ISTP - The Problem Solver
Introverted Thinking with Extroverted Sensing
Logical, Expedient, Practical, Realistic, Factual, Analytical, Applied, Independent, Spontaneous, Adaptable, Self-determined
General
ISTPs are realists who apply expediency and reasoning as they manage and adapt to situations. They are aware of what is going on in the environment and have a compelling drive to understand the way things work. They respond quickly to actual facts, good at logical analysis. Usually they are not interested in abstract theories unless they see a practical application. ISTPs have an adventuresome spirit. They are often attracted to motorcycles, airplanes, sky diving, surfing, etc. They are at their best in situations that requires immediate attention and rational problem solving.
Living
ISTP Children want life to be logical, flexible and action oriented. They are good at hand-on activities, observing what is going on and rarely forget what they have noticed about places and things. They monitor the difference between what people say and what people do. They are aware of flaws and try to correct them. ISTP teen agers becomes very absorbed in their hobbies. ISTPs are pragmatists and gamblers who play each hand as it is a dealt. In adult life, ISTP are fairly laid back and mellow. They don’t oppose much structure on themselves or others. They don’t like to plan ahead, and most of them, when questioned, reveal that they would love to have more time and income to pursue their interest full-time.
Learning
ISTPs learn best when they can observe first-hand in a one-to-one situation. They like subjects with logical basis and individual projects that requires them to solve problems systematically. They prefer to learn alone, at their own rate and their own time frame. Nontraditional programs often attract ISTP when they can learn about things to their interests. For example, and ISTP learned math by playing card games and chess because he is more attracted to understand to the plays and moves to win the games.
Working
At work, ISTPs prefer project oriented and unconstrained by rules. They want chance to be active and independent problem solver. They can see the easiest way and most expedient route to complete a task. Many ISTPs have a natural bend in technical areas. They know the standard, specifications and requirements of their work so well that they can use the information in a calm manner even in a crisis. In organization, ISTPs prefer flexibility and impersonal dealings with others. They pay attention to the hierarchy only to the point of learning how to go around it if it stands in their way. They enjoy occupations like engineer, construction workers, transportation operators etc. that all them to use their ability to act expediently.
Leading
The ISTP leadership style is one of leading through action, by setting an example. They respond quickly when trouble is at hand. They operate logically with principles. They give their staff the necessary information to do their jobs, allowing them to complete their work in their own fashion. They prefer to manage loosely and with minimum supervision.
Leisure
ISTP leisure activities often have a physical and risk-taking aspects. While they can enjoy themselves in solitary activities, they may also like being involved with their children and others who share their interests. ISTP retain detail accurately and often use their spare time to learn more facts. They are likely to know players names, numbers, and averages, as well as the team’s history and records.
Loving
For ISTP, love means being responsive yet realistic. ISTPs seek partners who either allow them to have their freedom to pursue their hobby or who will participate in these activities with them. ISTPs are attentive to small things that might be enjoyed by their partners, surprising them with their particular gifts. They prefer to show their feelings through actions rather than words. They do not give up easily on their relationships, however, the relationship is over, they are usually not vindictive and not likely to share their hurt feelings with others. They see the end as a concrete fact about which does little good to worry, so they move on to new experiences