What is the ISFP Personality?

ISFP’s 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. ISFP’s are kind and considerate and fulfill their obligations faithfully. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy (1929 – 1994) was the wife of 35th President John F. Kennedy, one of the most glamorous women of her time. Unlike her writer husband, she wanted to live her life, not write about it. As an ISFP type, she lived life as it unfolded. After the assassination, she sought the strong marriage alliance with shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis.

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.

ISFP’s 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.

ISFP’s learn by doing and do not usually enjoy theory or elaborate verbal or written explanations.

ISFP’s 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.

ISFP’s as Team Members

ISFP’s 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. ISFP’s 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 ISFP’s will help boost team morale.

What Are ISFP Issues and Challenges in Group

ISFP’s 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. ISFP’s can excel in roles where there is structure and a plan that gives them leeway to follow their own scheduling process. ISFP’s do well to ally themselves with types who provide the kind of structure they enjoy and in which they work best.

ISFP’s and the Rest of Their Lives

ISFP’s 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. ISFP’s 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. ISFP’s 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.

ISFP Fast Facts

THUMBNAIL

ISFP’s live creatively and often artistically, deploying their talents on the stage or screen, in painting or other plastic arts. ISFP’s are guided by an internal set of principles and values that are more important to them than the external day-to-day world.

THREATS

ISFP’s do not like regimentation or routine. They do not seek or enjoy leadership roles. While these characteristics can be admirable, they can be limiting in organizations.

PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION

8.8 or almost 9 people out of 100.

COMMON CAREER TRACKS

Health Care, Counseling, Business Team Coordination

Austin, Texas

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Carol Kallendorf, PhD. | (512) 417-9756 

Jack Speer | (512) 417-9428

 

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