Psychological Type Descriptions:
ISFJ
Description:
ISFJs are the natural nurses of all of the types. Fiercely loyal, unceasingly helpful, and giving to a fault, ISFJs need to be needed by others in their life. ISFJs see no higher purpose than to protect their loved ones from life's pitfalls. Once an ISFJ has committed to an organization-almost always through becoming committed to a person in the organization, they will stop at nothing to further its goals. Accounting for 6-10% of the population, ISFJs are often described as quiet, modest, serious and hardworking by acquaintances. Their close friends will add that ISFJs are loyal, compassionate, tactful, and gentle-even if they are sometimes a little rigid. Very few ISFJs would be described as revolutionary-indeed, most support and honor traditions and remembrances for their own sake. No other type places as much importance on the work ethic as the ISFJ, for whom work is its own reward. Most ISFJs have extraordinary patience with and memories for detail. Finally, solitary or subordinate work is most comfortable to the majority of ISFJs, who may find supervisory roles uncomfortable at first.
Potential Blindspots:
As with any type, ISFJs can encounter problems in certain areas. With their unending willingness to help, ISFJs can sometimes smother or over-protect those in their care. Indeed, some ISFJs have a hard time engaging in a mutual relationship between equals. Because they are so willing to take on additional work to help others, and because they live by the saying "if you want it done right you should do it yourself", many ISFJs end up over-extended and begin to feel resentful and taken advantage of. As soon as these thoughts enter their head, however, most ISFJs begin chastising themselves about "wanting" credit for their work. Indeed, most ISFJs would benefit from learning self-marketing skills. As planners, ISFJs may become too thorough and their efforts begin to look a lot like worrying. Finally, very few ISFJs take adequate time to relax and replenish themselves and thus may end up feeling burnt out.
Possible Careers to Consider:
- Nurse
- Educational Administrator
- Preschool/Elementary Teacher
- Probation Officer
- Librarian/Archivist
- Guidance Counselor
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- Social Worker
- Personnel Administator
- Interior Decorator
- Physical/Speech Therapist
- Medical Technologist
- Fashion Merchandiser
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- Dietician
- Health Care Administrator
- Religious Educator
- Retail Salesperson
- Customer Service Rep.
- Curator
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Return to the Personality Type Descriptions list.
Last updated: 1 October 2002
Maintained by: John
W. Hall, PhD - john@drjohnhall.com
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