A General Overview of the ISFJ Personality Type

Famous ISFJ's Bruce Willis

George Bush
Dr. Dre
Jessica Simpson
Kim Kardashian
Tiger Woods
The developers of this inventory Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers conceptualized it by
adopting Carl Jung's theory of psychological type. In this theory, Jung proposed that two primary
pairs of mental/cognitive functions - the 'rational' (judging), and the 'irrational' (perceiving) were
expressed in either an introverted or extroverted form, hence determining a person's unique way of
dealing with the world. For instance, an introverted person's perception would largely differ from an
extroverted person's perception.
The MBTI inventory basically includes a set of questions, wherein the assessment is done based on
the subject's responses. Each question is linked to one of the four dichotomies;
(I)ntroversion/(E)xtroversion (attitudes), (S)ensing/i(N)tuition or (T)hinking/(F)eeling (functions), and
(J)udging/(P)erception (lifestyle). After taking the complete test, the subject is classified into one of
the sixteen unique personality types, one of which is ISFJ.

It is believed that people with this personality type

constitute about 9-14% of the world population. Let's study
the various aspects of ISFJs including their strengths and
weaknesses, habits, hobbies, and other interesting
personality traits.

Traits of the ISFJ Personality Type

I - Introversion
As introverts, ISFJs are quite reserved but have a very observant eye. They are sure to notice certain
details in a person or a situation that others might not even think about. They are very humble and
are packed with immense patience. They would mostly give credit for a task than taking some for
themselves.
S - Sensing
When it comes to their work or something they like to do, they would never disappoint their bosses

or seniors. They are pretty realistic when it comes to deadlines and have a very practical approach
towards their work. They are mostly seen to indulge in a profession where they directly
communicate with people and help them.
F - Feeling
Being storehouses of patience, ISFJs can forgive easily as well as empathize people close to them.
They are very protective of their loved ones and would do anything they possibly can to help them.
Also, they have a strong morale, and a set of values that is seen to influence and affect their
behavior largely.

J - Judging
You'll never see unnecessary stuff on their desk or in their room, ISFJs are very organized, neat and
tidy. They are sincere with everything they are serious about, including their work, commitments,
and relationships, and are pretty straightforward when it comes to decision-making. Being sincere
doesn't mean, they would do things because they have to do them; they're very choosey and are true
perfectionists. They'll never leave anything incomplete, and try to add every tiny bit of detail to it.
Strengths of an ISFJ
Encouraging and Understanding
ISFJs won't hesitate to help or support their loved ones whenever they need it. They will do whatever
they can to encourage their family and friends at tough tasks as well as maintain a deep feeling of
empathy towards them. They always strive to induce happiness among their loved ones and feel
immense satisfaction in the same.
Empathetic and Observant
The ISFJs have a very sharp eye when it comes to observing others' behavior and emotional
conditions. They literally put themselves in others' shoes to look at the situation from their
perspective. ISFJs have the inborn gift of knowing what will make another person feel better.
Dedicated and Hardworking
May it be a person or a job, ISFJs are known to stick to their commitments and work hard to achieve
their goals. They are the ones who would actually get things done and not just ponder over ideas and
plans, and are very practical in this sense.
Weaknesses of an ISFJ
Too Humble and Altruistic
Although being humble is good, being too much humble isn't. ISFJs are so concerned about others
that they almost forget about their own contribution in getting things right. They often tend to
underestimate their successes as their expectations regarding themselves are too high. Hence, they
do not take credit for minor contributions on a team project. Even when on a project or helping a
loved one, they completely forget themselves and deeply indulge in the activity; they are very

selfless and altruistic when determined to do something, and rarely think about personal benefit.
Overexertion or Overloading
This high expectation level regarding oneself makes ISFJs overexert themselves so as to try to
perfect every single task. They believe that once they have matched everyone's expectation, they
would be satisfied with themselves.

Repress their Feelings

In addition to the above two
weaknesses, they also tend to hide
their feelings and emotions concealing
their inner self from others. It can be
said that while empathizing others,
ISFJs forget that being empathized by
somebody is also necessary. This
weakness mostly leads to frustration,
especially when bundled with the
previous weakness.
Hobbies and Interests of an ISFJ
People belonging to this personality
type would surely prefer reading an
interesting novel than attending a pool
party. Although they are really good at
something they like (example: cooking,
playing music, writing, etc.), they
would always deny the best in them. An
ISFJ when talking about his interests
would say, "I am not very good at
anything particular, however, I love to read fiction, and play guitar."
Most people under this personality type prefer isolated, indoor hobbies, wherein they can do what
they like with complete attention and no disturbance. They really like to lose themselves in an
interesting book or a tune they are working on, and forgetting about everything else. They like
reading, playing or listening to music, solving logic puzzles, cooking, playing a video game. Some
might also enjoy trekking/hiking, scuba diving, camping, and the like.
ISFJ Relationships
ISFJs like deep and profound bonds, they proceed gradually and take their time to get to know the
other person in any kind of relationship. These are not the people who would simply make friends by
random encounters, say at a party or social gathering. They like their friendship strong, strong like
coffee with the constant aroma of mutual support and reassurance.
When it comes to romantic relationships, ISFJs are mostly into serious relationships which they
believe can last for a lifetime. They spend a lot of time in finding ways to make their relationships

satisfying and worthy for their partner; in return they just expect lots of love, commitment and
appreciation.
Suitable Careers
Interior Decorators
Designers
Nurses
Managers
Social Workers
Counselors
Religious Workers
Shopkeepers
You can read further on relationship compatibility with other personality types or refer to different
careers suited for ISFJs.