ISTJ

The inspector, the administrator

Cognitive functions

Dominant function : Introverted Sensing
Auxiliary function : Extroverted Thinking
Tertiary function : Introverted Feeling
Lower function : Extroverted Intuition

Their assets

ISTJ’s have a strong sense of responsibility as well as great honesty towards their organization, family, and relationships. They work vigorously without failing in order to reach the objectives set in the intended deadlines. They would achieve the impossible to complete a task which they consider necessary but will rebel in front of what seems baseless to them.
ISTJ’s generally prefer working alone and be responsible of the outcome of their production however, they are comfortable when it comes to team work if the task requires others help. Nonetheless each person’s status in the team work must be clearly defined and assume their role. Skill and liability are meaningful elements for ISTJ’s who expect from others to be as reliable and worthy as they are with themselves.

Characteristics

ISTJ’s have deep respect in facts. They use their function Feeling, before any other function, in their interior world which constitutes a reserve of information in which they can draw to have a better understanding of the present.
ISTJ’s use the function Thought to make decisions and to adopt an objective, logical and determined approach. They are centered on the task or the systems as a whole, rather than on the individuals.
ISTJ’s thus tend to be logical, analytical, detached and reasonable. They are clear and firm in the opinions that they express because they are based on a thorough reflection and logical criteria, drive of their experiment and knowledge. They think that the standard procedures exist because they are effective.ISTJ’s will accept change only if the facts indicate that this change will generate better results.

How others perceive them

ISTJ's are sociable when they feel at ease in the role that they play ; they however seldom share the wealth of their observations and their memories safe only with close friends. The others easily perceive their criteria, judgements, and desire of structure and programs, but it sometimes happen that they do not notice their personal reactions, which are full of humor.
It is sometimes difficult for ISTJ's to make sense out of needs which differ much from theirs ; however, once they are convinced that something is important for somebody who matters to them, this need becomes a fact. They will do whatever it takes to meet with this need, even if they continue to think that it does not make any sense.
ISTJ’s are generally perceived as calm, composed, serious, lucid, methodical persons who are attached to traditions.

Potential development areas

If ISTJ’s cannot find a way to use their talents and be appreciated for what they can bear, they generally feel frustrated and it is possible that they :
- Become rigid on schedules, the programs and procedures which they apply "to the letter"
- Criticize and judge others
- Have difficulties in delegating - Trusting someone else to carry the work properly
ISTJ’s tend to pay less attention to the functions they dislike such as Intuition and Feeling. However, if they neglect these aspects too much, it is possible that they :
- Do not notice the repercussions of the decisions took on the moment
- Concentrate so much on logic that they don’t worry about the impact it has on others
- Do not meet correctly with others' needs of contact and intimacy
In very stressing situations it happens that ISTJ's become unable to gather their usual calm and reasonable judgment which leads them to be plunged into the "catastrophism", imagining all the negative possibilities, for themselves and others.