butterflies and the glue that holds many friendships together. They often host gatherings or check in on friends to ensure everyone is okay. These people are great listeners. And because of their empathy and understanding, they can make wonderful and encouraging advisors.
ENFJ Strengths
One powerful ability that distinguishes ENFJs is their tendency – even drive – to positively influence and flat-out inspire others around them. They’re driven by the purpose of making people’s lives better, and that gives them an automatic appeal.
In addition, they have naturally excellent speaking abilities and are more capable of expressing their thoughts convincingly. It should be no surprise then that many people look up to ENFJs as role models.
ENFJs build meaningful personal relationships characterized by immense compassion toward everyone involved, including those in the professional sphere. This, coupled with organizational capability, allows them to be very effective planners.
Challenges Faced by ENFJs
If that sounds like a golden life to live, don’t get jealous; ENFJs are not without their challenges. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, after all.
For one thing, they have a bad tendency to ignore their own needs and preferences, especially when around others. And this can result in burnout and stress if left unchecked.
Additionally, ENFJs may have difficulty dealing with conflict. In fact, they can be completely conflict-adverse, which can lead to issues worsening further through resentment.
Coaching and Development for ENFJS
When properly coached, some ENFJs can develop certain less visible cognitive functions, such as introverted intuition or extraverted thinking.
Whenever possible, we should strengthen these functions to help them achieve a better balance between personal and professional lives.
For instance, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout for ENFJs. They should be encouraged to explore interests outside of work-related contexts and pursue hobbies that bring them joy. This will recharge their energy levels, ensuring their motivation remains high when they are on the job.
Overall, this approach guarantees motivated, energized, and happy ENFJs everywhere!
Learning how to face conflicts is also an important area of growth for this personality type. And they should strive toward achieving better overall self-awareness through lifelong learning experiences that can promote personal/professional development.
ENFJs in the Workplace
Because of their strong tendency to help others – not to mention their great communication skills – coaching and development opportunities can best benefit ENFJs. More often than not, they’re shoe-ins for such roles.
Coaching, in particular, can sharpen their leadership skills by enhancing their strengths, perfecting their boundary management techniques, and helping them develop stress-coping mechanisms. It may also provide tools they can use to better handle conflict and criticism.
Overall though, ENFJs should and do look for careers where they can make a positive impact. They want to do meaningful work and enjoy positions that allow them to see the results of their labor.
A career is not just a job for them; it’s their mission to improve human life.
Potential ENFJ job options include:
- School principal
- Public relations manager
- College administrator
- Training or development manager
- Sales manager
- HR manager
- Health educator
Mark A. Griffin | Blog
Jan 14, 2019
Personality clashes and disparate problem-solving styles are all too common, even in the most motivated organizations. Someone’s true character is often revealed in the way in which he or she acts and reacts in situations with others. The ripple effects can be devastating. They can even dam up the works altogether if you don’t take action—the right action.
Most conflicts stem from misunderstandings. By being proactive and decoding the personalities in your organization—that is, working to understand the different ways in which people see and understand the world while interacting with others, you can help your employees to work together harmoniously. When employees have a strong grasp of the personalities of their colleagues, they can leverage each other’s strengths and sharpen one another (Prov. 27:17).
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Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Higher Ed HR, Human Resources
