The ISTJ personality is the second most frequently occurring Myers-Briggs type. People with this personality tend to be loyal, logical, dependable, and faithful.
I am not an ISTJ, however, one of my former bosses was. He was always the first to arrive at work, and the last to leave. I will never forget the image of him sitting alone in an empty office at 10 pm on a Friday. His dedication and reliability made me realize how gorgeous this personality really is!
I admire how ISTJs always take responsibility for everything they do. It doesn’t matter whether the task is small or large, they are always there to lead the way. Their individualism and logic make them ideal leaders.
Logic is the ISTJ way
There are no assumptions with ISTJs. Their analytical skills are so precise, that when they set their mind to do something, it will be done. Period. Also, they don’t tolerate unnecessary facts, and don’t have patience with indecisive people. My former boss had this great quality, which I still admire to this day.
ISTJs thrive when working alone, as do the majority of introverts. However, when their position enables them to have a positive impact, the magic begins. No stone will be left unturned when an ISTJ is seeking a solution. Their integrity and honesty is what makes all the difference.
Integrity is their guiding star
ISTJs value integrity above all else. This is that one trait that stands out among many other great ones. When an ISTJ makes a promise, it will be done, no questions asked. They will never break their promise. They push themselves beyond the limit to help anyone they can.
A person who has an ISTJ personality type does not typically give second chances. When someone betrays their trust, ISTJs do something, which is similar to the “INFJ Door-Slam”. That person is gone from their lives, and will have an extremely hard time returning.
The ISTJ personality at work
ISTJs are a functioning core of every company and office. Even though they excel at personal relationships, the office is where they feel most at home. They are those little working bees that stay up late and finish the job. They are those ant workers who sacrifice their well-being in order to help a co-worker.
The efficiency with which they accomplish their assignments is absolutely magnificent! No other personality type can compete with the accuracy and precision of their work.
There was another classic ISTJ quality I saw in my old boss: dependability. He was the first person who approached me when I arrived. Even though he was busy, he spent hours assisting me with my first office project.
In all honesty, there are few personality types who are as dedicated as ISTJs. They are those creative wheels that keep the world spinning, using sheer determination and dedication.
Famous ISTJs
There are countless famous ISTJs who’ve shared their bright light and made a difference. Here are a few of them:
Sting
Denzel Washington
Natalie Portman
Matt Damon
Anthony Hopkins
George Washington
Eddard Stark (for all the Game of Throne fans ☺ )
Angela Merkel
Condoleezza Rice
Hermione Granger (and one for HP fans ☺ )
Please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts about this wonderful personality in the comments below! ☺
Love,
Marko
I am ISTJ. Except for being good in personal relationships, the description fit me to a T. However, I have to use up most of my energy at work. Friendships and closer relationships have always been difficult for me. If I’m hiding, it’s because I’m tired.
Thanks Martin Wilcoxson! And thank you for sharing your insight on this. 🙂
I was married to an ISTJ for 59.5 years, knew each other for 60 years, she passed away 3 years ago. I miss her all the time. She was everything as described. Being an ESTP I’ve learned she was my best partner, as I was hers. Taking her on exciting rides, enjoyed that. She delivering a calming influence on me. She had all that has been said of ISTJ’s, I’d add style too, an ability in order, design & commitment. Disagreement & problems, we were v similar. We’d crunch them quickly using, facts & logic. Comment by MB, All head and no heart! My ISTJ experience was wonderful. We were a successful combination. I’m living daily in the visual world she created.
That is exactly me too! I basically compartmentalize my life. If it’s a workday, then that’s where 100% of my attention goes that day until my energy is all “emptied out”. In order to be social, I have to literally block out time in my life specifically for that, or it would almost never happen.
Yes … I’m an ISTJ … and you are right about loyalty and integrity. I’m brutal if my trust is betrayed. I don’t have the time for you. You suck my energy and I’d rather spend time with people that give me energy. I got an email today saying that “IS'” don’t write. Perhaps we’re too busy cleaning the arses of the other messy personalities out there. We do notice when others steal our thunder although we rather not be noticed … we still get pissed at this. Damn I worked so hard in the past covering other people’s asses that I developed diabetes 2 last year and I had a heart attack this year on April 25th. Don’t worry … I’m recovering and I won’t take any guff from any overbearing extrovert anymore!
If you want samples of the few blogs I have written, check out “The Heretic Lemming”
https://thehereticlemming.wordpress.com
Hi Michael! Thank you for sharing your insight on this, and the blog you have written. I will check it out. I’m glad to hear you are well, and that you are recovering!
