The Protector

ISFJ

MyPersonality
The Protector — ISFJ Table of Contents

Table of Contents

ISFJ — The Reserved Protector

OVERVIEW of the ISFJ Personality 2

The ISFJ Acronym 3

Values and Motivations of the ISFJ Personality 4

How People Perceive the ISFJ Personality 4

Strength Traits of ISFJ 5

...And Weaknesses 6

Development and Potential for ISFJs 7

Employment and The ISFJ’s Work Life 8

ISFJ’s Best Career Choices 8

ISFJs Should Avoid These Jobs 9

Is the ISFJ a Team Player? 9

Leadership Potential for ISFJs 10

ISFJ’s Compatibility with Other People 10

ISFJ In Romantic Relationships 11

Do ISFJ Personalities Make Good Parents? 12

ISFJs and Communication 12

Final words 14

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The Protector — ISFJ ISFJ — The Reserved Protector

ISFJ — The Reserved Protector

Imagine a girl having clubbed feet that she could barely walk and then, years later,
becoming the first U.S. female figure skater to win an Olympic gold medal. It sounds
impossible. Yet, through years of hard work, determination, and dedication, Kristi
Yamaguchi made this dream come true.

Kristi was born in 1971 in Hayward, California. She began ice skating when she was
six years old as therapy for her condition and fell in love with skating.

Fast forward to 1986 when she won her first U.S. Pairs Skating Championship. Six
years later, Kristi won the Olympic gold medal for singles skating.

Kristi is a mother of two girls and a philanthropist who cares about children’s issues.
In 1996 she founded the non-profit organization dedicated to underprivileged,
disabled, and at-risk kids, called the Always Dream Foundation.

Kristi authored the book “Figure Skating for Dummies” to help others achieve their
dream of becoming figure skaters. Other children’s books that she penned are
“Always Dream,” “Dream Big, Little Pig!” and “It’s a Big World, Little Pig!”

Kristi embodies the INFJ personality with a nurturing spirit, kind heart, and strong
family values.

OVERVIEW of the ISFJ Personality

The ISFJ represents about 14% of the people around us and typically twice as many
women as men. ISFJ’s nicknames are “Protector” or “Defender” because they are
caring individuals who fiercely protect their loved ones.

Along with feeling a responsibility for taking care of others, here are some of the
unique traits of the INFJ personality:

Practical and Realistic

ISFJs prefer a practical, fact-based approach to problem-solving and life in general.

They rely on their common sense, observation, and exceptional attention to details
of every aspect of their lives. This type of personality learns better through hands-
on experience.

Resistant to Change

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The Protector — ISFJ I W of the ISFJ Personality
OVERV E

ISFJs are highly structured and organized people. They need to maintain the status
quo because changes make them uncomfortable. However, they can adapt if they
believe that change will fix a problem and have time to think it over.

Very Private but Observant

ISFJs could make good spies because they are unassuming, observant, notice
details, and possess excellent memories. The Protector is primarily introverted.
ISFJs are usually down-to-earth and trustworthy. They are private and not the types
who like to brag about their accomplishments.

Detailed and Dependable

ISFJs don’t like to leave things undone. They will follow through and make sure
everything is always in order. Their attention to detail is their strength at work.
Their good memory and consistency make them reliable amongst family and
colleagues.

Repress Emotions

The one potentially unhealthy aspect of the ISFJ’s personality is their habit of
suppressing emotions. They are more interested in keeping the peace than
expressing their true feelings. The result over time is that all the bottled-up
emotions can explode inappropriately. The Protector doesn’t want to burden
others with their personal problems, including illness, death, or life struggles.

ISFJs other personality traits include good manners, humble, hardworking, and
pleasing others. They are the ultimate gift-giver.

Besides Kristi Yamaguchi, other famous ISFJ personalities include:

Jimmy Carter, Barbara Bush, Prince Charles, Kate Middleton, Mother Teresa, Clara
Barton, Tiger Woods, Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, Michael Caine, Gwyneth Paltrow,
David Copperfield, Barbara Streisand, Selena Gomez, Aretha Franklin, and Beyonce

The ISFJ Acronym

Following the four-letter type, ISFJ stands for...

