Psychological Type Descriptions:
ISTP
Description:
The type with the strongest innate ability with tools of all kinds is the ISTP. Often from a young age, ISTPs feel a drive to learn about how to use tools that interest them. ISTPs are practical, honest, concrete, and straightforward in their communications-indeed often foregoing verbal communications altogether until it is absolutely essential. Accounting for perhaps 6-10% of the population, ISTPs tend to appear somewhat distant and aloof to acquaintances. With little inclination to meet people just for the sake of meeting people, ISTPs may also seem shy. Once the internal and logical process of making decisions is completed, however, an ISTP is usually unafraid to express her or his judgements. Easily bored with mundane details and tedious repetition, ISTPs tend to respond extraordinarily well in crisis situations-quickly spotting available resources and the most efficient ways to use them. ISTPs tend to be over-represented in careers and activities that involve risk and danger.
Potential Blindspots:
As with any type, ISTPs can encounter problems in certain areas. One thing that ISTPs cannot abide is boredom, and this often means they leave tasks unfinished and details ignored. Unfortunately, verbal communication is one of the tasks that often bores them and they may spend too little effort on tact or explanation. Indeed, ISTPs tend to hurt the feelings of just about every other type, although this tendency is most pronounced in interactions with Fs. In a work environment, ISTPs often create-and defend as necessary-a clutter which others find incomprehensible. The ISTPs' tendency to do tasks in the most efficient way possible may also appear to others as laziness or lack of interest. Particularly SJs will find this trait infuriating if they must work with or supervise an ISTP. The ISTPs' belief in their ability to handle emergencies often means they do not plan well, and they sometimes end up in very dangerous situations that could have been prevented.
Possible Careers to Consider:
- Forest Ranger
- Banker
- Chiropractor
- Commercial Artist
- Coach/Trainer
- Medical Technician
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- Fire Fighter
- Electrical Engineer
- Intelligence Agent
- Private Detective
- Weapons Operator
- Purchasing Agent
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- Pilot
- Computer Repair
- Police Officer
- Office Manager
- Computer Programmer
- Securities Analyst
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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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