ISFP Profile

artisans, easygoing, relaxed, easygoing, realistic, keenly observant, unusually flexible, determined, loyal, adaptable, resourceful, quiet, receptive, generous, gentle, compassionate, open, flexible, modest, compassionate, sensitive, nurturing, faithful, cheerful, optimistic, fraternal, quietly, insubordinate, ward off obligations, duty, confinement, easily bored, creative, artsy, skilled, sincere, loyal, easygoing, unassuming

Strengths

* intensely reserved, retiring, sensitive, self-effacing style
*natural free spirits, love the moment —-independent yet adaptable
*will come to a difficult situation or negotiation unhampered by pre-existing expectations or opinions
*get deeply involved in anything they feel is important—-perfectionists when their feeling is engaged
masters at seeing the needs of the moment and they easily adapt
*they want and value their impulses—kindness is unconditional especially attuned to the pain and suffering of others
*good at putting out fires, unsnarling messes, negotiating, trouble shooting, superb hotline crisis councellors

*always aware of the aesthetics of their environment and easily affected by their surroundings— often able to bring order in artistic ways using only what is on hand at the time
*embody the phrases “live & let live” —-“in here and now” they exist as gracefully and comfortably as possible— they will usually take time to experience the moment
*they bring a joy, fun and spontaneity to an event
*Artisans by nature—-often know for their good taste in fashion or aesthetics-will collect or be drawn to beautiful things—attuned to all the sensory details of the external world
*have exceptional eye-hand coordination—strong awareness of body in space
*often approach situations with a unique, fun edge bringing a more personal and humorous outlook
*they have the gift of diplomacy
*very low need to to control others- would rather negotiate with others than control them—-ability to stay open-minded
*will often work behind the scenes to aid others meet their goals—can be gently very persuasive in a very quiet and subtle way
*are extremely attuned to the needs of others especially those less fortunate
*keenly observant and attuned to color, line,texture,shading,touch and motion—often adding a touch of beauty to the environment
*exceptionally realistic, devoted, gentle and considerate
*cool and placid exterior, devote, engaged and feeling internal world
*crave experience and dislike being tied down or restricted in any way
*enjoy the moment—-do not want haste or outside pressure to interrupt the task at hand—living style is relaxed but always busy/active
*able to screen out the world as they experience the moment
*open minded ,non-judgemental and unusually flexible
*immediately notice when disharmony exists—will try to be the peacemaker
*most easily misunderstood & modest of all types
*extremely sensitive to the needs of other people—seek harmony with both people & nature
*bring people and tasks together by virtue of their cooperative spirit
*bring understanding and adaptability to the reality of the situation
*identify potential injustice on behalf of others—make certain the individual does not get overtaken by the system
*strong values will influence every aspect of their lives
*extremely determined, loyal and adaptable
*excellent a choosing the best way to do a task ( frustrated with those who need to complicate things or choose more inefficient ways)
*masters at seeing the needs of the moment, putting out fires, unsnarling messes, negotiating and trouble-shooting
*unconventional in their approach to problems—are able to develop new ways to do something— able to to simply *identify the clearest, most efficient clearest way to approach the task
****come to a difficult situations unhampered by pre-existing expectations
*have clarity of observation—excellent short-term problem solvers
*in stressful situations or negotiations they do not become confused, distracted or defensive— they bring understanding and adaptability to the reality of the situation
*excellent in times of emergency- easily adapt to what is needed at the moment
*content to work alone— for long periods of time-never noticing fatigue – on behalf of the people they love of the details and data they need
*from an early age they gather a wealth of information about people—constantly seek to discover what they information means—they have an unusual degree of empathy—penetratingly accurate in their judgements of others