(I) Introverted:
Someone who thinks better when they are alone

(S) Sensing:
ISFJs make decisions based on hard facts and their five senses

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The Protector — ISFJ The ISFJ Acronym

(F) Feeling:
Project feeling towards others based on values

(J) Judging:
Judge others based on facts rather than intuition

Individuals with the ISFJ personality tend to be helpful, resourceful, and

accommodating.

Values and Motivations of the ISFJ Personality

ISFJs get excited about making a difference in the world. They prefer to make
connections with people who are also organized and structured.

The ISFJ’s Values

ISFJs value relationships and living in harmony. They put other people’s feelings first
and are sensitive towards others. Once committed, they follow through with their
promises and expect the same in return. They are unlikely to break the law or
reinvent the wheel because they respect law and traditions. To them, tradition brings
comfort and a sense of belonging.

The ISFJ’s Motivations

ISFJs enjoy working in an organized and structured environment. Keep in mind, ISFJs
are not a go-with-the-flow kind of people. Even though ISFJs are private and
reserved, they love connecting with others. It usually takes time for them to warm up
and preferably in a smaller group. Friends and family are a significant part of their
lives.

ISFJs are detail-oriented and most productive in a quiet environment. It’s their calling
to use their knowledge, creativity, and experience to help others.

How People Perceive the ISFJ Personality

ISFJs can go unnoticed in the background, even when actively helping to solve a
problem or contributing to a project. Others recognize them as kind and considerate
yet unassuming to the point of being introverted. People feel good around them
because of their caring nature.

Some of the positive perceptions people have about ISFJ are:

Reserved, considerate, helpful, and caring

Resourceful, practical, and detail-oriented

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The Protector ISFJ
— How People Perceive the ISFJ Personality
Scheduled, organized, focused, and determined
Although ISFJs have many positive skills and traits, they also have some areas to
improve:
Too humble, quiet, and shy
Repressed feeling, reserved, and can’t say no
Putting themselves last instead of first
The Protector needs to voice their needs and opinions with conviction. Otherwise,
repressing their emotions can lead to feeling bitter, frustrated, and passive-
aggressive. They must learn not to be too hard on themselves when things go wrong.

Strength Traits of ISFJ

ISFJs emphasize loyalty, consideration, and the common
welfare.
Isabel Briggs Myers
Gifts Differing

Protectors are attentive to others, sometimes at the expense of their needs. They get
tremendous pleasure from giving and have many endearing traits.
Ever Willing to Help
The ISFJ is a natural trainer, such as a boy scout leader, university professor, or
music teacher. They en oy sharing their knowledge and encouraging others to
j

succeed. ISFJs are some of the most caring people, always willing to help those who
need it.
Ca ring n on i er te
a d C s d a

ISFJs can be some of the most amazing caregivers because they genuinely care.
They are sensitive enough to notice other people’s feelings and needs. aking M

people feel important energizes their souls. They are usually polite, respectful, and
good at making others feel at ease.
U n e tion le ntegrit
qu s ab I y

Those close to the ISFJ notice that they are consistent with their behavior no matter
who’s watching. They act with honesty, honor, and truthfulness, doing the right
thing guided by their moral and ethical convictions.
R e pon i le n epen le
s s b a d D dab

ISFJs take their role as protectors seriously. They will work diligently to provide for
their family. They go out of their way to make relationships work and keep the
y
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The Protector — ISFJ Strength Traits of ISFJ

family together. People can simply depend on them to do what’s right and do what
they promised. ISFJs can get their feelings hurt when they are not recognized for
their sacrifices or efforts, but they will keep trudging along working no matter
what.
An Excellent Memory and Observant
Whether creating elaborate plans or sifting through the rubble for clues, the ISFJ
will find details that others miss. They have an elephant’s memory that is part of
their caring nature. They remember people’s names quickly, along with birthdays
and other personal details. They are excellent observers of people’s non-verbal
cues, especially about how they feel.

People like to associate with ISFJs because they are so caring and compassionate.

