ISTJ IN THE WORKPLACE

When it comes to the workplace, ISTJs are almost a stereotype for the classic hard-
working, dutiful employee. In all positions, the ISTJ personality type seeks
structure, clearly de ned rules, and respect for authority and hierarchy.
Responsibilities aren’t burdens to ISTJs, they are the trust that has been placed in
them, an opportunity to prove once again that they are the right person for the
job.

On the other hand, the change that comes with assuming those new
responsibilities, or in losing old ones, is often a signi cant struggle for ISTJs. This
presents itself di erently in di erent positions of authority, but it is one of ISTJs’
most signi cant challenges to overcome. The usual insensitivity common to all
Thinking (T) types is also a running theme here, something many people with the
ISTJ personality type choose to focus on in their personal and professional
development.

ISTJ Subordinates
ISTJs crave responsibility, which makes them the go-to subordinates for odds and
ends and unpopular projects. Often seen as jacks of all trades, ISTJ personalities
can competently tackle any project that comes with a manual. On the other hand,
this makes them reluctant to give up responsibilities even when they are
overburdened, or when there are better people for the job. The seriousness in
ISTJs’ approach to their work makes them surprisingly sensitive to criticism,

leading to a sometimes vexing level of in exibility.
Their stubbornness aside, or perhaps because of it, ISTJs are quite possibly one of
the most productive subordinates – they respect authority and hierarchy, and
have no problem following orders and instructions. Punctuality is unlikely to ever
be an issue, either in terms of showing up to work on time, or in terms of meeting
project deadlines. While ISTJs may need clearly set steps and well-de ned
responsibilities, they are exceptionally loyal, dedicated, meticulous and patient in
completing their work.

ISTJ Colleagues
Among colleagues, no one can be trusted more to ensure that projects are
nished on time and by the book than ISTJs. Quiet and methodical, people with
the ISTJ personality type keep cool when the going gets tough, but expect their
colleagues to share their approach. Signi cantly di erent types, especially more
emotional ones, ba e ISTJs with their need for emotional support and openness,
or capacity for dropping something, half nished. To ISTJs, either something’s
been done right or it’s been done wrong, and sugarcoating it or walking away isn’t
going to x it.

ISTJs value peace and security in the workplace, and the easiest way for this to
happen is for them to simply work alone. Innovations, brainstorming, theories and
new ideas all disrupt this comfortable state, and it takes a great deal of respect on


ISTJs’ part to acknowledge their validity. Once the details have been laid out and a
plan of implementation established though, ISTJs are an indispensable part of the
team in putting these ideas into practice.

ISTJ Managers
ISTJs love responsibility and the power resulting from it. Pressing themselves hard
to meet their obligations, ISTJs regularly go above and beyond their duties, and
expect their subordinates to act with the same level of dedication. At the same
time, ISTJs’ preference for doing things by the book, adherence to hierarchy, and
general aversion to innovation makes their subordinates ride a very thin line
when they do – stepping out of bounds must be backed up with just the facts, and
results.

It is said that it is better to do rst and ask permission later – it’s di cult to say
whether this applies to ISTJs, as they are very intolerant of their subordinates’
failures to meet their obligations, and one of those obligations is to stick to the
plan. Believing that truth, at least as far as they see it, is more important than
sensitivity, ISTJ personalities are capable of laying down hard criticism, and their
willingness to make tough decisions can make perceived insubordination the nal
trespass.

8. CONCLUSION  (/ISTJ-CONCLUSION)

 6. CAREER PATHS(/ISTJ-CAREERS)

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9 Comments Sort by Newest

Add a comment...

Higlie Rocha
I really am a logistician! Crazy!!
Like · Reply · 1 · 21w

Thomas Flood
Gotta say it's 98.5% true.
Like · Reply · 1 · 48w

Ruthie Lancaster
Wow! It is right on! Yes I need to work on being more sensitive. And also havng a sense of
humor.
Like · Reply · 11 · 4y

Lia Connell
WoW! Everything that is writing about this personality type, described me to a "T".
Unbelievable! I will now put ALL my effort into being more sensitive.......when needed ie: My
Children and Husband Being insensitive is the only downside I see with this
personality......Maybe I will try to be a little less stuborn! LOL!.....Maybe?
Like · Reply · 11 · 4y

Kolby Hudman
This describes me perfectly
Like · Reply · 2 · 4y

Dylan Robey
Sounds a lot like me, I plan to become a computer programmer.
Like · Reply · 5 · 4y

Ibrahim Ahmed
same for me
Like · Reply · 2y

Lyubomira Gerova 
Haha same
 Like · Reply · 1y

Yankson Kwabena
this is great...real me
Like · Reply · 4y

Dennis Porębski
I would completely agree with the majority of these points, as I am pretty-much a textbook
example of an ISTJ personality type. I plan on becoming a physician, and I love the power that
comes from that kind of responsibility.
Like · Reply · 2 · 5y

Faith Marie Bynum

I plan on working for the FBI as a Forensic Psychologist, possibly as a profiler eventually.
Like Reply 6 5y

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