My comment would be exactly what Martin Wilcoxson wrote!
This is so accurate it is almost baffling. I am another ISTJ duty filler and like some of the above comments, although dodge the limelight, still appreciate some acknowledgement. The relationship qualities also so true, loyal and take commitment very seriously which can be lonely at times. I have come to value my traits as I age and wish I knew my personality type in my younger years.
Thank you Valencia, I’m glad you liked the article. 🙂 Also, thank you for sharing your insight on this!
I would submit a comment on how well this profile fits me, but I see no reason to, as it will accomplish nothing and I don’t feel like it.
I’m an INFJ who married an ISTJ for 18 years. This article certainly describes my hubby very well especially for his strong sense of duty! He works shift and covers extra duties for his colleagues. However, he would not claim time or leave which were entitled. As a result of exhausting all his attention at work and neglecting our relationship, I saw both our idealistic personalities posed great challenges and communication faded away. His untamed honesty delayed his promotion at work and damaged our marriage at home. Twice, he seek to reconcile which imprinted doubts on my heart and curved phobias to my mind. For now, his strong will to change is impressive. The least I could help is to be less attached to him and more expressive with appreciation. Not sure if my comment would be helpful to those with similar struggles.
It is so my son..i am blessed and proud of him. He is everything you(Marco) described! Thankyou Marco! 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that, Irene. 🙂 You are most welcome!
Great post! Have nice day ! 🙂 twtaj
I am not sure about this trait…”A person who has an ISTJ personality type does not typically give second chances. When someone betrays their trust, ISTJs do something, which is similar to the “INFJ Door-Slam”. That person is gone from their lives, and will have an extremely hard time returning.”
Personally I am a very forgiving person that does not hold grudges.
Be glad of what other could say about this.
ISTJ here…..This article is well written, well executed and spot-on as far as I can see. Congratulations on content. I feel it’s somewhat sugar-coated, but that’s okay. Almost thirty years ago I was a student of graphoanalysis and noticed that many of the traits that are cast into the ISTJ personality are also in your handwriting. It’s marvelous the way it works out. Apparently, my mind is analytically embedded to the bone. Some of the ISTJ’s mannerisms irk me to nausea in that I don’t wish to be such a “sweet” person; always offering myself for extra work, detailed work or working under pressure. “Sweet” is not a word I want to see on my epitaph. I do offer assistance to anyone who asks. I have twice the empathy of the average ISTJ. I can ignore extroverts with the expertise of a “Barbie” doll. I’m old, now, and impatient with most situations, but I will die a very proud ISTJ.
Thanks Susan, glad you like the article! 🙂
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Hi Marko, thanks for your article and observations. I am 42 years old, self employed in the legal industry, and recently decided to embark on therapy for the first time. I am told that I am an ISTJ and have (obviously) been researching this…hence I came across this page. A lot of what I have learned of myself was surprising to hear, yet in the quiet of my room totally spot on. I always assumed (which is totally contradictory to my thought process) that because I am so sensitive that it translated to that I am sensitive of other peoples’ feelings….to my shock, I have discovered that I am actually quite insensitive (but not maliciously or purposefully).
I also read on another site that ISTJ’s have an aversion to social media which is something I associate with, but I would like to understand why.
Personality traits of integrity, loyalty, logic, fact, effectiveness and being honest to a fault are all traits that I identify with.
What has been most interesting whilst researching ‘myself’ (lol) is that nowhere have I read that ISTJ’s suffer from anxiety, yet I do, which was the main reason for eventually seeking professional help. Are there any other ISTJ’s out there who suffer this same affliction?
In terms of trust, my motto is once bitten twice shy. If I have eventually brought a person into my space and confided in them and that trust is betrayed then THERE ARE NO SECOND chances!!!! I will still speak to that person for professional purposes, but I will NEVER trust them again.
In any event, I am on a most interesting journey of self discovery and this forum that you have created is most appreciated.
You are most welcome Catalina! Glad you liked the article, thanks for your kind words, and for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Marko,
Great article and great analysis! Your title struck me like lightning immediately! The Loyal Logistician. I am a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army and I am in Logistics! I have heard that several effective Generals and Admirals have been ISTJs as well.
My question is inconsequential: How do you determine the personality types of celebrities if they don’t publicize them? Additionally, how do you determine the personality types of fictional characters? Just curious.
Thank you,
Bryan