...And Weaknesses
Although ISFJs have plenty of positive traits and strengths, they also have some weak
spots that can negatively impact them. They need to overcome these potential areas
of weakness, or it may offset their positive attributes.
Take Every Criticism as an Attack
ISFJs spend a great deal of time helping others and doing the right things. They
take it personally rather than in the generous spirit of growth when they encounter
negative criticism or feedback. Having thin skin can cloud their judgment at times.
ISFJs need to differentiate between constructive criticism and mudslinging.
Overscheduling and Saying “No”
In their desire to assist as many people as they can, ISFJs will unintentionally over-
commit to people and projects. Not only does this limit their ability to help, but it
tarnishes their reputation for following through on their promises. They need to
say “no” and handle fewer projects successfully. They also need to schedule time
for themselves, or they will burn out.
Bottled Up Emotions
We know that ISFJs tend to overthink any form of criticism. The more significant
issue is that they are unlikely to stand up for themselves and air their grievances.
They become champagne bottles of emotions. Rather than explode at the wrong
moment, the Protector needs to stand up for themselves. They can use their gentle
ways to get their point across. Most importantly, it reduces their internal emotional
pressure.
Too Private and Shy
ISFJs tend to be too introverted, hurting their relationships because they are
reluctant to share their feelings. Their partner may not wait that long and begin to

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The Protector — ISFJ ...And Weaknesses

feel insecure. At work, shyness is never a good trait to have. INFJs can miss
opportunities they deserve by avoiding the spotlight or speaking up.
Neglecting Themselves
ISFJs are altruistic. That’s not bad, except they focus so much on other people that
they forget about themselves. Over time, if they don’t take care of themselves, they
can become frustrated, resentful, and lose interest in doing the good things that
make them the Protector. ISFJs should make a habit of asking others for help when
feeling overwhelmed. They need to spend time alone to regroup.

Once ISFJs realize and accept their weaknesses, they can usually turn those
weaknesses into strengths.

Development and Potential for ISFJs

ISFJs have many admirable talents, and like other personalities, there’s always room
for improvement. Here are a few suggestions specifically for ISFJs who want to
strengthen and use the Extroverted Feeling side of their nature.
Be Open to New People and Ideas
Too often, INFJs think they know what’s best for someone else without asking. They
must open their heart, ears, and mind to what people genuinely want and need,
not what they think it should be. As much as they dislike it, there will always be
change, so they need to adapt.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
ISFJ types need to be more assertive, especially when someone hurts their feelings
or challenges their values. It’s not their responsibility to keep the peace by staying
quiet and bottling up emotions when someone else is wrong or misbehaving. It
may seem noble to “let it go,” but they will never reach their ultimate potential
unless they can speak up and defend themselves.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Keeping quiet and staying in their lane may seem like the right thing to do, but it’s
self-defeating. ISFJs can quickly get stuck in an unwavering routine, missing out on
adventures and new experiences. It’s critical to the ISFJs’ physical and mental
health to take the time to be a little self-indulgent. Learn to say “Yes” to the fun.
Loosen Up!
The Protector tends to be too serious all the time. It’s OK to laugh and be a bit
naughty occasionally. Laughter really is the best medicine. Sharing some jokes with
friends and family builds rapport, camaraderie and relieves stress. ISFJs benefit by
letting go of their perfectionism once in a while. They will feel much less tense
afterward.

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The Protector — ISFJ Development and Potential for ISFJs

It’s OK to Ask for Help

Asking for help is not a weakness. On the contrary, getting outside assistance can
solve whatever problem it is faster, and ISFJs can learn something in the process.
Asking for help benefits the ISFJ in the long run.

Some ISFJs feel that they don’t fit into society. This feeling stems from an inability to
go with the flow. They resist change and tend to offer advice without being asked.
ISFJs need to understand that not everyone will fit their mold and belief system.

Employment and The ISFJ’s Work Life

The best work environment for an ISFJ is an orderly workplace that provides personal
space. Colleagues and managers who share the same values will work well together.
The Protector will thrive in positions or organizations where they can positively affect
people and the community.

ISFJs are hard workers and detail-oriented. They like following a company’s
guidelines and procedures. Although they want recognition and appreciation for
their work, they prefer a lowkey “thank you” rather than public praise. ISFJs need
structure and goals to succeed at work.