Cautions

*they are their own toughest critics—can be very hard on themselves as they measure their accomplishments by an *inner standard that at times is unforgiving
*most invisible of all types—they can easily be overlooked or even overpowered
*their talents may be overlooked as they shun the spotlight
*may seem mysterious and even breakable because of their extreme sensitivity and introversion
*do not have a strong need to demonstrate what they know to others
*love to do most things only after they have had time to consider the task
*may constantly blend into the background- quiet and unassuming
*may assume more blame than necessary if relationships or situations go wrong—in learning situations also they will *assume they can’t learn rather than thinking the mode of learning does not fit them
*they must have a purpose or they may be lost—-need to find something to care about
*if unable to find a pathway for their energies they may withdraw, become oversensitive or vulnerable—may even lose confidence in the situation
*don’t always have a good sense of time- they get caught in the moment and time becomes non-existent— they may spend too much time on a project, preparing for time with their friends or as they age getting aesthetically ready to arrive at school or peacemaking to ensure their good friends are all getting along
*may rebel against too rigid a schedule
*may not always see beyond the present reality
*under stress they may neglect their own needs
*may be too trusting—ie with those who have a strong need to control
*may need help to develop a more skeptical and logical method for analyzing information or the actions of others
*don’t readily recognize or acknowledge their own accomplishments and contributions
*gentle types that may focus internally too much
*in a desire not to over influence or overtake others they may forget to express their own wishes in an effort to blend
*have a tendency to have too many interests and see too many alternatives for decisions causing them to put off decisions—-want to keep their options open
*Keirsey best describes the ISFP “The act is the ISFP’s master ,not the reverse, so we must abandon any notion of ISFP’s as careful and devoted planners of dutiful preparation and rehearsal. They painter sing or toot,or dance or run, or skate or pot or whatever, simply because they must: the mountain is climbed because it is there”

***Double Edged Sword Skills ( traits that can be both strengths or weaknesses simultaneously)

***often display no middle ground ——they can be honour students or display an extreme talent in one medium OR *they are unable to focus on anything not under their control

*they are free spirits…. BUT have a inner depth and complexity that values on behalf of anyone who needs help

*While engaged in what they love there is no question of the ISFP noticing fatigue, pain or danger BUT they are not motivated by all situations—they seem unable to fake involvement

*they are empathetic, loyal, and trustworthy —- value situations that are calm, positive and fun BUT especially in the teen years trauma with friendships or pressure that goes against their humanistic beliefs can cast them in the peace maker or mediator role leaving them little time or energy to concentrate on learning ( especially in a more traditional setting which they may quietly rebel against)

*non imposing nature BUT it can seem like a lack of direction or lack of caring

*do not force their opinions on others HOWEVER this also means they do not have a strong need to demonstrate their gifts or strengths to others

*an be the most adaptable of all types BUT may hold value opinions that are either black or white with no observable evidence of grey

*they have a non-imposing nature that naturally will go along with most suggestions as they want everyone to grow freely & do their own thing BUT it may be perceived as a lack of caring or a lack of direction by friends, family or teachers

*eager and willing to please others whether that be teachers, parents, positive role models BUT they may wish to please friends who are not as positive and may, in their desire to please others, not speak up for themselves or get caught up in situations they would not initiate on their own

*generally comply with expectations BUT need to be allowed to choose the best way to do the task themselves

*more optimistic and easily satisfied than many other types BUT they can overlook their own needs to take care of others—- they need to make certain the wellbeing and care of others do not overtake their own needs

*excellent awareness of detail and can be meticulous with a chosen task OR the meticulous nature of their awareness never allows them to complete the task of gathering ALL the details never having enough time to complete

*they quietly relate well to other people and are easy to like—IF others are able to wait long enough to break through the reserve

*they see everything, notice every detail and their senses are attuned to even the slightest variation of color,tone,texture, aroma etc BUT they may notice too much and be overwhelmed and preoccupied by the detail or technique not being able to complete

*make what they do seem effortless and natural BUT they do not plan or work towards a goal—if it does not come naturally they don’t always have the plan or skills to deal with the learning or the situation

*feelings are not so much spoken rather than displayed BUT sometimes this break with the spoken message can be misinterpreted as not caring , not being involved

*love to be active and would prefer to be doing something than nothing BUT activities can sometimes be too spontaneous and scattered leaving a long list of unfinished projects or activities

*may not be able to critique others BUT they may be overly self-critical
* want to please teachers, parents or peer s BUT they will still go around, over, under or behind standard operating procedures or rule oriented situations —they prefer to discover the order, or the way to approach a task rather than following a set procedures
*often have excellent rapport with teachers, coaches and peers BUT they still march to a different timeline and still might have difficulty meeting the plan if set by others

*tension between their need for understanding of the standard way of doing things (organizing) AND their love of the unique, novel and interesting ways to do things