Your Type - ISFP

Introverted
Feeling with
Extraverted Sensing

STRENGTHS

ISFPs are warm, supportive and loyal to their friends and colleagues. However, being inner-directed, they may keep their great interpersonal warmth hidden from those they do not know well. Thus, they may feel most at ease when working with a small group of close, supportive colleagues. Using their Sensing function directly to perceive the known facts in a given situation, they will approach problems in a pragmatic, realistic and down-to-earth way. Having little interest in theoretical debate and discussion, they will be concerned to find practical solutions to concrete, real-world problems. Moreover, when addressing such problems, they will want to bear in mind the effects their decisions will have upon those around them. Independent-minded, they are tolerant and flexible, and do not like being regimented or rule-bound. Having a quiet sense of fun, they are accepting of other people¹s idiosyncrasies. Neither judgmental nor opinionated, they will not needlessly cling to traditional, out-moded ideas.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Being orientated towards the Introverted domain of feelings and mental events, ISFPs may sometimes need to be drawn out when in the company of others. Thoughtful and introspective, they may resist being the first to express their own views and opinions. Sensitive to others¹ feelings, they will not needlessly criticise colleagues in meetings and discussions. Understanding and considerate, they will be concerned about the welfare of others. They are likely to resist organising colleagues, preferring instead to work alongside people in an egalitarian manner. Disliking conflict and discord, they will work to resolve disagreements by actively seeking compromise and consensus. Not inclined to express their inner-most thoughts and feelings to people they do not know well, others may not always fully appreciate the strength of their deeply held core values and ideals. They will be at their best communicating on a one-to-one basis with colleagues who value their practical, open-minded approach to problems.

THINKING STYLE

Not inclined to engage in abstract debate and discussion, ISFPs are known for their pragmatic approach to solving problems. They tend to reject the purely theoretical, in favour of focusing on the known facts and practical realities in a given situation. However, their pragmatism and down-to-earth realism does not cause them to be closed minded, as they are open to new methods and ideas, particularly when they can see the practical advantages of adopting new approaches. Attuned to the feelings of others, they will carefully consider the impact their actions will have upon those around them before deciding on a course of action. Focusing on the 'broader picture', they may not always see the point of closely adhering to set procedures and systems. Similarly, attending to the detailed requirements of a task may not come naturally to them. Flexible, open-minded and tolerant, they will be concerned to understand others¹ points of view, even if these are radically different from their own.

HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU

Open and accepting of others, they will be supportive of their friends and colleagues. Quietly introspective, they are more likely to express their genuine concern for others through their actions, than through their words. Co-operative and egalitarian, they will be happy to help their friends and colleagues. Thoughtful and considerate, others may on occasion try to take advantage of their altruism and good-will. If colleagues try to take unfair advantage of their genuine offers of help, then this may generate feelings of resentment or even anger. Willing to listen, and sensitive to others¹ feelings, their colleagues will value the quiet support and encouragement they offer. However, their egalitarian style, and desire to manage by consensus may be misinterpreted by some as indicating an inability to take unpopular decisions. Modest, and not usually outspoken or opinionated, colleagues who are more assertive than them may at times mistakenly overlook their quiet, insightful observations.