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MBTI Resource Center

MBTI Personality Types

ISFP

Introverted - Sensing - Feeling - Perceiving

What Is the ISFP Personality?

The ISFP is often a natural artist who deploys their abilities on the stage or screen, in painting and other plastic arts or in the art of their own lives.

ISFPs are often found in strong support roles in organizations. They do not like to organize people and do not have a high need to dominate. They want to make a contribution to others in their work and to feel what they do makes a difference. ISFPs are kind and considerate and fulfill their obligations faithfully. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

James Audubon, (1775-1881) was a self-taught naturalist whose meticulously accurate and beautiful paintings catapulted him to fame and made him an icon for those who love to classify birds.  An ISFP type, he loved animals and artistry. 

They want specific courses of action and they do not enjoy routine or repetition. They want to be involved in the world of now with courses of action that allow them to execute. They will work with diligence on projects they believe in.

ISTJ

INFJ INTJ
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP
ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

Click on any one of the 16 MBTI types for a full description of your type or descriptions of colleagues, family and friends.

ISFPs have a strong sense of organizing their lives in such a way as to maintain freedom to follow the course for their lives that they have set. The want to preserve their own space and work in their own timeframes.

ISFPs learn by doing and do not usually enjoy theory or elaborate verbal or written explanations.

ISFPs are guided by an internal set of principles and values that are more important to them than the external day-to-day world.

They go about quietly with a sense of joyfulness, prizing the freedom to chart their own course. They are adaptable and flexible, yet they will preserve their freedom and values. They often have an affinity for nature and for animals and seem particularly grounded in the natural world.

Jane Goodall (b. 1934) is an ISFP type English naturalist, best known for her long-term observations of chimpanzees in their natural habitat  in Tanzania.   Goodall revealed the world of chimpanzees through careful observation of their social order, their use of tools and their relationships. 

ISFPs as Team Members

ISFPs perform well when given concrete roles and assignments. Once they understand the importance of their role, they will complete the project with conscientiousness.

They will do best with a set of objectives which allows them the freedom to choose the order of the projects and the timeline to the extent possible.  ISFPs work well within teams. They are usually kind and considerate and do not seek conflict. They will serve as the "glue" in projects, holding onto the concrete objectives.

The amiable nature of ISFPs will help boost team morale.

What Are ISFP Issues and Challenges in Groups/Best Alliances?

ISFPs have an inner agenda that must match external objectives. They often do not enjoy leadership roles and can suffer anxiety in those roles. They usually do not work well under micromanagement. ISFPs can excel in roles where there is structure and a plan that gives them leeway to follow their own scheduling process. ISFPs do well to ally themselves with types who provide the kind of structure they enjoy and in which they work best.

ISFPs and the Rest of Their Lives

ISFPs are cordial, kind, considerate, and friendly people. They are attuned to the feelings and needs of others. They focus on a smaller circle of people to whom they are very loyal and committed. ISFPs will need space within a relationship—space to feel, reflect, consider and think. They will need the freedom to be themselves and to exercise their own independence. ISFPs are often seen as quiet and reserved, sometimes hard to know well. If given an environment where they can grow and develop, they will be good friends, spouses, parents, and life partners.


Who is the Face in the Crowd . . .that Rocks Your World?

To others he or she is a face in the crowd.  To you it's a person your life depends on. 



The Delta Associates can help you apply the powerful tools of MBTI for personal and team success.  Call 512-498-9780 or email us at jspeer@delta-associates.com.

To others it's the face in a crowd.  To you it's your boss, your colleague, your direct report, your mother, brother, or significant other.  It's your child.  It's the person who needs to sign off on your promotion or buy your deal.

Let us help you with the people who rock your world for a more profitable and successful career and a better life.

The Delta Associates
1704 Briar Street
Austin, Texas 78704

Voice, 512-498-9780
Email, jspeer@delta-associates.com

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