Most people don’t understand their personality or how it affects their success. If that describes you, it’s not your fault, you were never taught to identify with your personality type and the different ways in which you approach problems.
Today we will be speaking about the ISTP personality. Individuals with the ISTP personality type are known to be analytical and reserved, preferring solitude over social interactions.
In this blog post, we will discuss what it’s like to work with an ISTP individual in different situations and provide tips for how you can best interact with them on a day-to-day basis.
What Does ISTP Stand For?
ISTP means and stands for introverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving. It means they’re practical and logical thinkers who like to explore the world through their senses and find meaning in every detail.
They’re observant about what’s going on around them, but they don’t enjoy talking or interacting with people as much as other personalities do.
ISTPs make up five percent of the population, which is less than any other temperament type has a percentage share.
Individuals who are classified as an ISTP personality type live in a world of black-and-white, concrete facts with little time for processing anything else because their preferred way of living is to focus on what’s happening now – not tomorrow or next week.
They’re more likely to be thought of as loners than extroverted personalities are, with the exception being when they have something specific and concrete in mind that needs doing.
One important thing to note about ISTPs is their ability to see things objectively while still noticing everything around them at once. They can do this by paying attention only to what matters without letting things distract them.
Getting the results that matter the most is an important aspect of an ISTP’s personality – to them their goals are important and they use the information available to them to make sure that they achieve them.
Since ISTPs are introverted for the most part, they can often have a hard time with social situations because it’s not natural or comfortable for them on an emotional level.
That said, if you want someone who will go above and beyond what other personalities might do when needed – without needing much motivation from others to get started – then this personality type should be at the top of your list.
You probably know people like this already: unassuming but always delivering; observant without being nosy; Noticing things as they happen around them and seeing how they can be improved and how to make the best of a situation is important to a person with an ISTP personality.
ISTP Key Traits and Characteristics
ISTPs can be both introverts and sometimes, even considered extroverts depending on where they feel most comfortable in social settings – but if we’re talking about their work ethic, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone more committed than an ISTP.
Here are some of the ISTP characteristics of people with an ISTP personality:
- ISTPs are visually strong and are also tactile thinkers. This means that they like working with their hands and are quick to notice details in the world around them.
- ISTPs have a strong visual memory, which can be both an advantage and disadvantage for them depending on the situation they’re in; when giving directions that require following instructions or watching demonstrations of skills – such as cooking – make sure you add clear verbal instructions alongside your demonstration.
- ISTPs also appreciate physical contact, but they know how to draw boundaries if someone crosses their personal space too often or without appropriate conversational cues.
- ISTPs are also very observant of their surroundings and make for potentially terrific detectives in their personal and professional lives.
- ISTPs tend to be introverted and prefer spending time with a select few people they know well, rather than large groups of unfamiliar faces.
- ISTPs are typically not the type that enjoys telling stories or talking about themselves excessively (aka “breaking rapport”); instead, they like to listen more than talk and often find it difficult to express their emotions verbally.
- ISTPs tend not to be naturally charismatic and may need encouragement for them to speak up more or express their thoughts.
Cognitive Functions The Virtuoso Personality Type
The virtuoso personality type is often misunderstood by people who do not share the same type since they are usually introverts who prefer to live in their inner world and take the time to reflect before speaking or acting.
ISTPs love logical, structured tasks where they can make decisions quickly without needing a lot of input from others.
The first step when it comes to understanding an ISTP personality type is learning about their cognitive functions: how they see themselves and the world around them based on four key areas – sensation, intuition, thinking vs feeling (or judgment), and perception.
Dominant: Introverted Thinking
The ISTP is the introvert who thinks before they speak. The thinker of thoughts and seeker of truth. An enigma wrapped in a mystery packaged with paradoxical puzzles inside…the ISTP.
ISTPs are introverts who use their thinking process to make decisions which can be a difficult task for them – because they tend to prefer to avoid conflict.
The typical ISTP will look at all the facts before making a decision, while also keeping their emotions in check so as not to cloud their judgment.
If you have an ISTP in your life, try getting them talking about things that interest them such as science or technology- these topics are usually what they enjoy discussing and debating with others about.
