ISTP personality type

By Dr. Edwin van Thiel

Updated on May 20, 2022

An ISTP at a glance

The ISTP type shares a need for exploration like ISFP, ESTP and ESFP do. With names such as The Crafter/The Craftsman or even The Virtuoso that will be clear. Let's do it - get it done now! could easily be an ISTP motto and description of their philosophy of life. They are very practical and action-orientated. An ISTP focuses their energy at work and play on things that can be done and experienced now. Not next week... not next month. Action nourishes and sustains them, and they need it to thrive.

Am I the ISTP type?

Are you the 'get it done now!' ISTP?

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An ISTP is competitive, self-sufficient and able to function without needing to rely on support and encouragement from others. People who know them well are likely to describe them as intriguing, optimistic and loyal. The sort of person who lives in the here-and-now rather than in the past or future. People who do not know them well may see an ISTP as being rather reserved - perhaps shy. However, friends are likely to see them as a free spirit with an attractive quiet charm. It was Myers and Briggs (MBTI type test) who indicated originally 16 personalities of which ISTP is one.

ISTP workstyle and contributions to an organization

Communication and workstyle in an organization, group, or relationship vary due to different personality types. Highlighted below are those most commonly associated with the ISTP personality type:

  • Enjoys the experience of delivering something new and important.
  • Excels when results are immediate. Suffers when the routine becomes too stable and boring.
  • Values flexibility, challenge, action and adventure. Enjoys variety and mastering new skills and techniques.

An ISTP on a team

Depending on each personality type, being in a working team or not has a great impact on individuals. When you have clear knowledge of the personality type of your team members, you get a full view of how members are likely to carry out any task given to the team. Looking into the ISTP personality type, the following are the strength or possible weaknesses they are likely to bring to any team:

  • Is spontaneous, easy going and flexible.
  • Thoroughly evaluates all opinions, insights and ideas before acting.
  • Is the storehouse for facts, figures, details and different points of view.

ISTP leadership style

All personality types have different leadership qualities, ranging from providing directions, and implementing plans, to omission. The following provides clues, qualities, and information on how an ISTP acts when playing a leadership role:

  • Sets an example; leads through actions, but is pragmatic and usually unobtrusive.
  • Is optimistic and cheerful with others in tackling issues.
  • Prefers equality and co-operation; evaluates all views before acting.

ISTP: Introvert-Sensor-Thinker-Perceiver

Jung type ISTP

  • Introverts tend to be reflective, reserved and private. A popular misconception is that introverts are shy - this is not necessarily so. They draw their energy from their own thoughts and the time they spend alone. Introverts do not need people around them all the time.
  • Sensors live in the present. They rely on facts, handle practical matters well and like things to be concrete and measurable.
  • Thinkers make decisions using logic and impersonal analysis. They think with their heads rather than their hearts.
  • Perceivers prefer a lifestyle that is spontaneous, flexible and adaptable. They like an environment that is unstructured, and like to keep their options open.

Jung personality types

There are sixteen Jung personality types. Take a free Jung personality test or learn more about the Jung typology.