ISFJPs
The Protector

What is ISFJ?

ISFJ stands for Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judgement and is one of 16 personality types studied from the MBTI personality identification indicator (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI personality assessment developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, Katharine Cook Briggs and David Keirsey from the work of renowned psychiatrist Carl G. Jung the types of psychology based on theories of cognitive functions. Keirsey named ISFJ The Protector because they are very interested in caring, protecting and helping others in very practical ways and ISFJ is one of the four personality types of the group The Guardian.

What are the personality traits of the ISFJ group?

The MBTI assessment accurately estimates about 75% according to its guiding indicator, using multiple-choice questions on the basis of four "binary" (opposing psychological pairs), ISFJ is one of 16 personality types and is abbreviated by the first four letters (iNtuition is an exception because I is used for Introversion) as follows:

• Introversion: introverted, tend to like tranquility and prefer to interact only with close friends. They feel wasted a lot of energy when socially interacting with unfamiliar people;

• Sensing: using specific perception rather than intuition, so they focus attention on the small details rather than the big picture, as well as what happens in reality rather than things that have can come in the future;

• Feeling: making decisions based on feelings, emotional state, personal values rather than based on objective factors or logical rules;

• Judgment: they judge in a very principled and predictable way, early plan and follow it rather than making spontaneous and flexible decisions.

What are the core values, actions, and thoughts of ISFJ's personality trends?

ISFJs really value maintaining order and harmony in all aspects of life, they are determined, meticulous and responsible people at work. Although they are introverted, they are good at observing and directing people, they not only remember the details of those around them but also are keen to track other people's emotions. People often describe ISFJs as kind, trustworthy and considerate people who care for people and keep them safe with practical actions. However, ISFJ's introverted nature makes others misunderstand them.

The ISFJs always live in a sympathetic and emotional world. They are very warm and kind, always believe in the best of others. They respect harmony and cooperation, they are also very sensitive to human feelings. ISFJs are considered to be thoughtful and caring people. Their ability to exploit the best of others comes from firmly believing in the best.

ISFJs have clear ideas about what everything will look like, and they strive to achieve it. They often value kindness and safety, abide by laws and respect customs. They believe in existing methods because they always work, so they never apply new methods when working unless they are introduced to a new method with clear explanations of why it is better than the existing one.

ISFJs prefer practice than reading or applying theories. Therefore, ISFJs rarely work in areas that require analysis of assumptions and concepts. They always appreciate practical applicability. ISFJs can research a job well when it is instructed on how to apply it to solve problems. Once the method is understood and its importance is realized, ISFJs will be keen on and constantly apply them to complete the task.

ISFJs are very introverted, so people often have trouble understanding them. They always pay attention and gather a lot of information about people, as well as other important events and situations and remember them. This large scale of information storage is often surprisingly accurate because the ISFJs possess the optimal mind to remember important things related to their views on life. Not surprisingly, ISFJs could remember every detail of the facial expression after many years if that strongly impressed them.

ISFJs have a special sense of space, organization, and an extremely high aesthetic. They want a comfortable and tidy house. They are very good at the interior. Thanks to this special talent, combined with sensitivity to feelings and desires of others, ISFJs are very good at choosing gifts for others because they can find the appropriate gifts that make the recipient touched and appreciated.

More than any other MBTI personality type, ISFJs understand their inner feelings very well, as well as the feelings of others. They rarely show their emotions outside but hide inside. If it is a negative emotion, they will repress it, only when things go beyond their limits, the mistakes that others make will become undeniable evidence.

ISFJs are gracious, generous and reliable people. They have many special talents, which show through their sensitivity to people and the ability to make things smooth.

Because ISFJs want to hide their emotions, they often create a perfect wall so that other people do not understand what they are really thinking. However, they will speak out if they realize they are in need of help, as well as if they want others to understand their feelings.

ISFJs are people who always uphold their duties and obligations. They take the responsibility seriously and build trust so people rely on them. When they are trusted, they rarely refuse and this can become a burden for them. Because ISFJs always put others' needs above their own, when helping someone they do not want that person to know they are in trouble. ISFJs need to learn how to perceive, evaluate and express their needs if they do not want to become overwhelmed by requests from others.

