Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ISTP
"The Prodigy"

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Do you like to explore things (i.e. the world around you, objects, people, ideas, etc.) with your eyes and hands? More specifically, do you learn best through tactile stimulation (touching)? Do you tend to be both rational and curious? And, do you prefer to move around from task-to-task, project-to-project? If you answered “YES” to one or more of those questions, you most likely have a “prodigy” personality. What is a “prodigy” personality? Well, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, you have ISTP personality type. So, what is an ISTP personality type? Well, it is someone, who uses his or her sense of touch to explore the world around him or her.

This person is always wanting to learn, and he or she does not mind being different, special, and unique. If you have this personality type, you are not one to get stuck on a boring, monotonous task, no, you prefer movement and variety. In other words, you like to learn about the world as you go. And, you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, in fact, you quite enjoy it! You also like to take things apart (to see how they work) and then put them back to better than they were before. So, that is why you have a “prodigy” personality? Yep. In addition, you thoroughly enjoy creating projects and troubleshooting when there are issues.

You are also not afraid of the trial and error process, and you absolutely love-love-love first-hand experiences. You also love it when other people are inspired by your work, and take an interest in what you are doing.  You don’t mind sharing space with others – just as long as they respect your boundaries and give you the space you need to “do your thing.” What do people like best about you? Well, it is that you really don’t mind lending a helping hand to someone in need, in fact; you actually look forward to it. You also like to share your experiences with others. Why? Well, because you feel it makes you more relatable, which it does. One thing you probably hate-hate-hate is people, who agree with everything you say. You appreciate different ideas, views, beliefs, and opinions.

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)

What does the abbreviation ISTP mean?

I - Introversion
S – Sensing
T - Thinking
P - Perception

How common is this personality type?

It is not very common at all. In fact, only 5% of the general population has this personality type. And, to top it off, it is especially rare for women to have this type of personality. Why? Well, because traditional gender roles dictate that woman have a more “feminine/softer” personality, while men have a more masculine/technical one. In other words, society expects women to excel at jobs like raising children, teaching, nursing, and being an assistant – to men, while men are expected to excel at technological jobs and business matters. Girls with an ISTP personality are normally referred to as “tomboys” when they are younger, so many of them shy away from these personality traits. 

Do people with ISTP personalities do well at work?

Not always. What do I mean by that? Well, ISTPs thrive on impulsivity and excitement, which does not bode well for co-worker relationships. In fact, it can be downright irritating to both co-workers and management. Most companies prefer workers, who are stable and consistent, but ISTPs are anything but. Their productivity hinges on whether or not something is stimulating to them. Truthfully, ISTPs work best in environments that allow them to perform hands-on tasks, and solve problems without being micromanaged.

When ISTPs have the ideal work environment, they can be the most productive workers around, but if not…well; you better just hang it up, if you think they are going to get anything completed. And, if you try to force an ISTP into a box, he or she will rebel. So, in order to get the best results, bosses should utilize the best assets of ISTPs, which are a unique point-of-view, and skills that lead to results.

In addition, rules and guidelines tend to make ISTPs feel cramped and smothered. They need freedom and space to flourish. Moreover, ISTPs tend to be calm, easy-going and highly likable – when they get what they need and want. Furthermore, these individuals are loyal – just as long as their bosses don’t try to make them do something they do not want to do. These individuals also love-love-love “to-do lists.” Why? Well, because they feel that they are solving problems when they complete the items on their lists.

Do people with ISTP personalities have good relationships?

Umm…not really. Why not? Well, ISTP personality types can be kind of frustrating when it comes to romantic relationships. What do I mean? Well, they can be difficult to pin down. You can’t force these individuals to do anything, which can be challenging to potential partners and partners. But, if you give them space, they tend to “come around” and loosen up – a bit. Potential partners and partners need to beware that getting involved with an ISTP may involve a combo of detachment, passion, spontaneity, and excitement.  And, truthfully, ISTP personalities want long-term relationships; they are just slow about getting to them. But, when they are invested – they are invested 100%.

When it comes to friendships, ISTPs are easy to learn, but difficult to master. In other words, they typically only allow people so close to them, before they close up. These individuals have a wide array of interests and hobbies, so they don’t have any trouble finding people to do things with. It is only when people start to get close to ISTPs that things get challenging. So, even though they may have a lot of people around them, they tend to only have a few close friends. It is important to note that most ISTPs do not like to be pigeonholed by others. They are free spirits, who like to do what they feel like doing. They don’t like to answer to partners or friends.

When it comes to raising children, ISTP parents teach their children that “the world is their oyster.” In other words, they provide their children with the necessary freedom to explore the world around them, and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. They want their children to be explorers, not couch potatoes, who watch television all day and eat potato chips. They are calm, objective parents, who always try to be flexible when it comes to their children. They do not, however, want their children to take advantage of their freedom, and use it for the wrong things.

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

As mentioned earlier, ISTPs do best in careers that provide them with a little “wiggle room.” In other words, the need space and variety. In addition, these individuals to be very creative. ISTPs also like to take things apart and put them back together, and solve problems, so they tend to become athletes, firefighters, bloggers, paramedics, taxi/Uber/bus/truck drivers, detectives, computer techs, pilots, or police officers.  

Do any famous people have an ISTP personality?

Yes! Listed below are respected ISTP personalities:

• Steve Jobs
• Clint Eastwood
• Donald Rumsfeld
• Dalai Lama XIV
• Milla Jovovich
• Zachary Taylor
• Vladimir Putin
• Ron Paul
• Frank Zappa
• Tom Cruise

References:

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

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

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