ISFJs excel in jobs requiring a high level of detail. They will carefully adhere to policies
and planned procedures. They feel comfortable knowing there is an obvious
authority structure and clear-cut expectations.

ISFJ’s Best Career Choices

ISFJ types are motivated to help others. They enjoy supporting co-workers and
customers alike, using their logical minds to provide practical solutions to any
problems that arise.

Suitable career categories for the ISFJ personality types are:

Community and Social Service
Health Care
Education and Training
Office and Administration
Business and Financial
Personal Care and Service
ENFJs do well in specific jobs that include:
Office Manager
Nurse or physician’s assistant
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The Protector — ISFJ ISFJ’s Best Career Choices

Dentist
Technical Education Teacher
Office clerk
Bookkeeper
Personal Financial Advisor

The ISFJ will excel in many positions and careers because they get along well with
most other personalities. They are hardworking, disciplined, and prefer following
procedures to avoid chaos. They are usually good managers or supervisors who are
passionate about guiding or training others.

ISFJs Should Avoid These Jobs

The ISFJ won’t do well in positions that require out-of-the-box thinking or abstract
ideas. They should not apply to workplaces that require the ISFJ to go against their
beliefs or work ethic.

For example, here are a few career occupations that ISFJs should avoid:

Executive
Sales Manager
Military
Lawyer
Chemist

Although ISFJs enjoy helping people, jobs that involve direct customer contact can be
challenging for this personality type.

Is the ISFJ a Team Player?

ISFJs work well on a team, especially if others will take the spotlight for them. They
need recognition, but they don’t want to receive accolades on stage or in front of an
audience.

ISFJs take great satisfaction in knowing that they helped someone succeed by sharing
their expertise. When working in groups, they act as peacekeepers, solving conflicts
if they arise. They typically shy away from leading the team but would rather play a
supporting role such as secretary, project advisor, or personal assistant.

ISFJs feel the most secure on teams that adhere to established rules and protocols.
The Protector dislikes arguments and conflict, so they want to work with people who
don’t question authority or break the rules.

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The Protector — ISFJ Leadership Potential for ISFJs

Leadership Potential for ISFJs

Shy and reserved by nature, the ISFJ rarely seeks a leadership role. However, they do
make good leaders. They provide organized plans, detailed and precise instructions
that are easy for subordinates to follow. Additionally, they are good mentors and
trainers who lead by example.

ISFJs are caring leaders committed to the team’s success, going out of their way to
support individuals or the entire team. They are flexible, considerate, and the type of
boss who allows time off for family and personal matters.

One challenge of the ISFJ’s leadership style is that they want to avoid confrontation at
all costs. As a result, they can miss a deadline. Or unable to take the extra workloads
from other departments because they want to avoid friction with their team.

ISFJ’s Compatibility with Other People

The ISFJs personality traits make them dependable and loyal partners, friends, and
co-workers. However, just like all of us, they get along with some personality types
better than others.

Birds of a Feather...

ISFJs tend to have the most in common with these four personalities. It can be easier
for them to get along with each other:

1.ISTJ — The Inspector — Responsible organizers, grounded and practical

2.ESFJ — The Provided — Reliable helpers, sensitive to other people’s needs

3.INFJ — The Counselor — Intuitive individuals with a talent for helping others

4. Other ISFJs — The Protector — Compassionate with a deep sense of responsibility

Common Connections

ISFJs will find potential compliments with these four personalities:

1.ISTP — The Craftsman — They see the potential for improvement in people or
systems

2.INFP — The Healer — Idealists who prefer to look to the future rather than the
present

3.ESTP — The Dynamo — Ever curious, open-minded, and who want to influence
others

4.ENFP — The Champion — They love to organize, plan, and create innovative
solutions

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The Protector — ISFJ ISFJ’s Compatibility with Other People

Challenging Differences

People of the following types tend to have both similarities and differences in
character to the ISFJ. Due to the differences, they make interesting relationships,
both professional, platonic, or romantic.

