Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISFJ "The Protector"
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Do you have excellent analytical skills? And, would most, if not all of your friends and family describe you as “unique?” Are you what some would consider a “social butterfly?” In other words, are you outgoing, and do you like to be around other people? Do you adapt fairly quickly to new situations? More specifically, are you flexible in your personal life and at work? Do you enjoy helping others through charity work and volunteer activities? And, lastly, are you a self-described perfectionist? If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you are probably a “protector.” What is a “protector?” Well, it is a person that has an ISFJ personality type.
So, what is an ISFJ personality type? Well, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, if you have the ISFJ personality you are quite exceptional. You also have fantastic analytical skills, and great social skills. I bet you have a lot of friends – lucky duck! You like people and they like you. And, on top of all of that, you aren’t afraid of changes, and you welcome new ideas and suggestions. Awesome! You are also a bonafide “do-gooder.” In other words, you enjoy helping others better themselves and their lives. You care about people and you are generous to a fault. You are the type of person, who jumps at the chance to “pay it forward.” You don’t mind giving two dollars to the man on the corner selling newspapers, and you definitely don’t mind lending a helping hand to those in need. You are a true humanitarian. You are also a perfectionist. A weakness – you have a tendency to downplay your efforts and accomplishments, so stand up and take credit for your hard work – you deserve it!!!!
I - Introversion S – Sensing F - Feeling J - Judgement
How common is this personality type?
Just like its counterpart, ISTJ, this personality type also makes up approximately 13% of the general population. ISFJs, however, are more sensitive to the needs of others than ISTJs.
Do people with ISFJ personalities do well at work?
Of course they do! In fact, most bosses and co-workers love ISFJs. Why? Well, because they are always willing to help others - finish a task, pitch in, in a department that is short staffed, and/or help someone, who is struggling with something. They are also reliable and kind. Co-workers feel comfortable talking to ISFJs and sharing their feelings and concerns with them. They are especially good at working with clients or customers, and listening to them in an effort to help resolve their issues. In other words, they are excellent problem-solvers. They are also dedicated and respectful. They take their jobs seriously, and always try to do their best.
They are also extremely loyal. In fact, they often try to follow their favorite managers and co-workers to other positions when they change departments. And, they take immense pleasure in being able to brighten someone’s day by offering realistic resolutions to their problems. These workers are both productive and organized, which is a plus-plus at the workplace. A weakness - they never like to take credit for the good things that they do. In other words, they are not ones for a lot of fan fair, so sometimes they get overlooked. ISFJs really have to make an effort to show the world what good things they do.
Do people with ISFJ personalities have good relationships?
ISFJs truly enjoy spending time with the people they love. They are also kind, loving, and supportive. Married ISFJs love taking care of their spouses and making sure the bills are paid, and everyone is healthy and happy. These individuals believe that home is where the heart is, therefore they strive to create the harmonious home they wish was replicated by others. ISFJs see beauty, where most people see ugliness.
People with this personality type desperately want to enjoy the benefits of a long-term, stable romantic relationship; however, they tend to be painfully shy when it comes to romance, which causes them to have problems securing a significant other. ISFJs are most desirable when they are “just being themselves” and when they allow their generosity, understanding, dedication, and empathy to shine through. These individuals value familiarity and take dating seriously. They only enter into a committed relationship when they feel comfortable, and can see a long future together ahead of them.
When it comes to friendships, ISFJs are kind, giving, and generous with their time, support, and praise. It is no wonder that they tend to have a lot of friends. The only drawback is that they also tend to be cautious about giving their hearts always to others. They fear being hurt or rejected. But, when, and if others are able to enter the protective world of an ISFJ, they are able to experience a deeper connection with this person than they have with any of their other friends. ISFJ friendships generally consist of mutual support, guidance, trust, honesty, kindness, advice and reassurance.
When it comes to parenting ISFJs make good parents. Why? Well, because they are naturally loving, warm, caring, and supportive. They cherish the time they have with their children, and take great strides to teach them to be loving and caring towards others. They also hold the responsibility of parenting close to their hearts. They enjoy being parents, and it shows tenfold. The goal of ISFJ parents is to raise independent thinkers, who are determined. A weakness – sometimes ISFJ parents come across as too overbearing to their independent children. ISFJ parents would do good to allow their children to be independent, while keeping a distant eye on them.
What types of jobs are best suited for those with ISFJ personalities?
ISFJs like to help people, so many become nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, nuns, priests, pastors, sales representatives, consultants, and assistants. Many also like to take on charity work and volunteer activities in their spare time.
Do any famous people have an ISFJ personality?
Yes! Listed below are respected ISFJ personalities:
Robert E. Lee
Halle Berry
Johnny Carson
Louisa May Alcott
Queen Mary I
Kristi Yamaguchi
Robin Roberts
References:
16 Personalities. (2015). ISFJ Personality (“The Defender”). Retrieved from http://www.16personalities.com/isfj-personality OPP. (2015). ISFJ: MBTI® personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-types/ISFJ
