A Discord members of a community I am a member of were taking the above test. It turns out that I had taken the test years ago, but had not kept the results. It is always interesting to find things out about yourself, especially when it is like looking in a mirror and you are repeatedly saying, “That’s me alright”.

So, here are my results…

Introvert(16%)  Sensing(1%)  Thinking(3%)  Perceiving(19%)

• You have slight preference of Introversion over Extraversion (16%)
• You have marginal or no preference of Sensing over Intuition (1%)
• You have marginal or no preference of Thinking over Feeling (3%)
• You have slight preference of Perceiving over Judging (19%)

I am an …

ISTP

Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Like their fellow SPs, ISTPs are fundamentally Performers (note the capital ‘P’ :-)), but as Ts their areas of interest tend to be mechanical rather than artistic like those of ISFPs, and unlike most ESPs they do not present an impression of constant activity. On the contrary, they lie dormant, saving their energy until a project or an adventure worthy of their time comes along–and then they launch themselves at it. The apparently frenzied state that inevitably ensues is actually much more controlled than it appears–ISTPs always seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to physical or mechanical obstacles–but the whole chain of events presents a confusing and paradoxical picture to an outsider.

ISTPs are equally difficult to understand in their need for personal space, which in turn has an impact on their relationships with others. They need to be able to “spread out”–both physically and psychologically–which generally implies encroaching to some degree on others, especially if they decide that something of someone else’s is going to become their next project. (They are generally quite comfortable, however, with being treated the same way they treat others–at least in this respect.) But because they need such a lot of flexibility to be as spontaneous as they feel they must be, they tend to become as inflexible as the most rigid J when someone seems to be threatening their lifestyle (although they usually respond with a classic SP rage which is yet another vivid contrast to their “dormant,” impassive, detached mode). These territorial considerations are usually critical in relationships with ISTPs; communication also tends to be a key issue, since they generally express themselves non-verbally. When they do actually verbalize, ISTPs are masters of the one-liner, often showing flashes of humor in the most tense situations; this can result in their being seen as thick-skinned or tasteless.

Like most SPs, ISTPs may have trouble with rote and abstract classroom learning, which tend not to be good measures of their actual intelligence. They tend, sometimes with good reason, to be highly skeptical of its practical value, and often gravitate towards classes in industrial arts; part-time vocational/ technical programs can be useful to even the college-bound ISTP. In terms of careers, mechanics and any of the skilled trades are traditional choices, and those ISTPs with strong numerical as well mechanical gifts tend to do extremely well in most areas of engineering. Working as paramedics or firefighters can fulfill the ISTP need to live on the edge; they are at their best in a crisis, where their natural disregard for rules and authority structures allows them to focus on and tackle the emergency at hand in the most effective way.

ISTPs with more sedate careers usually take on high-risk avocations like racing, skydiving, and motorcycling. While aware of the dangers involved, they are so in touch with the physical world that they know they can get away with much smaller safety margins than other types.

ISTP Career Choices

Due to their natural strengths ISTPs often find themselves in occupations that involve direct participation in manufacturing, the production or maintenance process, in fields that require a good understanding of details. ISTPs succeed as technicians, mechanics, electricians, electrical, mechanical and other maintenance and repair specialists, trouble-shooters, handymen, drivers, programmers, athletes. They are good in rescue operations and in any occupation that is action-oriented and requires specialized skills as well as analytical thinking.

Yep! That is so me again! I have been a volunteer Fireman, a Police Officer, and I am a Veteran. I took machine shop and drafting in High School. I have done electrical, plumbing, and construction work. I was a Machinist and a Wheeled Vehicle Driver in the Army. I have worked on cars, work as a Computer Technician, and for the last 25 years have worked as a Software Developer. Looks like I have covered just about every occupation I could.

ISTP Communication Skills

ISTPs are open and straightforward in their communication. They tend to observe the rules and communication norms of their social milieu. However, they may have difficulty establishing a good relationship with people that they consider to be overly demanding.

ISTPs feel ill at ease in situations requiring finer people skills e.g. particular tactfulness and consideration. Some people may be offended by the ISTPs’ direct manner of expressing their opinions.

ISTPs often find it hard to express themselves when it comes to finer feelings. So, for instance, the discussion of love, lyric poetry or subtleties of emotional experiences may not evoke a strong reaction from them.

ISTPs often have many friends and acquaintances, with whom they discuss practical measures and actions to address day-to-day issues.

An ISTP’s business communication is likely to be focused on the solution of tangible, current issues, which often involve an exchange of opinions and practical solutions. Most of their contacts are people who belong to the same sensing/thinking typological group (ST).

ISTP: Strategies for Successful Communication

ISTPs are often rather communicative with others of the sensing/thinking (ST) personality types, including ESTJ, ISTJ, ESTP, and ISTP. These types tend to keep to communication revolving around facts and their direct implications. ISTPs find it easy to share their experience and observations with such people, and are in turn receptive to the experiences and opinions of other STs.

ISTPs should communicate with intuitive/thinking (NT) personality types including ENTJ, INTJ, ENTP, and INTP somewhat differently. In their interaction with people of this group ISTPs should stick to conceptual and logic-based communication. ISTPs occasionally have to struggle to find reasoning that resonates well with the NTs, and will thus often either try to keep their communication brief, or restrict conversation topics to technical and practical matters, which both parties can understand.

There are also certain nuances to how ISTPs should communicate with sensing/feeling (SF) personality types, including ESFJ, ISFJ, ESFP, and ISFP. ISTPs should strive to keep their communication with people of this group to discussion of concrete experience. This kind of communication is easy to engage in for both parties. However, some individuals of the ISTP type find it difficult to discuss feelings, which is often exactly what those of the SF types wish to discuss.

ISTPs find it the most challenging to communicate with intuitive/feeling (NF) personality types, including ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, and INFP. ISTPs should emphasize concepts, ideas, and feelings in their interaction with individuals of these types. However, ISTPs find it rather difficult to lead a conversation in this manner. They have to struggle to find reasoning that resonates well with the NFs, and thus often try to keep their communication brief. In order to establish a level of discussion that both parties will find acceptable, an ISTP has to tune into the communicative style compatible with the NF types in advance.

If what you have read above intrigues you to take a look at yourself, take the test here.