ISTP – The Craftsman

ISTPs are the master craftspeople. They belong to the artisan group and comprise 5% of the general population, of which 9% are males and 2% are female.

Observant and detail oriented, ISTP personalities absorb sensory data like a sponge and have a natural instinct for understanding the mechanics of the physical world and how things work. They are practical problem solvers who are good with their hands. Their work is of high quality and detail and they take pride in their expertise. ISTPs tend to excel in all types of mechanics.

They appear quiet, calm, and reserved and possess an admirable ability to remain cool under fire in the midst of crisis. They are highly responsive and their spontaneous bursts of energy takes others by surprise. Beneath their placid demeanor is a well spring of energy that they reserve for a worthwhile opportunity to pounce on. At work they dislike excessive rules and restrictive regulations. They also are not fond of redundant routines and require variety and flexibility from their work or they will be bored. They are either all in or not interested, but are highly efficient people who will quickly complete tasks and promptly move on to the next one. Incompetent management is a bane to them and ISTPs can be tactless in their criticism of them. Their impulsive words and non-PC humor can land them in hot water with sensitive feeling types.

ISTPs are very independent and capable individuals who require freedom and space to spread themselves both physically and psychologically. While normally laid back, their anger emerges when their way of life is threatened. They can be very territorial but typically do not mind sharing their space with others. ISTPs live in the moment and planning for the future is not one of their strong suits.

ISTPs have intelligence that is typically not well served by rote learning in traditional classroom settings. They are usually not academically inclined and are the type least likely to complete college. ISTPs are commonly diagnosed with ADHD and they respond best to hands on learning styles that fully engage them. They have excellent memories and are interested in understanding how things work and also building and fixing things.

The ISTP can be difficult to get to know. Their friendly laid back disposition attracts many acquaintances but very few people get to truly know them. Nevertheless, they make fun, thrill seeking friends and their friendships will be built on shared merrymaking and good times. They like to share what they love and enjoy people taking an interest in the projects they work on.

ISTP as Parents

As parents, ISTPs are not particularly equipped to provide for the emotional needs of most types , especially that of children. Emotional bonding will prove something difficult and hopefully a capable spouse will be able to fill the gap. However, the ISTP will be very supportive of their children’s growth and development as people and will not shelter them the world. Allowing their children the freedom to explore and discover on their own jibes with their personal preference for learning things directly.

ISTP in Love

In romance and dating, ISTPs are sensual and open minded. Sex for them is a performance art. They will often be the first to initiate intimacy in a relationship. However, commitment is not something ISTP people take lightly and they will be reluctant to pin themselves down to one person until they are absolutely certain it is worth it. ISTPs value their freedom and independence highly and like all perceiving types, prefer to keep their options open as long as possible for fear that something better will come along at the last moment.

ISTP Strengths

Attention to detail. Observant

Extremely handy and versatile

Performs well in emergencies

Excellent memory

Fun to be around

Independent and capable

Highly efficient

ISTP weaknesses

Emotional unavailability

Uncommunicative

Dislikes restrictive environments and excessive regulation

Tactless and insensitive

Commitment-phobe

ISTP Careers

Carpenter

Surveyor

Mechanic

Commercial Designer

Landscape Architect

Building Inspector

Forester

Farmer or Rancher

Exercise Physiologist

Athletic Trainer

Dental Hygienist

ER Physician

Chef

Photographer

Jeweler

Cost Estimator

Economist

Budget Analyst

Financial Planner

Paralegal

Criminalist

Famous ISTPs

Lance Armstrong

Bruce Lee

Miles Davis

Tiger Woods

Chuck Yaeger

Katherine Hepburn

Clint Eastwood

Amelia Earhart

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