How do you know if you – or someone you love – is an ISTP?
ISTPs are one of eight Myers-Briggs introvert personality types. They are marvelous in-the-moment, hands-on problem solvers. The first thing you might notice about an ISTP is her ability to come up with creative solutions using what’s around her.
Once when I was playing music with friends, we were having trouble mounting a new microphone. We lacked the proper attachment to connect the mike to a stand. Fortunately, there was an ISTP among us. In about five minutes, he came up with a way to zip-tie the mic to a stand so that we could move ahead with the recording process.
What really makes an ISTP shine is his ability to figure out how a system works. Whether he’s studying a car, combine, or computer, he’ll learn each of the parts and how they work together. Then, with this in-depth understanding, he’ll be able to quickly diagnose and fix any problems that arise.
ISTPs are introverts with an eye for detail and an appreciation for efficiency. They’re thinkers through-and-through, but they also savor new experiences, spontaneity, and variety.
To give you a first-hand look at how an ISTP thinks, I interviewed a good friend of mine and asked him eight questions that get to the heart of the ISTP personality. As you read his responses, think about yourself – or that person you know or love – and see if the ISTP introvert personality type is a good fit.
(To determine your own personality type, check out this series.)