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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Descriptions

Four Introvert-Judging Personality Types: ISTJ, ISFJ, INFJ, INTJ

Personality types are classified into 16 different styles by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) system. As discussed in the MBTI Introduction, these types are grouped by the four different Attitudes, one of which is Introvert-Judging group. The Attitudes reflect the outward face of our personalities, and the Introvert-Judging types are focused and reflective. They are the strong, silent types. Their reluctance to engage in social interactions combined with their reticent nature can sometimes make them appear to be disconnected or disinterested, even when that is not the case. Introvert-Judges can seem arrogant sometimes, but on the positive side, they can be decisive and self-assured.

Each of the four subtypes in the Introvert-Judging group fall into one of four Perspectives, dealing with the other two sets of characteristics in the Myers-Briggs system.

See also our introduction to the MBTI system. To find a specific MBTI personality type for yourself or someone else, use our interactive MBTI Matrix.

The Organizer - ISTJ

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The Organizer - ISTJThe Organizers are responsible, organized, and objective. These are the people who visualize how a task needs to be done, implement the processes and schedules to make it happen, and have the patience and follow-through to confirm that the plans are realized. Perhaps more than any of the other types, the Organizer comes across as a workaholic, and sometimes acquaintances can wonder if they have a sense of humor. To be sure, they appreciate a good joke; it's just that they want the work to be done before they allow themselves to play. Their sense of humor can be on the dry side, so some of the other types may miss it. You're likely to see Organizers in jobs such as accountants, surgeons, police detectives, and the military. This personality type makes up an estimated 6% of the general population but 30% of the armed forces (Kroeger, Thuesen and Rutledge 307).

Another name for this type is the Planner Inspector. They are predictable, careful, and thorough, with a love of precision and an unusual ability to handle detail. They are dependable, and you can be sure that they will make every effort to be on time, within budget, and meet or exceed their other commitments. Their goal is always to do the right thing in the right way, even when doing so is difficult or requires overcoming obstacles. Organizers do not give up easily.

Organizers show they care for others by what they do, not by what they say. By working hard and contributing to their families' welfare, and by being role models for their children, Organizers feel they are showing that they care in tangible ways. They are traditionalists and extremely loyal to their close associates. They are steady and thoughtful, but they need time alone to recharge. Like other introverts, they do not especially enjoy being in crowds.

Unfortunately, the Organizer's need for an orderly, systematic world can sometimes translate into a style that becomes overly formal and rigid. They may become excessively cautious and may hesitate to act, even when action is necessary. Others can see them as critical perfectionists who are unsympathetic to their problems. By being so task focused, Organizers can be too serious and dictatorial, making their associates miserable. However, the Organizer is the best person to trust with getting the job done. Their thoughtful commitment and productivity are key ingredients to any successful project.

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The Closer - ISFJ

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The Closer - ISFJThe Closer is responsible and dedicated. While they care about people, they are also concerned about getting the job done. They don't like loose ends, and they are willing to work hard to bring closure. You can depend on them even when they must make a personal sacrifice to meet their commitments. Closers are quiet and reserved, so they often operate behind the scenes, but the evidence of their service can be found in the smooth operations of many organizations. Jobs where Closures are apt to find a good fit include librarians, curators, physical therapists, real estate agents, and interior decorators.

The Closer is also called the Protector Supporter. They are interested in completing tasks not for the sake of the tasks themselves, but in order to help others. Their goals are to ensure the safety and security of the people they care about. They create an orderly, structured, and predictable environment to provide that security. Closers are considerate and cooperative, and work in groups or independently. However, they do not deal well with conflict, and will try to bypass situations where conflict is apt to occur.

The words that best describe their relationships are caring and supportive. Closers like to be liked, and they need affirmation and approval from those who are important in their lives. This type does not want to make waves and has a difficult time being assertive. Since the Closer can be deferential and dependent, it becomes important that his or her needs not be neglected in a partnership.

Weaknesses of this type are a lack of tolerance for ambiguity and a focus on details to the extent that the Closer can miss the bigger picture. Sometimes they need to step back and reappraise where things stand. By doing so, they can sidestep the crisis of the moment or avoid becoming overextended in commitments that don't truly move them closer to their goals. When a Closer finally does get fed up with perceived slights that have been overlooked for a long time, his or her anger and resentment can explode — and the unexpected outburst is difficult for everyone to handle, including the Closer. Most of the time, though, the Closer is a patient, generous, tenacious worker who contributes a willing spirit to completing the task.

