ISTP personality types are calm, efficient and productive, and are open to new opportunities.

Note: This is a resource page on ISTP – there are 16 Types of MBTI personalities. Find out which are you. This resource page is frequently referred to in our MBTI Teambuilding Workshops to help participants get more information about their MBTI Type.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator classifies people into one of 16 personality types, and ISTP is one of them (MBTI). ISTP personality types are fiercely independent and like their alone time. Action, novelty, hands-on activities, and the ability to work at their own pace are among things that ISTPs enjoy.

ISTPs want to disassemble things to learn how they operate. Although they are logical and sensible, they are more drawn to concrete examples than abstract concepts. They enjoy trying new things and can get quickly bored with routines.

A somewhat uncommon personality type is the ISTP. The Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT) estimates that 4% to 6% of people are ISTPs. They point out that men experience this type more frequently (6%–9%) than women (2%–3%).

ISTP Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Michael Jordan – one of the most famous ISTP personalities.

He is considered one of the best basketball players of all time. ISTPs are known for their independent nature and their ability to think on their feet.

Key ISTP Characteristics

Goal-directed: An ISTP personality is focused on getting things done. When there is a problem, they aim to identify the root cause as soon as possible and put a solution in place.

Open to new experiences: ISTPs are open to new things and are sometimes risk-takers or thrill-seekers. They frequently partake in dangerous or frantic pastimes like ice hockey, hang gliding, motorcycling, surfing, and bungee jumping. In other situations, individuals might go for employment in the racing, aviation, or firefighting industries in order to pursue their sense of adventure.

Objective: They favor making decisions based on facts rather than their own views or beliefs.

Even Tempered: ISTPs are frequently characterized as quiet yet with a laid-back attitude toward others. They are reserved but even-tempered. At work or in situations when they have a lot in common with others, they may be talkative.

Emotionally Detached: ISTPs are not good at reading other people’s emotions, which can lead to the perception that they are emotionally cold, insensitive, or unfeeling. They separate themselves from their own sentiments as well, ignoring them until they become unbearable.

Level Headed: One misunderstanding about ISTPs is that they are the silent, stoic sort. Although they have a tendency to be reserved, this does not mean that they do not feel powerful emotions. Instead, they excel at retaining composure under pressure and being objective.

Potential development areas for ISTPs

ISTP people risk focusing so much on what needs to be done immediately that they neglect to see the big picture. They don’t always follow through on projects that require them to work closely with others.

Personal Relationships
ISTPs are introverts who frequently exhibit silent restraint. They enjoy novel experiences and detest rigid schedules. They are fiercely independent and dislike feeling in charge in relationships. Although the ISTP has trouble committing, they will work very hard to maintain relationships that hold their attention. 3

They don’t frequently express their feelings to others. They want to hear what other people have to say, but they tend to keep their own ideas to themselves. For these reasons, ISTPs are commonly characterized as being challenging to get to know. They frequently make acquaintances who share their interests in hobbies and love hanging out with them while engaging in these activities.

Career Paths
Due to their introversion, ISTPs frequently perform well in professions that need them to work alone. ISTPs typically reject excessive rigidity and thrive in occupations that provide them a lot of freedom and autonomy. They are quite rational, thus they frequently prefer jobs that need both reasoning and practical expertise. ISTPs really enjoy working on projects that have useful, practical applications.

ISTPs like analysing problems and responding to crises. They enjoy working autonomously, and tend to prefer hands-on or analytical work. Careers that appeal include:

Engineer

The ISTP personality type matches the skillset necessary in engineering. This career path requires strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking, a knack for practical applications, and logical thinking, all of these being common ISTP characteristics.

Specifically, computer hardware engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering are best for the ISTP.

Construction Work

Economist

Economics is the field of study that focuses on data collecting and later statistical and mathematical analysis. Economists create reports and predict market trends.

The ISTP will enjoy the logic and critical thinking involved in economics. Additionally, economics is a field that is suitable for introverts. Most days, economists work alone or with a small group.

Forensic Scientist

Forensic science relies heavily on problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in addition to high attention to detail. Thus, it is an excellent fit for the ISTP.

Most aspects of the job are carried out alone or in a quiet lab, which is appealing to the introverted ISTP. Analyzing samples and remembering details can both be another positive part of forensic science.

EMT or Emergency Medical Technician

For ISTPs interested in going into healthcare, the EMT career is a great choice. These healthcare professionals respond quickly to emergency situations and work solo or in part of an ambulatory team.

Two key skills required in this profession are problem-solving and attention to detail, which ISTPs already possess.

More Famous ISTP People

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Jaymes Stewart is an American actress and director. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a César Award, which she was the first American actress to win. Her films have grossed over $4.3 billion worldwide, and she was the highest-paid actress in the world in 2010 and 2012.

ISTP introverted sensing thinking perceiving politician Russian President

Vladimir Putin iHe is the president of the Russian Federation, a position he has BEEN HOLDING since 1999 except for brief periods when he was the Prime Minister. He has used a combination of strategies to remain in power despite significant internal and external opposition.