In fact, ISTPs need to be in environments that are well-lit and allow them the space they need for their project at hand.
If you’re an ISTP, try talking about things in a lot of detail so others can understand how it operates or what it does.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing
Extraverted Sensing (Se), or the ability to fully perceive and interact with one’s surroundings, is a personality trait that can be found in many ISTPs.
The Se type can use their five senses to take in information from the world around them and process it quickly. They are often seen as curious, observant people who enjoy new experiences and exploring new places.
If you’re an introverted ISTP who struggles with socializing or navigating parties, try making a plan for how you’ll spend your time at events before you go so that you know what to expect.
You might also want to keep a journal of your favorite things about each event to help remember them later on.
With that said, this journaling technique may not work if taking notes seems like too much effort, but there are plenty of ways other people manage to get around this.
Try following the conversation or talking with one person at a time, and if you’re having trouble thinking of what to say, just ask questions.
If it feels like no amount of planning can keep anxiety from taking over when in social situations, consider reaching out for help from someone who knows how you feel.
You may want to talk through your worries ahead of time so that they don’t overwhelm you on the spot – and have them reassure you that everything will be okay.
Working with an ISTP personality type is often challenging because these individuals are introverted thinkers by nature.
Their reactions and responses may seem abrupt or even harsh before they’ve had time to process their thoughts fully, but this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with what’s happening.
Tertiary: Introverted Intuition
Introverted intuition is the process of looking at something and noticing what it’s missing or how it could be better.
It may seem like a paradox, but introverted intuitions are very good problem solvers because they can see both sides of an issue and come up with solutions that are outside the box.
They don’t always want to solve problems themselves, though, which is why they’re often happy in jobs where they have time to think about things without being pressured by deadlines or other people’s demands.
Introverted intuition is also one of the four functions used for sensing perception (Si).
As an ISTP with introverted intuition, it’s not uncommon to have a hard time making decisions about things. – Introverted intuitive people often find it difficult or impossible to make decisions when they lack adequate information
ISTPs aren’t always able to follow rules because they want freedom or need space and autonomy for their introverted intuition function (Si) to work well enough so that it can do its job.
One of the reasons why ISTP types like being in jobs where there is room for them to think without pressure from deadlines is because these careers allow them ample time and space for Si.
This allows these individuals some level of freedom and autonomy
Introverted intuitives can be clever at hiding their thoughts from others or reading the emotions of others, which is why it’s often difficult to get a read on them.
People with ISTP personality types are introverted, thinking perceivers.
These individuals process information in an analytical manner and need time for decisions to sink in before making any choices when they know there will be fewer consequences.
They also enjoy jobs that give them room for thought without external deadlines because this allows them enough time and space to solve problems.
Inferior: Extraverted Feeling
The extraverted feeling is the function that perceives and deals with other people’s emotions.
This type of person loves to be around others, but can also feel drained by too much social interaction.
They will often need time alone after being around large groups of people for an extended period to recharge their batteries.
Extraverted feeling types are natural-born leaders who want to bring out the best in those they interact with daily.
These individuals have a talent for reading other people’s emotions, and adjusting themselves accordingly so that they can make everyone happy all the time – even if it means sacrificing themselves sometimes.
If someone has too many negative feelings or something wasn’t as good as expected, this personality type will figure out how to make it better–even if just for their own sake.
This is the quality that is the least found in people with an ISTP personality.
Subtypes of the ISTP personality
It’s important to understand that there are both introverted and extroverted versions of the virtuoso personality – it just depends on where they get their energy from (either inside or outside).
Let’s dive a bit deeper into each personality type and speak about the ISTP-A and ISTP-T compared.
The ISTP-A personality type is the more introverted type and these people have a hard time with large groups or social gatherings. The ISTP-A is the personality type most likely to be a loner.
They prefer one-on-one interactions and small groups, where they can often observe quietly without having to participate in the conversation at all.
The ISTP-T is less introverted but still has trouble with large social gatherings or networking events because of how much it drains their energy levels.
The extraversion comes from being able to draw on outside sources of stimulation–i.e., listening intently while someone talks about something that interests them–rather than needing this stimulation themselves.
