Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISTJ
“The Architect”

Have you ever wondered what type of personality you have? If so, today is your lucky day because this article is going to help you determine if you have the personality of an architect. So what is an “architect” personality? Well, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, if you have an ISTJ personality, you have the traits and characteristics of an architect. What does that mean? Well, it means that you are most likely serious, practical, realistic, and matter-of-fact. In other words, you are probably not the class clown or the funniest employee at work. You are also not the type to daydream or strive for the unattainable.

Rather, you set goals for yourself that you know you can achieve. And, if your classmates, friends, relatives, teachers, co-workers, romantic partners or bosses were asked to describe you, they would probably say that you are dependable and thorough. Did I mention that you are extremely responsible? If not, well you are! And, because you are so responsible and dependable, you are successful.

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)

People invest in you because they know that you will work hard and complete your tasks on time. You are a stickler for deadlines. How do you make sure your work is completed in a timely matter? Well, by developing a stellar outline. You have a fantastic habit of deciding what should be completed first, second, third, etc. Once you have prioritized your tasks, you steadily work towards completing them in a timely manner. Distractions? Not you – nothing, well almost nothing, deters you from your obligations. You like your work environment and home, just like you like to live your life – structured, logical, orderly, and controlled – am I right?

You also have more traditional standards. In fact, your probably won’t be rushing out to get a tattoo or dye your hair pink any time soon. Why not? Well, because you value traditions and tend to be “old-fashioned” when it comes to controversial issues. The best thing about you is that you are loyal. Your friends and family know that you won’t jump ship the first time something “better” comes along. In other words, they know that you are in it for the long haul, which is a wonderful characteristic to have.

What does the abbreviation ISTJ mean?

I - Introverted
S - Sensing  
T - Thinking
J- Judging

How common is the ISTJ personality?

Well, according to Myers-Briggs, this personality type accounts for approximately 2% of the national population. Men tend to demonstrate this personality type more than women. In fact, women comprise approximately .8% of those with an ISTJ personality. In addition, women with this personality type often find it challenging, to say the least, to find men to date and build a life with. Why? Well because some men find the competitive, intellectual nature of these individuals “off-putting.” Also, some people don’t know how to relate to someone, who is overly decisive, curious, and private. Let’s just say that people with this personality do not like to waste their time or energy, which sometimes causes others to shy away. The best match for someone, who has an ISTJ personality, is someone who has a similar personality, or at the very least someone, who can “handle” a strong personality type.

Do people with an ISTJ personality do well in school?

Yes! Yes! Yes! In fact, people with this personality tend to make the “best” grades in school, and experience success once they enter the work field. Why? Well, it begins early in life when their natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge develops. It is not uncommon for a person with an ISTJ personality to gain the nickname “bookworm” early in life. This individual loves to read and learn about new things – cultures, languages, skills, etc. And, do not think that these “nerds” take the taunts of their peers to heart in a negative way, no, these individuals relish in the title “bookworm” and “nerd.”

In other words, they are proud that they know so much – they want to acquire a deeper knowledge of the world around them. But, learning is not enough for someone with this personality type, no; they also want to share their knowledge with others. They want to educate people. In addition, they rely heavily on their intuition and ability to accurately judge situations, and prefer to demonstrate their expertise by conducting research in their fields, rather than sitting around discussing trivial subjects.  It is important to note that people with ISTJ personalities tend to believe that intelligence, hard work, effort, and structure leads to success, however, they also believe that most people are either too lazy or too self-serving to reach their optimal potential in life and at work. 

Do people with ISTJ personalities have good romantic relationships?

Well, as mentioned before people with this personality type approach relationships the same way they approach their lives and their jobs. They tend to be calculating in romantic relationships. In other words, they tend to “move” within the relationship in a strategic, chess-like way. The goal of these “moves” is to experience success, which in this case is a long-term, healthy relationship. In other words, a person with this personality is most likely not going to sweep his or her partner off his or her feet. Rather, this person will approach the relationship in a logical manner.

In addition, he or she may try to hold his or her partner to unrealistic expectations. It is not uncommon for those with ISTJ personalities to develop “dating checklists,” in which potential partners must “pass” in order to move to the next stage of the relationship. It is important to understand that people with this personality tend to dissect relationships the same way they dissects their own lives. In other words, “dating” is broken into steps with a specific goal in mind. If or when a partner does not “fit” into a particular step in the dating process, he or she is “released.” Needless to say developing and maintaining healthy long-term romantic relationships is challenging for people with ISTJ personalities – but it is not impossible.

***This approach to relationships also extends to parent/child relationships and friendships.

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

Well, occupational jobs tend to be highly attractive to those with this personality type. For instance, management positions (i.e. team leads, supervisors, managers, directors, vice presidents, presidents, etc.), administrative positions (i.e. receptionists, secretaries, office coordinators, administrative assistants, etc.), teachers (i.e. college professors), research positions, police and security officer positions, and accounting positions tend to be the chosen career choices for people with this personality type.

Do any famous people have an ISTJ personality?

Yes! In fact, there are quite a few:

• Rudy Giuliani
• Richard Gere
• John F. Kennedy
• Augustus Caesar
• Thomas Jefferson
• Samantha Power
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Woodrow Wilson
• Paul Krugman
• Colin Powell
• Lance Armstrong
• Vladimir Putin

References:

The Myers & Briggs Foundation. (2016). The 16 MBTI types. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm

OPP. (2015). ISTJ: MBTI personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/M

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