Paul Andrew's blog: "Miscellaneous"

Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging (ISFJ) personality types are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them, however, most ISFJ types find more than enough tasks with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. Since ISFJs, like all Sensing Judging types, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy. They specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.

ISFJ types are often much unappreciated, at work, home, and play. Ironically, because they prove over and over that they can be relied on for their loyalty and unstinting, high-quality work, those around them often take them for granted -- even take advantage of them. Admittedly, the problem is sometimes aggravated by the ISFJ types themselves. For instance, they are notoriously bad at delegating ("if you want something done right, do it yourself"). And although they're hurt by being treated like doormats, they are often unwilling to toot their own horns about their accomplishments, because they feel that although they deserve more credit than they're getting, it's somehow wrong to want any sort of reward for doing work (which is supposed to be a virtue in itself). And as low-profile introverts, their actions don't call attention to themselves as with charismatic extroverts. Because of all of this, ISFJ types are often overworked, and as a result, may suffer from stress-related illnesses.

In the workplace, ISFJ types are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities. They are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others. ISFJ persons make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. They are capable of forming strong loyalties, but these are personal rather than institutional loyalties. If someone they've bonded with in this way leaves the company, the ISFJ person will leave with them, if given the option. Traditional careers for an ISFJ type include: teaching, social work, most religious work, nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and secretarial work of any kind, and some kinds of administrative careers.

While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ type's priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJ persons are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle -- and often possessive of their loved ones as well. When an ISFJ type's family include extroverts who want to socialize with the rest of the world, or self-contained introverts, the ISFJ person must learn to adjust to these behaviors and not interpret them as rejection. Being sensing judgers, ISFJ persons place a strong emphasis on conventional behavior. If any of their nearest and dearest depart from the straight-and-narrow, it causes the ISFJ type major embarrassment and sorrow. The closer the relationship and the more public the act, the more intense the embarrassment. Over time, however, ISFJ persons usually mellow, and learn to regard the culprits as harmless eccentrics. Needless to say, ISFJ types take infinite trouble over meals, gifts, and celebrations for their loved ones, although strong judgers may tend to focus more on what the recipient should want rather than what they do want.

Like most introverts, ISFJ persons have a few, but very close and devout friends. They are extremely loyal to these friends, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice. However, like most sensitive and shy people, they hate confrontation. If you get into a fight, don't expect them to jump in after you. You can count on them, however, run and get the nearest authority figure. For all ISFJ persons, the older their friendships, the more they will be valued. One predominant ISFJ trait that is easily misunderstood by those who haven't known them long is that they are often unable to either hide or articulate any distress they may be feeling. For instance, an ISFJ child may be reproved for "sulking," the actual cause of which is a combination of physical illness plus misguided "good manners." An adult ISFJ may drive a family member or friend into a fit of temper over the ISFJ person's unexplained moodiness, only afterwards to explain about a death in the family they "didn't want to burden anyone with." Those close to ISFJ types should learn to watch for the warning signs in these situations and take the initiative themselves to uncover the problem and help guide them to talk out their feelings and emotions in a constructive manner.