All variations of the ISTP share similar qualities: They’re calm, analytical, observant, curious, logical, realistic, and good listeners who can keep themselves composed under pressure.
ISTP’s Strengths and Advantages
Being an ISTP is not an easy task. It requires both skill and dedication to one’s craft, which may mean putting in long hours of hard work for years on end – but the payoff can be well worth it.
ISTPs are often able to find joy in creativity: no matter what field they’re working within, there will always be something new that needs doing.
ISTPs are good at:
- solving problems logically, even in stressful situations
- taking care of practical matters
- understanding what’s happening around them and why it is occurring
- using their hands to create things; they can fix or build just about anything
- noticing the little details that others might not see
ISTPs may be able to provide valuable insights into how something works when examining it from all angles.
This could mean seeing the potential for improvement in an object while working on it and finding ways to make changes, or noticing inaccurate pieces where one needs adjusting before doing so themselves.
For example, someone with carpentry skills would notice if, for example, an object is not straight when hanging on the wall – so they fix it.
They can be good at predicting what will happen in a given situation because of their ability to notice all the little details and information around them.
ISTPs enjoy working with their hands; this means that they’ll often find jobs as carpenters or architects for example.
ISTPs are also very loyal friends and they will be there for you when things go wrong.
ISTP’s Weaknesses and Disadvantages
Being told how to do something without understanding why could lead to frustration as an ISTP.
Also, being criticized might be something that an ISTP does not take well to – it’s natural for people from other personality types to criticize those who have opposing personalities if they fail to understand where someone is coming from.
ISTPs are also not good at managing their emotions and can be competitive with others in a given situation, especially if it’s something that they enjoy doing themselves (e.g., they might get into an argument with someone about who is the best carpenter).
They can be impatient and this may lead them to interrupt people in conversations, as long as it’s something that interests them moreover, ISTPs are not good at dealing with conflict – if there is a dispute between two or more parties, they will usually just leave rather than stay or try to find a way of solving the problem.
If you want to make friends with an ISTP, one thing you should do would be to have some sort of shared interest; for example, if you enjoy playing video games or sports then you’ll probably find lots of common ground with other ISTPs.
Jobs and Career Paths for the ISTP Personality
Work occupations for ISTP personalities are usually ones where there is little or no supervision and their time is not scheduled too tightly.
They like to have the freedom to do things at their own pace and on their terms – so any profession that allows for this would be ideal for them.
There are many different paths that an ISTP can take in their life, but all have one thing in common – they enjoy being a part of the process.
Whether it be through creating something new or fixing what’s broken, ISTPs will always find satisfaction and enjoyment from doing so.
The best career paths for an ISTP are:
- Drafter
- Computer programmer
- Jeweler
- Architect
- Engineer
They are well-suited to careers that require practical skills and technical interests, but they also have a special knack with words which makes them suitable candidates in an array of industries including media production or marketing where their ability to sell is unparalleled.
The best professions for an ISTP are those that involve:
- Highly independent projects
- Designing and building things, or fixing what’s broken
- Working with their hands to create something new
- Finding solutions to problems
They can be successful in any profession where they have a high degree of independence and autonomy but many jobs will not provide enough stimulation for them so it is important for the ISTP personality type to find work that provides this specific need.
The key warning sign you should watch out for if considering hiring an ISTP would be how quickly they become bored- because once they are bored, they will become restless.
10 Best Jobs & Careers for ISTPs
Here are some of the most common work occupations for the ISTP personality:
- Elementary Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Child Care Provider
- School Administrator
- Counselor
- Social Worker
- Health Care Administrator
- Police Officer
- Paramedic
- Psychologist
- Child Care Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
How Does the ISTP Interact and Behave in Different Roles?
Friendships
In a social setting, people with this personality type usually gravitate towards others who share their interests or outlook on life (introverts) preferring one-on-one conversations over large groups of people or noisy environments.
On an informal outing with friends or family, they are likely to be more relaxed. This is because their natural introverted nature means that it would feel uncomfortable for them to act too formally in any circumstance.
Doing something like playing a game of chess might make the ISTP personality type person happy while watching a reality TV show causes boredom.
