ISFJ Personality Type, Strengths & Weaknesses

What are the general traits, ideal careers and strengths and weaknesses of the Introverted Sensing Feeling Judger, ISFJ personality type, of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? Also, including fictional characters and famous celebrity ISFJs.

The ISFJ personality type is generally reserved and quiet in temperament. With dominant sensing, they’re very practical in nature, and always living in the moment. They tend to like traditions and have conservative values. They’re also compassionate, caring and show a strong interest in people, genuinely wishing to help others without seeking too much attention or reward. These are potentially one of the few true altruistic types.

Exterior wise, they would probably dress conventionally, including wearing darker, or none attention-grabbing colours. They will generally be very neat, with well ironed clothes, and generally well put together and tidy. For entertainment, they like stories and movies that are generally realistic, often based on true events. They have a strong interest in people and relationships, which means they probably like a good romance story.

ISFJ Personality Type Careers

Dominant sensing makes ISFJs very suited to careers that require a very strong eye and memory for the details, and general awareness. Auxiliary feelings make them very in tune with their emotions. However, they have some ability to be analytical and logical. This combination makes them suited to careers as health care professionals, and also working in education. They’re also likely to volunteer for charity work. Example careers: social worker, dentist or dental assistant, nurse, pharmacist, teacher, librarian, financial or information clerk.

ISFJ Personality Functions

• Dominant – Sensing (Si)

• Auxiliary – Feeling (Fe)

• Tertiary – Thinking (Ti)

• Inferior – Intuition (Ne)

ISFJ Personality Type Strengths

Observant

The ISFJ personality naturally pays attention to the details, and will remember many of those details very well. They will also pick up on imperfections and subtle changes due to the direct connection to their sensory inputs, giving them great sensory perceptive ability.

Practical

They can handle tasks that require practical skills very well; they will even enjoy performing such tasks. They will often volunteer to help friends and family with practical jobs.

Compassionate

ISFJs emotions often direct their motivations and choices. They consider the feelings of others, and they have a strong desire to help those that they believe are in need.

Organized

They are psychologically driven to achieve order and organisation. Being disorganized, or having something out of place can make them feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

Hard Workers

They’re conscientious, highly driven to complete jobs or projects. They take their professional responsibilities very seriously, very loyal and committed to their work and responsibilities.

ISFJ Personality Type Weaknesses

Small Picture Thinkers

The ISFJ personality will focus more on the smaller details, and neglect bigger picture issues. This is problematic when it comes to seeing patterns and connections on a larger scale.

None Creative

They’re conventional, traditional and conservative. This is not a combination of character traits that encourages creativity and out of the box thinking.

Inflexible

ISFJs are quick to form opinions and make decisions, and they tend to see things and think in a straight line. It can be difficult for them to change their minds when opinions or ideas are formed. They are likely to be slow to adapt to a changing environment or situation.

Unassertive

Introverts are usually less assertive in nature. Plus, ISFJs tend to focus on forming relationships, therefore avoiding confrontation. Confrontation makes them very uneasy; they just want everyone to get along. They can sometimes be taken advantage of, and often overlooked for job promotions and pay raises.

ISFJ Famous & Fictional Characters

• Beyonce
• Aretha Franklin
• Halle Berry
• Kate Middleton
• Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)
• Leonard Hofstadter (Big Bang Theory)
• Catelyn Stark (Game of Thrones)
• Dr Watson (Sherlock Holmes)
• Steve Rogers (Captain America)
• Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter)