I Am ISTP And Now I Know It

The first time I heard using a four letter acronym to describe a person was while reading the book The Intelligent Entrepreneur. According to the book, Harvard Business School does a profiling of student using the popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. One of the three graduates the book was about was profiled as ENTP (or so, can't remember exactly). And that was the first time I heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

image: spiritualnetworks.com

I am ISTP. And you can find out about which personality type you are on the Myers & Briggs Foundation website

And About.com defines the letters of my personality as:

• I: When you hear the word "introversion," like most people, you probably think "shy" or "unable to be around others." There's actually more to it. As someone who prefers Introversion, you are energized by things within yourself as opposed to other people. Therefore, you don't need to be around others to get motivated.

• S: Your five senses help you decode information that comes your way. You see individual details rather than patterns that might emerge from them. You tend not to forecast what the future may hold, but live fully in the present.

• T: You give decisions a lot of thought and come to conclusions using logic, not emotion. You don't mind critiquing people.

• P: If you are perceiving, you are flexible and spontaneous. This means you adapt easily to change, which is a good thing. On the downside, however, you don't do so well with deadlines.

Wikipedia has a more interesting description of ISTP:

ISTPs excel at analyzing situations to reach the heart of a problem so that they can swiftly implement a functional repair, making them ideally suited to the field of engineering. Naturally quiet people, they are interested in understanding how systems operate, focusing on efficient operation and structure. But contrary to their seemingly detached nature, ISTPs are often capable of humorously insightful observations about the world around them. ISTPs abhor waste (be it in time, effort, or resources) but are highly adaptable, making them open to new information and approaches. They enjoy exploring new things, and can become bored with repetitiveness and routine. They can also be closet daredevils who gravitate toward risky hobbies, risky recreational sports and risky careers.

ISTPs may sometimes seem to act without regard for procedures, directions, protocol, or even their own safety. But while their approach may seem haphazard, it is in fact based on a broad store of knowledge developed over time through action and keen observation. ISTPs enjoy self-sufficiency and take pride in developing their own solutions to problems.

ISTPs can often be a frustration to their friends or partners due to a propensity to ignore everyone while deeply absorbed in a task. The ISTP should be careful that they do not cause offence by this seeming aloofness, as it could have a negative impact on otherwise great relationships.

ISTPs are content to let others live according to their own rules and preferences, as long as the favor is reciprocated. ISTPs endure reasonable impositions without complaint — but if their "territory" is encroached upon, eroded, or violated, their quiet, easy-going nature is quickly abandoned in favor of stubborn and staunch defense of what they view as rightfully theirs. It has been observed that a slogan that best describes this ISTP attitude is "Don't Tread On Me."

So now I know my personality type. Do you know yours? And are you generous enough to share your own acronym?