Parenting
Parenting as an ISTP personality type can be tough. You’re introverted, which means you need your alone time to recharge and get ready for more socializing.
Your sensory needs may not be met by the chaos of a home with children and pets running around all day.
And then there’s the thinking-perceiving combination that causes you to want to do things differently than other people might, making it hard when it comes to parenting styles or expectations.
For the ISTP personality type, parenting can be a challenge.
It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re around small children all day–which is why it’s recommended that people with this personality think about their work-life balance before deciding to have kids.
One thing many introverted types often struggle with in regards to parenting is playing the role of “fun parent.” This means that it’s difficult for them to be upbeat and active when they feel exhausted or cranky.
Relationships
When we consider an ISTP in a relationship, this introverted thinker is often judged as being cold, aloof, or distant.
In reality, ISTPs enjoy spending time with the right person and have a knack for getting to know someone slowly – unless they’re the right person.
They’re able to see past another’s surface-level presentation and notice their true intentions.
When it comes to relationships, they’re not always looking for immediate gratification but instead, carefully consider whether the other person is worth investing in. This can make them seem standoffish at times when all they want is some space.
ISTPs are quiet observers who like to take things in before reacting – this may be mistaken as disinterest or apathy by others but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Workplace
In a work setting, they will be analytical, observant, and detail-oriented. ISTPs are introverted, so they prefer to work independently.
They have a natural knack for problem-solving and will enjoy being given time alone to come up with solutions.
The key warning sign you should watch out for if considering hiring an ISTP would be how quickly they become bored. ISTPs like routine but don’t require it.
Interesting Facts About the ISTP Personality
ISTPs are introverted and sensing, which means they enjoy solitude. They’re also thinking-perceiving personality types which means they like to think things through before deciding on a plan of action.
ISTPs are:
- Introverted: ISTPs prefer to work alone but may become energized in group settings and socialize with ease when necessary.
- Sensing: They are practical and realistic about their surroundings, preferring facts and current reality over-imaginative possibilities for future goals.
- Thinking: When given a problem where there is no clear answer, an ISTP’s first thought might be ‘I don’t know.’ Their secondary response would likely be thinking through everything logically before arriving at some kind of conclusion.
- Perceiving: They’re usually independent and not keen on following rules or orders from others, but they can be very loyal to those they care about.
ISTPs are often analytical thinkers with a knack for solving problems in their heads before verbalizing them out loud.
ISTP Personality Type FAQ
Is ISTP a rare personality?
It’s hard to say whether ISTP is a rare or common personality type, as they make up about 5.4 percent of the general population in the US. In order to conclude its frequency, it’s better to compare the percentage of male and female ISTPs in the general population.
In fact, male ISTPs make up about 9% of the population, which makes them the third most common type in the world. However, female ISTPs are very rare compared to males, making up only 5% of the population. Therefore, among women, ISTP is the fourth-rarest type of MBTI personality.
What are ISTP females like?
ISTP women tend to be very rational individuals with a results-oriented approach to life. They usually neglect their emotions while making decisions and rely on their analytical thinking patterns instead.
As a result, ISTP females are often perceived as insensitive people who can’t deal with emotions. However, the truth is that they choose not to deal with emotions because rational thinking is a priority to them, regardless of whether it comes to work, family life, or romantic relationships.
Are ISTPs attractive?
ISTPs are usually seen as one of the most attractive personality types among all MBTI personalities. It probably has something to do with their magnetic charm, charisma, and amazing decision-making skills.
People are often attracted to the ISTP’s intriguing, yet rebellious and rational nature. The fact that they never try to stand out but naturally manage to do so is another thing that people like about ISTPs the most.
The mix of their decent sense of humor, intellectuality, and ability to efficiently overcome crises is what makes them so attractive.
Final Word
ISTPs are introverted, sensing-thinking-perceiving personality types. They’re practical and logical thinkers who like to explore the world through their senses and find meaning in every detail.
They’re observant about what’s going on around them, but they don’t enjoy talking or interacting with people as much as other personalities do.
Myers Briggs ISTPs make up four percent of the population, which is less than any other temperament type has a percentage share.
