ISFP: MBTI® personality profile
ISFP personality types are sensitive, gentle and attentive to the needs of those around them.
This introduction to the ISFP personality type, based on the Myers-Briggs® Step I personality assessment, can help ISFPs to understand how they interact with others, and what careers they might enjoy.
ISFP strengths
ISFPs enjoy providing practical help or service to others, as well as bringing people together and facilitating and encouraging their cooperation.
Potential development areas for ISFPs
Because they tend to be less assertive than some types, ISFPs may have less influence in the workplace, and their concern for others could prevent them from making tough decisions. They sometimes put off making decisions, in the hope that a better opportunity will come along.
Typical ISFP characteristics
ISFPs are typically cooperative, modest and adaptable and also gentle and loyal.
Their most common characteristics are shown here in the form of an fun Typie, which you can download and share.
ISFP careers & career ideas
ISFP people enjoy working at something that is personally meaningful. They like to work in an environment with supportive co-workers who care about one another, and may shy away from outright competition. ISFPs are likely to be attracted to jobs in healthcare, service industries and clerical professions. More insight about ISFP jobs can be found in our Introduction to Type and Careers.
ISFPs under stress
An ISFP will typically become stressed in the situations shown in this MBTI stress head illustration. In these circumstances they tend to become cynical, depressed, aggressive and prone to acute self-doubt. Download and share* this ISFP stress head to remind yourself and your colleagues about the things that stress ISFPs.
ISFP relationships
An ISFP prizes the freedom to follow their own path and they enjoy having their own space and setting their own timetables, which they will also give to their partners. ISFPs can be difficult to know well but they can care deeply about others which they show through actions rather than words.
Read our blog post on "What if your date is not your type?!"
Fun ways to share ISFP characteristics:
- Explore what kind of drink, sport or shoes we think depicts an ISFP personality
- Discover more ways to characterise the ISFP personality on our Fun ways to share your type page
- Already have your MBTI Step II profile? Create your Personal Typie
- Read more on our blog about how aspects of Type dynamics are captured in each Type