What is the ISTP Personality?

You’ll often find ISTP’s in a group sitting at the edge of the circle carefully watching everything that is happening. If approached, they are usually cheerful and affable, great at story telling and quick with humor. They entertain with their knowledge of a wide array of action stories. Their primary mode, however, is observation, and they rarely miss anything. When a problem or need arises, they observe carefully and “know the territory.”

Harrison Ford, born in 1942, originally became an American movie icon as the intrepid Hans Solo, in the original Star Wars. His career has encompassed many roles, but he is perhaps most remembered as the undaunted Indiana Jones. Ford models the life and style of the ISTP as he lives his life as his move roles portray him–fearless, funny, ever able to perform in the greatest of danger.

They’ve been watching carefully and observing as the situation has unfolded. They know what’s going on and they’re ready to spring into action.

The ISTP can solve the problem. They are one of the best troubleshooters of all types and often come up with novel solutions.

ISTP’s are practical and pragmatic. Their mode is to see the problem and solve it in the quickest and most direct way possible with just the amount of force and energy necessary. They want to cut through procedures and rules to the core of things.

ISTP dislike excessive rules and regimentation. They enjoy the challenge of complex, concrete problems and immediate crises. They thrive on variety and novelty.

ISTP’s see the structure of things, the way things work. They have the ability to organize data and to think about it in a logical, analytical and detached way. They consider themselves to be realists. They often don’t care for theory and theoretical discussions, because it takes away from valuable time to do and to act. They want to understand the situation in order to act decisively rather than speculate on theoretical future possibilities. ISTP’s have a cool, unflappable ability to act in almost any situation, and can excel in high risk occupations and high pressure jobs.

ISTPs frequently have an affinity for tools and things mechanical. ISTP’s continually scan the environment around them. Because of their ability to observe and stay flexible, as the situation changes, they will immediately make mid-course corrections, changes and adaptations. ISTP’s are confident, alert and always oriented toward a concrete objective. They are willing to risk themselves for its completion. They find fun in action.

Alan Turing (ISTP type) in 1937 suggested a theoretical machine that became the basis of modern computing. During World War II, Turing led the team that succeeded in breaking German high-level secret codes, using the first practical programmed computer.

They often love building furniture, houses, or anything that requires skill with tools and action. They often love fast cars and motorcycles, the great outdoors and action sports and sometimes sports with a dangerous bent.

 

ISTP’s as Team Members

ISTP’s are especially valuable team members where quick action is needed. They are often found in manufacturing, law enforcement, the military, project management, trouble-shooting and all settings where tools and instrumentation are critical. They are pragmatic in achieving goals and agile where the goal tends to be a moving target.

ISTP’s are tolerant of other people with diverse ways of thinking and approaching work and life. They seldom disagree just to make a point and may seem to agree, simply because they are pleasant and don’t express disagreement.

Once a basic part of their logic and principles is violated, however, and they feel backed into a corner, ISTP’s can surprise everyone by disagreeing strongly. They work extremely well in action-oriented teams and enjoy the camaraderie of groups where trust and concrete objectives form bonds. As team leaders and managers, they tend to be egalitarian, preferring flat organizations and a spirit of “all for one and one for all.” ISTP’s in organizations will want to ally themselves with more theoretical types, as well as those who take care of the daily details. In this way they can give their best gifts to the organization.

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

ISTP’s are one of the most action-oriented of all the types. They have little patience for theory and long-range planning. They want to identify the immediate problem and to solve it. Because they are natural observers of situations, they can be seen as aloof in interpersonal relationships. ISTP’s can do well by allying themselves with those with a more global perspective.

ISTP’s and the Rest of their Lives

ISTP’s thrive on fun and action, and for those who love continuous activities, the ISTP could be an ideal friend, spouse, or life partner. Once the ISTP is committed to a family with children, they will guard the fortress with loyalty and strength. They will never lack for a project or activity that energizes them. Because their chief mode is logical observation, ISTP’s can seem detached and aloof, which can confuse people who experience their wit and action.

ISTP Fast Facts

THUMBNAIL

ISTP’s are natural observers. When they see a problem in their general surroundings, they have already been observing it and step forward to solve it. They are natural troubleshooters. They often have an affinity for tools. They work well within the camaraderie of groups. They dislike inhibiting rules and love a touch of danger.

THREATS

ISTP’s like to cut through rules and procedures, which can help but also hurt them. They can seem overly detached in day-to-day situations. They dislike theory and speculation, which may keep them from playing a role in some environments.

PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION

5.4 percent, or 5 people in 100.

COMMON CAREER TRACKS

Technical fields, Facilities management, Military and law enforcement

Austin, Texas

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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

Jack Speer | (512) 417-9428

 

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