1.ISFP — The Composer — Practical, compassionate, artistic, and spontaneous

2.ESTJ — The Supervisor — Take charge personality who are morally and values-
driven
3.ESFP — The Performer — Entertaining, fun-loving, with enthusiasm for life
4.ENFJ — The Teacher — Ambitious, charismatic, and have a desire to improve
people

Opposite Personalities

Sometimes opposites attract, and they can teach each other if they do come
together. However,when ISFJs interact with these personalities, they may not get
along so well.

1.INTP — The Architect — Independent and adaptable, they are excellent

troubleshooters
2.INTJ — The Mastermind — Receptive to and supportive of change and innovation
3.ENTP — The Visionary — Intellectually open-minded and unconventional problem
solvers
4.ENTJ — The Commander — Active, humorous, thrill-seekers who enjoy being
sociable

ISFJ In Romantic Relationships

Protectors live up to their nicknames in romantic relationships, making dedicated
and loyal partners. The ISFJ prefers a traditional gender role, whether male or
female. They can’t bear the thought of conflict or having a relationship fall apart and
will do whatever it takes to make their partner contented, safe, and secure.

ISFJs want to share everything with their partners, including intimate thoughts,
hobbies, and experiences. The ISFJ is a romantic who wants to spend as much time
together as possible, and it doesn’t matter if it’s doing household chores or roaming
the planet. What matters to the ISFJ is that they are together.

ISFJs are excellent listeners but don’t like to tell their stories unless absolutely
necessary. INFJs prefer a partner who is thoughtful, considerate and recognizes their
contributions to the relationship.

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The Protector — ISFJ Do ISFJ Personalities Make Good Parents?

Do ISFJ Personalities Make Good Parents?

The Protector excels as a parent. They have an altruistic approach to raising their
kids and providing them with everything they need to succeed.

INFJs are patient with their kids, allowing them to learn for themselves by making
mistakes. INFJ parents believe in imparting traditional values and are role models for
their children. They do their best to instill the importance of dedication, the benefits
of hard work, and responsibility to create well-adjusted adults.

One potential weakness, the Protector, doesn’t adjust well if their child misbehaves.
They will do anything to stop the embarrassment of a tantrum rather than put their
foot down and teach them acceptable behavior.

ISFJs and Communication

The ISFJ personality rarely wants to be in the limelight and will only take a supportive
communication role. They are the ones sitting in the back of the room, offering input
only when asked.

To make the best of your time when communicating with an ISFJ personality, here
are some tips:

1.Focus on one thing at a time — Be precise and present your case using facts, one
step at a time. ISFJs don’t do well trying to understand abstract ideas. Delivering
information in a logical order is your best bet to achieving unity and clarity.
2.Be positive and supportive — ISFJs need a little encouragement from you by
demonstrating that you believe in their ability. A little affirmation of their skills goes
a long way to helping them succeed in the task.
3.Give them time — ISFJs don’t make decisions quickly. Try to give them more time
when considering a substantial change in their routine or an important decision.
4. Use experience-based proof — ISFJs can be skeptical. However, they tend to trust
information when backed by evidence that it works. They want to know if someone
has tried it before they will believe it.
5. Avoid disrupting their routine — ISFJs are creatures of habit. They thrive on
having stability and routine in their life. Try and make changes only when it is
necessary.

ISFJs are excellent listeners and observers. They can retain details most others won’t
notice. They prefer not to speak, but when they do, they will tell all of the details.
ISFJs have difficulty getting to the point quickly, so be patient when listening. They
usually have a wealth of information and insight.

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The Protector — ISFJ ISFJs and Communication

If you have the opportunity to be a role model, I think you

should always take it because you can positively influence a
person’s life, and that’s what I want to do.

Tiger Wood

ISFJ

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The Protector — ISFJ The Final Words

The Final Words

This eBook have covered many life’s areas for your better understanding yourself,
your perspectives and other people too. This information is not for one-time use.
You can return to it as many times as you want throughout your life. The person
changes his point of view with the accumulated experience. So when you read this
information again, you will be able to discover something new for yourself.

What’s next?
If you want to explore more about your personality take a look for our Website.
Know more about your Career, Personal Growth and Relationships. Check out our
Resouces, especially Blog, which contents a lot of useful and interesting information
about all personalities and how to communicate with them. To understand the
personalities theory read Theory section.

Good luck for great beginnings, The Protector!

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