ISTPs, also known as Craftsmen, Mechanics, or Technicians, are pragmatic, adaptable, and independent individuals who are fascinated by the way things work. They are often referred to as "the Craftsmen" or "Technicians" because of their strong preference for hands-on activities and their ability to understand and solve complex problems. ISTPs are driven by a desire to master their surroundings and to find practical solutions to problems.
ISTP and Myers Briggs Personality Test
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective self-report questionnaire designed to identify a person's personality type, preferences, and strengths. It is based on the work of Carl Jung, who developed a theory of psychological types that categorized individuals based on their preferences for four key dichotomies:
Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E): Individuals who are more introspective and energized by solitude are categorized as introverts, while those who are more outgoing and energized by social interaction are categorized as extraverts.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Individuals who focus on concrete details and facts are categorized as sensors, while those who prefer abstract concepts and possibilities are categorized as intuitives.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Individuals who make decisions based on logic and reason are categorized as thinkers, while those who consider emotions and personal values are categorized as feelers.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Individuals who prefer structure and closure are categorized as judgers, while those who are more flexible and adaptable are categorized as perceivers.
Read more and take a quick MBTI test to assess your personality.ISTP Personality Type
ISTPs are independent, adaptable, and objective. Their primary function is Introverted Thinking which allows them to analyze data and notice inconsistencies. In turn, their auxiliary function is Extraverted Sensing which makes them hands-on people who process data through their five senses. The ISTP enjoys working with their hands while evaluating a complex system. They enjoy deconstructing and reconstructing a system to better learn how it works.
An ISTP is always looking for ways to be involved in their work and thrive in all-or-nothing situations. They work well in crises because they are quick to make decisions and to put their thoughts into action. ISTPs are spontaneous and prefer being able to react to the current situation than follow a plan. The ISTP works best in an environment where they are able to work freely and view rules as a hindrance to their spontaneity.
While they have little respect for rules imposed upon them, ISTPs strictly follow their own set of internal rules. If someone violates the principles that the ISTP holds in high regard, they become hostile and stubborn. They can be inconsiderate of others’ boundaries at times, but they are willing to accept people encroaching on their personal boundaries in the same fashion.
Jungian functional preference ordering:
Dominant: Introverted Thinking
Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing
Tertiary: Introverted Intuition
Inferior: Extraverted Feeling
ISTP’s generally have the following traits:
• Interested in how and why things work
• Do not function well in regimented, structured environments; they will either feel stifled or become intensely bored
• Constantly gather facts about their environment and store them away
• Have an excellent ability to apply logic and reason to their immense store of facts to solve problems or discover how things work
• Learn best "hands-on"
• Usually able to master theory and abstract thinking, but don't particularly like dealing with it unless they see a practical application
• Action-oriented "doers"
• Focused on living in the present, rather than the future
• Love variety and new experiences
• Highly practical and realistic
• Excellent "trouble-shooters", able to quickly find solutions to a wide variety of practical problems
• Results-oriented; they like to see immediate results for their efforts
• Usually laid-back and easy-going with people
• Risk-takers who thrive on action
• Independent and determined - usually dislike committing themselves
• Usually quite self-confident
The ISTP is fortunate because they have the abilities to be good at many different kinds of tasks. Their introverted and thinking preferences give them the ability to concentrate and work through problems which leaves many doors open to them. However, to be happiest, the ISTP needs to lead a lifestyle which offers a great deal of autonomy and does not include much external enforcement of structure. ISTP’s will do best working for themselves, or working in very flexible environments. Their natural interests lie towards applying their excellent reasoning skills against known facts and data to discover underlying structure, or solutions to practical questions.
ISTP Relationships
ISTP’s are generally extremely capable individuals who are good at most things which interest them. They are usually bright, interesting, and exciting individuals with a lot to offer. They live almost entirely in the present moment, and usually do not make commitments beyond the immediate foreseeable future. An ISTP probably coined the phrase "nothing is unconditional". They strongly prefer to take things one day at a time, rather than make long-term commitments. If a relationship interests them and satisfies their needs, the ISTP will do their part on a daily basis to keep the relationship strong and healthy. If they lose interest in a relationship, their natural tendency will be to move on.
ISTP Strengths
• Good listeners
• Usually self-confident
• Generally optimistic and fun to be with
• Practical and realistic, they handle daily concerns
• Are not threatened by conflict or criticism
• Able to leave a relationship with relative ease once it is over
• Able to administer punishment, although they're not interested in doing so
• Likely to respect other's needs for space and privacy
ISTP Weaknesses
• Living entirely in the present, they have difficulty with long-term commitments
• Not naturally good at expressing feelings and emotions
• Not tuned in to what others are feeling, they may be insensitive at times
• Tendency to be overly private and hold back part of themselves
• Need a lot of personal space, which they don't like to have invaded
• They thrive on action and excitement, and may stir things up to create it
Potential Problem Areas
ISTP may show some or all of the following weaknesses in varying degrees:
• The ISTP gets "stuck in a rut" and only does those things that are known and comfortable to the ISTP. • The ISTP resists and rejects anything that doesn't support their own experiential understanding of the world. If there is a conflict between their own way of life and something that they encounter, they don't perceive that "something" in an objective sense. Rather, they reject it to avoid conflict and to preserve the sanctity of their inner world.
• They choose to surround themselves with people who support their own way of life, and reject people who think or live differently.
• They may become overly paranoid about social organizations and institutions trying to control them.
• They may unknowingly or uncaringly hurt people's feelings.
• They may be completely unaware of how to express their inner world to others in a meaningful way.
• They may be completely unaware of the type of communication that is often desirable and (to some degree) expected in an intimate relationship. If they are aware of the kinds of things that are appropriate to say and do to foster emotional bonding, they may be unable to appreciate the value of such actions. They may feel too vulnerable to express themselves in this fashion, and so reject the entire idea.
• If pushed beyond their comfort level to form commitments or emotional bonds, they may reject a relationship entirely.
• Under stress, they may show intense emotions that seem disproportionate to the situation.
Careers
• Law Enforcement
• Detective Work
• Forensic Pathologist
• Computer Programmer
• System Analyst
• Engineer
• Carpenter
• Mechanic
• Pilot
• Athlete
• Entrepreneur
• Designer
Key Elements to Working with this Type
• Respect the personal beliefs of an ISTP.
• The ISTP will disregard rules set for them and work best without physical or mental constraints.
• ISTPs are extremely spontaneous.
• They are doers, not thinkers: ISTPs prefer hands-on projects.
If you are an ISTP, you are a pragmatic, adaptable, and independent individual with the potential to make a positive impact on the world. Use your strengths to solve complex problems, to adapt to change, and to build a better future.