Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging

The accuracy of these tests never cease to amaze me.

ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, (I know right from wrong and for me there is no gray area) especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality (I am always on time and I would rather be kept waiting than to keep someone waiting. But don't get it twisted ... I won't wait for too long!) is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.

As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss. (No, I'm not overly expressive when it comes to emotion ... but that doesn't mean I don't care and it certainly doesn't mean that I don't feel things very deeply, dammit!)

ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." (I don't care how the clock was built, just tell me what time it is!!!!) They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.

ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. (I'd love to be able to tell you the truth in a tactful manner, but that doesn't always work. My motto is: Do what you say and say what you do. Don't say it if you don't expet me to hold you to it, baby) The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or another situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.

His SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. Threats to time-honored traditions or established organizations (e.g., a "run" on the bank) are the undoing of SJs, and are to be fought at all costs.


Famous ISTJs:

Thomas (Christ's disciple)

U.S. Presidents:

George Washington
Andrew Johnson
Benjamin Harrison
Herbert Hoover
George H. W. Bush

Paul Coverdale (U.S. Senator, R-GA)
Jackie Joyner-Kersee (U.S. Olympic athlete)
Evander Holyfield, heavyweight boxing champion

Fictional ISTJs:
Joe Friday
Mr. Martin (hero of James Thurber's Sitting in the Catbird Seat)
Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) (My favorite coffee mug has a picture of Eeyore on it!!)
Fred Mertz (I Love Lucy)
Puddleglum, the marshwiggle (Chronicles of Narnia)
Cliff (Cheers)