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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has identified 16 personalities in an attempt to understand human beings. The MBTI test is based on Carl Jung’s theories and a result of a collaboration between Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs, her mother. ISFJ or the defender personality is one of the 16 personalities characterized by MBTI.
Introduction to the Defender Personality
ISFJ personalities are pretty unique because a lot of their qualities do not match their individual traits. They possess excellent analytical skills but they are also pretty sensitive. Their people skills are impressive and at the same time, they are reserved as well. They are conservative but they can also accept change and adapt accordingly.
ISFJs are perfectionists and always do their best. They can procrastinate sometimes but their desire to deliver perfect results makes them reliable.
Defenders have a hard time highlighting their accomplishments. They have a kind nature which is often respected by other people but their habit of underplaying their accomplishments gives selfish people a chance to take advantage.
They are great at remembering small details about people and life. ISFJ individuals are generous and give the best gifts.
Dominant Traits of ISFJ
Each personality type possesses certain distinct characteristics. Knowing the personality traits is the key to unfolding one’s true potential. Our website has the best and most reliable personality tests that offer a deep insight into your personality. Take a quick test on our website and get to know yourself better.
Some key characteristics of ISFJs are as follows:
Keen observers
ISFJs are not big talkers. They prefer to stay silent and take in their surroundings. They tend to focus on people and things around them and can take in even the smallest details.
Repressed emotions
ISFJs can understand other people’s emotions and be well aware of their feelings. They also have an understanding of their emotions but they do struggle to express them.
They often bottle up their feelings instead of sharing them. Failure to express can sometimes lead to the development of negative feelings.
Practical approach
Defenders give more importance to facts as compared to abstract theories. They learn a lot by doing things instead of reading about them. They value learning that offers practical applications. Their interest in things increases when they realize that it can help in solving real-life issues and make the world a better place.
Creatures of habit
Structure is important for ISFJ people. They work hard to maintain order in every aspect of their life because it allows them to do their best. Consistent and thriving environments offer them nourishment and energy to perform to the best of their ability. Getting clear and step-by-step instructions enables them to complete their projects and produce the best results.
It’s not in their nature to easily accept and adapt to change. Although they are a little inflexible; they do have the ability to adapt. They only need to mentally prepare themselves for the change.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every personality is an amalgamation of strong and weak points and to understand personality, it’s essential to take a look at both aspects of the personality.
ISFJs strengths
Universal helpers
Defenders are known to be universal helpers. They don’t hesitate to give their valuable time to others. ISFJs look for a win-win situation where everyone including themselves can be happy. They do not like passing judgment and are more likely to choose empathy.
Trustworthy and patient
ISFJs are detail-oriented people and are careful about the tasks that they do. They are meticulous in everything they do. Defenders never take rushed decisions and ensure that their efforts satisfy the needs of the situation and others around them and their priority is to finish the tasks assigned to them.
Defenders are reliable and will never let you down. They set the highest standards and then work hard to meet those standards. They can even go beyond everyone’s expectations in an attempt to achieve perfection.
Imaginative
Defenders have an empathetic nature which is amplified by their imaginative nature. They use their observant nature to assess other people’s emotional states. ISFJ personalities are good at seeing things from others’ perspectives. Their imagination does not take them away from the real world. Even their imagination is pretty realistic and keeps them firmly on the ground. They do have a sense of awe and are fascinated by things around them.
Loyalty and hard-work
ISFJ personalities are enthusiastic and their enthusiasm translates into loyalty. They easily establish an emotional connection with organizations and ideas they get inspired by and work on.
Excellent practical sense
Defenders are equipped with great practical skills and can dedicate themselves fully to something. They can find harmony and beauty even in mundane, everyday tasks. The fact they are creating something gives them satisfaction and peace of mind. They understand that even the smallest things they do help their friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Weaknesses
Too humble
The biggest challenge ISFJs face is their failure to share their thoughts and demand attention. They work hard but they are too humble and shy to ask for recognition. Some people take advantage of this trait and they end up getting robbed of their due credit. They have a habit of downplaying their efforts and success.
Taking things personally
Defenders have difficulty keeping personal and impersonal situations separate. All their interactions end up becoming personal which can damage their professional relationships. The negative criticism they may face in professional life can seep into their personal life and vice versa.
Repressed feelings
People with ISFJ personalities are sensitive and introverted. They internalize their feelings and avoid being vocal about them. They tend to protect other people’s feelings and ironically fail to do the same for their own. Their failure to share or express emotions causes mental stress and can lead to anxiety as well.
Reluctance towards change
History and tradition are valuable to defenders and that is why they become uncomfortable with change. They accept change only when the situation becomes extreme and change becomes inevitable. They can be persuaded by loved ones as well because their opinion holds a lot of weight for them.
Workplace Behavior of Defenders
Dedication and putting out the best result is a priority of ISFJs. They are reliable, kind, and excellent listeners. They find a lot of happiness in clear and practical resolutions.
Defenders as subordinates
Defenders are exceptional employees because they bring a lot of dedication and humbleness. Being asked for help satisfies them. Whenever they are appreciated they start working even harder to bring better results.
They have a lot of humility but it can also hold them back. ISFJs don’t like boasting about their achievements. They are often afraid that acknowledgment of their achievements can bring a lot of friction. They can get overlooked by their superiors and lose promotion opportunities.
Defenders’ dependability and loyalty are valued by their superiors. They are trustworthy and always deliver their tasks on time. Disagreeing with coworkers and superiors is hard for them even when the situation demands it.
Defenders as colleagues
The ideal working environment for ISFJ individuals is where people work together. They thrive in teamwork as it gives them energy and inspiration. Collaboration to produce the best results is their strength.
ISFJ people love to work in places where they get to have a shared goal. They get to share their passion and enthusiasm with others and complete the tasks in the best way possible.
They find it easy to showcase their altruistic personality when surrounded by a close-knit unit. Their trusting nature allows their colleagues to rely on them and they love helping other people. They are natural when it comes to building relationships and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Sometimes they have to be cautious because there are people who take advantage of their helping nature. It’s not easy for them to say no to anyone asking for help and as a result, they can end up with an extra workload. The inability to set boundaries often leads to stress and anxiety. ISFJs need to understand their limits and set boundaries so people do not take advantage of their good nature.
Defenders as managers
It’s not in defenders’ nature to jump to avail leadership opportunities. They tend to avoid the spotlight and are happy in the position they are given. However, they do possess leadership traits such as exceptional work ethic and interpersonal skills which lead them to management positions.
They are great managers because they are approachable and warm. ISFJ people are always present for their subordinates and are ready to answer their questions and concerns. They don’t micromanage instead they prefer to work alongside their employees.
ISFJ personalities do their best to avoid workplace friction and conflicts. Effectiveness and efficiency are valuable to them but they don’t sacrifice their positive relationship with subordinates under any circumstances.
Conclusion
Defender personality is incredibly loyal and reliable. They are generous and are always willing to give a 100% to anything they set their mind to. They use their strengths to become better people and also inspire others around them to be their best selves.
Sam Najar, MBA
MBA from the Australian Institute of business. Over a decade working for IBM Australia and Oracle Europe and the Middle East. Worked on Artificial Intelligence technology for many years and believes that technology can help everyone better understand his/her personality and find the job they deserve.
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