The career of the ISFJ personality group

ISFJs pay attention to what they like to do the most, which is to help others in practical and organized ways, tracking, observing, and viewing results. Their appropriate working environment requires clear and detailed setup procedures. ISFJs are suitable for the following career fields:

• Community and Social Services (Health Education, Counselors, Social workers);

• Science and Life (Agricultural and Forestry Technicians, Environmental Biologists);

• Health care (Nutritionists, Doctors, Nurses);

• Education (Teachers, Administrators, Librarians);

• Office and Administration;

• Personal care services (Personal trainer, Nanny, Manicurist);

• Sales and Finance (Financial Advisors, Human Resource Management, Business Management);

• Technical Maintenance and Repair (Automobile Mechanics, Refrigeration Staff, Electronics);

• Production (Carpenter, Baker, Quality Control Inspectors);

• Architects and Technical Engineers;

• Transport;

• Police, Bodyguards, Firefighters;

• The law (Courts, Lawyers).

The relationship between ISFJs and others

ISFJs play a supporting role in interpersonal relationships and have the ability to listen to adjust to other people's needs. They are sensitive people and often collaborate to support people and contribute practical information on their personal views.

• For ISTJ, INFJ, ESFJ: they have similar characteristics and many things in common so it is easy for ISFJs to share values, interests, and approaches;

• For ISTJ, ESFP, ESTJ, ENFJ: they have some differences but these differences are attractive to ISFJs. Basically, they still have something in common to create a balance in their relationship with ISFJs;

• For ISTP, INFP, ESTP, ENFP: At first, ISFJs may have some difficulty accessing and connecting with this personality group. However, if interacting for a while, they will discover commonalities as well as other points of view that can complement each other;

• For INTP, INTJ, ENTJ, ENTP: this personality group is opposite and conflicting with ISFJs, but if it is possible to develop a relationship, this is an opportunity for ISFJs to learn and grow themselves, the challenges always come with great opportunity.

In a relationship, ISFJs are extremely warm, selfless, and loyal. They are not too picky when it comes to friendship, as long as others are willing to make friends with them on a profound level. ISFJs often rely on their friends for emotional support, counseling, and reassurance, which gives both of them an opportunity to establish a lasting relationship.

One thing worth mentioning, ISFJs may encounter a few problems when it comes to friendship. They often put the needs of friends above their own. This is not necessarily a bad thing (provided that friends do not take advantage of ISFJ's altruism), such an approach can cause ISFJ to neglect their needs. ISFJs need a lot of emotional support from friends and if this support doesn't come from the friends they helped, the ISFJs would be very vulnerable.

Moreover, ISFJs often stick to their commitments and do their best to fulfill their promises. This is a significant feature, especially when ISFJs do not want to say "no" when friends ask for help. Some might consider this a weakness and try to take advantage of ISFJ's goodwill - ISFJs should keep this trait in check.

ISFJs are introverts, and they are not easy to open - however, they need some close friends to discuss important issues. ISFJs do not like to make friends with people with T or P characteristics, they like to make friends with people with FJ characteristics. It is surprising that ISFJs can also have at least N-type of friends, although they may have difficulty connecting due to the difference between S and N.

In summary, the ISFJs attach great importance to personal relationships. They often care and give a lot of love to others and put their needs above their own. They are very devoted and are always looking for long term relationships. They are reliable people and always try their best to make sure everything goes well. ISFJs are often difficult to refuse to help people, so others often take it for granted.

Classify trends in the ISFJ personality group

• Artisan personality groups (SP): ISFP (Composer), ISTP (Crafter), ESFP (Performer), ESTP (Promoter);

• Guardian personality group (SJ): ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESFJ (Provider), ESTJ (Supervisor);

• Idealist personality group (NF): ENFP (Champion), INFJ (Counselor), INFP (Healer), ENFJ (Teacher);

• Rational personality group (NT): INTP (Architect), ENTJ (Fieldmarshal), ENTP (Inventor), INTJ (Mastermind).

The popularity of the ISFJ personality group

This is the most popular personality group in the world and accounts for about 9-14% of the world's population. By gender, only 8% of ISFJs are male and 19% are female. Among all personality types, ISFJ is the most selfless. Many ISFJs seek careers in academia, medicine, social work or counseling; their personality traits also shine in administrative and office roles, or even in somewhat unexpected areas such as interior design. 

The famous ISFJs

• Jimmy Carter - 39th president of the United States;

• William Howard Taft - 27th president of the United States;

• Rosa Parks - Human rights activist;

• Jerry Seinfeld - Famous comedian;

• Ed Bradley - Famous journalist;

• Christopher Walken - Famous actor;

• Dr. Dre - Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, record executive, actor, audio engineer, and advisor to Snoop Dogg and Eminem.