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The Dreamer - INFJ

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The Dreamer - INFJDreamers are known for their foresight, able to deal with complex issues with insight and enthusiasm. They enjoy solving problems and often have a scholarly bent. They handle details capably, bringing their ideas to the issues at hand in creative ways. Dreamers care about people, and they tend to show it in gentle, unassuming ways. Jobs that fit well for Dreamers include writers, doctors, translators, philosophers, job analysts and education consultants.

Another name for this type is Foreseer Developer. Relying on their intuitions, they are careful observers of other people. This means that Dreamers will often feel they know things about others from non-verbal signals. Dreamers are inner-directed, and they are interested in personal growth, both for themselves and for others. Even though they can be quiet, they are enthusiastic and passionate about what they do and the possibilities of the visions they see. They can put symbols and ideas together in new ways, and they have the drive and sense of purpose to use their insights in practical applications.

In their relationships, Dreamers are interested in forging long-lasting, close ties with people they can trust. They don't like to be in a crowd, but they like people. Dreamers see life as a never-ending path toward growth, so they use their relationships to explore the growth potential of both themselves and their associates. They dislike conflict but will enter into heated debates when issues of principle are involved. Although they value being close to others, they also need time to be alone to recharge.

Dreamers can also be impractical. When their dreams are crushed, they can become depressed and discouraged, with feelings of failure and guilt. They have a tendency to become overly identified with what they do. When their projects meet with disapproval, they misinterpret it as criticism of themselves, which hits them hard and saps their drive. They also have to be careful about their intuition; although it is often correct, it should be constantly re-evaluated so it doesn't steer them in the wrong direction. When these drawbacks can be kept to a minimum, the Dreamer is an inspirational visionary who can conceive creative solutions to problems.

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The Researcher - INTJ

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The Researcher - INTJResearchers are competent, intellectual conceptualizers who translate facts into plans to bring clarity and objectivity to decision making. They excel at seeing the big picture and finding solutions to complex problems. They contribute structure, order, and accountability to their projects. With their self-assurance and confidence, they give strength and objectivity to every task. Despite wanting to maintain their independence, they have no problem serving as group leaders or taking control. Their introvert nature is not so much about being shy as it is about being contemplative. Suitable professions for Researchers include scientists, inventors, engineers, judges, economists, and environmental planners.

Researchers are also called Conceptualizer Directors. They are interested in masterminding strategies and developing plans for making progress toward goals. They want to continue learning throughout their lives; they like to theorize about how logical systems interrelate and how abstract models can help in identifying contingencies. They have a talent for deductive reasoning, but their cool, objective manner can sometimes seem impersonal and headstrong to those around them.

Researchers want their interpersonal relationships to have a purpose. If a gathering is just to have fun with a few friends, then the Researcher is apt to consider it a waste of time. The Researcher wants time with friends to be about constructive progress or learning about something new. It is difficult for Researchers to share their emotions, even within their intimate relationships. But they are loyal and steadfast to those they have allowed in their inner circle. It's just they are not very demonstrative; they expect their partners to know their feelings without having to display them.

One of the Researcher's hazards is the use of analytical thinking to devise scenarios that create anxiety and worry. Researchers can easily fall into suspicion and distrust, which can quickly turn into full-blown paranoia. Unfortunately, the flip side of self-confidence is stubbornness, self-righteousness, and defensiveness. These less desirable traits appear when others challenge the Researcher's interpretations and solutions. When depression and defensiveness come to the fore, people are apt to judge the Researcher as arrogant and edgy. Therefore, the Researcher must sustain a balanced outlook. As long as they keep these downsides in check, Researchers are often the key to achievement and success, adding improvements to everything they tackle.

References

More Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Descriptions:
     Four Introvert-Perceiving Personality Types
     Four Extrovert-Perceiving Personality Types
     Four Extrovert-Judging Personality Types

About the primary author of 3DPersonality.com: Dr. R. Jean Maddigan is a professional social scientist who has been interested in personality systems for over a decade. Read more on her background.

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10/23/07 17:05