Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISTJ
"The Organizer"

Do you feel that you have a high degree of integrity? Have you adopted a practical/logical/realistic approach to solving problems? Do you believe in the importance of duty towards others, and especially towards your family? Do you need organization in order to function efficiently?  Do things need to make sense to you (be logical) for you to understand them? Do you function better when there are rules, standards, and strict protocols? Do you think it is very important to create and uphold traditions and cultural practices? And, do you enjoy assuming responsibility for your actions? Lastly are you proud of your accomplishments, both at work and at home. If the answer to one or more of these questions is “YES,” then you probably have an ISTJ personality.  This is one of the #1 most comprehensive Psychology Books ever written, and it's free on Kindle (Get a copy, because it's like a Masters Degree wrapped-up into a single book).  However, I recommend that you upgrade to the Print edition, because that copy comes with images.

More Personality Types
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INFJ (The Activist)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISFJ (The Protector)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENTJ (The Trail Blazer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISTJ (The Organizer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESTP (The Tycoon / Artisan Performer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESFP (The Artist)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENFP (The Crusader)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INTP (The Philosopher)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  INFP (The Referee)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISFP (The Prodigy / Artisan Composer)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENTP (The Devil's Advocate)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ENFJ (The Hero)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESFJ (The Diplomat/Guardian)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ESTJ (The Manager)
Myers Briggs Personality Type:  ISTP (The Virtuoso/Artisan)

So, what is an ISTJ personality? Well, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, it is a person, who is an “organizer.” More specifically, an ISTJ personality type is someone, who prefers structure – rules, regulations, and standards. If you have this type of personality, you most likely hold family traditions close to your heart. You also tend to pat yourself on the back when you accomplish your goals – goals that you have painstakingly fought for – goals that you have spent tireless hours and put in a great deal of effort towards. You are patient, but highly accurate. And, most people probably see you as a “perfectionist.”

One of the best things about you is that you rarely, if ever, make blanket assumptions about people and situations. Instead, you analyze the person and the situation, and check the facts before making assertions. You are not one to “jump the gun.” In other words, you know your stuff before you open your mouth. And, truth-be-told, you are a no-nonsense type of person. When you have made up your mind to do something, you use your research/facts to achieve your goals.

You also expect those around you to analyze the situation, as you did, and use facts to achieve their goals. Lazy and indecisive people irk you, am I right? Yep, I bet you have little-to-no tolerance for indecisiveness, and will quickly lose patience, if someone challenges you with inaccurate facts, false assumptions, and/or irrational ideas. Lastly, you are punctual, and expect others (who you are working with or living with) to be the same. It infuriates you when people are late – to work, event, church, school, or even a doctor’s appointment. 

What does the abbreviation ISTJ mean?

I - Introversion
S – Sensing
T - Thinking
J - Judgement

How common is this personality type?

You probably think that there aren’t that many people with this personality type because it is one of the stricter and more rigid ones, but you are wrong. In fact, approximately 13% of the general population has an ISTJ personality. Wow! There are more formal, strict people in the world than most people think!

Do people with ISTJ personalities do well at work?

Actually, yes ISTJ personality types do quite well at work. In fact, most employers and co-workers describe them as compliant workers, who are devoted to their jobs. They are also hardworking and loyal. People with this personality type crave structure and guidance. And, they prefer employers who adhere to company rules, standards, and protocols. In addition, they have the upmost respect for their superiors and the hierarchical chain, so they tend to be “favorites” at their jobs. And, they love-love-love responsibilities, so as far as they are concerned the more tasks the better. Why do they love responsibilities so much? Well, because it gives them another chance to prove that they are indeed the best person for the job.

These individuals do quite well in leadership positions – once they get used to their new roles. A weakness is that although ISTJ personalities crave responsibility, it is sometimes hard from them to make a complete transition from one job responsibility to another. In other words, these individuals want to do all the jobs, even if they have been promoted. Nevertheless, co-workers love ISTJs because they always take control of situations, especially the more challenging ones, and bosses love ISTJs because they are reliable – they always get their work done before or by deadline.

Do people with ISTJ personalities have good relationships?

Yes! ISTJs are very faithful and dependable with bodes well in romantic relationships. They also value family relationships, respect, trust, and honesty. In addition, they tend to be quite conservative when it comes to the definition of what constitutes a “family,” encouraging a traditional woman and man family household, who supports and maintains family traditions. ISTJs believe that the family should be the foundation in all that people say and do. They also believe that people should look to their families for guidance, honesty, and structure.

And, even though, ISTJs tend to be more formal and reserved, they make good partners because of their undying commitment to their loved ones. Moreover, there is no amount of time and energy that an ISTJ will not devote to making sure that both partners are happy and satisfied in the relationship. More specifically, people with this personality type do not favor “hook-ups,” one-night stands, or causal dating scenarios. No, not ISTJs, rather they prefer more traditional forms of dating, also referred to as “courting.” In other words, they would prefer to go to a nice dinner or play, or bowling or to the movies, than “clubbing” or hanging out at bars. Also, ISTJs tend to use logic to determine if they are compatible with their dates. If not, they have a habit of moving on – quickly. However, if a date is compatible with an ISTJ, he or she will be the best and most loyal partner imaginable. A weakness, however, is that people with this personality type sometimes have a hard time being empathetic and understanding to the needs and wants of their partners. In other words, ISTJs have to work a little harder to be receptive and sensitive to what their partners are trying to tell them.

As far as friendship is concerned, ISTJs are not spontaneous. Nope, and they are not particular chatty either. In other words, they aren’t going to “play around” with their friends. It’s not that they are trying to be difficult; it’s just not in their natures. However, they are highly honest, trustworthy, loyal, fair, and reliable. ISTJs are also good about sticking with their friends through good times and bad ones. They are extremely committed to their relationships, regardless of whether or not it’s a parent/child relationship, friendship, or romantic partnership.

As far as parenting, ISTJs are good parents, who value traditions, and who will do everything they can to make sure that their children become contributing individuals in society. They teach their children to be respectful and to think with their heads, not just with their hearts. ISTJs are supportive and loving towards their children, however, they are also strict and formal at times. In addition, they tend to expect their children to live up to their high expectations. Lastly, ISTJ parents tend to enforce a hierarchical structure, and teach their children ethical and moral standards.

What types of jobs are best suited for those with ISTJ personalities?

ISTJ personalities tend to do well in jobs that tout structure, so many become military officers, police officers, judges, lawyers, physicians, detectives, auditors, accountants, business administrators, financial managers, and data analysts. ISTJs prefer to work alone; however, they can also work in groups – just as long as their co-workers share their same work ethics.

Do any famous people have an ISTJ personality?

Yes! Listed below are respected ISTJ personalities:

• Warren Buffet
• George H.W. Bush
• Queen Victoria
• Harry Truman
• Andrew Johnson
• Queen Elizabeth II
• George Washington
• Herbert Hoover
• Natalie Portman

References:

16 Personalities. (2015). ISTJ Personality (“The Logistician”). Retrieved from http://www.16personalities.com/istj-personality
OPP. (2015). ISTJ: MBTI® personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-types/ISTJ

The Myers-Briggs Foundation. (2015). The 16 MBTI® types. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm

http://www.mbtilist.com/